Chapter 6: Finding You a Mentor

Out in the wild, Haruki didn't have much time to think; and as they went deeper into Rock Mountain, Cubone's real challenges were only just beginning.

Graveler, the evolution of Geodude.

Its original pair of fists hadn't disappeared. It now had two extra arms, two legs, and had grown larger… and rounder.

Its standard weight had also shot up from 20 kilograms to a full 100 kilograms!

Looking at the grinning Graveler before them, Haruki and Cubone exchanged a glance.

Battle!

Seeing that Cubone wasn't afraid of its appearance -was even eager to challenge it- Graveler flew into a rage.

"Grraav!"

Furious, Graveler stomped its foot and wrapped its large arms around itself, transforming into a massive stone ball.

A flash of red light, and it came barreling down at them from above!

Defense Curl + Rollout.

The classic combo move that instantly doubled the base power of Rollout, not weaker than Cubone's Bone Club. How were they supposed to block that?

"Cubone!"

Haruki suddenly shouted. The two locked eyes in perfect sync. 'Use that move!'

"Boneee!"

Cubone suddenly lowered its stance, white mist rising from its body, eyes locked intently on the incoming Graveler.

Focus Energy!

A move Cubone had naturally picked up while learning Bonemerang.

Under Focus Energy, Cubone's concentration peaked, the world around it seemed to vanish, and the charging Graveler appeared to slow down, bumbling forward.

Now!

Without hesitation, Cubone flung its bone club. As it spun through the air, it shattered a tall boulder off to the side.

Fragments flew in all directions. The largest chunk landed right in Graveler's path.

Graveler spotted the obstruction and tried to veer off course mid-roll.

But before it could feel smug, the returning Bonemerang was already on its way back, intersecting perfectly with its new trajectory.

Thunk!

A much heavier thud echoed as Graveler stumbled, lifted off the ground, and lost its rolling form.

At that moment, Cubone darted two steps to the left and caught the returning Thick Club.

"AGAIN! Bonemerang!"

Haruki's voice rang out, and Cubone didn't hesitate, locked onto Graveler's position and hurled its club once more!

Thunk Thunk!

Two solid hits, both landed!

A huge dent was bashed into Graveler's head. It lay flat on the ground, completely still.

Cubone wins!

A Poké Ball arced through the air and struck the Graveler, absorbing it in a red flash.

Cubone returned to Haruki's side, eyes serious, watching the wobbling Poké Ball. But with its strength drained, Graveler couldn't resist.

Ding!

The ball stilled moments later.

Haruki picked it up and locked it. Then he turned toward the slightly panting Cubone.

"That was awesome!"

Cubone crossed its arms and nodded calmly, as if saying, 'That was nothing.'

But a moment later, Cubone's gaze shifted to the Poké Ball.

Haruki understood and explained, "I got you a 'mentor'. It has two moves that'll suit you perfectly."

Cubone didn't speak, but there was a hint of doubt in its eyes.

'What… am I supposed to learn Rollout? I'm not even round. I can't roll.'

---

Maybe this area was Graveler's territory, because after the battle, no other Pokémon came to bother them.

Haruki decided to let Cubone rest here for a while, then released Graveler again.

By now, Graveler had regained consciousness, though the large dent in its head was still visible.

It looked at Cubone with defiance, but the throbbing pain from its injury quickly made it back down. It had been defeated in a fair one-on-one battle… Graveler had nothing to be upset about.

Just then, a hand reached out in front of it, holding a few Ground-type Pokéblocks. The rich aroma made Graveler's eyes freeze in place, staring blankly.

"Go ahead, see if you like the taste."

Haruki's voice was gentle, which felt strange to Graveler, who was more used to shouting and roaring.

'So this is how you're supposed to use a voice…'

Cautiously, it picked up a Pokéblock and popped it into its mouth. The intense flavor and powerful energy instantly won Graveler over.

The dent in its head even began to heal at a speed visible to the naked eye.

"Graaa~"

Graveler's mood lifted considerably, and even the way it looked at Haruki softened.

Haruki took the opportunity to ask, "Graveler, can you use Smack Down and Bulldoze?"

As he spoke, he handed over two more Pokéblocks.

Graveler instinctively took them, then remembered Haruki was asking it a question. Even thick-skinned as it was, Graveler couldn't help but blush a little.

'I'm not doing this for the Pokéblocks! I just want to show off a bit…'

After eating the Pokéblocks, Graveler turned around. Clasping its large hands together and then pulling them apart, it summoned a sharp-edged stone from thin air.

Then, grabbing the stone with its right hand, it aimed at a protruding section of the mountain and hurled it with force.

Boom!

The sharp stone collided with the rock. Both shattered, scattering debris in every direction.

Move: Smack Down.

And it wasn't done yet.

Graveler huffed and jogged a few steps away. Then it stomped its massive foot down hard, sending visible Ground-type shockwaves outward from its position. Wherever the waves passed, fine cracks formed across the earth.

Haruki's eyes lit up. This was solid rock… being able to crack the ground here meant that Bulldoze's power was no joke.

Bulldoze and Smack Down were both excellent moves for Cubone to learn.

Especially Smack Down, it was a serious threat to airborne Pokémon!

Cubone had been watching Graveler's demonstration, and the hunger in its eyes was impossible to miss.

"Nice work, Graveler!"

Haruki praised it first, then said, "I'd like you to help teach Cubone those two moves. The payment? Unlimited Pokéblocks until it learns them. Once that happens, I'll release you."

Graveler lit up. Sure, Pokéblocks were delicious, but it preferred lounging around on Rock Mountain, sunbathing and bullying the occasional Geodude. Life was peaceful and fun.

"Grraav!"

Without hesitation, Graveler nodded in agreement.

Haruki grinned. Once Cubone mastered Bulldoze and Smack Down, they'd be able to go beyond Rock Mountain… and fight more than just Geodude.

Temporarily capturing Graveler and helping Cubone build real combat confidence. Haruki considered today's training mission a complete success.

As for why it was only a temporary capture… he didn't have enough money. Right now, he couldn't afford to train too many Pokémon at once.

In his heart, Haruki still had his hopes set on that Shiny Metagross.

Seeing that it was still early and that Rock Mountain was a great training environment for Cubone, Haruki went ahead and let Graveler begin the teaching session, while he found time to grab lunch.

Since it had to be take-out, it was finally not ramen today.

Instead… Tentacool ink seafood noodles.