Pokémon: Unlocking The Path to Supremacy

"Linoone!"

Norman's Pokémon cried out as it tumbled across the battlefield, rolling several times before stabilizing itself.

"Linoone, hold on!" Norman called out, concern flashing across his face. At the same time, he couldn't help but wonder—how had Aoki managed to see through Linoone's Double Team?

This technique was notoriously difficult to see through, even for experienced trainers. Most people couldn't distinguish the real body from the illusions.

Linoone had taken a direct hit from Water Pulse, but despite the super-effective damage, it still managed to stand. The attack had only slightly weakened it.

"Good job! Frogadier , press the attack—Quick Attack to close the distance, then follow up with Pound!"

Frogadier burst forward, moving like a shadow darting across the battlefield. It left a faint blur behind as it shot toward Linoone.

"Linoone, brace yourself! Use Tackle!"

Linoone winced as Frogadier 's fist connected with its body, but it gritted its teeth and retaliated, slamming into Frogadier with full force.

Both Pokémon reeled from the impact, each crying out as they staggered backward. Their limbs trembled, but their eyes remained locked on each other, blazing with fighting spirit.

"Frogadier , use Hydro Pump!"

"Linoone, counter with Double-Edge!"

A massive surge of water erupted from Frogadier 's hands, forming a concentrated jet that shot straight toward Linoone.

At such a close range, Linoone had no time to dodge. It grit its teeth and charged forward, head-on into the attack.

Boom!

Linoone's body shuddered under the force of the Hydro Pump, but it refused to back down. Pushing through the torrent, it slammed into Frogadier with full force.

Frogadier was sent flying across the field, rolling before coming to a stop.

"Frogadier !"

Aoki's heart tightened at the sight of his Pokémon struggling to get up. Nearby, May's hands were clenched into fists, tension visible in her face.

Frogadier groaned, pain evident in its movements. Despite being battered, it slowly stood up, wobbling but refusing to give in.

Linoone, too, struggled to remain standing. Its limbs trembled, and its breathing was labored.

The combination of taking a Hydro Pump head-on and the recoil from Double-Edge had done serious damage.

Thud!

Frogadier swayed for a moment—then collapsed. It had reached its limit.

"Frogadier is unable to battle!"

Norman sighed in relief, but his moment of victory was cut short. Linoone's legs buckled beneath it, and it, too, fell to the ground.

"Linoone is also unable to battle! Both Pokémon have fainted!"

A double knockout.

Aoki exhaled slowly before recalling Frogadier . "You did great," he said, his voice filled with pride.

Norman also withdrew Linoone. "You've done well." His gaze shifted to Aoki.

"Aoki, you're incredible. You've only been on your journey for a month, and yet you've already managed to defeat two of my Pokémon."

His words were genuine. A trainer of Aoki's caliber, after only a month of travel, was rare. Norman himself had taken at least three months to reach this level—and for most trainers, it took at least half a year.

Aoki smiled. "Uncle, now it's time for my trump card. I hope you'll face it head-on."

He grasped a Poké Ball tightly.

At this point, sending in Combusken would just be an experience boost for Norman.

Only Boss Lairon was worthy of this moment.

"No problem," Norman responded, his expression serious. "I'll use my latest training partner—it should be strong enough to face your Boss Lairon."

His eyes gleamed with interest. He had been curious about Boss Lairon's growth since the start of the battle.

"This is going to be an amazing showdown!" Max cheered. "Dad's ace versus Aoki's ace—a battle between kings!"

He was torn. On one hand, he admired his father, but on the other, Aoki had promised to give him a Pokémon. Whose side should he take?

May, meanwhile, remained silent, eyes locked onto Aoki's determined figure. Deep down, she was rooting for him.

"Go, Boss Lairon!"

"Slaking, it's your turn!"

Two massive Pokémon appeared on the battlefield.

One stood firm, its steel-plated body gleaming under the lights. It radiated an unshakable presence, like an immovable fortress.

The other slouched lazily on the field, not even bothering to stand. Slaking looked indifferent, as if the battle didn't concern it in the slightest.

"As expected," Aoki muttered.

Norman's ace was none other than Slaking.

Name: Slaking

Ability: Truant

Strength: Quasi-Elite

Potential: Elite

Aoki studied the battle data carefully. This was the same Slaking that would one day make Norman an Elite Trainer, though it hadn't reached its full potential yet.

He let out a small breath of relief.

At least this Slaking didn't have the Gorilla Tactics or Pure Power ability. If it did, the battle would have been completely different.

"Boss Lairon, use Iron Defense!"

Boss Lairon slammed its heavy front legs into the ground, a metallic sheen coating its armor. Its defensive capabilities increased significantly.

"Slaking, use Earthquake!"

Norman wasted no time.

Slaking, despite its lazy demeanor, suddenly sprang to life. It lifted a massive foot and stomped down with terrifying force.

The entire battlefield trembled as cracks spread across the ground.

Boss Lairon roared in pain. Earthquake was a four-times-effective move against its Steel/Rock typing. Even with its impressive defenses, the damage was immense.

Aoki clenched his fist.

He had expected this. That's why he had boosted Boss Lairon's defenses first.

Without Iron Defense, Boss Lairon might not have even survived that blow.

"Boss Lairon, hold on! Now, Focus Punch!"

Using Slaking's Truant turn to his advantage, Aoki commanded Boss Lairon to attack while Slaking was forced to rest.

Boss Lairon charged forward, raising a steel-coated fist. A blue aura enveloped it, energy condensing into a devastating strike.

Then—Boom!

The Focus Punch landed cleanly against Slaking's torso.

A deep, painful grunt escaped from the Normal-type Pokémon. Even with its immense bulk, it couldn't ignore such a powerful Fighting-type move.

Slaking flinched, a rare expression of discomfort crossing its face.

However, despite the direct hit, it remained standing.

Its lazy expression contorted slightly, revealing a flicker of pain.

But it had endured.

Aoki narrowed his eyes.

This battle was far from over.