Pokémon: Unlocking The Path to Supremacy

"Very good, Slaking! You actually took that hit! Now, give him a Crush Claw!"

Norman's voice was full of excitement.

Slaking immediately stood up, its eyes burning with determination. The pain from the last attack was evident, but as a Pokémon trained under Norman's rigorous methods, it wasn't about to back down.

"Boss Lairon, meet him head-on! Use Focus Punch again! We're not backing down either!"

To take on a Normal-type Pokémon like Slaking, Fighting-type moves were the most effective choice.

At this moment, raw power would decide the winner. Boss Lairon's natural defenses were formidable, further boosted by Iron Defense, but Fighting-type moves dealt quadruple damage, making every exchange a gamble.

Slaking also had to endure Focus Punch's super-effective hit, and its Truant Ability forced it to rest after every attack, leaving it vulnerable.

This battle would come down to sheer endurance—who would fall first?

Both Pokémon roared as their fists collided in a titanic clash, sending shockwaves through the battlefield. Their bodies trembled, muscles straining against the force of their opponent's blow.

Neither let out a cry of pain. The intense training they had undergone was evident in their unwavering expressions and rock-solid willpower.

"Boss Lairon, hang in there! I believe in you!"

"Slaking, you've got this! Take him down!"

Their trainers' encouragement lit a fire in their eyes. Neither side was willing to give in.

After a long moment, both Pokémon suddenly staggered backward, releasing their fists.

Slaking's Truant Ability forced it to rest, lying on the ground, breathing heavily.

"Now's our chance! Boss Lairon, another Focus Punch! Let's see how many he can take!"

Boss Lairon's fist glowed a fierce blue as it stepped forward and struck Slaking directly in the chest. The sheer force of the attack made the bulky Pokémon flinch, sweat forming on its forehead.

"Slaking, hold on!"

Norman's voice was urgent.

Slaking wobbled but remained on its feet. Its resilience was impressive—clear evidence of Norman's expert training.

"It's really tough, but let's see how long it can last! Boss Lairon, keep up the pressure! Another Focus Punch!"

May, watching from the sidelines, frowned. "Why does Aoki keep using Focus Punch?"

Max smirked, crossing his arms. "Sis, you don't get it. Slaking is a Normal-type, and Fighting-type moves deal double damage. Of course, Aoki is using Focus Punch—it's the best option!"

He puffed out his chest proudly, feeling superior in his knowledge. "Besides, you totally wasted that Aron Aoki gave you!"

May scowled but didn't respond.

Norman wasn't about to let Boss Lairon take full control. "Slaking, Counter!"

Counter would return double the damage it received, a devastating move against such an aggressive attack strategy.

Aoki's expression didn't waver. "Boss Lairon, trust yourself! This is the final exchange—finish it!"

Both Pokémon lunged forward once more, their fists glowing with energy.

A final, earth-shaking collision.

Both Pokémon reeled from the impact, visibly exhausted. Their stamina had reached its limit.

Boss Lairon, in particular, looked on the verge of collapse, swaying as if the slightest breeze would knock it over.

Slaking stood still—then, after a brief hesitation, collapsed with a loud thud.

The battlefield fell silent.

Slaking had fainted.

In the end, despite its raw strength, it lacked the endurance to match Boss Lairon.

Boss Lairon took a shaky breath before slumping onto the ground, panting heavily.

"Slaking is unable to battle! The winner is Boss Lairon!"

Max hesitated but ultimately made the call.

Even though his father had lost, Aoki had promised him a Pokémon—he had no choice but to accept the result.

"Slaking, you did great. Get some rest."

Norman recalled his Pokémon, admiration in his eyes.

"Aoki, your Boss Lairon is incredible. To think you've trained it to the point where it can defeat my strongest Pokémon…"

Slaking was Norman's ace, a powerhouse he had cultivated for years. Yet Aoki's Boss Lairon—only a year into its training—had managed to win.

At this rate, by the time Norman reached the Elite Four level, Aoki's Pokémon might be at that stage as well.

"Your Slaking was amazing too, Uncle," Aoki responded, recalling Boss Lairon.

Through the Luxury Ball, he applied some healing treatment, not just for Boss Lairon, but for Frogadier as well.

Norman gave a firm nod. "Aoki, as the Gym Leader of Petalburg Gym, I officially award you the Balance Badge."

"Thank you, Uncle."

Aoki accepted the badge without hesitation. He had earned it.

Besides, the Hoenn League Conference at Ever Grande City was coming up, and he needed to collect all eight badges anyway.

"Brother Aoki, you're so strong! You actually beat Dad!"

"Yeah! Boss Lairon is amazing! I want an Aron too!"

Max's eyes sparkled with excitement as he stared at Aoki's Luxury Ball. He didn't even try to hide his expectations.

He was practically reminding Aoki—Don't forget your promise to give me an Aron!

Aoki ignored him completely.

Aron wasn't exactly easy to come by, and even if he had extras, Max wasn't his top priority.

Norman, noticing Max's persistence, chuckled and changed the subject.

"Aoki, are you hungry? Stay for dinner—we can talk more about Pokémon training."

It was clear he wanted to understand Aoki's training methods better.

Aoki smiled. "Sure, Uncle. I'll leave it to you."