Team Rocket’s Second-in-Command!

Machamp's fist sank deep into the swirling waters of Gyarados's Aqua Tail.

The water acted like a cushion, absorbing most of Machamp's punch's kinetic energy as ripples spread across the surface.

"Machamp's Mega Punch hit the water surrounding Gyarados's tail but failed to inflict any damage!" the commentator announced loudly.

Just as everyone—including Machamp—was focused on how its attack had been nullified...

Gyarados gave its tail a gentle flick. The water coiling around its tail suddenly surged, pulling Machamp's entire body as if it were being swallowed into the flow.

"What's happening…?! Dodge it, quick!"

Keiko realized something was wrong.

But at this moment, it was far too late to command Machamp to escape.

Machamp, now waist-deep in the water surrounding Gyarados's tail, struggled against the resistance. However, within the brief moment of its attempt to break free, Gyarados's tail, carrying an unstoppable force, slammed directly into Machamp's chest.

BOOM!

The impact was like a cannonball hitting its target or a golf club sending a ball flying. In an instant, Machamp vanished from its spot.

SPLASH!

Machamp's body crashed into the water far away, creating a massive splash.

Keiko's heart sank along with her Pokémon, her face filled with worry.

Bubbles rose to the water's surface, but it was unclear how Machamp was faring below.

Seconds ticked by, and just as Keiko was on the verge of giving up hope, the water rippled again.

Machamp broke through the surface, coughing and sputtering, water pouring from its mouth and nose.

Seeing that Machamp could still move, Luo Yuan looked slightly disappointed.

Gyarados is still too weak, he thought.

If this were Dragonite, one hit would have ended the battle outright. Although Gyarados had a higher level than Machamp, it still lacked the overwhelming strength necessary for a decisive victory.

Even so, Gyarados's Aqua Tail had left Machamp severely weakened.

Seeing her Machamp still standing, Keiko felt a glimmer of hope.

"As long as it can fight, I still have a chance…"

But just as that thought crossed her mind, Luo Yuan's actions shattered her optimism.

Although Machamp hadn't been knocked out in one blow, it no longer had any chance to retaliate.

As Machamp continued coughing up water, Luo Yuan snapped his fingers.

"Gyarados, use Dragon Pulse!"

"ROAR!"

Gyarados let out a thunderous roar, and before Keiko or Machamp could react, a purple beam of energy shot through the air.

Machamp's eyes widened in panic. Despite the water in its lungs, it instinctively leapt back into the pool, attempting to use the water as a shield.

But...

The water did little to dampen the force of Dragon Pulse.

As Machamp tried to dive deeper, the energy attack struck it squarely, sending shockwaves through the pool.

"Ni… gah!"

Machamp let out a cry of pain as the attack landed directly on its back. Moments later, its body floated limply to the surface.

Seconds passed.

The referee raised his flag after confirming Machamp was unconscious.

"Gyarados wins!"

The commentator, quick to follow the referee's declaration, exclaimed, "Luo Yuan's Gyarados has easily defeated Keiko's Machamp, once again proving its dominance!"

The crowd erupted into cheers.

The Pokémon League was a stage that revered strength, and Luo Yuan's display of power had won him countless admirers.

"He won again!"

"Go, Luo Yuan!"

From the audience's cheers, Luo Yuan distinctly picked out the voices of Ash and Gary. Turning toward them, he gave a casual wave, eliciting a frenzy from the crowd.

After acknowledging the cheering spectators, Luo Yuan turned back to Keiko.

"Continue?" he asked.

Keiko's expression grew even more pitiful, but she clenched her fists and nodded.

"Continue."

"Go, Hitmonlee!"

A Hitmonlee somersaulted onto the battlefield, landing in a crouch before straightening up.

"Hitmonlee?" Luo Yuan raised an eyebrow. He couldn't help but think this girl must really idolize Bruno.

First Machamp, now Hitmonlee—both Pokémon were staples of the Elite Four member's team.

Having faced Bruno in battle before, Luo Yuan couldn't help but tease, "Don't tell me your last Pokémon is Hitmonchan."

Keiko flinched, a trace of panic flashing in her eyes.

How did Luo Yuan know she had a Hitmonchan? It was supposed to be her trump card!

Trying to mask her nerves, Keiko hastily commanded Hitmonlee to charge at Gyarados.

---

"Hitmonchan is unable to battle!"

"All three of Keiko's Pokémon are unable to fight. Luo Yuan wins!"

The referee's flag came down decisively as Hitmonchan fell to Gyarados's Hurricane attack.

Watching the entire match unfold, the commentator could only shake his head.

This might have been the fastest battle he had ever witnessed.

Nevertheless, he addressed the audience with enthusiasm.

"Let's congratulate Luo Yuan on his second victory in the preliminaries! He advances to the next round!"

The crowd roared in approval.

Amid the applause, Luo Yuan shook his head slightly.

Defeating such a weak opponent was even less satisfying than teasing Gary—it wasn't something worth celebrating.

The next two battles were similarly straightforward, even simpler than this one.

Neither Hitmonlee nor Hitmonchan matched up to Machamp's strength.

Although Gyarados wasn't in the top tier of Luo Yuan's Pokémon, it was still more than enough to crush opponents weaker than Machamp.

"I didn't win even a single round, even with you holding back…" Keiko muttered as she recalled her fainted Hitmonchan.

Her tone carried a mix of frustration and disappointment.

She had entered the Indigo Plateau with dreams of reaching the finals and meeting her idol, Bruno, up close.

But instead, she'd been eliminated in the second round by Luo Yuan—in a crushing defeat.

"Honestly, you shouldn't feel too bad about losing to me," Luo Yuan said, noticing her expression.

"Huh?"

Keiko looked up at him, surprised.

Was he trying to console her?

Just as she felt a small wave of gratitude, Luo Yuan continued,

"Your lineup is way too one-dimensional. It was never going to work."

"..."

"And to be frank, this year's competition is strong. Even if you didn't lose to me, someone else would have knocked you out eventually. It was just a matter of time."

"..."

Keiko's face froze awkwardly.

She knew Luo Yuan's words were true—she'd read enough guides to understand that her team had glaring weaknesses.

But hearing it said so bluntly, and to her face, was something else entirely.

If she thought she could take him in a fight, she might have lunged at him right then.

With those parting words, Luo Yuan paid no mind to her reaction.

Recalling Gyarados, he turned to give Gary and the others a knowing look before mounting Dragonite and soaring into the sky once more.

---

T/N: heyyy was too late to ask someone to do end of chapter notes this week but I already have someone lined up for next week, also new translation! 'You Will Regret This Ichinose!' check it out or something :)