Chapter 38: The Clever Use of Leer

"Shh, keep it down."

"He is Kenji, the son of the boss behind the Adventure Island Club."

"One of the notorious young rascals in Aloha City. Offending him impulsively is not worth it."

The words of the older challenger immediately calmed the younger challengers, their faces turning increasingly red, but they didn't dare to act out.

"Hurry and restore Sandshrew's stamina, then we'll have our battle!"

"I want to defeat you fairly and let the Starry Sky Pokémon Club know who the strongest club in Aloha City is!"

Kenji sneered, then suddenly pulled out a bottle of potion and threw it towards Ryoma. The bright green liquid swirled in the bottle, glinting under the light.

"This is… a healing potion!"

Ryoma caught the potion and took a look, discovering that it was labeled as a high-grade healing potion, and the seal belonged to the Pokémon Center, confirming it was a legitimate healing potion sold by them.

"No surprise, he's the son of the Adventure Island Club; he really does have money to spare!"

Holding the potion, Ryoma didn't hesitate and immediately gave it to Sandshrew, allowing the latter's injuries to heal quickly, transforming back into a lively state in no time.

"Since your Sandshrew has recovered, then let's start our battle!"

Kenji waved his hand, signaling the referee and the host to get ready.

The host opened his mouth but could only sigh slightly and picked up the microphone to begin the commentary. After all, he was the young master of the club, and he was known for being unruly—definitely not someone to provoke.

"Come forth, Ursaring!"

Without waiting for the host to finish speaking, Kenji tossed out a Poké Ball, and a notably large Ursaring appeared in the arena, letting out a fierce roar that startled everyone present.

"It's actually Ursaring, and it looks like it has been very well trained. This club's young master certainly has his reasons to be proud!"

Ryoma's expression began to turn serious. This Kenji had clearly reached a top level among intermediate trainers, stronger than Praying Mantis and Tyrant—he was the strongest opponent he had encountered so far!

Moreover, Ursaring's greatest advantage was its terrifying physical capability, which was Sandshrew's biggest shortcoming at the moment.

"According to the rules, I attack first, right?"

"Ursaring, use Leer!"

Kenji wasted no time, and the command left everyone puzzled.

"Leer? Is that a move?"

In fact, Leer was indeed a move!

In the game, the purpose of Leer is to instill fear in the opponent, thereby lowering their Defense Power.

In reality, besides lowering the opponent's Defense Power, Leer also has a terrifying control effect that induces fear!

After using Leer, Ursaring's face suddenly became ferocious, startling the audience facing it.

Sandshrew, facing Ursaring directly, trembled in fear, as if it were back in its days of wandering, living each day in fear without knowing when it would end.

"Hammer Arm!"

Seeing Sandshrew freeze in fear, Kenji revealed a contemptuous smile.

"Sandshrew, you are not alone anymore. You don't need to be afraid; I will protect you!"

Watching Ursaring charge towards them, Ryoma calmly spoke, his voice slowly reaching Sandshrew's ears, causing the latter's ears to twitch slightly. Its eyes gradually became clear as memories of time spent with Ryoma flashed through its mind!

"Defense Curl!"

Just as Ursaring's Hammer Arm was about to come crashing down, Ryoma's voice rang out, prompting Sandshrew to forcefully suppress its fear and quickly curl into a ball.

Boom!

In the next moment, Ursaring's Hammer Arm struck Sandshrew, sending the rolling Sandshrew flying!

"Sandshrew, use Sand Attack against the ground!"

Under Ryoma's command, Sandshrew began to gather sand, causing a strong wind to whip up, slightly dragging its form!

However, before Ryoma could breathe a sigh of relief, Ursaring charged forward again, lifting its thick arms for another Hammer Arm attack, directly aimed at Sandshrew in the air!

"Use Spinning Sand Attack!"

Sandshrew reacted quickly. As Ursaring's Hammer Arm approached, the Normal-type energy from Defense Curl surged wildly around its body, causing Sandshrew to spin rapidly!

Rumbling!

Instantly, the Rapid Spin move was unleashed, whipping up the wind stirred by the Sand Attack, transforming into a swirling sandstorm that enveloped Sandshrew and blocked Ursaring's Hammer Arm attack!

Sizzle!

Just as Ryoma let out a sigh of relief, he suddenly saw Ursaring's glowing white paw reach into the sandstorm and swing down with a Hammer Arm, sending Sandshrew flying out instantly!

Boom!

With another loud crash, Sandshrew, still in its Rapid Spin state, was blasted away by Ursaring, crashing into the protective barrier like a baseball hit hard!

In that instant, the entire arena erupted in intense cheers; Ursaring perfectly demonstrated the aesthetics of violence!

It was truly exhilarating!

"Sandshrew!"

Ryoma's heart jolted with that booming sound. He never expected that his confidently executed spinning Sand Attack would be violently countered by his opponent!

Clearly, the previous victory over Scyther was entirely because the latter had been careless!

"Is this your strength?"

"If this is really your level, then the Starry Sky Pokémon Club is too weak!"

"Honestly, I was looking forward to the annual Club Championship, but it seems I'll be disappointed again!"

Kenji had his hand on his hip, looking at Ryoma with obvious disdain.

"Sha!"

Just as Kenji finished speaking, Sandshrew let out a furious low growl, and its eyes shone with intense brilliance!

Boom!

Accompanied by Sandshrew's roar, the sandstorm that had been slowly dissipating suddenly coalesced in the air once more.

In the next moment, the powerful force of the sandstorm erupted, sending a shockwave in all directions and forcing the nearby Ursaring to stumble backward!

"What is this?"

"How is this possible? Is this Dust Storm?"

"Damn! What on earth is happening?"

At the moment the sandstorm erupted, all the spectators were left dumbfounded.

The entire arena was now completely covered by the raging sandstorm, and through the howling dust, the strong figure of Ursaring could be faintly seen!