Chapter 8: Pokémon Battles

After five days of continuous training, on the sixth day of special training, Sandshrew finally mastered the technique of drifting turns under Ryoma's expert guidance. However, the direction after turning was quite random, and it could not change direction according to Ryoma's commands; its driving skills still needed refinement.

To address Sandshrew's turning issues, Ryoma had researched many driving techniques online and adjusted the training methods based on Sandshrew's circumstances. Finally, after a week, he succeeded in teaching Sandshrew directional turning.

It took nearly two weeks for Sandshrew to preliminarily master the Rollout technique, but another problem arose for Ryoma and Sandshrew: how could they confirm the opponent's position while using Rollout?

Although under Ryoma's instruction, Sandshrew could change direction based on his commands, it couldn't rely on him for commands during battle.

Moreover, the speeds of many Pokémon were beyond what Ryoma's eyes could keep up with; by the time he issued a command, those Pokémon would have already moved from their original positions!

If they couldn't confirm the enemy's location, then Sandshrew's attacks would only consist of the initial charge, relying on speed; in subsequent attacks, unless the opponent remained stationary, Sandshrew would have a difficult time landing any hits!

"All I can think of now is maintaining continuous control with Rollout, keeping the opponent airborne?" Ryoma scratched his head in frustration.

Control them to death?

Besides that, the simplest and most reliable method he could conceive was to sense the vibrations of the ground to confirm the opponent's direction. However, achieving this would be significantly more challenging than training for Rollout.

Ryoma estimated that Sandshrew might need to learn "Earth Power" to accomplish this.

"If only Sandshrew could master Psychic!"

Ryoma sighed lightly. In terms of learned moves, Sandshrew had a very limited coverage; it could only learn Normal-type, Ground-type, Rock-type, and Steel-type moves, and they were all melee attacks. Long-range strikes were a significant problem as well.

"Wait a minute."

"Although Sandshrew can't master Psychic, its ability to play with sand is exceptional. Is it possible to infuse Ground-type energy into the sand to sense the opponent's position?"

Ryoma's eyes began to light up. Originally, Sand Attack was a move he planned to have Sandshrew master, and now it seemed like the right time to have Sandshrew start its training early. Even if it couldn't achieve his idea of infusing Ground-type energy into the sand, it could at least train Sand Attack in a manner similar to that of Ash's Sandshrew!

Additionally, there was one more thing Ryoma was very curious about: what exactly was Sandshrew's ability?

Was it Sand Veil or Sand Attack?

Additionally, there was Sandshrew's potential Flash ability. Although not all shiny Pokémon in this world may possess the Flash ability, can you truly be sure it doesn't?

Ryoma still held a glimmer of hope regarding that.

However, before that, Ryoma planned to settle things with the Rojin brothers, and Sandshrew needed to gain confidence through victory!

Although Sandshrew had only grasped the basics of Rollout moves, that was more than enough to handle common opponents!

When Ryoma found Rojin, the latter was proudly holding a Poké Ball.

After two weeks of effort, he had finally subdued that unruly Sandshrew. Now, he could proudly call himself a Trainer!

"Hey, isn't this Ryoma?" 

Seeing Ryoma, Rojin greeted him with a smug expression.

"Finally found you!" Ryoma's eyes narrowed slightly.

"Oh? You're looking for me?"

"Are you itching for a fight? Want me to teach you another lesson?" Rojin grinned, his face showing ill intent.

"Cut the nonsense, let's have a Pokémon battle!" Ryoma's gaze instantly turned sharp.

Upon hearing Ryoma's words, Rojin's eyes sparkled with excitement. Coordinating a Pokémon's successful battle is something every Trainer aspires to!

"Alright, I accept your challenge!"

"Let me show you the difference between a strong Pokémon and trash!"

Without a second thought, Rojin agreed, and both quickly headed outside the village to find an open space for their first Pokémon battle!

Under Ryoma's lead, they soon reached the quarry, surrounded by sturdy stone walls. They stood on a hillside, ready to let their Pokémon battle in the valley below.

This way, they could avoid damaging the surrounding environment during the battle.

On the other hand, it ensured the safety of both Trainers; after all, situations in battles could change in an instant, and if a Trainer got caught in the chaos, their fragile bodies could easily be injured or even killed!

"The rules of the match are one-on-one."

"If one Pokémon loses its ability to battle, then the match is over!"

"Is that okay?"

Ryoma held his Poké Ball and looked at Rojin.

"Then let the battle begin!"

"Go, Sandshrew!"

Rojin accepted the terms and tossed his Poké Ball into the air. It opened mid-flight, and a white light surged out, transforming into the figure of Sandshrew on the ground!

However, Rojin's technique for throwing the Poké Ball was clearly unrefined. After releasing Sandshrew, the Poké Ball tumbled down into the valley, requiring Sandshrew to retrieve it for him.

"Weaklings are weaklings!" 

Ryoma scoffed and threw his own Poké Ball into the air. With a flash of white light, his shiny green Sandshrew appeared in the valley.

After Sandshrew emerged, the white light from Ryoma's Poké Ball didn't disappear but, under Sandshrew's control, smoothly flew back to Ryoma's hand, looking impressive!

This was the proper way to throw a Poké Ball. There were corresponding tutorials online about it, emphasizing the need for coordination between Trainer and Pokémon. The dramatic throws seen in the anime were for visual flair; otherwise, if a Poké Ball were thrown and couldn't be retrieved, it would be quite troublesome!

"Hmph, it's just a showpiece!" 

Seeing Ryoma's flashy Poké Ball throw, Rojin let out a cold snort. His gaze shifted to Sandshrew, which was once again cowering, causing him to burst into laughter.

"Sandshrew, only by defeating your opponent can you go further!" Ryoma thought to himself. Some challenges must be confronted directly by Sandshrew; no one else could help it!