Chapter 69: Battle Against Wattson
---
"What on earth is going on?"
Rosa, who had been startled multiple times, finally let out her frustration.
"Well..." Gary began, but before he could respond, a hearty laugh suddenly echoed from the house, grabbing everyone's attention.
"Who are you?"
Hilda asked, turning her gaze toward the ruddy, energetic old man and the young man with glasses who had just walked out of the house.
The old man exuded the playful energy of someone who hadn't quite grown up, despite his age.
"I really didn't expect that my Thunder God Robot No. 1 would be destroyed so easily by you," the old man said, ignoring Hilda's question. He continued speaking with amusement before bursting into laughter.
Realizing that the chaos they had experienced was the work of this old man, Rosa quickly pinpointed the culprit and glared at him with irritation.
"So, you're the one responsible for all that just now?"
Rosa narrowed her eyes, directing her displeasure at the old man and the young man beside him.
"My apologies. What happened earlier was just a test set up by my teacher," the young man with glasses said, showing a sincere expression as he tried to defuse the tension.
"Forget it,"
Rosa sighed, deciding to let it go after seeing the genuine apology. She didn't want to dwell on it any longer.
Relieved that Rosa wasn't holding a grudge, the young man with glasses then introduced them. "Welcome, everyone, to the Mauville Gym."
"Wait a minute..."
Hilda began to piece things together. "You two must be..."
"Yes, I am Wattson, the Gym Leader of Mauville Gym, and this is my assistant, Walter," the old man introduced himself with a grin.
"Hello, Mr. Wattson. We're here to challenge the Mauville Gym,"
Gary said, stepping forward to state their purpose.
"Hahaha, welcome! It's been a while since we've had such promising challengers at our Gym," Wattson said with a laugh, his eyes glinting with excitement as he glanced at Gary's Electabuzz. "I accept your challenge!"
After accepting the challenge, Wattson led Gary, Hilda, and Rosa to the battle arena inside the Mauville Gym. As usual, Gary was the first to step onto the battlefield, serving as the pioneer for Rosa and Hilda.
"This upcoming battle is between Gary from Pallet Town and the Mauville Gym Leader, Wattson. Each side can use three Pokémon. The battle ends when all three Pokémon on one side are unable to continue!"
Walter, Wattson's assistant, and the referee for the battle, stood on the sidelines as he announced the rules.
"I'll be using Electrode, Magneton, and Manectric for this battle!"
Wattson declared, sending out his three Pokémon in quick succession. Having observed Gary's Electabuzz earlier, Wattson knew he was facing a strong opponent and selected his team accordingly.
"I didn't expect Wattson to reveal all three of his Pokémon right away. He must be very confident in his strength,"
Rosa commented, watching from the side.
"That seems likely,"
Hilda agreed, nodding in response.
After briefly introducing his three Pokémon, Wattson focused on his first choice.
"Electrode, you're up first!"
Wattson called out, and Electrode rolled forward to take its place on the battlefield.
Pokémon: Electrode
Type: Electric
Ability: Soundproof
Level: 33
Moves: Charge, Thunder Shock, Spark, Charge Beam, Swift, Electro Ball, Gyro Ball, Explosion, Thunder Wave, Thunderbolt...
"Since the opponent is Electrode, I'll go with Pupitar!"
Gary decided, sending out his own Pokémon to counter Wattson's Electrode.
"The battle begins!"
Walter announced, signaling the start of the match.
"Alright, let's get started! Hahaha!"
Wattson laughed, his excitement palpable as the battle commenced.
"Okay, Pupitar, start with Iron Defense!"
Gary commanded. With a flash of metallic sheen, Pupitar's defense significantly increased after successfully executing Iron Defense.
"Hahaha! Electrode, use Rollout!"
Wattson ordered. Electrode began rolling at high speed, aiming directly for Pupitar.
"Use Rock Tomb!"
Gary countered. Pupitar summoned rocks infused with earthy energy, blocking Electrode's path and halting its Rollout.
"Now, Iron Head!"
Gary called out. Pupitar leaped into the air, its head glowing with a metallic shine as it aimed for Electrode.
"Dodge with Rollout!"
At the last moment, Wattson commanded Electrode to roll out of the way, narrowly avoiding Pupitar's Iron Head attack.
"Hahaha, great job! Keep rolling!"
Wattson cheered as Electrode continued to roll around the battlefield, preparing for another attack.
"Pupitar, stay alert and wait for the right moment,"
Gary instructed, his eyes fixed on the rolling Electrode.
Just as Electrode closed in, Gary seized the opportunity. "Now, use Body Slam!"
At Gary's command, Pupitar jumped into the air and came crashing down with all its weight, executing a powerful Body Slam directly onto the rolling Electrode.
"Bang!"
The impact from Pupitar's attack sent a shockwave through the battlefield, kicking up dust and momentarily obscuring the two Pokémon.
When the dust finally settled, it was difficult to tell which Pokémon had the upper hand.
---