Chapter 23: Battling on the Stage

Chapter 23: Battling on the Stage

The cruise ship already had an arena set up for trainers to enjoy casual battles, which, after some minor adjustments, was converted into a standard battleground. By the next morning, both participants and spectators gathered on the deck, creating a lively atmosphere.

According to the rules, there were eight arenas on the ship. Trainers who successfully defended their arena would advance to the semi-finals. Genma arrived at one of the arenas and noticed that no one had stepped up yet—clearly, most trainers were reluctant to expend their Pokémon's energy too early.

"Jessica, I'm heading up now," Genma said to his companion, who had joined him to watch the matches. Jessica, still struggling with her fear of battles, was unable to participate.

"Why not wait a bit? Going up this early is a disadvantage," Jessica questioned, unable to understand Genma's decision.

"No need. My main goal is to train my Pokémon through battles, not just to win the prize," Genma replied, shaking his head. For a trainer, strength is the foundation of their success. Using underhanded tactics to win might achieve short-term gains but would ultimately lead to stagnation. True accomplishments come from genuine effort.

With that, Genma stepped into the arena, instantly electrifying the crowd.

"Someone's up!"

"Just a kid. Probably sent as a decoy to draw out the competition."

The crowd buzzed with chatter, but few were willing to challenge him, wary of falling into someone else's trap. Genma ignored the comments, standing calmly as he waited for an opponent. Minutes ticked by before someone finally stepped onto the stage.

"I'm the terrifying Azhe! Kid, you'd better surrender now!" the challenger shouted, attempting to intimidate Genma.

"An unoriginal nickname and a dull threat—how boring," Genma retorted, releasing his Charmander.

"Haha, you're just a rookie! Jumping in so recklessly and showing your Pokémon right away—you're doomed!" Azhe laughed, sending out a Krabby. "Surrender, kid. My Krabby has the type advantage. You can't win!"

"Trying to win with a Pokémon that barely knows any Water-type moves? Keep dreaming." While Charmander had a disadvantage in type, it was far stronger than Azhe's unimpressive Krabby.

"Both trainers, ready! Three, two, one—begin!" the temporary referee, a ship crew member, announced.

"As the defender, we'll attack first. Charmander, use Smokescreen!" Genma ordered. Charmander, eager to prove itself after being overshadowed by the team's other Pokémon, was brimming with energy.

Charmander had been training diligently and had learned several new moves, including Smokescreen. With a wide-mouthed exhale, it unleashed a dense cloud of smoke that quickly enveloped the arena. The hot, choking air agitated Krabby, causing it to move restlessly.

"Krabby, use Bubble Beam to attack Charmander!" Azhe, visibly anxious, gave a hasty command.

"Amateur," Genma muttered. Smokescreen reduced visibility, and without a Sharp Eye ability, Krabby had no way to locate Charmander accurately. Taking advantage of the cover, Charmander swiftly dodged the incoming attack, unhindered by the smoke's heat.

"Charmander, aim at the source of the attack and use Dragon Rage," Genma directed. Using the trajectory of the bubbles to pinpoint Krabby's location, Charmander unleashed a fiery energy blast that hit Krabby squarely. Unable to withstand the powerful move, Krabby was defeated, leaving Azhe to slink off the stage in defeat.

After Azhe, three more trainers with a Rattata, a Beedrill, and a Meowth respectively stepped up but were quickly dispatched. The crowd began to realize that Genma had some skill, and fewer people dared to challenge him. Meanwhile, Genma gained insight into the general strength of amateur trainers—while there might be hidden talents, the lack of proper education, resources, and information left most of them as weaklings.

"I'll take you on," a young man declared, stepping forward with a Pidgeotto.

"Looks like someone decent," Genma noted, eyeing the Pidgeotto's glossy feathers. "Charmander, use Ember." Charmander spat small fireballs toward the flying Pokémon. While it had learned Flamethrower, Ember was better suited for targeting fast-moving aerial opponents.

"Pidgeotto, use Gust to blow it back!" the challenger commanded.

Pidgeotto flapped its strong wings, creating a powerful gust that deflected the embers.

"Now, Charmander, Flamethrower!" Genma seized the opportunity. The embers were bait to fix Pidgeotto in place. Charmander followed up with a concentrated stream of fire, hitting Pidgeotto directly and setting its feathers ablaze.

"Don't panic, Pidgeotto. Use Feather Dance!" The trainer's calm demeanor reassured Pidgeotto, which shook off its panic and launched its burning feathers into the air, extinguishing the flames and blocking visibility.

"Charmander, use Scary Face," Genma ordered, opting to slow Pidgeotto instead of launching another attack.

"Pidgeotto, Quick Attack!" The challenger countered, sending Pidgeotto hurtling toward Charmander to interrupt its move. Pidgeotto slammed into Charmander's belly, disrupting its Scary Face.

"Charmander, grab it and use Fire Fang!" Genma instructed. The close-range attack left Pidgeotto vulnerable, and Charmander seized the opportunity, biting down on Pidgeotto with flaming jaws.

"Pidgeotto, Wing Attack!" With its strong wings, Pidgeotto struck Charmander repeatedly, dealing significant damage.

"Charmander, slam it into the ground!" Genma called out. Though Charmander hadn't mastered moves like Seismic Toss, it could still simulate the action to deal a heavy blow. This required a high level of trust between trainer and Pokémon, as such a move would also hurt Charmander itself. Thankfully, their bond was strong, and Charmander executed the command without hesitation, slamming Pidgeotto into the ground with enough force to make the audience feel the impact.

When the dust settled, Charmander stood, battered but victorious, while Pidgeotto lay defeated.

"You're strong. I don't feel bad about losing," the trainer admitted, recalling Pidgeotto and leaving the stage.

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