Chapter 115 Good…good…what a brilliant tactic!!
Black Mist!!
The stat changes on the field were corrected, everything returned to normal.
Hua Yue watched helplessly as a thick black mist erupted from Toxapex, slowly rising and covering the entire field. A red glow appeared on Cactus Dream. The
energy ball Cactus Dream had just condensed, an energy ball larger than its body, deflated instantly, shrinking until it was only the size of Cactus Dream's head. Its
Special Attack was corrected, and Cactus Dream, lacking the Taunt move, could only rely on Nasty Plot to prevent subsequent Pokémon from entering the field. But this Black Mist directly shattered all of Hua Yue's previous plans.
One Black Mist attack destroyed his last glimmer of hope for victory.
"Black Mist~ What was the effect of that move? How could such a large energy ball from Cactus Sedum shrink so much in an instant?"
"That's awesome, Black Mist~ Black Mist!!! How come I didn't think of using Black Mist at this moment? The Gym Leader's Black Mist cleared all the Special Attack boosts from Cactus Sedum."
"Really? This move has such power?! I always thought Black Mist was useless, but I didn't expect... it would have such an effect at a crucial moment."
"Doesn't this just give the opponent a free chance to control the field with Spikes?!"
There were still a few trainers in the audience who had made it to the Indigo League.
They were all veteran trainers. After a quick look through their Pokédex and at the move descriptions, combined with the state of Cactus Sedum on the field, they quickly analyzed the situation.
Hua Yue originally wanted to use a trick to push three opponents at once, but that Black Mist cut off Hua Yue's only chance to attack, and also allowed the opponent to use Spikes three times for nothing.
Some Pokémon can't even withstand one Spikes, let alone three times.
With Spikes and Poison Spikes, that Toxapex was truly numb and indifferent.
"What...what...what a brilliant tactic!!" An older man couldn't help but hold back, about to unleash a torrent of curses.
This kind of battle was torture for any trainer, utter torture.
If any of them were to enter the fray, they would all surrender at this moment. Let whoever wants to fight this opponent fight; they certainly didn't want to. They'd rather be spectators.
"Black Mist~ Why didn't I think of that move?"
Hua Yue looked up at the ceiling. The hole that had just been patched up mirrored the bitterness in his heart. The strategy he had spent so much time devising had been shattered in an instant.
Seeing the Poison Spikes and Spikes on the field, Hua Yue's lips twitched. He didn't know what to say. If his Cactus charged out, Toxapex could still use the Bunker to defend.
Hua Yue had guessed the Bunker's effect from the withered seeds when it was used earlier. If it touched the Bunker, Cactus would only lose even faster.
"Dream Song~"
The eyes of the Dream Song Cactus trembled incessantly, its face contorted and twitching intermittently. The poisoning effect from the Poison Spikes had been present since the Dream Song Cactus entered the fray, and it had stubbornly endured the toxins to strengthen itself three times.
All for the sake of a quick victory, it was now back to square one. The toxins were corroding the Dream Song Cactus's body, slowly infiltrating its deepest recesses.
A deep purple light enveloped the Dream Song Cactus, which struggled to stand on the field. In this state, it could only strengthen itself once more.
After the strengthening ended, the released attacks might not even be enough to finish the fight, let alone the Supervillain and its bunker, which were more than capable of blocking an attack. Hua Yue's eyes dimmed considerably.
He reached out and took out a Poké Ball, looked at Bai Yu, and put the Cactus Dreams into the Poké Ball. He saw no hope of winning this match.
"Hiss~"
A Champion like him, tormented like this? Even if this were on the Pokédex for decades, no one would believe it, yet reality was right before their eyes.
The spectators looked at each other. This battle was significant to them; they had witnessed a powerful and invincible Poison-type Pokémon.
Toxapex! "Toxapex is so strong! I'm going to Alola to catch Toxapex too!"
"Toxapex is invincible! It punched Steven and kicked Lance! I'll be the Kanto League champion in the future!"
"It's too invincible. Toxic Spikes, Spikes, and that Stealth Rock from before—it controls the terrain so well, making the battle so easy. It's really strong. This fighting style is just too powerful." "
Let's go! Let's book our tickets to Alola for a vacation and catch Toxapex!"
Many spectators were attracted by Toxapex's unique moves and its ability to use Misty at crucial moments. Apart from being vulnerable to Provoke, it seems to have almost no weaknesses.
Such a Pokémon would stand out even at the Indigo League. Many trainers in the audience had collected all eight badges.
Although they weren't among the eight Gym Leaders of the League and lacked some strength, it didn't stop them from registering for the Indigo League. With such a Pokémon, how could they not win the Indigo League championship?
On the field,
Bai Yu noticed that the audience was leaving one after another. Very few people remained to watch the battle, and they were all chatting and laughing as if they had encountered something happy.
"Could it be that Athena escaped?" Athena's image flashed through Bai Yu's mind, but he quickly dismissed the thought.
Even if Athena had escaped, they wouldn't be laughing so happily. A high-ranking member of Team Rocket escaping from prison should be bad news for them.
Was it because he defeated Hua Yue and upheld the dignity of the Kanto Region? That didn't make sense. He was just a small gym leader with little influence; losing a match was normal, not something to celebrate.
"Bai Yu, you're strong."
"I lost."
Hua Yue didn't release his third Pokémon.
He knew he had lost. Any third Pokémon he released would be affected by Poison Spikes and Stealth Rock. Hua Yue didn't have a single Flying-type Pokémon.
There hadn't been a single Flying/Dark-type Pokémon in the entire Hoenn region. This was his first time leaving Hoenn, and he'd lost so decisively. He
hadn't even defeated a single Pokémon and had been thoroughly humiliated.
Hua Yue even wondered if Daigo's match with Bai Yu had been similar.
Poison Spikes had no effect on Steel-type Pokémon, and what about Spikes? Stealth Rock? Throughout the entire match, Hua Yue had only missed seeing Bai Yu use Stealth Rock. The thought of having three different entry hazards working simultaneously was something Hua Yue didn't even want to imagine.
"The match isn't over yet?"
Bai Yu glanced at the dejected Hua Yue, then looked at Toxapex again.
He had only used standard tactics, tactics that could be countered with Taunt, tactics that could be countered with entry hazard removers.
It could only be said… Hua Yue's Pokémon that only knew Taunt fell too quickly. His team didn't have a single competent entry hazard remover; no wonder he ranked last among the Hoenn Elite Four. His
team, primarily composed of Dark-type Pokémon, didn't have a single competent main Pokémon. He hadn't even seen the simplest Umbreon, let alone any of the legendary Dark-type Pokémon.
At the very least, he should have included a Tyranitar, Rockruff, or Hydreigon—mainstream Dark-type Pokémon. With a little more effort, he could have a Krookodile, Incineroar, or Leeroy—all undeniably powerful Pokémon.
Even Weavile was better than Cactus and more efficient than Mightyena.
Among the many mainstream Dark-type Pokémon, Hua Yue chose to train those non-mainstream ones as his main Pokémon. If they had grown up under these circumstances, Hua Yue would have been the Hoenn League Champion long ago.
"A loss is a loss. Even if I persisted, it wouldn't change the outcome."
Hua Yue looked up at Bai Yu, a hint of anger in his heart.
This guy can't see the situation? In this situation, even if you brought Dan over to take over the match, without a clearing move, the chance of winning would be less than 20%.
Hua Yue is arrogant and conceited, but he doesn't want to see his Pokémon face a match with no suspense. His Pokémon have no obligation to face an opponent they can't win against.
At least in Hua Yue's heart, he can't bear to see that happen.
This is also the difference between Hua Yue and other Elite Four members. His competitive spirit isn't particularly strong, yet he came all the way from the Hoenn region to challenge them, wanting to settle things.
"You're quite carefree."
"Toxapex is a unique Pokémon. To be honest, you've done quite well to reach this level."
"At least in the Kanto Region, you're one of only two trainers I've ever faced with who are truly strong."
Bai Yu extended his hand, a smile on his face.
Why "only two"? The only trainer was naturally Red.
With Red's current strength, he could definitely gain the upper hand against Hua Yue.
As for Qinglv, if Qinglv overcomes that shadow and grows rapidly in strength, even if he's not as strong as Red, he'll still surpass most trainers in Kanto.
However, Bai Yu didn't know Qinglv's current strength, so he didn't include that kid in his calculations. That kid would definitely become an outstanding trainer in the future.
As for whether he could become a legend, that would depend on Qinglv's own will. The choice he made after his battle with Red at the peak of Kanto would affect Qinglv's future path.
"Only two?"
Hua Yue was taken aback, but quickly thought of Steven.
Steven was stronger than her, so "only two" was appropriate. Hua Yue herself was no match for Steven, so there was no need to argue about the concept of "only two."
"Bai Yu, you really don't want to go to Hoenn to become an Elite Four member?" Hua Yue couldn't help but ask. "With your strength, if you go, I'll give you my position."
It's a waste for someone with your abilities to be just a small Gym Leader.
Elite Four trainers should perform at their level, not be like those guys in the Battle Frontier who just hide there, clinging to Age of Goddess. A bunch of unambitious individuals, only interested in the present.
"I have absolutely no interest in becoming an Elite Four member. I've said similar things to Steven."
Bai Yu decisively refused, feeling somewhat frustrated.
Why does every trainer want to become an Elite Four member? What's so great about the League?
Becoming an Elite Four member basically means being bound to that League, subject to its restrictions, and needing to report to the League when entering or leaving the region.
Gym Leaders are different; they can go wherever they want. And for someone like Bai Yu, a small Gym Leader, even closing his gym wouldn't be condemned by the League.
Why risk being restricted by the League for a little bit of fame? It's not worth it.
"What a pity,"
Hua Yue sighed, shaking her head.
Since Bai Yu didn't have such thoughts, he couldn't force him. After all, he had already lost to Bai Yu, so saying anything more wouldn't make a difference.
Soon, Hua Yue left the Macha Gym.
Hua Yue's departure was accompanied by the departure of the spectators.
If they stayed, they would be tormented by that Toxapex again. They had already seen Bai Yu's strength today. He
could even beat the Elite Four members; wouldn't they be courting death if they went down there?
They might as well do what the spectators who left earlier did: buy plane tickets to Alola, catch the 'legendary Pokémon' Toxapex, and win the Indigo League championship! "They came quickly and left quickly."
Bai Yu looked at the empty gym and waved his hand helplessly.
He thought there would be some stubborn guys challenging him today, but after Hua Yue's antics, even those stubborn challengers gave up the idea of challenging. He couldn't even beat the Elite Four members, let alone them, second-rate trainers.
"Just got back and already clinging to me?"
Not far away, Sabrina was holding Litten, combing Litten's fur with a comb.
Litten nestled obediently in Sabrina's arms.
"Meow~"
Litten groomed its ruffled fur with its paws, lying contentedly in Sabrina's embrace.
Sabrina looked at Litten with doting eyes.
She disliked, even loathed, Dark-type Pokémon. If she knew this Litten would evolve into a Dark-type,
would she prevent it from evolving into Incineroar?
Probably not.
Bai Yu watched this scene, lost in thought.
If it didn't evolve into Incineroar, there wasn't much point in catching this Pokémon.
Oh well, he'd have Kukui get him another Litten later.
Anyway, he was a future research doctor in the Alola region; giving him one or two more Litten wouldn't be difficult.
Kukui still owed him a promise; exchanging a promise for another Litten seemed reasonable.
After leaving the gym, Hua Yue breathed a sigh of relief, feeling the surrounding air become clearer.
After relaxing for a short while...
Hua Yue pulled out his National Pokédex, quickly opened the Dark-type Pokémon section, and selected Poison as his secondary type. As the Dark-type Elite Four member, he couldn't possibly bring Pokémon of other types into battle.
As long as he chose a Dark/Poison type Pokémon, it wouldn't betray his title as the Dark-type Elite Four member.
At least in this respect, he did a much better job than a certain Dodo who claimed to be the Dragon-type Elite Four member.
"I refuse to believe there aren't any Pokémon that combine Dark and Poison types."
Hua Yue looked at the Pokédex in his hand and quickly found the Pokémon he wanted, more than he had expected. Among them, the one he rated the most was a Muk.
Different forms of Muk that appeared in the Alola region.
"An Alolan form of Muk is good, and Drapion is also nice, both are Dark/Poison types."
"The two Pokémon are in different regions, I'll go to Alola first and catch that Muk."
This competition opened up a new world for Hua Yue, and now he also wanted to get a Spikeback.
Alolan Muk is clearly a suitable entry hazard setter, and Drapion can also use Toxic Spikes. With a little training, these two Pokémon would definitely be the pillars of his team.
With these Pokémon, he didn't believe he could still rank fourth in the Elite Four tournament six months later.
This time, he was determined to claim his own glory, at least to move up a spot among the Hoenn Elite Four, perhaps even surpassing Flandre.
Being defeated by that young girl was too humiliating, especially by a type disadvantage.
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(End of Chapter)