Pokémon: Simultaneous time travel, this Ash is too versatile!

Chapter 247: Both are among the top 32, and their conversation with Mewtwo at night.

After the match, the two went up to shake hands. Ash held Kaoru's small hand with a smile on his face: "It was a really interesting match. I hope we'll have another chance to battle in the future."

"...Could you tell me how your Infernape learned that movement technique?"

"Movement technique? Oh, you mean that move where you dodge Bellsprout's Leaf Blade? You learned that from your Bellsprout. I have to say, your Bellsprout is really amazing. If it had been someone else instead of me this time, even a Pro-level player might have lost." Ash said with admiration.

He genuinely believed that Kaoru's Bellsprout was incredibly powerful. Although Infernape seemed to be fighting with ease, it was actually only possible because of Ash's Aura. The Aura not only boosted Infernape's strength but also gave it unparalleled observational abilities.

While increasing strength is one aspect, the power of aura allows for keen insight and is highly effective against evasive techniques.

You sensed the attack and tried to dodge, but my Aura can detect your dodge and hit you in the path of your dodge before you can react. This ability is obviously quite effective against Bellsprout's dodge.

Therefore, even though Infernape was tricked a few times, it didn't suffer any real loss. The only thing it was hit by was a sudden kick to the back of its leg, which almost caused serious injury, but it managed to pull through in the end.

After using the power of aura to completely capture and memorize the opponent's movements, Infernape can then imitate them.

Infernape's ability to perform the same movements as Bellsprout is indeed closely related to the Aura, but its own talent also plays a crucial role. Otherwise, even if the Aura had completely memorized the movements for it, its body would still need to be able to execute them.

As for that technique of using minimal force to deflect a great weight, even with the power of aura to analyze it, it's not so easy to learn. Moreover, even if you learn it, it's not suitable for Infernape to use against its opponent, because that's a defensive counter-attack skill, while Infernape is the offensive side.

After figuring out how to counter that technique, Ash launched an attack on Bellsprout. He had learned what he needed to learn, so it was time to end the match.

So, in the end, it wasn't that Infernape found a way to break the deadlock, but rather that Ash decided to end the match.

No matter how skilled Bellsprout is, how could it possibly compare to Ash's all-around scanning power of waveguide?

On the other side, Kaoru, holding Ash's hand, had a strange look on her delicate face. What do you mean by "If I don't run into you, even a professional high-level player might not be able to win"?

So your Infernape is stronger than a high-level professional Infernape? You should see what nonsense you're spouting. Your Infernape is only at the beginner level of Elite. How dare you compare it to a high-level professional Infernape?

But Kaoru didn't say anything in the end, after all, her beginner-level Bellsprout was also taken down by Infernape.

And it wasn't just a simple matter of taking her down; the opponent also stole Bellsprout's unique skill, a skill that Bellsprout had spent countless hours learning, only to have it stolen in a single battle.

This Infernape and its trainer cannot be judged by conventional standards.

"I'm quite happy to be able to fight with you guys. This battle has broadened my horizons a lot. I didn't know there were such genius Pokémon in the world... You are also very impressive to be able to raise such a Pokémon. I look forward to fighting with you again." After squeezing Ash's hand firmly with her fair little hand, she tossed her hair and walked gracefully towards the contestant's bench.

A chorus of groans erupted from the audience on Kaoru's side, with many demanding a rematch. Of course, such an outrageous request was not to be granted, and it was the first time Ash had witnessed the power of a die-hard fan.

I thought his fans, the fans of the Four Heavenly Kings, were already enthusiastic enough, but I didn't expect there to be someone even more enthusiastic than him!
……

After the match, Ash went to his friends' seats in the audience. Brock looked at him with envy and jealousy, Misty's gaze was also a little unpleasant, and Gary's gaze was somewhat mocking.

Ash and Pikachu exchanged a glance, wondering what had happened. Ash scratched his head and asked, "What's going on? Why are you looking at me like that?"

"Hehe, Ash, you're quite the ladies' man~" Gary's voice sounded a little strange, giving Ash goosebumps.

"What do you mean, 'lucky in love'? What are you talking about?"

"Stop pretending! I saw it all! Why were you holding onto Miss Kaoru's hand the whole time? When you left, Miss Kaoru gave you such a beautiful smile. How awful! You deserve to die! I should never have cheered for you!" Xiao Gang was practically biting his clothes, looking like a wronged woman.

Xiaoxia didn't say anything, she just looked at Xiaozhi with a slightly resentful gaze.

Upon hearing this, Ash rolled his eyes: "What are you all talking about? I was just talking to Ms. Kaoru about some things related to battles. What nonsense are you all spouting?"

"Tsk tsk, say whatever you want, I only believe what I see." Shigeru's nonchalant attitude, which seemed to be adding fuel to the fire, made Ash's head spin.

Although he had no feelings for romantic relationships, he still felt uncomfortable being slandered like this in front of Xiaoxia, so he said irritably, "Are you ready for the match this afternoon? Don't actually get eliminated in the round of 64!"

Ash's words made Gary's expression stiffen: "Mind your own business, I'm sure I can win!"

Amidst the playful banter, everyone left the arena. Leon and the others, who had been silently watching Ash from the special spectator stands, also left. Ash had surprised them every day during the past few days of competition, and they were eagerly anticipating what kind of performance Ash would deliver in the next match.

So far, Ash has only used one Pokémon that previously shone brightly, and that was without even using its full power.

Besides Pikachu, the Aerodactyl and Gengar are also worth their attention. It remains to be seen whether anyone can force Ash to reveal his true strength in the upcoming matches.

……

In the afternoon, on the rocky terrain, Gary solemnly directed Blastoise in a battle against Nidoking.

His Blastoise has reached the peak of its professional level during this period of battle. Although it is still unknown how long it will take to reach the Gym level, its combat power is undoubtedly among the top in the Indigo League.

His professional peak is almost at the ceiling of the Indigo League. Currently, there are only three known gym leaders in the Indigo League: Kou Ping, Shinji, and Ash. The first two have more than a year and a half of travel experience.

Xiao Mao achieved this result in just half a year of travel, his talent even surpassing theirs, with only Xiao Zhi being slightly better than him. His opponent this time was also a highly experienced trainer, whose Nidoking, Golem, and Onix all possessed professional-level strength, with two at the peak of their professional skills and one at an advanced level.

This level is already considered the best among the three gym leaders in the competition. Even if Gary is at the peak of his professional level, he is still inferior to him.

However, Xiao Mao's Blastoise completely countered the opponent's three Pokémon. After losing two out of three, he used Blastoise to defeat the opponent's Golem. Now, the final battle is underway. Whichever side's Pokémon falls will be eliminated from the top 32.

"...Now! Nidoking, use Stone Edge!" Gary's opponent, Ping, commanded his Nidoking.

Nidoking roared and slammed his fist into the ground, sending dozens of sharp stone blades rising from the earth and pressing towards Blastoise!

"Retract into the shell to block it, then use the water cannon!" Xiao Shi's voice rang out at that moment; he was going to take a gamble!
"Kame!" Blastoise retracted its entire body into its shell, and sharp rocks from the ground slammed directly into its shell!
The powerful force sent Blastoise flying, and the sharp rock even pierced a crack in the Blastoise's shell.

Xiao Mao clenched his fists, looking slightly nervous. He didn't know if Blastoise could withstand this attack. Blastoise had already received a lot of attacks before this, and this was another Rock-type ultimate move. If he tried to take it head-on, the risk would be very high.

Under Shigeru's tense gaze, Blastoise suddenly stretched its head and limbs out of its shell, adjusted its body posture, and aimed the two huge water cannons on its back at Nidoking below, followed by a fierce jet of water!

"boom!!"

Having just used a Rock-type ultimate move, Nidoking had neither the time nor the space to dodge the water cannon bursting from the air.

The water cannon hit Nidoking directly, and two thick, clear water jets, as thick as buckets, slammed into Nidoking's body like two invisible giant hammers.

The water jet struck Nidoking and exploded outwards, creating a half-meter-high wave that shattered the remaining stone fragments from the sharp stone attack. Further away, the front railings of the audience seats were washed down by the splashing water, and several nearby spectators instinctively shrank back.

Nido King let out a painful roar as his body was propelled backward by the jet of water, his back slamming heavily against the rocks at the edge of the arena.

"Bang!" The rocks on the field shattered, and Nidoking rolled around in the field before finally collapsing to the ground, lifeless.

Ping desperately called out Nidoking's name, but no matter how he called, Nidoking didn't respond at all. After waiting for a while, the referee waved the flag: "Nidoking is unable to battle. Blastoise wins. The winner of the fourth qualifying match is—Gary!"

Xiao Mao has successfully advanced to the top 32!
At this point, both of Pallet Town's players have made it into the top 32. This time, four people came from Pallet Town. The other two, who were not very noticeable, did not get eight badges at all. They made good progress in the early stages, but later they found themselves unable to make any progress.

Both Gary and Ash's strength grows exponentially, which is why they are able to cope with the increased challenges brought by Gym Leaders after acquiring more Badges. If their strength cannot keep up with the pace of Badge acquisition, they will be stuck in any Gym for a long time, no matter which one they challenge.

There are only six months to spare, and with gym battles and skill improvement, there's simply not enough time, unless you're a genius, which is clearly not the case for the other two in Pallet Town.

Only Gary and Ash were able to come to the Indigo League.

However, the fact that two of them appeared was already a pleasant surprise for Professor Oak. After all, these were geniuses who had successfully entered the Indigo League in just six months. The fact that two of these geniuses appeared at once was already quite extraordinary.

That evening, Professor Oak and Hanako arrived at Indigo Plateau to celebrate with Ash and Gary. Hanako also showed off her culinary skills by preparing a feast.

Ash and Brock assisted from the sidelines.

Everyone enjoyed drinks and had a great time that night. Professor Oak and Hanako also stayed overnight at Indigo Plateau, since there wasn't much to do back at night.

Ash's room has bunk beds. Hanako stayed in Ash's room that night, but Ash quietly left in the middle of the night.

On a cliff in the Indigo Plateau, Ash and Pikachu sat on the cliff, looking at the crescent moon in the sky, their faces filled with thoughts: "Pikachu, we've made it to the top 32."

"Pikachu~"

"It's been such a difficult journey, and I still feel a bit like it's not real."

"Pickup?"

"How is it unrealistic? Think about it, I've only been traveling for half a year, and now, participating in a large competition like the Quartz Conference, I've made it to the top 32 with almost no pressure. I even feel like winning the championship isn't a problem... Don't you think that's a dream come true?"

"Really? I think it's more fantastical that you could knock me out with one punch." Mewtwo appeared beside Ash, her mature voice tinged with a hint of teasing.

Since Ash participated in the Indigo League, she has hardly appeared, only silently observing the outside world from inside her Poké Ball.

After all, she had no interest in participating in such a competition, and the reason she stayed by Ash's side was to observe the various aspects of human life.

Today, Ash ran out to the edge of a cliff and reflected on his journey, which gave Mewtwo a bit of a novel feeling, because Ash's appearance clearly showed that he was somewhat confused!

This guy can actually be confused?
"Ahem, what you said does make some sense... However, one's own strength is one thing, and the strength of the elf is another."

"So how are you now? Complaining that your strength has increased too quickly? If that's really what you think, then in your human terms, it's just whining!"

"Hey, you've even learned this... Of course, I'm not complaining that my skills have improved too fast. I just feel... I'm really lucky to have you all by my side. Without you, I wouldn't be who I am today."

(End of this chapter)