Pokémon: Starting with a Pokémon Ranch.

Chapter 285: Battle against Sidana, Arcanine's performance

"Looks like I'm not the only one here to get rid of the baby this time."

Looking at the battle video of Higanbana on his phone, Su Yu sighed.

In particular, Higanbana is a pure Dragon-type trainer, and all the Pokémon in her team are Dragon-type. Wartortle is at a natural type disadvantage when facing them.

"Looks like we'll have to find a way to get you to beat them."

Su Yu patted the round head of the Wartortle and smiled.

After defeating another opponent and advancing to the quarterfinals...

This is already Ash's achievement at the Soothing Tournament in the anime.

After that, Su Yu replaced the Pokémon he used with Arcanine, and Wartortle no longer participated in the battle.

Until... the day of the final.

In the players' lounge.

Su Yu was waiting for the delivery from Devon Corporation because Daigo had messaged him yesterday saying that Blastoise's Mega Stone had been found.

With this, Wartortle can directly Mega Evolve after completing its final evolution. At that time, it will be able to withstand Shyvana's Mega Salamence.

However, as they waited, there was a knock on the door, and it was Daigo who walked in.

"Why did you deliver it? Weren't you on vacation mining?" Su Yu asked in confusion.

"My vacation just ended, and the distance is a bit far if it's delivered here, so handing it over to the courier might not be enough time."

"Perfect, I can come and watch you win the championship."

Daigo said with a smile.

He handed the Super Stone to Su Yu and then went to the stands to sit with Xiao You and the others.

After making his final preparations, Su Yu also stepped onto the field.

As soon as he stepped onto the stage, the entire audience cheered.

Although it was only a few days of battle, the video of "boss second phase" went viral online, bringing Su Yu a lot of goodwill and supporters.

Among the crowd, some people even unfurled huge banners with pictures of Wartortle printed on them.

"Now you're a big star!" Su Yu said to the Poké Ball. All this fame comes from Wartortle.

Upon hearing this, the Poké Ball shook slightly.

This greatly displeased Higana on the other side. She snorted coldly, looking utterly disdainful.

At this point, the referee asked both sides to send out their respective Pokémon. Upon hearing this, Su Yu threw out Arcanine's Poké Ball.

"It's not Wartortle? I thought you would send it out again."

"I'm surprised," said Higanbana after throwing Goodra's Poké Ball.

In the past few days, she has seen many videos online that promote the idea of a "three-stage boss," and she looks down on those exaggerated claims.

Wartortle's current dominance is simply due to not encountering her yet. If they were to actually clash, even in its final evolved form, she could easily crush it.

Su Yu smiled and shook his head at this.

"As a key player, I should naturally be the last to appear on the field."

Moreover, Arcanine is quite powerful.

However, Goodra is a Pokémon that has mastered a variety of Water-type moves, making it quite effective against Arcanine.

Therefore, upon entering the scene, Su Yu immediately gave the instructions:

"Use [Swiftness] and [High-Speed Movement] to enhance your speed and be careful to dodge the opponent's attacks."

"Awoo~!"

Upon hearing this, Arcanine also started running quickly across the field.

As expected, Sissana commanded Goodra to use the Water-type move "Muddy Water". Unfortunately for Su Yu, he had anticipated this, and Arcanine easily dodged the Muddy Water.

While dodging, Arcanine also occasionally launched close-range attacks on Goodra, leaving many injuries on its body.

Unfortunately, this Goodra seems to be a high-defense, high-HP type, making it extremely durable. Therefore, despite having many injuries, it still appears to be in good condition.

"You've got something going for you. Looks like you're trying to stall until the Turbid Flow technique hits?"

In the audience, Daigo also made his judgment.

This Goodra is similar in strength to Arcanine, and with the added advantage of type advantage, a single Muddy Current attack is enough to severely damage Arcanine.

What Sigana is gambling on now is that tiny chance of hitting. Although Arcanine is very fast, the possibility of hitting is not zero.

Especially now, Arcanine has to keep attacking at close range.

In Daigo's opinion, this is the time for both sides to test their luck.

However, Su Yu did not think so.

This time, he didn't just randomly choose Arcanine because of its type disadvantage.

"We originally intended to keep this trump card to ourselves, but now it seems we have no choice but to bring it out ahead of time."

"Growlithe - Use Play!"

"Awoo~!"

Play Rough, as a Fairy-type move, is very effective against Goodra.

This isn't Su Yuzang's fault. In all-out battles where there's no limit to the number of moves, any trainer with a bit of experience will teach their Pokémon as many moves as possible to broaden their coverage.

With its injuries compounded, even the tough-skinned Goodra lost its ability to fight after being attacked by Playful Attacks.

"He actually escaped danger?" Higana retorted, clearly unconvinced.

After that, she sent out the Tanabata Bluebird.

By this time, Arcanine's speed had fully increased. With its speed advantage and the counter effect of Play Rough, Altaria was quickly defeated.

This caused the spectators in the stands who supported Su Yu to cheer. Xijiana glared at the stands and gritted her teeth, saying:

"Hmph, don't get too cocky!"

"My next Pokémon won't be so easy to deal with."

Then, she sent out a Dragon/Rock type Tyranitar. The Altaria from before was just used to wear down Arcanine's HP.

This Tyranitar is her trump card against Arcanine.

As soon as Tyranitar appeared, it unleashed an earthquake attack that covered the entire field. In an instant, the ground shattered and the earth shook violently.

Even with its incredible speed, Arcanine struggles to dodge such a wide-area attack. Coupled with having fought two consecutive matches, Arcanine was exhausted and eliminated.

On the large display screen in the arena, the image representing Arcanine also dimmed. This was the first Pokémon Su Yu had defeated so far in the competition.

"You did a great job, Arcanine," Su Yu said after returning Arcanine to its Poké Ball.

"I'll give you an extra chicken leg when we get back!"

The Poké Ball wobbled slightly, and then remained still.

Su Yu then removed the Wartortle's Poké Ball. Arcanine has already taken down two opponents for you; now it's your turn to carry.

"Click!"

As the Poké Ball was thrown, Wartortle appeared on the field.

The crowd erupted in cheers. Most of them were calling for Wartortle to evolve.

"Should I give you time to evolve?"

Higana's smile was ambiguous, appearing more like a mockery.

"……No."

Su Yu was speechless. What's wrong with Xijiana? She's been arrogant since the start of the competition.

We're down 1-2 now, but why do I feel like I'm the one trailing?