Pokémon: The Strongest Trainer (Ash SI)

"This match is really intense! Hard to believe it's only been ten minutes—and yet, such a huge gap in power has already appeared!"

"Heavy Bind? What a terrifying move!"

Inside the monitoring room, the Dragon Clan members were visibly shaken by the second match. It was simply spectacular. As a newcomer, Ash displayed a level of talent that was truly enviable.

"Ash, before you, I've seen quite a few new trainers from the family, but none of them could battle this evenly with me," Garan said with appreciation after his Golem was defeated. "You're a true prodigy."

To defeat a mid-tier quasi-Elite Pokémon with one still in its early stages—even if it was thanks to innovative tactics—was still a valid and powerful strategy. In the League Conference, there were no rules limiting which moves a trainer could use. Everything relied on the trainer's ability to study their opponent and adapt.

"Hmm? System, show me Onix's current data," Ash ordered, sensing something strange about Onix after the battle.

Ding~!

Name: Onix

Level: Mid-stage Quasi-Elite

Abilities: Rock Head, Weak Armor

Type: Rock/Ground

Potential: 100% (45% developed)

"The potential increased? Was it due to the pressure of facing a stronger opponent… or perhaps because it defeated Golem?" Ash's eyes lit up with joy at the sight of the new data.

"Looks like you've finally caught up to Pikachu. Congrats, Onix," Ash whispered warmly.

His Pokémon all shared a strong bond with him—but they also viewed each other as rivals. Each one aimed to become Ash's core battle partner. They knew that staying by his side was the only way to grow stronger.

"Roaaar~~!" Onix let out a deep, pleased cry, nodding at Ash with gratitude and pride.

"You don't have to hold back anymore. Let's evolve, Onix!" Ash said, reaching into his backpack and pulling out a Metal Coat. He tossed it toward Onix.

"ROAAAR!!!" Onix's eyes lit up as it caught the Metal Coat in its jaws. As the item touched its body, a brilliant white light enveloped Onix. After three seconds, a massive Steelix stood proudly before everyone.

"It's huge!" gasped the spectators, their eyes wide with awe at the newly evolved Pokémon's sheer size.

Compared to a normal Steelix, Ash's Steelix was at least three times larger. Its metallic body gleamed with a razor-sharp luster, a clear sign of its terrifying defensive capabilities.

Ding~!

Name: Steelix

Level: Mid-stage Quasi-Elite

Abilities: Rock Head, Weak Armor

Type: Steel/Ground

Potential: 100% (47% developed)

"Perfect! My theory was right. The breakthrough triggered the evolution, and we gained more potential than we would have through a standard evolution," Ash said excitedly as he analyzed the data.

Originally, Onix's potential was at 45%. After evolving, it didn't just rise to 46%—it jumped to 47%. Just one more point, and it would reach the late Quasi-Elite stage. That single point of potential was something that could hold back countless Pokémon in their growth.

"Look at its aura. That's solid mid-tier Quasi-Elite presence—and it's already reached the threshold of the next stage!" Shiro exclaimed in disbelief as he observed Steelix.

"To think that it stabilized its strength so quickly after evolving… Ash really knows how to read and develop a Pokémon's hidden potential," added Skye Draconis, equally shocked by the revelation.

"Lance, you must earn Ash's forgiveness—and bring him back into the Dragon Clan," Skye Draconis said solemnly, gazing at the screen. "I never expected your son to possess such incredible talent. Our ancestors must truly be watching over us."

As Skye looked at Ash, it was as if he saw the shadow of a future champion—strong, unyielding, and destined.

"Rest up a bit. Pikachu, you're next," Ash said with a small smile, clearly in high spirits after Steelix's evolution.

"Pika~Pika!" sensing Ash's joy, Pikachu affectionately nuzzled his cheek before leaping down onto the battlefield with energy and enthusiasm.

"So your last one is Pikachu, huh? Looks like you planned your team order from the beginning," Garan said calmly, watching the electric-type Pokémon step forward. Today's battle had truly opened his eyes.

Among the younger generation, Ash wasn't just the best—he was leagues ahead of whoever came second.

"It's been years since I last fought seriously," Garan said with a smile. "Let's make this a good one."

He tossed a Poké Ball onto the battlefield. In a flash of light, a massive Steelix emerged with a ground-shaking roar. Though it wasn't quite as large as Ash's, its presence was overwhelming—its battle aura unmistakable.

Ding~!

Name: Steelix

Level: Peak Elite

Abilities: Rock Head, Weak Armor

Type: Steel/Ground

Potential: 100% (59% developed)

Ash's eyes widened. Peak Elite level… It was his first time seeing a Pokémon at that tier in person. Until now, he'd only seen such strength in League footage. But now, it stood right in front of him.

Pikachu narrowed his eyes at the towering opponent. After nearly a decade of shared battles, he had developed an unshakable resolve. Even knowing the difference in power, Pikachu refused to back down. His stance shouted: Even if I fall, I'll take you with me!

"Pikachu specializes in speed and offense. While his defense isn't strong, he can compensate with agility… Good," Ash muttered, analyzing the matchup. "There's a real shot at this."

"Steelix—Iron Tail!" Garan shouted, and the match began in a flash.

Steelix's tail gleamed with a dark metallic light as it swung toward Pikachu like a wrecking ball, blindingly fast for a Pokémon of its size.

"Pika!" Pikachu didn't wait for a command. In a blur, he vanished from the attack path. The ground where he'd just stood exploded into rubble as Steelix's Iron Tail smashed down, leaving a crater in its wake.

That power…! Ash was stunned. But he quickly calmed down and assessed the situation.

"Pikachu's speed is just barely enough to outrun Steelix. That guy might be stronger, but his massive size restricts his mobility," Ash thought. As someone who also trained a Steelix, he knew its weaknesses inside and out.

In that fleeting moment, dozens of strategies flashed through his mind. If I can read his rhythm just right… there's a path to victory!

...

TN:

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