Pokémon: The Strongest Trainer (Ash SI)

"So strong! Even Hyper Beam couldn't break through Pikachu's Chidori defense!"

"Ash's Pikachu is incredible!"

Brock and Misty watched the intense battle with awe, suddenly feeling a stark contrast between Pikachu's progress and their own. Brock, in particular, had always shown exceptional talent when it came to raising Pokémon. Unfortunately, his life had taken a hard turn. His father, Flint, left home after a fallout with Brock's grandfather, and Brock's mother followed shortly after.

With seven younger siblings to care for, Brock stepped up to take over as Pewter City's Gym Leader. He became the sole provider for the entire family. Luckily, their grandfather was once a powerful Trainer—possibly even a Champion—so they weren't completely destitute. Otherwise, surviving would've been much harder.

"I think it's true! As long as the level gap isn't more than two tiers, some techniques can defend against higher-tier attacks!" Ash exclaimed excitedly, watching Pikachu's Chidori technique neutralize Steelix's Hyper Beam.

This discovery was huge. Pikachu was currently in the middle stages of the Advanced Tier. If this trend continued until he reached Champion level, even attacks from opponents just under Champion strength might not be able to breach his defenses. That level of power was staggering!

"What? He's still trying to test things out at a time like this?"

"The Chidori technique clearly isn't just for show. To block Hyper Beam? That's no small feat!"

"I underestimated you, Ash... but the battle's not over yet!"

"Steelix! Keep firing Hyper Beam! Then close in with Iron Tail!" Despite being stunned that Hyper Beam didn't work, Garan quickly issued new orders. If ranged attacks couldn't get through, he'd end it with a direct hit!

"If long-range doesn't work, then get up close!"

Boom!!

"Pika!!"

Garan's call was spot on. Steelix's Iron Tail slammed into Pikachu, who couldn't defend well against physical attacks with Chidori. The technique worked against energy-based moves, but melee attacks were a different story.

While Pikachu was hit, Steelix also took damage from the electrical current running through the Chidori technique. It was a double knockout scenario—but Pikachu clearly took the heavier blow. His level just wasn't high enough yet, and Pikachu's base defense was naturally low.

"Man… If only it were raining on this field, maybe I could've used Kirin!" Ash muttered, wiping sweat from his forehead. Battling a Trainer at the Elite level was putting immense strain on his focus.

"Pikachu! Chidori Lance!"

Pikachu conjured the Chidori once more, but this time the electrical energy stabilized, forming into a sleek lightning blade. Though it didn't have the raw penetrating power of the original Chidori, it had better duration and utility—essentially functioning as a weapon.

Pikachu charged toward Steelix, slashing again and again with the lightning blade. Each strike made Steelix roar in pain. The technique, while weaker than in the original dimension, was still highly effective here. The Chidori Lance had become a devastating close-range move.

"Steelix! Counter with Iron Tail!" Garan barked, refusing to let the tide turn.

The battlefield rang out with metallic clashes as Steelix's Iron Tail collided with Pikachu's electric blade again and again.

"Unbelievable! Pikachu's taking Steelix head-on! This is a true Pokémon battle!"

"Now's your chance, Pikachu—High-Voltage Strike!" Ash saw an opening as Steelix flinched from its injuries.

Pikachu surged forward, electricity crackling violently across his entire body. His afterimages blurred under the intense charge.

Boom!!!

"Roooaar!!"

The High-Voltage Strike was devastating—but it came at a cost. It was a high-risk, high-reward move that damaged both the opponent and the user. Against a behemoth like Steelix, it was the only viable way to break through that iron-like defense.

"Steelix is unable to battle—Pikachu wins! This match goes to Ash from Pallet Town!" Brock declared, raising the referee flag as Steelix collapsed with a thud.

"What a match! A draw and two wins… that's my grandson!"

"He's even more talented than Lance was at his age. Incredible…" Skye Draconis and Lance looked on with pride. Ash's progress and his Pokémon's development had far surpassed their expectations. There was no doubt—Ash was destined to become one of the future Champions.

"Ash, that was a phenomenal battle. As recognition of your victory, here's the gem version of the Rock Badge—exclusive to our Elite Trainer's Hall." After recalling Steelix, Garan stepped forward and handed Ash the shining badge.

"So this is the gem version of the badge…" Ash murmured, a smile tugging at his lips. It wasn't just the badge that made him happy—it was the sense of achievement. The hard work he and his Pokémon had put in had paid off.

"Father, should we go meet Ash?" Draco asked Skye Draconis from the monitoring room. Lance, standing nearby, also looked forward to seeing the boy in person.

"Forget it. That boy still holds too many prejudices against our Dragon Clan," Skye Draconis said with a sigh. "It's not the right time to meet him face-to-face. When the opportunity is right, this old man will step into battle himself."

Though he dearly wanted to meet his grandson, Skye knew the timing just wasn't right.

"Ash, you were incredible!" Misty ran up to him after the battle, eyes wide with admiration. She hadn't expected Ash to be a Trainer at the Advanced Tier—much less one capable of defeating someone at the Elite level!

"I owe you an apology." Brock stepped forward as well, extending his hand with sincerity. "I underestimated you earlier. I'm sorry."

"It's fine," Ash said, reaching out to shake his hand. As he grasped it, he suddenly remembered who this person was—Brock, the original Gym Leader of Pewter City and a skilled Pokémon Breeder.

Brock's methods of caring for Pokémon were excellent. Back in the original timeline, he had been the one looking after Ash's team. That memory struck something in Ash. He found himself wondering—should he invite Brock to travel with him again?

"Brock, Grandpa Garan… I have something I'd like to discuss with you."

After thinking it through, Ash decided to extend the invitation. He was confident in his own training abilities, but when it came to feeding and caring for Pokémon, he knew Brock was on another level. Even with the help of a system, Ash wasn't sure he could match Brock's natural talent in Pokémon care.

"Wait a second—Ash is heading over to talk to Garan."

The people in the monitoring room took notice of Ash's sudden movement. One by one, they began to file out, curious about what this promising young Trainer would say next.

...

TN:

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