Chapter 425:
"All set?"
"Mhm..."
Hayashi Kaede replied, but seeing the large crowd gathered outside and the anticipation shining in their eyes, he could only offer an apology.
This was an Elite Four-level Pokémon battle. The scale of the Aogiri Town stadium simply couldn't handle it. If they were to battle, it would have to be at a Pokémon League Conference venue or out in the wild.
The Pokémon League Conference stadium was too far, and the operational and maintenance costs for a single use were significant.
It would certainly be made available if requested, but Kaede didn't feel it was necessary.
That left only the wilderness.
"Let's find a spacious open area."
"A wild battle?" Rosaline was taken aback.
Hayashi Kaede quickly clarified, "Ah? No, no. Just an open area, that's all. If we battle here, the commotion would be too great and would disturb the other residents."
Wild battles had been phased out in the Eastova League ages ago.
"Reasonable."
Rosaline nodded.
Unbeknownst to them, their conversation caused a wave of disappointment among the onlookers below.
Wait, what was the whole point of us gathering here?
Wasn't it to watch a battle between two Elite Four-level Trainers?
And now you're telling us you're not battling here?
"Let's go then."
Hayashi Kaede summoned his Dragonite and jumped onto its back.
After a moment, however, he noticed Rosaline was still standing in place and couldn't help but be puzzled.
He then tentatively asked, "Don't you have a Flying-type Pokémon?"
"No."
"???"
Oh my gosh, an Elite Four member without a Flying-type Pokémon?
Then what have you been relying on for all your travels?
A pair of feet?!
Or is it a fear of heights?
Hayashi Kaede was utterly shocked internally, but he managed to keep his facial expression perfectly controlled.
Left with no other choice, he used his Aura power to call out. Soon, a Pidgeot flew over.
This time, Rosaline quickly jumped on. The two Pokémon, carrying their Trainers, vanished from sight in moments.
All that remained was a crowd of waiting spectators, looking at each other, filled with regret.
"Does anyone have a Flying-type Pokémon? Let's chase after them!"
"Seriously, dude, are you joking? What Flying-type of ours could possibly keep up with a Pidgeot, let alone a **Dragonite**?"
"You never know until you try."
"Alright then. Come on out, Pidove! Let's go, try to follow them..."
Jokes aside, the prevailing mood among the crowd was clearly one of disappointment. With the two of them gone, who would ever know the outcome of this match?
Over in Hayashi Kaede's fan group chats, discussions were running wild.
"Guys, anyone near a window, look outside! See if there's a Dragonite and Pidgeot passing by..."
"This is so frustrating! Why did Kaede have to change locations?"
"Sigh, it makes sense, I guess. A battle between their Pokémon would inevitably cause too much disturbance... But I still want to know the result!"
"We were just discussing yesterday, if Kaede had accepted that exhibition match at the Pokémon League Conference and faced any of the Elite Four, whether he could win..."
"Guys, let's brainstorm! I think there's still a chance to see it. Where does everyone think the battle venue will be?"
"Ask Satoshi. Didn't he say he's commentated on every one of Hayashi Kaede's matches?"
"Right, ask him!"
...
Of course, none of this concerned Kaede anymore.
For an Elite Four-level Pokémon battle, the location he chose was out at sea.
This was clear.
Only the open sea provided a battle venue where they could go all out without worry and with minimal ecological disruption.
"Here?"
Seeing the Dragonite ahead come to a stop, Rosaline also realized this was the chosen battlefield.
Looking down at the azure blue sea surface below, she waved her right hand, and a Poké Ball's red light flashed immediately.
"Come on out, Mr. Rime! Use Ice Beam!"
A comical top hat, wings that looked like they belonged to a devil, swirling yellow pupils, a large red clown-like nose on its body, and a long ice-colored cane in its hand.
The Mr. Rime that appeared mid-air gently tapped its cane downward toward the sea surface.
At that touch, the seawater began to freeze rapidly. Chilling air spread across the ocean, sending the fish and some Pokémon below scattering in a hurry.
In fact, the smarter fish had already swum away upon seeing the Dragonite and Pidgeot.
In no time at all, a massive sheet of ice had formed on the sea's surface.
"You're not switching Pokémon?"
Hayashi Kaede looked at the Mr. Rime still on the field.
[Pokémon: Mr. Rime]
[Gender: Male]
[Type: Ice, Psychic]
[Ability: Ice Body]
[Potential: Gold]
[IVs: HP (20) Attack (24) Sp. Atk (25) Defense (31) Sp. Def (31) Speed (31)]
[Level: 78-79]
[Moves: Pound, Light Screen, Reflect, Protect, Safeguard, Confusion, Icy Wind, Ally Switch, Hypnosis, Mirror Coat, Psychic...]
'It really is strong.'
Hayashi Kaede couldn't help but sigh inwardly as he observed the Mr. Rime before him.
Its Potential, level, and base stats were all excellent.
But facing such an opponent also ignited a spark of excitement within him.
A Poké Ball appeared in his hand as he spoke, "While I'm not entirely sure what aspect of Alolan Ninetales you wanted to see, whether you can achieve your goal effortlessly will still depend on your strength!"
"Come on out, Blaziken!"
To deal with an Ice-type Pokémon, a Fire-type was naturally the most suitable choice.
Although, it must be said, Blaziken was also weak to the Psychic type.
But here, under the bright sun over the ocean, Blaziken's speed advantage could be maximized!
Sending it out was the perfect choice!
"Blaziken!"
The figure wreathed in crimson flames landed on the mirror-like ice, erupting in a blaze of dazzling color.
Its feathers seemed to shimmer with scorching heat at that moment.
[Pokémon: Blaziken]
[Gender: Male]
[Ability: Speed Boost]
[Potential: Gold]
[IVs: ...]
[Level: 65-68]
[Moves: Sunny Day, Ember, Peck, Quick Attack, Flame Charge, Sand Attack, Aerial Ace, Night Slash, Brick Break, Dig, Agility, Detect, Flamethrower...]
Since returning from the Pokémon League Conference, Blaziken's strength had improved, but it was a steady, moderate progression without any dramatic leaps.
So, in terms of power level, the gap between the two was undeniably significant.
For this match, Kaede was giving it his complete focus.
The moment the blazing figure appeared above the ice, he immediately gave the command. "Blaziken, Sunny Day!"
"Blaziken!"
The V-shaped crest on its head grew intensely hot. The scorching air gushed out from its wrists made the surrounding atmosphere warp.
The already clear sky seemed to evaporate any trace of clouds in an instant, turning a deep, pure blue.
In terms of speed for activating Sunny Day, Blaziken needed barely a single breath!
....
Meanwhile, at that very moment, by the seemingly endless coastline, a figure riding an Aegislash was rushing toward the scene at high speed.