Kanto Town.
"It… it can be done like that?"
Live and learn — Ash discovered another trick today.
"I got it, Pikachu! Next battle, let's try it too."
"Pika…chu?"
Are you serious?
Pikachu gave Ash the kind of look one gives to an idiot.
What was the use of him knowing it? It only mattered if Pikachu could do it — and unfortunately, Pikachu could not.
[Comparison Livestream Chat]
[Lance: Golem is down, but it's not time to celebrate yet. Giovanni's about to get serious.]
[Bruno: From what I know about Giovanni, that petty guy is probably bringing out one of his main Pokémon — or at least a reserve.]
[Lorelei: Heh. Bringing out a main Pokémon against a rookie? How shameless.]
[Giovanni: This isn't shameless. I simply crave victory… immensely.]
[Koga: Oh ho, you're quite good at flattering yourself.]
[Giovanni: Heh.]
Giovanni's second Poké Ball burst open.
A gray, armored Pokémon emerged — standing on two legs, a sharp drill horn on its head, crescent-shaped armor around its neck, and a massive tail swaying behind it.
Rhydon — the Drill Pokémon.
It wasn't one of Giovanni's top six main Pokémon, but it was among his most frequently used ones. Its strength was far beyond that of Golem.
The moment Rhydon appeared, both Ash and Pikachu's expressions hardened. They could feel the pressure radiating from it.
"Mii!"
"Mii!"
Ralts, who had been quietly watching from the sidelines, couldn't hold back anymore and began cheering loudly for Pikachu.
"Mii?"
"Is… that how a Ralts cries?" Giovanni frowned, wondering if he'd heard wrong.
He shook his head slightly and refocused on the battle.
The air trembled. Football-sized rocks materialized around Rhydon. With a thunderous roar, it launched them all toward Pikachu.
Rhydon's opening move — Rock Blast!
Boulders came flying from all directions, leaving Pikachu no room to dodge.
"Pikachu, Iron Tail!"
[Jasmine: Ash's Pikachu knows Iron Tail? That makes things easier.]
As a dual Ground- and Rock-type, Rhydon was weak to Steel-type moves — which meant double damage.
[Aaron: Pikachu isn't exactly a power-type Pokémon. What's the point of using Iron Tail?]
[Lucian: Normal Pikachu aren't power types — but Ash's Pikachu isn't normal. Did you already forget what it did to Golem?]
[Aaron: Right! I almost forgot!]
[Giovanni: You think you can defeat my Rhydon just because you know a Steel-type move? Don't be ridiculous.]
[Bertha: The one at a disadvantage here is actually Ash. Don't forget — Rhydon is completely immune to Electric-type attacks.]
There would be no repeat of that instant Thunderbolt KO from before. Against Rhydon, that was impossible.
Its drill horn acted as a lightning rod, channeling and nullifying all Electric-type moves.
[Guzma: If Parallel World Ash can beat Giovanni's Rhydon with just Pikachu, I'll call him Dad!]
[Plumeria: Boss, you're betting that big?]
[Guzma: This is the boldness of Team Skull!]
[Team Skull Grunts: Long live Big Bro Guzma!!!]
Pikachu darted forward, moving like a butterfly weaving through flowers.
Every boulder in the air was cut apart in an instant — its movements a perfect blend of speed and precision.
In just one round, Pikachu had completely defended against Rhydon's opening attack.
Now it was their turn.
"Quick Attack to close in — then Iron Tail!"
Pikachu became a blur of yellow light. Before anyone could blink, it was already in front of Rhydon.
Clang!
The sharp crack of metal rang out as Iron Tail slammed into Rhydon's left cheek.
"Rhydon, Mega Punch."
Giovanni's voice was calm, almost indifferent — he didn't even look at his Pokémon.
He was certain Pikachu's Iron Tail couldn't break through Rhydon's armor.
And he was right.
Though the attack landed cleanly, it barely left a scratch. Rhydon's steel-like hide absorbed the hit easily. Its defense was monstrous.
"Pikachu, quick — dodge!"
Thankfully, Pikachu hadn't gone all out with that strike, holding back some strength. Otherwise, it would've been too slow to react as Rhydon's iron fist swung down.
Pikachu narrowly dodged the blow and quickly pulled back, widening the distance.
Giovanni smiled, confident and unshaken.
"Good reflexes — but useless. As long as you can't break through Rhydon's armor, your attacks are meaningless."
He crossed his arms, "Boy, what will you do now?"