Pikachu had explosive burst damage, but most of its moves were Electric-type. At the moment, it hadn't yet mastered wide-coverage techniques like Iron Tail, which limited its ability to handle certain matchups.
As for Frogadier, although it possessed moves of other attributes, the variety was still too limited to truly unleash the power of its Protean ability.
To avoid being unlucky and running into a hard counter right at the start, Ash chose the safer option and sent out the Pokémon with aerial dominance—Pidgeotto.
What he didn't expect was to hit the jackpot.
Harlan's first Pokémon turned out to be a Fighting-type, one that Pidgeotto naturally countered.
Seeing this, a pleased smile appeared on Ash's face—while Harlan's expression instantly darkened.
"System, scan the opponent's Machop."
[Pokémon: Machop]
Level: LV.21Type: FightingNature: AdamantAbility: Guts
Potential: Green
Moves (Copyable):
Skilled: Low Kick, Focus Energy, Revenge, Low SweepNovice: Leer, Knock Off, Scary Face
After reviewing the scan, Ash realized he'd actually overestimated his opponent.
Machop was only at the Intermediate Tier (LV.16–30), and its overall stats were painfully average. Its move pool was shallow, and its move proficiency—especially—was hard to look at.
By contrast, Pidgeotto was currently Ash's highest-level Pokémon at LV.32, a full 11 levels higher than Machop. Every aspect of its stats had been thoroughly trained and refined.
Its move pool was rich, and the lowest proficiency among them was already Proficient. Moves like Agility and Hurricane had even reached the Mastered level.
Even before the match officially began, a simple comparison of data showed that Ash's Pidgeotto completely outclassed Harlan's Machop.
Unfortunately for Harlan, he didn't have a system. If he knew his Machop was being outleveled by an entire tier, his expression would've been priceless.
…
The referee wasted no time. After confirming both Pokémon and Trainers were ready, he raised his hand and announced decisively:
"The match begins!"
The moment the signal was given, Ash entered full battle mode.
Despite holding an overwhelming advantage in level and typing, he showed no carelessness. After all, even a lion uses its full strength to hunt a rabbit.
Ash went on the offensive immediately.
"Pidgeotto, use Hurricane!"
"Piiidgeot—!"
High above the battlefield, Pidgeotto violently beat its wings, unleashing a roaring tempest that crashed down toward Machop below.
Harlan hadn't expected Ash to seize the initiative so decisively. Cursing under his breath, he hurriedly shouted:
"Machop, dodge it!!"
"Dodge?" Ash scoffed.
"Do you really think you can dodge that?"
Hurricane was a large-area attack—there was nowhere to escape.
"Boom—!"
The raging winds slammed into the field. Machop lost its footing instantly and was blown clean off balance, crashing onto its back.
"Machop!!"
"Pidgeotto, use Agility!"
After knocking Machop flat with Hurricane, Ash didn't rush in recklessly. Instead, he calmly ordered a long-term speed boost.
Unlike his hot-blooded former self, Ash now preferred fighting with strategy and foresight rather than sheer impulse—though he knew passion and momentum still mattered in Pokémon battles.
"Pii—!"
Pidgeotto let out a clear, piercing cry. As Agility activated, a blue shimmer enveloped its body, and its speed surged dramatically.
"Ugh—!"
Machop struggled and finally pushed itself back to its feet.
"Machop, use—!"
Harlan started to shout a counterattack, hope flickering in his eyes.
But then he froze.
He suddenly realized Machop… didn't actually have a single move capable of reliably hitting a fast-flying Pidgeotto.
Ash noticed the hesitation immediately and curled his lips into a faint smile.
And he showed no mercy.
"Pidgeotto, use Razor Wind!"
"Pii—!"
With a sharp cry, Pidgeotto slashed the air with its wings. Four crescent-shaped wind blades tore through the battlefield, cutting straight down toward Machop.
"Bang! Bang! Bang!"
With no effective orders and nowhere to escape, Machop was struck head-on.
Razor Wind, despite being a Normal-type move, had a base power of 80. Used by a LV.32 Pidgeotto, it instantly carved away nearly half of Machop's HP.
"Damn it!"
Harlan roared.
"Have your bird come down and fight my Machop face-to-face! What kind of battle is this—flying around and dodging like a coward?!"
Ash stared at him, genuinely baffled.
"…Huh?"
"Uncle," Ash said calmly,
"take my advice—after this match, buy yourself some DHA-rich milk powder for seniors. You really need it."
"Pidgeotto, use Air Slash!"
"Damn brat!"
Harlan finally found something to cling to.
"Machop, use Scary Face!*"
But Ash had already anticipated it.
"Pidgeotto, close your eyes—then use Hurricane!*"
"Pii—!"
Without hesitation, Pidgeotto shut its sharp eyes and beat its wings again. Hurricane didn't require precise targeting—and with its vision cut off, Scary Face had no effect at all.
Instead, Machop was once again caught in the storm and blown flat onto the ground.
"Damn it…!"
Harlan clenched his fists.
"Machop, return!"
He finally accepted the reality—
Machop stood no chance against Pidgeotto.
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T/N:
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