The reason the 6-choose-3 format eventually became the mainstream competitive system in later generations was precisely because of its dual-layer test—of both Trainer and Pokémon.
Unlike early-generation full 6v6 slugfests, which leaned heavily toward raw power and endurance, the 6-choose-3 format emphasized prediction, team synergy, and psychological warfare.
In 6v6, execution mattered most.
In 6-choose-3?
Selection decides destiny.
The first Pokémon sent out could dictate the tempo of the entire match.
After a long moment of silence, Peter and Paul simultaneously looked up.
They withdrew their six Pokémon.
Then, in eerie synchronicity—
"Go! Lopunny!"
"Go! Torterra!"
A massive green armored tortoise landed heavily on the battlefield. Its shell was a rugged landscape of soil and stone, crowned by a thriving tree. It was said that smaller Pokémon even built nests on Torterra's back.
"Use Sandstorm!" Paul commanded immediately, shifting the weather from turn one.
He had studied Peter's battle against Cynthia. He understood the tactical value of Sandstorm.
Peter grinned.
No more pretending.
"Zoroark—charge in! Use Knock Off!"
"Zoroark!"
As the sandstorm roared to life, the 'Lopunny' blurred—
Its form flickered mid-dash—
Revealing the sleek white fox beneath.
Claws slashed across Torterra's flank.
A Sitrus Berry flew out of its shell and scattered away.
Knock Off—Dark-type, 65 base power. If the target holds an item, the item is removed and damage increases by 50%.
"Crunch!" Paul countered instantly.
Torterra barely reacted to the hit. Its neck extended violently, jaws snapping toward Zoroark.
Crunch—80 base power Dark-type physical move. Chance to lower Defense.
With Torterra's massive Attack stat—and Dark-type being super effective—
If that connected, Zoroark would be finished.
"Substitute—then use Curse!"
Zoroark split in two.
One copy leapt forward and exploded in Torterra's jaws.
The real Zoroark stood behind, white mane flowing, dark aura spiraling outward.
Curse (Ghost effect): Sacrifice HP to inflict a draining curse that steadily eats the opponent's health until it switches out. Baton Pass transfers the curse.
A perfect anti-switch tool.
And a brutal pressure move.
"Tsss—" Paul clicked his tongue and recalled Torterra.
"Electabuzz—your turn!"
Peter smiled faintly.
Momentum secured.
Unlike competitive video games where your three are locked in—
In real-world 3v3, the remaining Poké Balls are still on your belt.
You can adapt mid-battle.
Meaning Peter only needed to solve what had already been revealed:
Torterra and Electabuzz.
Even if Paul's final pick caused trouble, the first two were already cornered.
That was the true value of Zoroark.
As long as it stood—
Paul could never fully trust what he was seeing.
That's why Paul had opened with Sandstorm despite the 20-level advantage.
"Electabuzz—Thunderbolt!"
"Parting Shot!"
CRACK—
Lightning engulfed Zoroark.
But at the same time, a beautifully wrapped gift box flew from its paw.
Electabuzz glowed—
Its Attack and Special Attack dropped sharply.
Zoroark collapsed.
Paul's jaw tightened.
He knew Thunderbolt would finish it anyway—
But Parting Shot?
That effectively crippled Electabuzz.
It felt disgusting.
"Come back, Zoroark. Well done."
Peter's smile didn't fade.
He lifted his next Poké Ball.
"Arboliva—you're up."
"Arbo~"
The elegant olive Pokémon emerged, releasing a faint fragrant aroma.
"Use Screech!" Paul ordered.
Electabuzz emitted a grating, chalkboard-scraping shriek.
Defense sharply fell.
Peter's eyes remained calm.
"Ignore it. Use Rain Dance."
Whitney blinked in confusion.
Rain boosted Electric-type accuracy and Thunder's power.
It didn't benefit Grass-types like Arboliva.
"Charge in—Hammer Arm!" Paul pressed forward relentlessly.
Electabuzz lunged.
BOOM.
The heavy punch landed.
Arboliva stepped back—
Barely phased.
Paul froze.
"What?"
Peter smiled.
"Strength Sap."
Green light drained from Electabuzz.
Arboliva's HP fully restored.
Electabuzz's Attack dropped further.
A seed fell to the ground—
Sprouting into a small patch of lush grass.
Grassy Terrain activated.
Now Paul understood.
Even after Screech—
Their physical stats were equalized.
Yet Hammer Arm barely scratched Arboliva.
Zoroark's sacrifice had forced this.
He knew.
Peter wanted him to reveal the third Pokémon early.
But with Arboliva on field, Torterra gained nothing.
Paul gritted his teeth.
"Screech again!"
"Seed Bomb!"
A blinding white explosion detonated mid-scream.
Electabuzz staggered, barely surviving—
Its Protect barrier flickered desperately.
At the last second—
It switched moves to Protect.
Peter's smile widened.
"Then… use Encore."
Arboliva clapped encouragingly.
Electabuzz blinked—
Forced into repeating Protect.
But consecutive Protects?
High failure chance.
It failed.
"Finish it. Seed Bomb!"
White light swallowed the field.
Electabuzz collapsed.
Both trainers recalled their Pokémon.
Final Poké Balls drawn.
Before Paul threw his—
Peter spoke.
"Next is Murkrow, right?"
Paul's hand paused for half a second.
He ignored the comment.
"Murkrow—battle!"
Peter's grin sharpened.
"Slaking—let's go!!!"
"ROOOAAARRRR!"
The colossal ape slammed onto the field.
Cracks spidered outward beneath its fists.
Paul's spine went cold.
He had been read.
Both of them knew it.
Murkrow was his optimal choice.
Dark-type coverage for Indeedee.
Flying-type advantage over Mega Lopunny and Arboliva.
But Peter had predicted that logic—
And chosen the least expected counter—
Slaking.
Psychological checkmate.
Paul inhaled slowly.
The battle—
Was far from over.
But the mind games?
Peter had already won Round One.
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T/N:
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