"Wow! Your Ursaring is huge! It looks even bigger than my Ursaluna!"
"Huh?! Why are all of your Pokémon so big?!"
Akari let out a surprised exclamation as she eagerly circled around Paul's Ursaring, marveling at its size.
Then, noticing Torterra and the other Pokémon, she curiously ran over, lightly leaping onto Torterra's head.
"I used to want a Torterra, too… It feels so safe and secure…"
Hugging Torterra's head, Akari spoke excitedly.
Her expression and demeanor prompted her own Pokémon to narrow their eyes in unison as they observed Torterra—an unmistakable sign of goodwill.
"Ah… so rough… hahaha…"
In the next moment, Akari moved over to Garchomp, whose presence exuded sheer killing intent. Without hesitation, she reached out and ran her hand along its rugged hide, only to feel the sting of its coarse, sandpaper-like skin. But instead of recoiling, she simply laughed it off.
Just like that, Akari happily roamed through Paul's team, interacting with each of his Pokémon in her own carefree way.
As an Ultimate Hisuian Trainer, Akari always carried an immense curiosity for Pokémon—especially ones that were rare or unique in some way. Paul's team, excluding his Froslass, all possessed notably larger-than-average builds and distinctive traits.
Seeing as she had come seeking his help, Paul's Pokémon simply endured the attention. After all, in the presence of an Ultimate Hisuian Trainer—someone who essentially doubled the number of Pokémon on the field in battle—resistance was futile.
Ignoring the commotion caused by his other Pokémon, Paul turned to his Dewott and commanded:
"Dewott, go exchange evolution insights and sword techniques with your senior. Try to evolve by the end of the day."
"Cha-cha~"
How can I become like you?
Dewott slowly approached Samurott—the formidable Water Warrior Pokémon. It gazed up at the imposing figure, seeking guidance with unwavering determination.
"Yah~"
Watch closely. This is how it's done.
A cold glint flashed in Samurott's eyes, but the corners of its mouth curved into a faint smile. In an instant, its arms moved like afterimages, executing dozens of rapid slashes at blinding speed.
Blade energy surged through the air, yet Samurott swiftly retracted its seamitar blades as if nothing had happened.
"Cha…"
Dewott stood frozen, its eyes glazed over before it collapsed onto the ground, utterly overwhelmed.
"Yah~"
A swordsman's path must be cruel and relentless. Victory demands absolute ruthlessness.
Strike first, cut down all who approach, and never hesitate.
Do you understand?
Samurott planted a firm foot atop Dewott, keeping its blades away from its trusty scallops. Its gaze bore into Dewott's soul, brimming with a sharp murderous aura.
"Yah~"
Deception, ambushes, trickery… Who says a swordsman must fight honorably?
True mastery lies in attacking from unexpected angles, catching opponents off guard, and striking with the force of a relentless tidal wave.
Now tell me—how much of this do you comprehend?
"…Cha…"
…I don't understand…
Lying motionless under Samurott's foot, Dewott seemed on the verge of fainting. But just as it started to answer, a sudden green glow flashed from its blades.
With a swift slash, Dewott aimed at Samurott's legs, simultaneously launching a Hydro Pump attack from its mouth.
BOOM!
Caught off guard, Samurott was struck and sent flying backward.
Dewott, however, flipped itself upright then lunged forward with Aqua Jet-enhanced speed. Its blades moved in rapid succession, unleashing a relentless flurry of attacks.
Fury Cutter, Aqua Cutter, Sucker Punch, Air Slash…
Every moment, Dewott seamlessly switched to the most effective move for the situation. Incredibly, it was forcing Samurott back, leaving the veteran warrior no chance to counter.
Samurott barely managed to dodge, relying on its armored forelegs to deflect some attacks—but its signature seamitar blades remained sheathed.
This time, Dewott was prepared. It had equipped itself with a Scope Lens, allowing it to enter a Keen Eye state and pinpoint Samurott's weaknesses with exceptional accuracy.
Individually, none of its attacks were particularly devastating. But each strike disrupted Samurott's rhythm, making it increasingly difficult to mount a proper defense.
"Yah~"
Then, in a sudden burst of motion, Samurott's eyes flashed with intent. It activated Aqua Jet, closing the distance instantly and landing a decisive blow on Dewott, knocking it back.
Now in position, Samurott revealed its seamitar blades and unleashed a flurry of slashes.
The powerful technique struck Dewott head-on, leaving it sitting on the ground, utterly exhausted. The gleaming seamitar hovered mere inches from its face.
"Yah~"
Master the move I just used… and you'll be like me.
Samurott retracted its blades, a rare hint of admiration in its eyes.
"Cha~"
Dewott replayed the attack in its mind—each slash, each movement, the unrelenting barrage of strikes… The illustration burned itself deeper and deeper into its thoughts.
Off in the distance, Torterra's Synthesis emitted a soft green glow, gradually restoring Dewott's stamina.
Refreshed, Dewott stood up again, eyes unfocused yet determined. It lifted its twin scalchops blades and began swinging them absentmindedly.
At first, its movements were slow—clumsy, even. The attacks lacked any real sharpness, resembling nothing more than a child playfully swinging sticks.
But as moments passed, its movements grew smoother. Each attack became more fluid, and its swings were more refined. Soon, the strikes flowed together like an endless surge of waves.
"Yah…"
A flicker of shock crossed Samurott's gaze.
It, too, had once been an expert in swordsmanship. But its path had been long and tough—after countless failures, only then did it finally master Secret Sword—Thousand Waves and evolve.
However… its own evolution had been unconventional.
Most Samurott only learned Secret Sword—Thousand Waves after evolving. But Samurott? It had mastered the move first—then evolved.
And now, standing before it was another Pokémon attempting to replicate… no, surpass that very feat.
After all, Samurott had only perfected the technique after witnessing it countless times.
Yet Dewott… had seen it only once—and was already on the verge of mastering it.
Apparently, even without further instruction, Dewott would eventually learn Secret Sword—Thousand Waves on its own.
"Yah~"
Once Dewott had achieved a satisfactory form, Samurott nodded approvingly and pulled it aside for advanced training.
The goals were clear: Master Sucker Punch and Secret Sword—Thousand Waves.
In Hisui, no Samurott lacked these two techniques.
Nearby, the other Pokémon were also engaged in friendly sparring, exchanging newfound insights and strategies.
The atmosphere remained peaceful.
Meanwhile, Paul and Akari sat to the side, casually conversing.
"How long have you been in Hisui?" Paul asked, watching the Pokémon interact.
"Over ten months, I think… Time flies. I've gotten completely used to Hisui now."
Akari replied distractedly while updating her Pokédex.
"Has your physique always been this strong?"
Finally, Paul voiced the question that had been nagging at him.
Using balms alone to physically subdue a near-Champion-level Pokémon? He knew for a fact that he couldn't pull that off.
"Oh, that? I've always been in pretty good shape, but ever since I arrived in Hisui, I've gotten just a little stronger."
Akari bit her pen and chuckled silly.
Realizing what she had just admitted, she quickly added:
"But I'm really not that amazing! I'm just sharp and good at dodging—I don't actually know hand-to-hand combat!"
"Yeah… that makes sense."
Paul nodded in understanding—if you could just knock out a Pokémon with a rock, who would even bother learning Fighting-type moves?
------------------------------------------------------------------------
If you want to access advance chapters, please visit: patreon.com / PMadz_23