The bamboo forest was vast, with scattered bamboo leaves covering the ground.
Small bamboo shoots sprouted everywhere, dotting the earth with fresh green.
Just as Aoki entered the bamboo forest with Honchkrow and Slowking, they were attacked.
And the Pokémon that attacked them was a panda!
A black-and-white panda!
The first strike was blocked by Honchkrow's quick reaction.
"This is... a Pangoro? A Pokémon from the Kalos region?" Aoki observed the fierce-looking Pokémon in front of him. It clenched a bamboo shoot like a toothpick in its mouth, the two bamboo leaves on it shaking slightly.
Its black eyes stared intently at Aoki, Honchkrow, and Slowking.
Aoki was momentarily stunned—he hadn't expected to encounter a Kalos-native Pokémon here.
But after a brief thought, he understood.
This wasn't Kanto. This was Neverland. Considering Mew's mischievous nature, it wouldn't be surprising if it had brought Pokémon from all over the world to the island.
Pokémon: Pangoro (Green)
Gender: Male
Level: 39
Type: Fighting + Dark
Ability: Iron Fist
Held Item: None
Egg Moves: Storm Throw, Parting Shot, Quick Guard
Basic Moves: Bullet Punch, Hammer Arm, Low Kick, Circle Throw, Leer, Tackle, Taunt, Comet Punch, Karate Chop, Vital Throw, Slash
Learnt Moves: Ice Punch, Snatch, Drain Punch, Knock Off
TM Moves: None
A Level 39 Pangoro was considered strong among wild Pokémon.
But was this just a stroke of bad luck, or were all the Pokémon on this island at such a high level?
After Honchkrow forced it back, Aoki spotted three Pancham hiding behind the bamboo, their small heads peeking out curiously.
It seemed that Aoki had wandered into their territory, making this Pangoro feel the need to protect the young Pancham.
If these were the only Pokémon in the bamboo forest, Aoki wouldn't be too concerned. The real worry was if more of them were lurking nearby.
Aoki tossed a Luxury Ball, summoning Skorupi.
With Skorupi already at Level 38, it could hold its own against Pangoro while also gaining valuable battle experience.
However, upon seeing Skorupi appear, Pangoro's expression hardened as it reassessed the strength of Aoki's team—Honchkrow, Slowking, and now Skorupi. Even though it had never encountered these Pokémon before, it could sense their strength.
"Roar!!" Pangoro bellowed, shaking the bamboo trees as a flock of bird Pokémon took off in alarm.
Aoki's expression darkened. Pangoro was calling for reinforcements!
This had to end quickly!
"Skorupi, Agility and Hone Claws!" Aoki commanded.
Skorupi swiftly skittered across the ground, its pincers scraping against each other as it sharpened its attack power.
Pangoro took a defensive stance, waiting for reinforcements. As long as they arrived, it wouldn't need to fear Aoki's team.
"Skorupi, close in! Poison Fang, followed by Venoshock!"
At high speed, Skorupi lunged at Pangoro.
Pangoro braced itself, catching sight of Skorupi's trajectory and positioning itself to counter the attack.
But before it could react—
Boom!
Poison Fang struck Pangoro's stomach with full force, sending it stumbling backward.
Pangoro looked stunned.
It had been overpowered?
At over two meters tall, Pangoro was built for strength, yet it was pushed back by a Pokémon half its size.
Poison Fang landed cleanly!
When Skorupi moved in for the follow-up Venoshock, Pangoro reacted just in time, grabbing Skorupi's pincers to execute a Circle Throw.
However, as Pangoro tried to lift it, another shocking realization dawned.
It couldn't budge Skorupi.
Skorupi's four legs dug into the ground, holding firm, its fierce eyes locked onto Pangoro.
A contest of raw strength!
Both Pokémon held their breath, unwilling to give an inch. If either of them faltered, they would be completely exposed.
Aoki watched in amazement. He knew Skorupi was strong, but he hadn't expected it to match the sheer power of a Level 39 Pangoro.
But Pangoro only had two hands, while Skorupi had more than two pincers.
"Skorupi, use Poison Tail!"
Pangoro barely had time to react as Skorupi's venom-coated tail stabbed into its chest.
The impact sent a fresh wave of poison through Pangoro's body, weakening it further.
Its strength waned, while Skorupi remained steady.
Taking advantage of the moment, Skorupi lunged forward with Venoshock once more!
The previous poison attacks had already inflicted severe damage, and the amplified effect of Venoshock was devastating.
Part of Pangoro's thick white fur began corroding from the poison.
Boom!
Pangoro collapsed, unable to fight any longer.
The three Pancham watching from behind the bamboo panicked and immediately fled, rolling on the ground in their haste.
Their clumsy retreat made Aoki chuckle.
Pancham were undeniably one of the most adorable Pokémon.
But before Aoki could relax, a deep rumbling spread through the bamboo forest.
The thicker bamboo stalks shook ominously.
More Pangoro emerged from the shadows.
The leader, a scarred Pangoro with a jagged cut across its eye, bit down on a fresh bamboo shoot and glared at Aoki's team.
Aoki's expression turned serious.
"Skorupi, extract the poison from the fallen Pangoro's body," he commanded.