Chapter 39: Disadvantageous Matchup
When he saw that his opponent's Pokémon was Machop, Arthur's expression briefly turned solemn.
On the audience stands, a player who had already won his round laughed and commented, "This match won't be easy for that kid from the mountains."
Coincidentally, his seat was directly above the group of high school students from No. 12 High School.
Since it was the weekend, these students had come to watch the competition again.
Under the influence of Eren and Sarah, they had already amassed a considerable number of Arthur fans among them.
Someone immediately retorted, "What's hard about it? Fighting-type and Water-type don't have type advantages."
Machop was a once-evolved Pokémon, a middle-stage Pokémon in the three-stage evolution chain. Compared to an unevolved basic form like Froakie, it did have some advantages, but this advantage wasn't particularly overwhelming.
In Pokémon battles, the most influential factor is type advantage, and as the young fans said, Fighting-type and Water-type Pokémon don't have any type advantages against each other.
But the player watching from the stands had a different opinion.
"That's not how you look at it. You have to remember that Froakie's ability is Protean."
"So what?"
"The Protean ability can sometimes be a double-edged sword. And from his previous matches, this Froakie mainly relies on Normal-type moves for close combat."
The boy was right about this. In previous matches, Arthur's Froakie mainly relied on "Quick Attack" and "Pound," both Normal-type moves.
The young fans quickly understood the relationship between them.
Normal-type Pokémon are at a type disadvantage against Fighting-type.
If Froakie used "Pound" for head-on attacks as he had done in previous matches, he was likely to expose a weakness and take a critical hit when his type changed!
After this point was highlighted, the young fans were no longer as confident, but they still wanted to believe in Arthur's commanding skills.
"Hmph! Even so, I believe Son of Suicune can handle this situation with his command."
The player on the stands could only suppress a smile, not replying.
He put on a cap to avoid being recognized, so he didn't want to argue with Arthur's fans.
But in his heart, he still maintained his opinion.
This match would definitely be advantageous for Machop.
In fact, most trainers with some skill agreed with this, including the two players on the field at this moment.
Arthur's expression was grave, while conversely, the uncle on the opponent's platform clearly had a good mood.
The referee blew the whistle.
The match began!
Machop immediately charged forward, trying to close the distance, with unstoppable momentum.
"Smokescreen!"
But Arthur very decisively chose to avoid the engagement first.
After the smoke spread, Froakie quickly hid in the dust, using "Bubble" to harass the opponent while retreating.
He played very cautiously, a far cry from his previous swift fighting style.
However, the opponent Machop wasn't without countermeasures.
"Protect!"
Machop used a defensive move, quickly waving his hands in front of his body, sharply splitting the incoming water bubbles.
This "Protect" move gave the Pokémon faster reactions, so it worked very well against surprise attacks. But the move effects aren't so rigid in reality, even against non-surprise attacks, this move still had a certain degree of effectiveness.
The water bubbles were cleaved in advance, reducing some of the Water-type damage, and Machop's hands were completely unscathed under the protection of the move's energy.
Froakie's initial harassment failed to achieve the desired results.
After using "Bubble" twice in a row, Machop's advance made Froakie's position in the smoke visible.
"Left front! Charge!"
The opponent's command was very decisive, and Machop quickly approached!
Arthur still remained calm at this moment.
"Keep using Bubble!"
Even knowing that the opponent was about to rush him, he didn't rashly order Froakie to escape with "Quick Attack."
Against Machop, Normal-type moves should not be used carelessly.
Otherwise, just as the spectators had pointed out, the Protean ability would become a double-edged sword, hurting its own user!
"Hmph!"
However, at this moment, the uncle on the other side snorted coldly.
"You think you can wait for me to make the first move? Too naive!"
Microphones around the field picked up sound, and just like Darren's trash talk in the previous match, the uncle's words were broadcast in real-time, reaching all the audience including Arthur.
Arthur slightly raised his eyebrows.
He had to admit that the opponent had guessed his plan.
Pokémon can't use moves continuously, and he was indeed trying to wait for a moment to strike back.
The type change effect of Protean doesn't last long. In theory, as long as he timed it right and counterattacked in the gap between the opponent's moves, Froakie could still use his familiar "Pound" and "Quick Attack" to fight back.
This required precise timing and control.
But it wasn't impossible to win!
However, Arthur's plan had already been revealed before he could even implement it.
"Let me show you what I learned in the youth training camp, kid! Machop, go in and pressure him!"
Despite being nearly forty years old, the uncle's pursuit of his dream had never faded.
Working a job was just for survival.
Being a trainer was his dream!
Even though he had been rejected by two different youth training camps, he wasn't completely empty-handed.
The next moment, Machop charged forward, entered the smoke, and quickly located Froakie.
After shattering a few annoying bubbles, Machop closed in on Froakie, took a stride, twisted his waist, and launched a fierce jab!
Froakie dodged frantically, barely avoiding the punch.
However, Machop, having closed the distance, wouldn't give up this opportunity.
He continued to pursue, and with his other hand, formed a knife edge and delivered a chop.
"Eek!"
Froakie was almost scared out of his juvenile voice by the continuous barrage of sharp attacks. Even his croak had a different pitch.
At the same time, he was confused.
Neither through the psychic link nor normal vocal commands had he received any orders from his owner.
What was going on?
He wondered for a moment.
Meanwhile, the commentator and some perceptive viewers were getting excited.
"This is... zero move pressure? Machop isn't using any moves, but his attack is still incredibly aggressive! This is the classic technique of zero move pressure! Who would have thought we'd see such amazing skills in a semi-professional arena!"
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