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he knowes pokemon more than i know _Chapter_1094_en

Chapter 203

Chapter 1084: Electronic Badges

2024-05-15 Author: Samsung Charmander

*CRASH!*

As Leaf Blade slashed down, Slaking's massive body stiffened for a long moment before finally crashing to the ground.

"Slaking is unable to battle! Grovyle wins!!"

Max, acting as the Referee, was completely dumbfounded. The words tumbled out of his mouth, his voice cracking.

How had such a one-sided situation been reversed in an instant?

Having watched so many recordings of battles and prided himself on his expertise, he had no idea what had just happened.

"..."

For the first time, a look of astonishment appeared on Norman's face.

Why did it seem like this Grovyle's overall abilities had improved dramatically in a single moment?

This had nothing to do with the boost from a move like Swords Dance.

Looking at the Grovyle that had risen to its feet again—its movements, its breathing, its expression... for a moment, they all seemed to perfectly mirror the Trainer behind it.

It was as if they had fused.

Norman's gaze shifted to Ash, sizing him up and down.

"Huu..."

Ash let out a sharp exhale, panting a few times before the strange sense of connection finally ceased.

"Cha?"

Having entered this state of bond connection for the first time, Grovyle only now, after the battle had ended, looked back at Ash with belated realization.

Was it Ash who had granted him this new power?

Grovyle's gaze focused, and a fervent craving for the new strength he had just felt rose within its heart.

As expected, running away from the research lab and choosing to follow Ash was the right choice!

Grovyle's friendship +50.

Ash: "?"

He just scratched the back of his head, completely confused.

He didn't know why, but when he looked at Grovyle now, its expression seemed much friendlier.

"Is it a Trainer's special ability...?"

Norman also seemed to understand something, a look of sudden realization on his face.

It appeared to be an ability that could significantly increase a Pokémon's overall abilities. For a Trainer, this was undoubtedly a top-tier ability.

Powers like a Psychic-type's telekinesis were prohibited in battle, rendering them useless.

But for an ability like Ash's, there were no explicit rules against it in official competitions.

After all, it was generally accepted that the louder a Trainer shouted, the greater the probability their Pokémon could continue to battle.

Roughly speaking, it wasn't really any different from Ash's bond connection ability...

With the battle over, Norman handed Ash a gray-black badge shaped like a small dumbbell.

The Balance Badge!

"So this is the Balance Badge?!"

Ash carefully held it in his hand, examining it. Now he only had three badges left to collect!

Not only that, but Norman also took out his phone and displayed a QR Code for Ash.

Ash: "?"

Did he want to add him as a friend?

"This is my own compilation of the data for the TM Chip Away."

Norman explained in a calm, unhurried tone.

No one had created a TM for this move that could be widely replicated, so it was considered a special item.

Hearing this, Ash looked on with curiosity and took out his Pokédex to scan the QR Code.

"Dee-dee. Chip Away.avi has been saved locally."

Hearing the Pokédex's notification, Ash was greatly surprised.

He used to think that TMs were all physical discs. Good heavens, now they had become QR codes you could just scan.

The power of technology is truly great!

"There's nothing strange about it. In a few years, it's estimated that even Gym Badges will become virtual electronic ones," Norman said with a sigh, noticing the boy's confusion.

It seemed that a few regions' Gyms had already started implementing this, using electronic Badges to replace the physical ones after a Gym victory.

It was all for environmental protection.

"There are even some fanatical Pokémon enthusiasts who think that making Pokémon battle is too cruel and suggest it be abolished..."

Norman seemed to recall something. This trend seemed to have started over in the Unova Region.

After all, in the current world, Pokémon were the center of everything, and Pokémon battles were the most important part of that.

But a portion of fanatical activists called for everyone to use electronic, virtual versions of their Pokémon and conduct simulated battles on machines...

That way, in the future, Trainers wouldn't even need to be face-to-face; they could battle the Elite Four and even the Champion from the comfort of their own homes!

Ash: "?"

Isn't that just a regular video game?

Because charging a mobile phone is always a hassle, someone invented a landline to replace it?

"Ash! Ash! Can I go on a journey with you guys!?"

At that moment, Max, who had been standing to the side, finally mustered up his courage and approached them.

If he couldn't stick with his sister, sticking with Ash would be great too!

However, without a second thought, Ash decisively refused.

After all, his journey would still occasionally involve dangerous situations. Brock and Blue were both Trainers over ten years old and could take care of themselves.

But Max... when Ash got worked up, he sometimes forgot about himself, let alone Max.

Of course, the most important reason was...

He didn't know him well.

He really didn't know him well at all.

"Aww..."

Hearing this, Max's head drooped in disappointment.

Did this mean he had to stay in the Gym for another two or three years before he could go out?

After watching today's battle, Max felt like something inside him couldn't be held back any longer and was about to overflow.

"Max, in that case, you will begin your training with me."

However, at that moment, Norman suddenly tossed a Poké Ball to Max, his expression serious.

"I'll lend you this Zigzagoon for now. Use it to hone your strength as a Trainer."

Bottling it up wasn't a good thing. Norman knew that his son, despite his rash appearance, possessed basic theoretical knowledge and a breadth of view far beyond his peers.

It was indeed time for him to start training.

"Dad!! I love you!!"

Max clutched the Poké Ball tightly, his eyes welling up with tears. After letting out a shriek, he leaped forward and hugged Norman tightly.

This heartwarming scene of a father and son moved Ash and the other two, who applauded.

"So, your next destination should be the Fortree Gym."

As they were about to part ways, Norman pointed them in the right direction.

The remaining three Gyms were all in the eastern part of the Hoenn Region. The sea in this area was much larger than the landmass.

Two of the Gyms were even located on two separate islands.

"The Rusturf Tunnel is open now. Taking that path is the fastest way to get to Mauville City."

Mauville City was the central city of the entire Hoenn Region. Crossing the sea to its east would officially bring them to the eastern part of the region.

"Thank you so much, Norman!"

Ash and his friends quickly nodded their thanks and then left the Petalburg Gym.

After three intense battles, even though he had only used his newly caught Pokémon...

Ash had gotten his fill of battling and didn't need to have any kind of "real" battle with Norman.



(One chapter today.)

(end of chapter)

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