Chapter 121:Dragonite: Invincible but Lonely! Sirfetch'd is Very Angry

After Turtonator was sent flying, it crashed heavily to the ground.

Heracross lay on the ground, slightly lifting its head to watch as Turtonator fell, its head going limp and instantly losing consciousness.

Turtonator also lost its battle capability.

“Turtonator, it’s no wonder Heracross struggled so much to fight it.”

Natsume mused while watching the scene in the video, “But to take down Turtonator under these circumstances, Heracross really put in a lot of effort.”

In Pokémon battles, unless there's a significant level advantage, the key to victory lies in how well you utilize your Pokémon's abilities.

This Turtonator and its trainer made great use of their strengths.

Rotom continued, “Next is the battle between Infernape and Hariyama.”

In the video being played, Infernape charged in, initiating an attack on Hariyama immediately.

Today’s challenger was clearly a trainer with abundant practical battle experience.

While Hariyama's speed wasn’t as fast as Infernape's, its massive hands acted like shields, protecting it.

Hariyama's defense could always withstand Infernape's assaults.

However, given Infernape's speed and agility, it was difficult for Hariyama to land a hit.

It was a battle of attrition.

Notably, during the battle, Infernape continuously used Power-Up Punch to increase the power of its fists.

“Hariyama, Close Combat!”

Noticing the change in the power of Infernape's punches, Hariyama’s trainer issued the final command.

“Hariyama!”

Hariyama completely abandoned its defense, swinging its large hands with force!

“Infernape!”

Infernape braced itself against Hariyama's attack, its flaming tail burning fiercely, symbolizing Infernape’s fighting spirit!

Bang!

Infernape used Counter!

Fighting type Pokémon battles are always exhilarating and full of excitement.

“Dragonite~”

Dragonite leaned its head close to Natsume.

Seeing the intense match between Infernape and Hariyama on the video, Dragonite couldn't help but let out a roar.

This match ended with both Infernape and Hariyama losing their battle capability.

“Well, that’s that.”

Rotom disconnected the projection and said, “Now, he's planning to challenge Natsume.”

Natsume asked curiously, “Who is this challenger? They must be somewhat well-known.”

Rotom nodded. “The challenger is named Renji.”

“He placed 8th in the Northern Region trainer tournament, 3rd in the Southern Region tournament, and 2nd in the Western Region tournament.”

“The Eastern Region is the fourth regional league he’s challenging.”

“Additionally, he has already earned eight gym badges from the Eastern Region.”

Many trainers, after reaching a certain level of strength, challenge the five major regions within the country.

The support for these trainers during their challenges often comes from large companies, Pokémon research institutions, or Pokémon colleges.

That’s the lifestyle of a professional trainer.

"I understand."

Natsume nodded slightly and said, "Let's go check out below the mountain."

"Sure, Rotom~"

Farm gym.

Infernape and Hariyama were lying together on a patch of grass.

Audino was treating their bodies.

"Thank you, Audino."

A very muscular man stood nearby.

His age was around 30.

"Audino~"

Audino used Life Dew.

This was a new move it had learned.

"Heracross."

At that moment, Heracross had already woken up.

It was staring intently at the nearby Turtonator.

"Turtonator."

Turtonator shifted its gaze.

Fighting-type Pokémon are really annoying.

Turtonator couldn't believe that even after being blasted away, Heracross could still get up and attack.

Turtonator thought: Wasn't Heracross already on the edge of unconsciousness when it charged at me?

Even after being hit so hard, it still hadn’t fallen down.

"Heracross."

Heracross tugged at Turtonator.

It hadn’t performed well just now, so let's have another round.

"Turtonator."

Turtonator turned its body.

No fight, no fight.

"Infernape~"

Infernape and Hariyama also woke up at that moment.

As soon as Infernape opened its eyes, it jumped right up.

"Infernape!"

Flames instantly ignited on Infernape's fist.

"Hariyama!"

Hariyama swung its massive hand.

"Audino!"

Audino hurriedly stepped in between them.

Renji patted Hariyama and said, "Hariyama, the battle is already over."

"Thanks for your hard work."

"Hariyama~"

The surrounding audience members were still discussing the recent battle.

"Heracross truly deserves its title as a Bug type; despite being so heavily injured, it still managed to take down Turtonator with its last bit of strength."

"This is the Guts of Fighting-type Pokémon."

"Speaking of which, Renji is going to continue challenging Natsume, the gym leader, right?"

A tourist wearing a hat said, "Looks like we’re about to witness an exciting battle."

"What a lucky day to come here."

His friend beside him laughed and said, "Renji is a top contender for this year's Eastern Region Championship."

"Strength is definitely not in question, but I wonder who Natsume will send out next."

As they were chatting, someone noticed Natsume and Dragonite approaching them.

The battle arena was surrounded by many people and Pokémon.

Rockruff and Arcevee were also here.

"Eevee~"

Seeing Natsume approaching, the Arcevee ran toward Natsume.

"Eevee~"

They all seemed to be influenced by the earlier battle, appearing very excited.

Natsume smiled at the Rockruff and said, "That battle was intense, wasn't it?"

"Rockruff~"

Renji stepped forward and said to Natsume, "Hello, I am today’s gym challenger, Renji."

Natsume nodded slightly, "I saw your battle."

"It was a very exciting match."

Beside Natsume, Dragonite, holding a basket with Springy Mushrooms, nodded in agreement.

Renji glanced at Natsume's Dragonite and said, "Natsume, the gym leader, I have already obtained eight badges."

"I came to Morimachi to challenge you to a full battle."

"I hope that battling you will give me a clearer understanding of my current strength."

Natsume replied cheerfully, "No problem, you've already battled with Infernape and Heracross."

"Next, let's have a 4v4 battle."

Sirfetch'd quickly ran up to Natsume, excited.

Sirfetch'd was anxious while watching just now.

So, for the upcoming 4v4 battle, Sirfetch'd was eager to participate.

"Awooo~"

Arcanine looked at Natsume, wagging its tail vigorously.

Natsume looked at Sirfetch'd and Arcanine and said, "Alright, you two can go."

"Dragonite~"

Dragonite eagerly leaned towards Natsume.

Natsume pushed Dragonite away and said, "Dragonite, you don't need to get involved."

Seeing that Natsume didn't seem to intend to let Dragonite participate, Renji couldn't help but say, "Natsume, the gym leader, you should have seen my strength by now."

"Honestly, I would love to have a battle with your Dragonite."

Although Natsume's Dragonite was close to champion-level strength, not many knew this.

After all, the league had kept the battle information between Dragonite and Medicham under wraps.

In fact, the videos from that time couldn't even be found online.

Therefore, Renji didn’t have a clear understanding of Dragonite's strength.

Of course, he wouldn't underestimate Dragonite.

Renji just felt that his Pokémon at least had the strength to go a few rounds with Dragonite.

"Dragonite~"

Dragonite tugged at Natsume, full of expectation.

Dragonite just wanted to have a battle to test its upgraded strength.

Natsume looked at Dragonite helplessly and said, "Alright then."

Seeing Natsume's expression, Renji felt a bit underestimated.

He walked toward the battle arena, determined to show this young gym leader his full strength!

Renji was older than Natsume by a significant margin.

Although Natsume was the gym leader, he was still quite young.

Being looked down upon by someone younger naturally bothered Renji.

Renji had performed well in the regional tournament, and he certainly had the pride of a Trainer.

Seeing Natsume step up to battle himself, the Sandslash in the fields temporarily paused their work.

They pushed through the crowd and positioned themselves at the front of the venue.

Kiko and Squirtle also ran down excitedly.

Rotom looked at Natsume and the challenger and began announcing the match rules.

"The rules of this match are 4v4. The match ends when one side's Pokémon lose all battle capability. Now, both participants may release their Pokémon."

Natsume looked at the Dragonite behind him.

Sirfetch'd was about to step forward first when Dragonite grabbed it.

Dragonite flew over Sirfetch'd and landed in front of Natsume.

"Dragonite~"

Dragonite wanted to go in first.

Natsume looked at Dragonite helplessly and said, "Alright, just remember to control your strength."

Natsume actually wanted Dragonite to be the last one in.

"Dragonite~"

Dragonite handed the small basket it was holding to Natsume before flying into the battle arena.

"Sirfetch'd."

Sirfetch'd glared at Dragonite angrily.

Renji looked at Dragonite and said, "If the opponent is Dragonite, then come out, Crabominable!"

Crabominable, a Fighting and Ice type Pokémon.

This Crabominable was at a fairly high level, level 52.

In addition, Turtonator was at level 49, and Hariyama was at level 51.

No wonder Renji was a top contender in this year's regional tournament.

Rotom observed both Pokémon entering the arena and declared, "The match begins!"

Renji quickly shouted, "Crabominable, use Icy Wind!"

"Serperior~"

Crabominable took a deep breath, and an icy wind whipped up in the battle arena.

"Dragonite~"

Flames ignited on Dragonite's fist.

Renji thought: Is it time to attack?

He immediately shouted, "Crabominable, use Protect, then go for Ice Hammer!"

Dragonite flapped its wings and flew above Crabominable.

"Dragonite~"

Crabominable immediately set up a protective barrier.

However, in the blink of an eye, Dragonite charged toward Crabominable like a cannonball.

Renji's eyes went wide with shock.

Bang!

Dragonite's fist came crashing down.

A surge of flames instantly engulfed Crabominable's body.

The once-solid ground seemed as fragile as foam at that moment.

The ground let out a deafening roar.

Countless cracks spread out like a spider's web.

Beneath Crabominable, the earth seemed to open up like a giant mouth, swallowing it whole.

Dust and debris flew everywhere, creating an invisible, earthy haze.

"Dragonite~"

Dragonite blew a puff of air, and the smoke quickly dissipated.

Crabominable lay in the center of the battle arena, already unconscious.

The audience around was stunned by the scene.

"Dragonite~"

Dragonite's face showed a slightly melancholic expression.

Being invincible feels so lonely.

There's no opponent after all.

Dragonite looked smugly at Infernape and Heracross outside the arena.

"Dragonite~"

"Infernape."

"Heracross."

Infernape and Heracross clenched their fists.

How frustrating, to be outdone by Dragonite.

Dragonite happily flew to Natsume's side.

Natsume chuckled as he handed the basket back to Dragonite, saying, "You really showed off there, didn't you?"

"Dragonite~"

"Alright, go sit on the sidelines; leave the rest to Sirfetch'd and the others."

"Sirfetch'd!"

Sirfetch'd thought to itself, finally, it was its turn to battle.

Just as Sirfetch'd was about to step forward, a fiery figure rushed up.

"Awooo~"

Arcanine entered the battle venue.

"Sirfetch'd!"

Sirfetch'd suddenly became anxious.

"Sirfetch'd."

Sirfetch'd angrily pointed at Arcanine and complained to Natsume.

Natsume reassured him, "Alright."

"How about you handle the next two matches?"

"Sirfetch'd."

When Sirfetch'd heard that he could battle twice, he calmed down a bit.

However, Sirfetch'd still stood beside Natsume, ready for action at any time.

Natsume looked at Renji across from him.

Renji seemed a bit dazed.

He knew Dragonite was strong, but this was way too strong!

He had faced near godly level Pokémon before, like the Goodra from Sakura Gym.

While it wasn't a direct opponent, he certainly expected to put up a fight.

"Rotom, shall we continue the match?"

Rotom looked at Renji and reminded him.

Renji quickly replied, "Of course we will!"

He shook his head vigorously to clear his mind.

"Go, Swampert!"

"Swampert!"

Swampert let out a low growl as he faced Arcanine.

"Squirtle."

Squirtle tugged at Mudkip.

"Mudkip~"

Mudkip looked up at Swampert with admiration.

It looked so strong.

Mudkip decided to take Swampert as its goal.

"Swampert, use Muddy Water!"

"Swampert~"

Swampert unleashed a torrent of murky water!

"Arcanine, use Extreme Speed!"

"Awooo~"

Arcanine took off, sprinting like a whirlwind, and in an instant, it was right in front of Swampert.

At that moment, Swampert was still using Muddy Water!

Bang!

Swampert was sent flying!

Arcanine raised its head and howled, "Awooo~!"

Flames erupted from its mouth.

Flamethrower shot straight toward Swampert.

Swampert’s body was propelled out of the battle area by the impact of the flames, crashing into the rising energy barrier.

Bam~

The spectators near the energy barrier were startled as Swampert flew toward them, engulfed in flames.

"What raw power! This is incredible."

"Truly deserving of being Natsume's main Pokémon; the strength difference is just too great."

Swampert wobbled as it stood up.

It was panting heavily, looking like it wanted to continue the battle.

"Awooo."

Arcanine shot a glare at Swampert.

Swampert instinctively felt fear at Arcanine's gaze.

The determination that Swampert was holding onto immediately vanished.

"Swampert."

Swampert collapsed to the ground, losing battle capability.

"Squirtle."

Squirtle looked at Mudkip beside him.

Mudkip covered its face.

"Mudkip."

Mudkip decided not to take Swampert as its goal anymore.

"Awooo~"

Arcanine happily ran over to Natsume.

Natsume petted Arcanine's head and said, "You did well."

"Sirfetch'd!"

Sirfetch'd excitedly entered the battlefield.

Finally, it was his turn!

"Sirfetch'd!"

Sirfetch'd looked at Renji with great spirit.

"This..."

Renji was already taken aback.

The consecutive battles made him instantly aware of the great disparity between them.

He also understood that Natsume was not underestimating him.

Because Dragonite's strength was genuinely overwhelming.

Thinking back, the Infernape from the farm was merely meant to deal with challengers.

Renji sighed and said, "Natsume, the gym leader, I concede."

Sirfetch'd's expression froze instantly.

"???"