Chapter 364: Chapter 364

A battle? Lu Ye exchanged a glance with Gengar at his side. “Gengarr! ヽ(￣▽￣)ﾉ” Gengar was raring to go. Just had a big meal—perfect time for a workout!

“Battle’s not a problem...” Lt. Surge scratched his head—then his expression changed. If those two went at it, the arena repair bill wouldn’t be small! Don’t tell me… this is why you came to Vermilion Gym?!

“I want to see the gap between my current strength and Mr. Lu’s.” Brock’s face was firm as he locked eyes with Lu Ye. “Even with a type disadvantage, I still want to face your Blastoise.”

Despite his usual poker face, Brock held a fiery passion for battle. Especially after witnessing Lu Ye’s match against Ji Shiyin. Brock wanted to know—just how far could he go if he gave it his all?

Or maybe… a match against Mr. Lu could reinforce his own belief— To start from Pewter City, and show his younger siblings he could become the strongest Rock-type Gym Leader. Even when up against a type disadvantage, he wouldn’t back down.

This match wasn’t just a friendly battle—it was a clash of convictions. And since Lu Ye often declined official Gym challenges, Brock seized the opportunity now, after watching Ash and Marnie’s match, to present his challenge.

The image of Lu Ye’s fierce Blastoise flashed in his mind. “Mr. Lu,” Brock said seriously, clad in his green-yellow vest, “please give me your guidance!”

Lu Ye considered for a moment. When Trainers lock eyes, battle becomes inevitable—that’s not just a saying. (Even if Brock’s eyes are kinda hard to read.)

Through eye contact, a Trainer’s beliefs are exchanged—and then understood through Pokémon battle. Lu Ye only wanted to live a carefree life with his Pokémon. But many times, battles couldn’t be avoided. Like Red vs. Green—their fated clash. Or now—Brock, bringing his resolve to win.

“Your face says otherwise, Mr. Brock.” Ash shrugged. “Pika-chu~” Pikachu crossed its arms and nodded solemnly.

“Didn’t think… this rock head would be so fired up,” Lt. Surge clicked his tongue, waving generously. “Fine, take the field. I’ll cover the repair bill!”

“Ugh…” Even Brock’s iron-willed face twitched a little. Lu Ye finally understood Brock’s real plan. Coming to Vermilion Gym, using Lt. Surge’s arena—and no repair fees? That’s our Brock!

Rumble rumble— With mechanical whirring, the standard battle platform rose to the center of the gym.

“Uncle Surge, who do you think will win?” Ash asked excitedly. Lt. Surge folded his arms, watching the two Trainers step onto the field, a rare serious frown on his face.

A 3v3 match, huh. If Mr. Lu went all out, Brock likely wouldn’t win. But that Mega Steelix Brock raised? Even for Lu Ye, it’d be a tough nut to crack.

And clearly, Brock had prepared a strategy to counter Blastoise… “It’ll depend on what Pokémon Mr. Lu chooses,” Lt. Surge said seriously.

“Wait, what did you just call me?” “Learned it from Gold-senpai,” Ash grinned. “Sounds friendly!” “Hmm…” Lt. Surge mentally marked down another point for Gold.

“Miss Marnie, what do you think?” Ali rubbed her arms and asked the soft-spoken girl beside her. Marnie replied softly, “Mr. Brock’s Mega Steelix… he’s deeply studied Steel-types. He’s a very strong contender in the Master Class.” “This match… we might see his full strength.”

Ali nodded, but her thoughts drifted to the League Conference. She’d battled Mr. Lu before and knew he loved playing in rookie events. And now, Brock—one of Kanto’s most decent Gym Leaders—was about to be next!

“Good luck, Mr. Brock!” she cheered silently.

Clang! Clang! Spotlights from both ends of the arena fell on the two Trainers.

“I’ll be the referee!” Lt. Surge grabbed a flag and strode forward boldly. “Standard battlefield. 3v3 format. Swapping allowed—no problem?”

Wearing his yellow-green vest, the dark-skinned man nodded firmly. Lu Ye gripped a Dive Ball in his palm and looked up at Brock. This big brother, steadfast as a mountain, had given up so much for his family.

Doctor, breeder, chef—so many part-time gigs— But it was “Rock-type Expert” that earned Brock the most recognition.

Lu Ye smiled faintly. He never rejected battles. But risking his Pokémon for pointless fights wasn’t wise. Yet here, a clash of Trainer beliefs— That was the essence of Pokémon battles.

“Let’s go all out, Gengar!” Lu Ye said lightly. “Gengarr! ψ(*｀ー´)ψ” Gengar spun his spoons, floating beside Lu Ye, locked in.

Lt. Surge grinned and waved his flag expectantly. “Battle, begin!”

Brock took a deep breath and threw out an Ultra Ball. Lu Ye followed with a Commemorative Ball.

Sirfetch’d wasn’t as strong as Sylveon, But with a type advantage here, he fit Lu Ye’s tactical style better. And with Blastoise and Gengar in reserve... Facing Brock’s resolve, this would be a true test of his own full strength.

“Let’s go, Onion Cake!” “Quack!” Though mildly annoyed at the nickname slip, Sirfetch’d strode onto the field, leek in hand, full of fighting spirit.

Finally, my turn again! Let’s see which little chicken I’m up against—

Duck Duck froze. Standing before him was a Kabutops with crimson eyes, Bladed arms crossed, spiked shell bristling—deadly aura radiating off its cold, scythe-like blades.

“Quack! (´థ౪థ)σ” Holy light, is my leek gonna get sliced in half by this thing?!

His face stern, Duck Duck looked composed, But inside, he was panicking like crazy.

Despite facing one of Brock’s trump cards, Kabutops, He didn’t lose any momentum!

“That Kabutops,” Marnie said softly, “its Ability is Battle Armor—can’t be hit with crits.” “And Lu Ye’s Sirfetch’d carries a Leek, which boosts crit rate…”

In both style and strength, Sirfetch’d wasn’t favored here. Still, with Kabutops being 4× weak to Grass—it was his chance too.

Brock’s face didn’t change as he spoke gravely: “This Kabutops—was given to me when I worked at the Pewter Museum.” “I don’t regret that decision… even if Mt. Moon stands in my path.” “Endure it—or cut clean through!”

“Kabutops, Aqua Cutter!”

“Ka-ka!” Kabutops dashed toward Sirfetch’d, blades scraping the ground, sparking furiously. In a flash, they were toe-to-toe. Kabutops leapt up, water-coated blades glowing coldly, slashing down with sweeping force!

“Detect!” CLANG! Sirfetch’d raised his shield, parrying the strike. A sharp metallic screech echoed as a crack appeared down the shield! “Quack! (´థ౪థ)σ” I can fix it… but dmn that hurts!

From the sidelines, Lt. Surge squinted. Even with type advantage… If Grass moves don’t hit, it’s all for nothing. And once Kabutops builds momentum, there’s no room to counterattack!

Kabutops’ blades crossed—eyes flashing with killing intent. Pursuit! He appeared behind Sirfetch’d in a blink, slashing straight down!

“Behind you—Leaf Blade!”

Sirfetch’d’s leek glowed vibrant green. A breeze swept up, the scent of scallions filled the air. “Quack!” Sirfetch’d shut his eyes, twisted his body, and stabbed backward with a whoosh!

Kabutops dodged just in time, but his eyes widened in shock. If that landed… he might’ve been done for!

“You read that well...” Brock murmured. “Then—pull back and use Stone Edge!”

The ground shook violently. “Ka-ka!” Kabutops struck the earth—cracks spiderwebbed toward Sirfetch’d. Spikes erupted from the floor—gleaming, jagged pillars of stone!

“So this is… the Rock-type Gym Leader’s trump card…” Ali muttered dryly. No wonder they wanted to use my arena...

Lt. Surge paled. Yeah, like hell you’d use this move in Pewter Gym!

“When I challenged him...” Ash stared. “He wasn’t this intense...”

“Sirfetch’d isn’t very fast,” Marnie frowned, watching Lu Ye carefully—then gasped. “Detect, again!”

Classic “Protect-or-not-Protect” timing. At the moment Stone Edge erupted— “Quack!” Sirfetch’d stepped back, closed his eyes, and swept his leek in a wide arc—

CRACK! A jagged line split across a stone pillar—then it split in two!

“Sirfetch’d... has this kind of power?!” Ash turned to Lt. Surge. “No,” Lt. Surge replied seriously. “He just seized that one perfect second to protect himself.”

“Kabutops.” Brock didn’t hesitate. “Aqua Cutter again!”

Mist rose—water surged on the blades—Kabutops charged! “Now—Grassy Glide!” Lu Ye shouted.

Kabutops slashed close—Sirfetch’d dodged, forced to drop his shield. “Quack!” With a cry, he lashed out with his leek!

×4 weakness—super effective!

“He landed it!” Ash’s eyes widened. “Mr. Brock’s ace—he actually got...” “Don’t jump the gun!” Lt. Surge smirked.

No rest for the weary. Kabutops’ red eyes flashed. He slashed—water exploded!

“Held on with a Focus Sash...” Marnie looked up softly. “A warrior’s courage—to survive even death...”

Sirfetch’d already imagined himself passed out at the Pokémon Center. Since joining the team, he’d never taken a real hit. Compared to the breeding house… this life was much better. But if winning is his master’s belief— Then giving it his all once in a while… doesn’t feel bad, quack~

“Quack!” Shield gone, Sirfetch’d held his leek like a katana, eyes sharp—ready for a one-for-one trade!

“To your left!” Lu Ye called suddenly. “There’s gravel—use Sand Attack!”

Stone Edge’s impact had scattered a thick layer of dust over the field. “Quack!” Without hesitation, Sirfetch’d scooped up lime powder and flung it at Kabutops’ face!

Blinded, Kabutops whiffed the fatal slash!

Brock’s expression stiffened. “A tactical move… like that?” I’ve definitely underestimated Mr. Lu!

“Sand Attack lowered accuracy…” Lt. Surge clicked his tongue. “Didn’t know Mr. Lu could be this lucky.”

Or maybe... this was just Sirfetch’d’s fate.

Duck Duck sighed. He’d dealt major damage—but he was exhausted. Lu Ye pulled out his Commemorative Ball and recalled him, eyes sharpening. “Go—Blastoise!”

The field trembled. Kabutops’ water aura wavered violently.

“T-that’s terrifying!” Ali turned pale. Back at the P1 Grand Prix, he wasn’t this strong!

“So this is… Mr. Lu’s ace?” Marnie muttered. As a former Rock-type Gym Leader, she couldn’t think of any clear counter.

“Don’t underestimate that guy!” Lt. Surge grinned. “He’s tougher than a toilet stone!”

“Mr. Surge… that’s not a flattering metaphor,” Ali muttered. “Haha—same thing!”

“Ka-meh! ヾ(⌐■_■)” Blastoise stood before Lu Ye, waves of Aura Master energy spreading outward.

Lu Ye also activated his Aura Power, a breeze rising dramatically. Time to cash in on some style points.

“He’s finally here...” Brock closed his eyes. Rock-types—fragile defenses, shaky accuracy—often looked down upon. But their charm was undeniable. Toughness, fearsome Rock Slide, unyielding tenacity... That’s why Brock loved Rock-types. And he—was Kanto’s strongest Rock-type expert!

“Then I choose you!” Brock opened his eyes and recalled Kabutops. “Go, Golem!”

BOOM! The massive Golem landed with a quake. The ground shook violently. Lt. Surge twitched. Good grief... Don’t wreck my gym!

“Using Golem against Blastoise...” Marnie furrowed her brows. Ash’s eyes lit up, cheering loudly: “Let’s go, Brock—beat Mr. Lu!”

Lu Ye sweatdropped. He and Blastoise scratched their cheeks in unison. Why does it feel like I’m the villain here...

“Ash taught me something too.” Brock squinted, a rare fire in his tone. “In Pokémon battles, sometimes belief matters more than typing!” “Go, Golem—Rollout!”

“Careful,” Lu Ye coughed. “Water Gun!”