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After Professor Oak intervened in the battle by sending out his Dragonite, the match came to an abrupt halt. Sato, however, didn't find it awkward at all.
His expression remained calm and composed, while Daisy, on the other hand, was flushed with embarrassment and guilt.
As for the group of kids watching, apart from Gary—who was now gritting his teeth and perhaps the only one who could vaguely discern the likely outcome had Swampert and Infernape actually fought—everyone else simply looked confused.
They couldn't understand why Professor Oak had suddenly interfered and stopped what had been a fair Pokémon battle.
"I'm really sorry, young Sato. Technically speaking, I shouldn't have stepped in, but the battle just now was too dangerous—I had no choice but to stop it. I hope you can understand. If nothing unexpected had happened, you would've won that match. Daisy, do you concede?"
After Dragonite returned to his side, Professor Oak gently patted his old companion. Then he turned toward Sato and Daisy with a serious look on his face and addressed them both.
"You're too kind, Professor Oak. I let my head get too hot in the moment—I really shouldn't have allowed Swampert to use that move just now. You stepping in probably saved us both from a disaster. I'm actually grateful."
Sato didn't dare question Professor Oak's judgment. While speaking, he reached down and stroked his still-dazed Pichu, who hadn't yet recovered from the shock of witnessing the power of both Swampert and Infernape. Then, scratching his head a little sheepishly, he replied to the professor.
As he spoke, a faint trace of blue flickered in Sato's eyes—barely perceptible—as he covertly scanned the Dragonite standing beside Professor Oak.
In the very next second, a detailed breakdown of Professor Oak's Dragonite appeared before Sato's eyes. While he was overwhelmed with awe and respect, he also gained a precise understanding of the professor's strength.
Even though Professor Oak was now elderly and no longer an active trainer, as long as this Dragonite stood by his side, he remained very much a Champion-level Trainer—without question.
Dragonite – Information:
Pokémon: Dragonite
Level: 96
Type: Dragon/Flying
Ability: Inner Focus
Gender: Male
Known Moves: Wing Attack, Hurricane, Fire Punch, Thunder Punch, Roost, Wrap, Leer, Thunder Wave, Twister, Dragon Rage, Slam, Agility, Dragon Tail, Aqua Tail, Dragon Rush, Safeguard, Dragon Dance, Outrage, Hyper Beam
Egg Moves: Dragon Breath, Dragon Pulse
Tutor Moves: Extreme Speed, Draco Meteor
TM Moves: Protect, Hidden Power (Poison), Dragon Claw, Roar, Ice Beam, Blizzard, Light Screen, Rain Dance, Thunderbolt, Thunder, Earthquake, Return, Brick Break, Double Team, Flamethrower, Fire Blast, Rock Tomb, Aerial Ace, Endure, Rest, Attract, Steel Wing, Focus Blast, Fling, Sky Drop, Giga Impact, Stone Edge, Dragon Tail, Surf, Defog, Ice Punch, Heat Wave, Iron Head, Iron Tail, Superpower, Tailwind, Water Pulse
Held Item: None
Base Stats (IVs):
HP: 30/31
Attack: 31/31
Defense: 29/31
Special Attack: 30/31
Special Defense: 28/31
Speed: 30/31
[Overall IV Ratings: 178 — Gold Tier]
...
When Sato saw Dragonite's information, he had only one thought: Holy shit, this thing's crazy strong—and expensive as hell.
This Dragonite was, without a doubt, the highest-level Pokémon Sato had encountered since arriving in this world. Its sheer strength was beyond anything Sato could currently describe.
Level 96—for most Pokémon, that's a number they could only ever look up to their whole lives. And to see such a number on a pseudo legendary Dragon-type Pokémon? That was truly shocking.
One thing Sato could say for sure: Professor Oak's Dragonite absolutely had Champion-level strength—top-tier Champion level, in fact.
Sato was certain this Dragonite could easily crush the Darkrai he met back in the Mt. Pyre of Hoenn. Even if that Darkrai were in peak condition, it still wouldn't stand a chance.
What a joke—Darkrai was only Level 70. Against this Level 96 Dragonite—who even knew Extreme Speed, one of the most elite moves—it was like a toddler going up against a titan.
One of the reasons pseudo legendaries are called that is because of their longevity. Their long lifespans allow them to retain peak combat ability for far longer. Their strength holds value over time.
As long as a trainer raises a pseudo legendary to its peak, they can proudly call themselves a Champion-level trainer—even if they're on their deathbed.
Regular Pokémon, on the other hand, don't have this luxury. Most have lifespans similar to humans, if not shorter. Maintaining Champion-level form is a much more difficult, short-lived feat for them.
In fact, Agatha—one of the Elite Four of Kanto—has held her post for so long because her Ghost-type Pokémon seem to grow stronger as they age, allowing them to remain at peak form for years.
Though Professor Oak had aged, his Dragonite was likely still in its prime. That alone allowed Oak to proudly remain a Champion-level trainer. Even other Champions would give him the utmost respect.
"No, no… It was my fault. I was being stubborn. I should have immediately stopped Infernape from continuing in that state. Grandpa… I concede the match."
While Sato was silently processing everything, Daisy finally spoke up. She lowered her head, her face flushed with guilt, and admitted her mistake to her grandfather.
"Sato, you're truly a powerful trainer. You've raised your Swampert incredibly well. But I wasn't going all out today. Next time, I'll give it my all to defeat you. See you around, Mr. Sato."
She lifted her head, a look of firm resolve on her face, her eyes burning with fighting spirit.
Right after she spoke, she released her Xatu and used Teleport to disappear from the area. With both her Lopunny and Infernape seriously injured, she had to rush them to the Pokémon Center in Pallet Town for emergency care.
"She fled. Guess that means I won. Sure, I know she wasn't going all out—but hey, I've only been a trainer for a while. Next time we battle, I'm sure her loss will be even more crushing."
Watching her vanish with a parting threat, Sato wiped his nose with his finger, feeling extremely confident inside.
"Professor Oak, kids… since the battle's over, I'll be heading out now. Farewell, everyone. Until we meet again."
He turned to wave goodbye to Professor Oak, Ash, and the other kids, smiling as he prepared to leave.
"Hold on, young Sato. A battle should come with rewards. Here—take these two TMs. One is Water Pledge, perfect for your Swampert. The other is Grass Pledge. If you find a good Grass-type starter and have them use their respective Pledge moves together, you can turn the battlefield into a swamp terrain. Use them wisely."
Before Sato could take a step, Professor Oak stopped him and gestured him over. With a big smile, he handed Sato the two Technical Machines.
The truth was, when Sato had Swampert use the Ice Earth Hammer—that powerful triple combo move—it had thoroughly shocked Professor Oak. He now viewed Sato as a highly promising trainer.
As a veteran of the Pokémon world, Professor Oak always hoped the youth of Pallet Town would build bonds with talented individuals from beyond. By gifting Sato these two rare and valuable TMs, he was essentially forging goodwill between Pallet Town and this rising star.
And Oak could tell—Sato wasn't a bad person. He was someone who truly loved Pokémon. Giving him these precious TMs was also a way of supporting a good-hearted trainer in his journey.
"Thank you so much, Professor Oak! I've had my eye on these TMs for ages but never had a chance to get them. If there's ever anything I can do for you, just say the word—I'll do my absolute best."
Accepting the two TMs, Sato's eyes lit up with burning desire. Clutching the rare discs tightly, he gave Professor Oak a solemn promise.