Under the blazing sunlight, Tangrowth reaped the benefits of the weather, its speed doubling.
But Fire-type Pokémon also grew stronger under harsh sunlight. And as a Grass-type Pokémon, Tangrowth was naturally weak to fire.
That made fighting Fire-types far more dangerous.
So Yozora decisively added Flash Fire as an ability…
Lastly, he chose Huge Power, further boosting the strength of Tangrowth's Vine Whip and Bind attacks.
…
What's more, thanks to the Drought ability, Yozora could build an entire Sun Team around Tangrowth. Just like he could form a Rain Team centered on Golduck.
After completing his training, Yozora set off for the next city.
He soon arrived at Cianwood City, heading straight toward the Cianwood Gym.
The Cianwood Gym was a Fighting-type Gym. As Yozora stepped inside, he immediately saw Gym disciples engaged in martial training.
Some pounded away at sandbags, others practiced footwork, while a few sparred in hand-to-hand combat.
In the center stood a burly middle-aged man, shirtless and towering over the disciples, barking instructions in a booming voice. His name was Chuck—the Gym Leader of the Cianwood Gym.
"Hello," Yozora stepped forward and greeted him. "My name is Yozora. I wish to challenge the Cianwood Gym."
Chuck gave a single nod. "Welcome."
Without further words, he led Yozora to the battlefield.
The disciples immediately abandoned their training, crowding around the arena to cheer for their master.
"The following is an official Cianwood Gym battle! Challenger Yozora will face Gym Leader Chuck. Each trainer may use three Pokémon, and victory is decided when one side loses all of their Pokémon. Now, Gym Leader Chuck will send out his first Pokémon!" the referee declared.
Chuck nodded, tossing out a Poké Ball. "Go, Primeape!"
As a Fighting-type specialist, it was no surprise Chuck's Pokémon were Fighting-types.
"Senior-level peak…" In an instant, Yozora discerned Primeape's strength. Not particularly impressive.
Clearly, Chuck was treating him as just another ordinary trainer.
"In that case—Tangrowth, I choose you!" Yozora's first Pokémon burst forth.
As Tangrowth appeared, its Drought ability activated. The indoor temperature spiked sharply, and above the battlefield, a blazing miniature sun of fire energy formed.
It wasn't a real sun, but the fiery orb transformed the entire Gym into Harsh Sunlight.
"So hot…"
Chuck wiped the sweat from his brow, staring at the blazing sun in astonishment. "That Tangrowth… it can instantly change the weather? And its power… it's Lord-tier! That boy… is no ordinary trainer."
Before Chuck could recover, Yozora gave the first order: "Tangrowth, Vine Whip!"
Swish!Tangrowth's arm-like vines lashed out with startling speed, striking toward Primeape.
"Dodge and use Double Team!" Chuck commanded.
Primeape moved swiftly, evading the vines and splitting into five clones to confuse its opponent.
"Good, now maintain Double Team and use Fire Punch!" Chuck smirked knowingly.
In Harsh Sunlight, Fire-type moves grew stronger, and against Grass-types, the effect was devastating. If the attack landed, Tangrowth might fall in one blow.
"Boy, you've set a trap for yourself," Chuck said with a confident smile, as six Primeape surged forward in unison, their flaming fists blazing hotter than ever.
"Master's strategy is flawless!" the disciples cheered loudly.
But before the punches landed, Tangrowth struck again. With another crack of its vines, it lashed Primeape's true body, sending it crashing to the ground. The five clones instantly vanished.
"Primeape is unable to battle! Tangrowth wins!" the referee declared calmly.
The disciples froze in disbelief.
What? Out of six Primeape—one real, five illusions—Tangrowth struck the real one in a single strike?
That was far too much luck.
Chuck's face tightened. Was it really luck?
Or… had the boy already awakened the Mind's Eye?
"No… impossible. So young, and he's already unlocked the Mind's Eye?" Chuck muttered, withdrawing Primeape and sending out his second Pokémon. "Go, Machamp!"
The towering Machamp appeared, its aura even stronger than Tangrowth's. It was Lord-tier, mid-stage.
"Machamp, Karate Chop!"
With a thunderous stomp, Machamp rushed forward, all four arms slashing down in rapid succession.
Yet Tangrowth moved with startling agility, its massive form weaving aside to dodge every blow.
"What? That bulky Tangrowth… moving like this?" the disciples gasped.
Chuck's eyes widened. By all rights, Machamp's speed surpassed Tangrowth's. It should've landed a hit easily. Yet it hadn't touched it once.
…
As time passed, Machamp's relentless strikes grew slower with fatigue.
"Now, Tangrowth—Stun Spore!" Yozora ordered.
Tangrowth spun, scattering a thick cloud of golden powder across the arena.
Machamp inhaled it and instantly staggered, muscles seizing as paralysis took hold.
"Use Growth!"
Tangrowth's body swelled, energy coursing through it as both Attack and Special Attack rose.
Machamp could only watch helplessly, trembling under paralysis. Even Chuck's commands meant nothing—Machamp's body wouldn't obey.
"Now—Vine Whip, again and again!"
Crack! Crack! Crack!
Tangrowth's vines slammed down relentlessly, battering Machamp without mercy.
At last, with a pained roar, Machamp collapsed.
"Machamp is unable to battle! Tangrowth wins!" the referee announced.
Two consecutive victories. Chuck was down to his last Pokémon.
"Incredible!"
"That boy's stronger than even many veteran trainers!"
"It's been ages since Master was pushed this far…"
The disciples cheered desperately for their teacher.
"Young man… it's been too long since I met someone like you." Chuck's expression softened with admiration as he released his final Pokémon—Poliwrath.
This one was far stronger, already at Gym Leader high-tier. Far above Tangrowth's Lord-tier initial stage.
Yozora's eyes sharpened. A direct clash would be dangerous. "Tangrowth, Sleep Powder!"
Tangrowth spun again, releasing a greenish dust.
But Chuck didn't flinch. "Poliwrath, Dig!"
With a heavy thud, Poliwrath burrowed underground, evading the powder.
The arena fell silent. Then suddenly, Poliwrath burst from behind Tangrowth.
"Now, Ice Punch!" Chuck roared.
Poliwrath's icy fist slammed into Tangrowth before it could fully react.
Crack!
A chilling frost engulfed Tangrowth, freezing it solid inside a massive block of ice.
"Tangrowth is frozen solid," the referee muttered grimly.
"Finish it—Brick Break!"
Poliwrath chopped downward, shattering the ice—and Tangrowth with it.
"Tangrowth is unable to battle! Poliwrath wins!"
Yozora recalled Tangrowth calmly. Without hesitation, he threw his second Poké Ball.
"The foe is Water-type? Then—Ampharos, I choose you!"
Ampharos materialized, sparks crackling around its sleek form.
[Ampharos: Gym Leader initial stage][Poliwrath: Gym Leader high stage]
Though Poliwrath had the higher level and greater presence, Ampharos held the type advantage.
"This battle… could go either way."
"Ampharos, strike first—Thunderbolt!"
"Dodge, then Double Team!" Chuck commanded.
Poliwrath blurred, dodging the bolt with ease, then split into twenty shimmering clones scattered across the battlefield.
Chuck smirked. Let's see if Yozora could hit the real one twice in a row.
"Thunderbolt again!" Yozora didn't hesitate.
BOOM!
Ampharos unleashed a massive bolt of lightning, ignoring the illusions entirely, striking Poliwrath's true body head-on.
"WAAAHHHH—!" Poliwrath screamed as electricity coursed through its body, writhing under the double weakness.
Only its sheer level saved it from being instantly knocked out. Still, its condition was dire. All the clones faded away.
"He hit it again… without fail. He's awakened the Mind's Eye. Or perhaps…" Chuck's eyes burned. "Could it be the legendary Power of Aura?"
Either way, this boy was no ordinary trainer.
"Poliwrath, don't give in! Use Dig again!"
Poliwrath gritted its teeth and burrowed once more.
"Ampharos, Double Team as well!" Yozora countered.
In an instant, fifteen more Ampharos appeared across the field.
"Now, Ice Punch!"
With a roar, Poliwrath burst from underground, ignoring the clones and striking Ampharos's real body square in the face. The punch landed cleanly, sending Ampharos skidding across the arena.
Yozora's eyes widened. So… Chuck had awakened the Mind's Eye as well!
No wonder. He had once even instructed Bruno for a time. Though no Tyron, Chuck's strength far surpassed the average Gym Leader—perhaps even brushing Elite Four level.
"One more time! Poliwrath, Brick Break!" Chuck bellowed.
Poliwrath's right arm glowed bright white, chopping down like a blade.
"Ampharos, Cotton Guard!"
At the last moment, fluffy cotton enveloped Ampharos's body, swelling outward. Poliwrath's strike sank deep into the cotton, muffled, its power nearly nullified.
"What—?" Chuck froze. Even Poliwrath was stunned.
"Now, Ampharos—Thunder Punch!" Yozora seized the chance.
Ampharos's fist crackled with lightning as it smashed into Poliwrath's chest.
BOOOOM!
Thunder erupted across the battlefield, engulfing Poliwrath in a storm of light.
When the electricity faded, Poliwrath lay smoking on the ground, eyes swirling in defeat.
"Poliwrath is unable to battle! The winner is Yozora!" the referee declared.
Chuck sighed softly, recalling his partner with a look of respect.
"Well done, Poliwrath… You've earned a good rest."
Then he turned to Yozora, his eyes filled with admiration.
(End of Chapter)