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Greninja has two possible abilities. One of them is the one possessed by the specimen currently in front of them: Torrent.
The other is the ability Protean.
If Cain had to choose, he would undoubtedly value those with the Protean ability more.
But that didn't mean Torrent was a bad ability.
On the contrary, the Torrent ability could be activated when a Water-type Pokémon's energy dropped below a certain threshold, increasing the power of its Water-type moves by 50%.
It was a very powerful bonus.
Furthermore, Torrent was an ability that only starter Water-type Pokémon could have.
One could even say that, when selecting Water-type starters, the League prioritized those who had this ability.
At first, Cain had thought that the change in this Greninja was the sign of a Mega Evolution, but after ordering Blaziken to back off a little, he remembered that for Mega Evolution, the presence of a Trainer was essential.
Then he understood: it wasn't Mega Evolution, though it looked like it.
It was the activation of the Torrent ability.
However, something was unusual. This Greninja seemed to have some conscious control over its ability, and the effect it showed was clearly above average.
It might be due to some special training it had undergone.
"Crooaakkk."
A roar came from the water torrent, and with it, the current burst outward.
Revealing Greninja at the center.
"As I suspected. There's been no external change, but the effect of the Torrent ability... it can't be underestimated," Cain commented with a hint of disappointment.
Although at the same time, it seemed logical to him.
If it were so easy to activate a Bond Evolution, then Ash's Greninja wouldn't be so unique and special.
"Blaziken, continue the battle! But be careful with its attacks. It won't be as easy to deal with now," Cain warned telepathically.
"Blaazk!" shouted Blaziken, brimming with fighting spirit.
Now things were really getting interesting! An opponent like this was worth it!
His legs began bouncing off the ground in a special rhythm.
Swords Dance activated!
When it came to brute strength, he had never backed down!
Water-type? So what!
"Croak, Croak, Croak."
Greninja once again used his old trick: Double Team.
But this time, that move had no effect on Blaziken.
He directly chose one of the clones and charged at it without hesitation.
A rain of Water Shurikens came down again.
But this time, those shurikens visibly looked different.
Cain had already completely synchronized his senses with Blaziken's.
Blaziken felt real pressure for the first time.
He couldn't block them head-on.
Tiny flames uncontrollably escaped his mouth.
A sign of internal tension.
Faced with the incoming wave of shurikens, Blaziken exhaled a stream of fire directly at them.
Boom!
Boom!
Boom!
Boom!
The flames clashed against the shurikens.
This time, Greninja didn't stay still. He canceled his clones and took two Water Kunais in his hands, charging into close combat.
The steam mist expanded, and the two Pokémon clashed in the midst of the vaporized water.
Holding the weapons, Greninja's range increased considerably.
Blaziken couldn't get close as he had before. He could only use his long legs to trade blows with the Water Kunais.
The mist grew denser and denser.
Continuing like this wasn't a solution.
At the same time, Cain and Blaziken thought the same thing.
And acted instantly.
After another clash between Blaze Kick and the Water Kunais, Blaziken didn't retreat this time — instead, he lunged forward.
Greninja sensed something odd and tried to retreat quickly.
But it was already too late. The speed of a Mega-Evolved Blaziken was superior.
When he was practically on top of him, Greninja created two new Water Shurikens and hurled them.
It was the moment!
Aerial Ace!
Using the agility of the Aerial Ace move, Blaziken stuck close to Greninja's body and spun rapidly, appearing behind him.
During the spin, the flames from his body brushed the torrent still partially covering Greninja, producing a sizzling sound.
He did it!
Both Cain and Blaziken knew they had secured the position.
Greninja was stunned. He didn't expect his opponent to have such perfect control of distance. Had he really achieved that through training alone?
That was a technique Blaziken had learned by observing Vigoroth.
If Vigoroth could detect openings among a rain of rocks thrown by Tyranitar, then Blaziken could use the speed of Aerial Ace to rotate precisely and appear behind Greninja.
Sky Uppercut!
The band around his wrist automatically wrapped around his right fist. As he appeared behind Greninja, Blaziken was already crouched.
BOOM!
The blow struck him square in the back.
The power of Sky Uppercut was brutal, especially when the opponent was completely exposed, without any active defense.
Greninja was launched into the sky.
But that wasn't the end. It was only the beginning.
Blaziken forcefully bent his long leg, and in a fraction of a second, caught up to him in the air.
Combined move: Sky Uppercut + High Jump Kick!
Greninja, suspended in the air without support, was an easy target.
And on top of that, he hadn't yet recovered from the previous hit.
Blaziken appeared right in front of him.
Greninja was still stunned.
BOOM!
His knee slammed brutally into Greninja's body.
ZAS!
Just as he had risen... he came crashing down!
Only this time, even faster.
CRASH!
The impact against the lake shore left a massive crater.
Greninja lay sprawled on his back, unable to move.
He had lost the ability to fight.
Blaziken descended slowly, the energy of the Mega Evolution shimmering faintly around him before dissipating.
"Huff..."
He let out a deep breath.
Steadied his breathing.
Cain, from his sand chair, slowly approached the place where Greninja lay.
There was no longer any threat. Greninja was completely knocked out.
Cain couldn't help but feel a little pity.
"What a shame... his battle style is already fully defined. And judging by his earlier prideful attitude... he won't be easy to capture," Cain thought to himself.
He had no intention of repeating what he had done with Vigoroth.
Besides, Vigoroth was still in training, but this Greninja had already reached full maturity, both in level and style.
Even so, Cain pulled out some healing sprays from his storage space.
And treated the wounds of both Pokémon.
Tyranitar and Aggron, who were off to the side, were deeply regretful.
Such a strong opponent...
How had they let themselves be tricked by Blaziken?
Just because he said that was his rival, did that mean no one else could interfere?
Who could guarantee that the finger Greninja raised was actually pointing to him?
Blaziken, arms crossed, looked at the fallen Greninja with deep admiration in his eyes.
That Pokémon had tremendous strength.
And had never neglected his own development. Especially after activating the Torrent ability, his offense had been so fierce that even Blaziken had struggled to endure it.
(End of Chapter)