After the match, both sides stepped forward to shake hands. Ash grabbed Xunzi's small hand and smiled: "It was a really interesting battle, I hope we have more opportunities to compete in the future."
"...Can you tell me, how did your Monferno learn that movement technique?"
"Movement technique? Oh, you mean the dodging move that avoided Bellsprout's Razor Leaf, right? That was learned from your Bellsprout. I have to say, your Bellsprout is really impressive. If it had faced someone else, even a Professional Senior Level Trainer might have lost." Ash said in awe.
He genuinely felt that Xunzi's Bellsprout was impressive. Although Monferno seemed to have an easy time, it was actually due to Ash's Aura Power. The Aura Power not only enhanced Monferno's abilities but also its unparalleled observational skills.
Improved skills are one aspect, but the Aura Power's keen insight is particularly effective against dodging moves.
You detect the attack to dodge, while my Aura Power can detect your dodging movements and hit your dodging path first. This ability naturally counters Bellsprout's dodging moves.
Therefore, even though Monferno was toyed with a few times, it didn't suffer much, except for that sudden heel kick which almost caused trouble. But in the end, it pulled through.
By using Aura Power to capture and memorize the opponent's moves completely, Monferno can mimic them.
Monferno's ability to mimic Bellsprout's movements is closely related to Aura Power, but his own talent is indispensable. Otherwise, even if Aura Power perfectly memorized the moves, Monferno's body needs the ability to execute them.
As for the subtle technique of using minimal effort for maximum effect, even with the analysis of Aura Power, it's not easy to learn. And even if learned, it's not suitable for Monferno to use against the opponent, because it's a defense-counter skill, while Monferno is on the attack.
Later, after Ash figured out a way to counter the technique, he launched an attack on Bellsprout. Having learned what he needed, he decided to end the match.
So the match ended not because Monferno found a way to break the stalemate, but because Ash decided to finish it.
No matter how skilled Bellsprout was, how could it compare to Ash's comprehensive scanning Aura Power?
On the opposite side, Xunzi, holding Ash's hand, displayed a peculiar expression on her delicate face. What did he mean by even a Professional Senior Level Trainer might not win if it weren't him?
Are you saying your Monferno is stronger than a Professional Senior Level Trainer? What nonsense are you talking about? Your Monferno is only Elite Junior Level, how could it challenge a Professional Senior Level?
But Xunzi ultimately said nothing. After all, her Professional Junior Level Bellsprout was defeated by Monferno.
And it's not just a simple defeat; they even stole Bellsprout's unique skill, which took unknown amounts of time to learn, in just one match.
This Monferno, this Trainer, cannot be judged by conventional wisdom.
"Being able to battle with you, I am also quite happy. This match broadened my horizons; I didn't know there were such talented Pokemon in the world... You're remarkable for nurturing such a Pokemon. I look forward to battling with you again." Xunzi squeezed Ash's hand hard and tossed her hair stylishly as she walked back to the contestant's seat.
On Xunzi's side of the audience, there was an outpouring of lamenting voices, with many even demanding a rematch. Such absurd requests were obviously impossible to grant, and Ash was seeing the power of fervent fans for the first time.
He originally thought his fans and the Elite Four's fans were already plenty passionate, but he didn't expect this rivalry!
…
After the match, Ash went to the area where his friends were seated in the audience. Brock looked at him with envy and jealousy written all over his face, Misty was giving him a somewhat unfavorable look, and Gary had a slightly mocking expression.
Ash exchanged a glance with Pikachu, unsure what had happened. Scratching his head, he asked, "What's going on? Why are you looking at me like that?"
"Hehe, Ash, you really got lucky~" Gary's voice sounded slightly uncanny, giving Ash goosebumps.
"What luck? What are you talking about?"
"Stop pretending! I saw it all. Why did you keep holding onto Miss Xunzi's hand? And when she was leaving, she gave you such a beautiful smile. Damn it, you should be punished! Had I known, I wouldn't have cheered for you!" Brock was on the verge of biting his shirt, acting like a scorned lover.
Misty didn't say a word, just looked at Ash with a slightly resentful glance.
Hearing this, Ash rolled his eyes, "What are you guys talking about? I was just discussing battle strategies with Miss Xunzi. You're all talking nonsense."
"Tsk tsk, you can say whatever you want, but I only believe my own eyes." Gary stood there, adding fuel to the fire, making a tic-tac-toe pattern appear on Ash's forehead.