The Focus Punch struck Rampardos with full force!
Even though Rampardos had a much higher level than Aipom, the attack's Fighting-type advantage caused considerable damage.
"Haha! You're something else, Ash! It's been a long time since I had a challenger like you. I can't believe I fell for the same tactic twice—just used in a different way. As a Gym Leader, I walked right into it without hesitation. That's impressive!"
Roark wasn't praising himself—he was genuinely impressed by Ash's tactical planning.
In the stands, Paul's expression darkened.
Such a clever strategy… Why didn't he think of that?
No matter how he looked at it, Ash was a formidable opponent—not just because of his Pokémon, but because of his battle sense as well.
Paul clenched his fists but remained silent.
That Aipom is decent... but this is the end of the line.
"Rampardos, use Zen Headbutt!"
Though Rampardos had taken the hit, its powerful physique allowed it to recover quickly. It charged forward, smashing into Aipom with Zen Headbutt!
Aipom was sent flying, crashing into a rock. The little Pokémon tried to get up, determined to keep fighting.
There was no need to push Aipom any further. It had already done its part.
"Aipom, return! You did great."
"Turtwig, it's your turn!"
Thanks to its earlier healing, Turtwig was in peak condition again.
It had also gained more battle experience.
"Hmm… I thought you might use Sceptile. Rampardos, use Flamethrower!"
A burst of flames shot toward Turtwig!
"Turtwig, use the rocks as cover! Keep moving and counter with Razor Leaf!"
The battlefield was filled with rocky formations, providing the perfect advantage for Ash.
Turtwig dashed between the rocks, dodging the flames effortlessly.
"Rampardos, if that's how you want to play… Use Earthquake!"
Roark had anticipated this.
"Turtwig, Quick Attack!"
In an instant, Turtwig surged forward, closing the distance between them!
"What?! That level of coordination!?"
Roark and Rampardos were caught off guard.
Turtwig had already anticipated the move thanks to Ash's Aura—their connection allowing for near-instant decision-making.
Because of Rampardos' height, the attack struck directly at its stomach—one of its few weak spots!
Ash remembered this from the original timeline.
A barrage of leaves struck Rampardos' vulnerable spot, sending it flying into the air.
With Earthquake unfinished, the attack was interrupted.
Rampardos came crashing down!
"Turtwig! Finish it with one last Razor Leaf!"
"Rampardos, hang in there! Use Flamethrower!"
Rampardos tried to retaliate, but the pain from the earlier attack was too intense.
It flinched—leaving an opening!
The Razor Leaf attack landed directly, sealing the battle's outcome.
"Rampardos is unable to battle! Turtwig is the winner! That means the victory goes to the challenger, Ash from Pallet Town!"
And Ash's team hadn't lost a single Pokémon in the battle.
Though the experience was shared between Aipom and Turtwig, Ash didn't use an Experience Multiplier Card this time.
After all, both Pokémon had already leveled up a fair amount.
Roark nodded with admiration, walking over with a badge in hand.
"Ash, whether it was Aipom's strategy or Turtwig's speed, you really took me by surprise. You and your Pokémon taught us an important lesson today. As proof of your victory, here's the Coal Badge—the official badge of the Oreburgh Gym."
Defeated but impressed, Roark respectfully handed over the badge.
Ash smiled, accepting it. "Thanks! That was a great battle."
With this, Ash also received a Sinnoh Badge Case, a gift from Roark since this was his first Gym challenge in the region.
"Yes! I got the Coal Badge!" Chapters first released on Novᴇl_Fire(.)net
Paul, who had been silently watching, clenched his jaw.
This… This was just like his older brother, Reggie.
For a moment, he froze—lost in thought.
But then, his expression hardened once more.
Let's see how confident you are when you face Brandon, the Battle Pyramid King! If you think you're unstoppable, then go challenge him and see what happens!
Paul turned and left, unaware that Ash had already defeated Brandon's strongest team long ago.
After leaving Oreburgh City, Ash and his friends set their sights on Floaroma Town, their next destination.
That day, lunch was prepared by Dawn and Anabel, with Ash guiding them.
Under his expert culinary knowledge, their cooking skills were rapidly improving.
Unlike Brock—who was a master chef but not the best teacher—Ash's structured training had them learning at an incredible pace.
Just as they were cleaning up the dishes, Dawn suddenly wandered off.
Curious, Ash followed—only to see Dawn crouched in front of a fluffy little Pokémon.
A small, squirrel-like Pokémon with a bright smile and a tail crackling with static.
She was locked in a staring contest with it.
"Wow! It's so cute!" Dawn's eyes sparkled. "This is a Pachirisu, right? I really, really want to catch it!"
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