"Are you ready?" Aoki asked.
The Pokémon all nodded eagerly, excited for the upcoming battle. After such a long period of training, they needed a real fight to test their progress.
This time, as the main force of Aoki's second-tier Pokémon team, they couldn't afford to be underestimated.
Seeing the excitement on their faces, Aoki smiled.
"Poliwag, use Rain Dance!"
"Marshtomp, Water Pulse!"
"Aron, charge forward and use Iron Tail!"
"Combusken, move at high speed and use Double Kick!"
These four Pokémon worked well together, which was one reason Aoki hadn't brought Larvitar—it wasn't yet suited to integrate into their formation.
Though Combusken, as a Fire-type, couldn't fully utilize its Fire abilities in the rain, in this lineup, it primarily served as a Fighting-type attacker. Unless they faced a Grass-type that countered Water, Combusken relied on its speed and Fighting moves to overwhelm opponents.
Aron acted as the frontline defender, absorbing the first wave of attacks.
Aron was versatile, fitting well into both rain and sandstorm teams.
Poliwag, the core of the rain team, hadn't yet evolved into Politoed and lacked the Drizzle ability. However, it had mastered Rain Dance, and once it evolved, it might gain a deeper understanding of rain-based strategies.
For now, Poliwag's ability was Swift Swim, doubling its speed in the rain.
Marshtomp, while not receiving a speed boost from rain, still benefited—Water-type moves grew stronger, and the damp environment allowed for faster energy recovery.
This was their first time coordinating like this. To ensure seamless teamwork, Aoki used Telepathy to guide them.
Dark clouds swirled into existence above, blotting out the clear sky.
Poliwag was skilled at summoning rain—the sheer size of the storm clouds proved that.
Holding a Damp Rock would extend the rain's duration, but such items were rare. Still, Aoki had connections—a friend who specialized in Rock-types might help.
The sudden downpour startled the nearby Roc. The sky had been clear just moments ago—why was it raining now?
Before they could react, Poliwag intensified the downpour.
Then, the assault began.
Marshtomp leaped nimbly across the slick terrain, gathering rainwater into a swirling orb of Water-type energy. With a powerful swing, it launched the Water Pulse like a volleyball, striking the nearest Roggenrola.
The attack exploded on impact, dealing massive damage.
Water moves were four times as effective against Rock/Ground-types. Combined with STAB (Same-Type Attack Bonus) and the rain's boost, the Roggenrola was knocked out instantly.
But this was only the beginning.
As the first Roggenrola fell, others—along with Boldore—rallied together. Normally docile, they became fiercely united when provoked.
Aron charged ahead, his stubby legs carrying him into the fray.
"Arooon!" he taunted, bracing for impact.
The Roggenrola rushed in, only to be met with a flurry of Iron Tail and Metal Claw strikes.
"Doore!" A Boldore at the rear roared in fury, watching its kin get overwhelmed.
The ground trembled as it unleashed Magnitude—a powerful Ground-type attack.
The Roggenrola scrambled to retreat, but Aron held them in place. Just as the shockwaves were about to hit her, a faint electric current crackled around her limbs, suspending her mid-air.
Magnet Rise!
Meanwhile, Marshtomp prepared another Water Pulse, while Poliwag—propelled by Swift Swim—zipped forward like a blue streak.
Despite its small size, Poliwag was fast. In the rain, it was unstoppable.
Like Marshtomp, it formed a smaller Water Pulse, releasing it at blinding speed.
First in, last out!
Poliwag's attack struck the Boldore from behind, followed immediately by Marshtomp's.
Boom! Boom!
The level 26 Boldore fainted instantly.
Poliwag and Aron weaved through the remaining Roggenrola, striking with precision. Their small size and speed made them nearly untouchable.
Meanwhile, Combusken—boosted by Speed Boost—raced toward another Boldore.
Marshtomp joined it, facing off against the Rock-type.
Though Boldore was slow, it was still an evolved form of Roggenrola. This one was level 25, up against a level 19 Combusken and level 18 Marshtomp.
Thwack! Thwack!
Combusken delivered two sharp Double Kicks, then flipped away before Boldore could counter.
Marshtomp followed up, swinging its Aqua Tail like a whip. The water-enlarged tail slammed into Boldore, knocking it off balance.
"Raaaagh!" Boldore roared, helpless.
Combusken circled behind, striking again before darting away. Each time Boldore turned, Marshtomp's Aqua Tail lashed out from another angle.
Hit-and-run tactics!
The Boldore stumbled, collapsing under the relentless assault.
On the other side, Aron and Poliwag had already cleared the remaining Roggenrola.
A team of Pokémon averaging level 20—with Aron at 22, Poliwag at 20, Combusken at 19, and Marshtomp at 18—had dominated a group of wild Rock-types through sheer coordination.
The Rain Team's foundation was taking shape.