Fire Punch, Thunder Punch, Ice Punch—those three moves were almost universally learnable by any Pokémon with hands.
In battle, they were mostly used for coverage, exploiting the quadruple weaknesses of certain matchups.
And sure, Scizor being 4x weak to Fire was common knowledge...
But Chansey? With 5 base Attack?
What was she gonna do—tickle it to death?
That's what Korrina was thinking, until—
"KUMA!"
A flash of crimson light burst from Chansey's tiny fist like a beast unleashed. The blazing flame engulfed Scizor's body in seconds.
"KUMA!!"
Another punch. Even more devastating.
With a thunderous crack, Scizor was launched across the stage and smashed straight into the wall, limbs splayed, eyes swirling.
Dead silence.
Chansey.
One-two punch.
Scizor.
Gone.
Everyone struggled to process what they'd just seen.
This was the same friendly Chansey who brought snacks and warm towels at the Pokémon Center?
Korrina grabbed Maylene's arm and shook it. "Did you see that?! One-shot! Chansey actually one-shotted a Scizor!!"
She never imagined Chansey could even fight, let alone do that.
Maylene, having already been traumatized by Chansey once, remained unfazed.
She glanced at Arthur, who looked like he'd just swallowed a lemon whole, and at his manager—wearing a pitch-black suit and thick-rimmed glasses—whose entire soul looked like it had just exited his body.
"I just see a fallen idol," Maylene said calmly. "And his broken manager."
Korrina turned excitedly to Bea. "Bea! You saw that, right? Chansey one-shotted Scizor!"
Bea, ever the analyst, frowned in deep thought. "It's not surprising. Chansey's punches were extremely refined. The kind that comes from endless repetition."
She paused. "Actually... it reminds me of Master Mustard's Urshifu."
Korrina blinked. "Huh?"
Bea nodded seriously. "Master Mustard used a Rapid Strike Urshifu—graceful, fluid, relentless. This Chansey's technique... feels similar. Flowing like water."
She grew more animated the more she spoke. "Then there's Caleb's Riolu—focused on precision. Like Single Strike Urshifu. The contrast is incredible."
"He's not just a strategist," Bea said, eyes gleaming. "Caleb might be a true martial artist."
Korrina: "Uh-huh... yeah... totally…"
So I am the only one who didn't know what I was watching?!
Caleb, returning from the field, was greeted with beaming smiles.
"Congrats, Gym Leader Caleb!" Korrina said.
Bea, much more formal, gave a bow. "Congratulations."
So polite, Caleb thought. Almost suspiciously polite.
The four of them sat together and watched the next few matches—
Pangoro vs. Lopunny.
Throh vs. Sawk.
Grapploct vs. Diggersby.
Caleb: Huh. Pretty traditional stuff.
It was all textbook Fighting-type battles. Close Combat this, High Jump Kick that... nothing really surprising or clever.
Well, except for Koji somehow getting a free round because of a bracket bug. Lucky guy.
Soon after, the next matchups were displayed on the big screen:
Ash vs. Anthony.
Bea vs. Brawly.
"Brawly?" Caleb muttered. "That's the Dewford Gym Leader, right?"
Yeah. Famous in Hoenn's coastal regions—his gym was out on a remote island only reachable by Surf or boat. Known for the "Soft Technique," taught by none other than Bruno.
Bea's eyes narrowed when she saw his name. With a sharp nod, she bowed to the group and left to start preparing.
Caleb looked back at the board—
Maylene vs. Korrina.
The two girls locked eyes.
Just moments ago, they were holding hands and going to the bathroom together.
Now? Opponents.
Korrina smiled and held out her hand. "Let's have a great match, Maylene."
Maylene grasped it firmly. "Likewise."
A sudden voice chimed in behind them—
"It is through shattering another's spirit that a true martial artist finds victory."
They turned and saw Brock, arms crossed, solemn as ever.
Maylene needed to win to save her gym. Korrina, though a friend, couldn't hold back—or it would be an insult to Maylene's pride as a fighter.
Such a destined battle...
Caleb, arms folded, nodded sagely.
"I just really like watching girls fight."
Brock: "???"
"Gaaa~?"
Both Brock and Haunter turned to glare at him.
Caleb raised his hands innocently. "Hey, hey—don't look at me. That wasn't my line. A friend of mine said it once."
Stare—
Stare—
Being stared down by a man and a ghost, Caleb started to sweat.
"No, seriously. His name's Diddy. Great guy. My life mentor."
"Gaaa~"
Why didn't you introduce us sooner?! I've been looking for a soul-brother like that!
Truly a kindred spirit.
Meanwhile, Caleb turned to Brock with a smirk.
"What's the matter? Did I say what you were thinking?"
"Lies!" Brock declared. "I'd never—!"
But his bright red ears betrayed him.
Honestly, Caleb didn't know why, but even after knowing Brock for less than two hours, it felt like they'd been friends for years.
Stare—
Stare—
Brock shrank a little under the joint gaze.
"…Okay, fine," he mumbled. "I've always liked watching girls fight. You caught me. But surely you two understand, right?"
Caleb stepped back instantly. "Whoa there. Don't drag me into your weirdness. I'm a respectable man."
"Gaaa~"
I'm a model ghost citizen. Don't lump me in with that pervert.
"…Wow." Brock deadpanned. "You guys turn on a dime."
Then Brock seemed to remember something, his expression turning anxious.
"Look—don't tell Ash and Dawn, okay? I've worked hard to build a dignified image in front of them."
Caleb: "???"
"Gaaa~"
Haunter tugged on Caleb's sleeve.
"Shhh, I'm thinking."
Brock? Dignified image?
This guy flirts with every girl he meets. His Toxicroak has to Poison Jab him daily just to drag him away.
And this guy thinks he has a dignified image?
Just then, Korrina walked over. "Caleb, your next opponent's been posted."
Caleb turned toward the screen.
At the bottom, two new names had appeared.