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Kai turned to him. "Are you challenging me?"
"That's right." The boy adjusted his jacket and smiled confidently. "My name is A.J., known as the 'Beast Trainer.' Since I started training, I've never lost. So, are you up for a battle?"
A.J., the Beast Trainer? Kai thought, glancing down at the Sandshrew by A.J.'s side with a look of understanding.
"I'm in," Kai replied, looking around. "But where will we battle? There's no proper field around here."
Thanks to the popularity of Pokémon battles, much like open-air basketball courts in the old world, simple arenas can often be found in parks, schools, riversides, and streets around the city.
Unfortunately, where they stood now was quite a ways from any public battle spot.
A.J. pointed toward Vermilion City. "I've set up a personal training arena in a nearby field. It has a battle zone. Follow me."
The two left Cerulean City together, and after about ten minutes, they arrived at a basic camp surrounded by fences and tents.
Outside the camp stood a large sign reading:
Unofficial Pokémon League Gym – 92 Consecutive Wins.
Seeing A.J.'s confident expression and the bold statement on the sign, it was clear he was indeed a capable and determined trainer. And he enjoyed attracting attention.
But his stocky build, thick eyebrows, and serious expression gave him a somewhat comical appearance after a moment of observation.
Noticing Kai eyeing the sign, A.J. grinned. "My goal is to reach a 100-win streak. Once I do, I'll start challenging official gyms to earn badges."
Inside the camp, they reached A.J.'s personal gym. Through the open tent flap, Kai could see a few Pokémon training.
A Butterfree and Beedrill clashed in midair, honing their combat skills, while three Rattata on the ground wore weighted harnesses, likely practising their endurance.
"Well? Impressive, right?" A.J. said, stepping into the trainer's command area. "If I win this battle, that'll be 93 victories in a row!"
"That's something to celebrate," Kai replied, taking his position across the field. "You do look like a formidable opponent, but I should warn you I haven't lost a match since I began my journey."
They stood on a hard-packed dirt field, rough but resilient, a common type of battlefield for outdoor trainers.
"Really? Well, looks like one of us is due for a loss today!" A.J. chuckled, spreading his hands. "The rules are simple: we each use one Pokémon. Whoever's left standing wins."
Kai nodded. "Got it."
With a flourish, A.J. cracked a whip forward. "Sandshrew, show them our strength!"
Obeying, the Sandshrew trotted confidently to the centre of the field.
On closer inspection, this ground type looked quite different from a typical pangolin, with an earthy yellow, brick-like hide that gave it a distinctive, armoured look.
Kai pulled out his Pokédex and scanned it.
Pokédex: "Sandshrew, the Mouse Pokémon. Ground type. Dislikes water and digs deep burrows in dry locations. When threatened, it curls into a ball to defend itself."
Considering type advantages, Kai thought both Bulbasaur's Grass-type and Squirtle's Water-type moves were effective against Ground types.
But Kai remembered that A.J.'s Sandshrew had defeated Ash and Team Rocket's Pokémon before, so he didn't underestimate it.
After careful thought, he sent out his ace Pokémon Kirlia.
Seeing the elegant, humanoid Kirlia, A.J. looked surprised. "That's a rare Pokémon, but no matter. The result will be the same! Sandshrew, use Rollout!"
Sandshrew dropped to all fours, quickly built up speed, curled into a ball, and charged at Kirlia in a rolling attack.
"Kirlia, use Double Team!"
In an instant, multiple illusions of Kirlia appeared, confusing Sandshrew.
Too fast to stop, Sandshrew rolled past its target and through a clone, only to realize it had hit an illusion.
"Kirlia, use Confusion!"
Kirlia raised its hand, and a psychic aura enveloped Sandshrew, lifting it into the air.
In response, Sandshrew instinctively curled up, shielding itself with its hardened scales, and as it was released, it tumbled to the ground, getting back up with minimal injury.
"Impressive," Kai praised. "You trained Sandshrew well it knows how to minimize damage by using Defense Curl."
A.J. smirked. "This Is nothing! My Sandshrew has trained rigorously & even conquered its weakness to Water moves!"
"Really?" Kai replied, eyebrows raised. "Overcoming its weakness to Water attacks? That's impressive!"
Kai has already noticed two key aspects of A.J.'s battle strategy. Firstly, his Sandshrew was particularly strong.
Secondly, the two had developed a unique communication system. A.J. would simply crack his whip, and Sandshrew would instantly understand his commands without verbal cues, allowing them to adapt quickly and execute surprising moves.
These strengths had undoubtedly fueled their past success, achieving over 90 consecutive victories.
But now, facing Kai and his Kirlia, they had met their match.
Kai and Kirlia shared a similar understanding. Thanks to the red horns on its head, Kirlia could sense Kai's emotions, and as a psychic type, it could even pick up on hints of his thoughts.
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