Chapter 232: Black Satoshi's super seniority boost, getting ready to battle Ho-Oh!

Seeing Latias and Celebi playing all over the backyard, many Poké Balls also followed along.

At the research institute, Xiao Jian and Xiaomao both saw Celebi, and Professor Damu also told them about this; they hadn't regained their senses for a long time, and after not seeing each other for a short while, Ash had actually captured Celebi.

Now Ash has Lugia, Latias, and Celebi; he possesses such rare Poké Balls.

But Xiaomao's focus wasn't on the Poké Balls, but on Professor Damu, who, as a child, followed Celebi through time to forty years later—that is, the present—and also became good friends with Ash, forming an ageless friendship.

Making friends is good, but you became friends with Ash—what about me?

What should I call Ash?

Xiaomao felt it was mysterious—how did Ash, after just going out on a trip, become super senior?

It's practically heaven-defying!

Ash also thought of this, looked at Xiaomao, raised his eyebrows, and said, "I suddenly became super senior?"

【Xiaomao: Ash took advantage of me; we were originally equals, but after a while, I didn't expect Ash to become super senior!】

【Ma Zhishi: From today on, you two each call yourselves...】

【Ash: Really possible? Xiaomao!】

You wish...... Xiaomao naturally wouldn't agree; how could he possibly let Ash take such advantage of him.

But there's nothing to be done about the current situation; no wonder his grandfather wanted to leave Pikachu to Ash rather than give him the starter Pokémon—it turns out he had long recognized Ash as the Trainer he met after his time travel, and still remembered that Pikachu.

Black World—

Regarding seniority, Ash didn't pay much attention; he just shouted for Xiaomao to come battle again.

This time he used legendary Pokémon—Lugia, Latias, Celebi, etc. —and would also use Charizard's form.

Ash felt a sense of oppression inside, but couldn't quite put his finger on it; he guessed it was the pressure from Ho-Oh's trial.

After all, he had already passed the trials of the three sacred beasts; it was time to summon their superiors.

Now he and his Poké Balls often train, and he has awakened superpowers, making him much stronger than when he fought the three sacred beasts; plus he has added several new friends, making it now easier to defeat the three sacred beasts.

"Come on, let me see the power of the legendary Pokémon!"

Xiaomao's words carried a hint of excitement and anticipation, his gaze firmly locked on Lugia.

Lugia has grown considerably now, its strength gradually increasing; besides playing, it trains together with Pikachu and the others, especially sparring with Ash's superpowers—although each time ends with Lugia's victory, this process lets it feel the joy of growth and the thrill of challenge.

It enjoys the feeling of training with Ash in a playful manner, because in this relaxed and happy atmosphere it can more freely unleash its potential.

Lugia is often by Ash's side, as is that Latias, although that Latias's attention is mostly on Ash.

Whenever Ash spars with Lugia, Latias always quietly watches from the side, occasionally letting out a soft cry to cheer Ash on.

The battle site is just the spacious open area in the backyard.

The Poké Balls have found their spots, sitting in rows, eagerly awaiting.

Xiaomao sent out Umbreon.

Psychic-type moves have no effect on Umbreon, and Lugia also has fewer options.

"Kuuu~"

Lugia isn't limited to Psychic-type moves; even when countered by Umbreon, it has never been afraid.

Actually, Ash devised a tactic based on Lugia's own traits; it might not be much use against Ho-Oh, but it's still usable in regular battles.

Because Lugia has Multiscale, it can easily unleash Thunder Wave; when Thunder Wave slows the opponent, the next turn means Lugia can strike first.

However, the next move is to use Recover to restore stamina, ensuring Lugia can trigger Multiscale, after which it can strike first; Xiaomao's Umbreon is merely gradually worn down, sometimes triggering Thunder Wave's effect, leaving Umbreon unable to move, and later Lugia even uses Air Slash, causing Umbreon to flinch and be unable to attack.

Repeating this, Umbreon is gradually worn down until it loses battle capability!

?

Xiaomao's mindset has somewhat changed—is this the legendary Pokémon issue or Ash's issue?

How can this be the way to fight!

If you were just straightforwardly defeated, that would be fine, but your tormenting way of fighting is really unbearable.

Professor Damu said of Ash's tactic that only he could pull it off, and his luck was surprisingly good—Thunder Wave and Air Slash alternating to restrict Umbreon.

But it feels Ash's tactic could be improved; if facing a non-Dark-type Poké Ball, he could boost special attack through meditation and pair it with same-type moves for output.

Or it could serve as the team's defensive core, using its excellent endurance and traits, coordinating with teammates for combined defense and tactical rotation to create output opportunities for allies.

After hearing Professor Damu's explanation, Ash's eyes lit up; indeed, Professor Damu understands deeply, truly a walking Pokédex.

Xiao Jian silently nodded, his admiration undiminished!

Not long after, he continued to send out Poké Balls.

Xiaomao today simply served as a sparring partner, practicing tactics with Ash.

【Xiba: Teach him more, Professor Damu; Black Satoshi is about to travel to the Johto Region—quickly give a lesson to the Gym Leader and Elite Four there!】

【Ma Zhishi: Exactly, best to challenge Tie Xuan, the Gym Leader of the Violet Gym, send out the main force, no holding back—Tie Xuan is very strong!】

【Tie Xuan: Young people, no martial virtue!】

Tie Xuan saw Ma Zhisi's barrage, his teeth itching with anger—what does it mean to battle me without holding back?

Young people don't understand martial virtue at all!