Chapter Forty-One: Entangled
(Third update, please support the new book with collections and flowers!)
In the second battle, when Xiao Zhi saw the warrior boy also send out his Metapod, he continued to use Harden, but it wasn't just for fun.
One reason was to test whether the warrior boy's Metapod could only use Harden, and the result was clear—it indeed could only use that one skill, just like in the anime.
The second reason was to stack up the status of his own Metapod; in the game, Harden was basically just a defensive skill with no offensive capability.
However, upon arriving in this world, Xiao Zhi also realized how a trainer should utilize all available options, because games are static.
But here, it was very much alive; under equal power, the sturdier side naturally had greater strength.
For example, if you throw two objects of equal weight and force—one being a rock and the other an egg—obviously, the rock would have greater impact. So, while Harden seemed like just a defensive skill,
it was different in reality; it could be used as an offensive weapon. Xiao Zhi's Metapod was much tougher.
Moreover, it wasn't just a simple charge; by using String Shot to pull, he enhanced the impact of the collision. When the two Metapods crashed into each other, it was like an egg hitting a rock—the warrior's Metapod was certainly as fragile as an egg.
As for Xiao Zhi's strength, the warrior boy was completely convinced now. The same Pokémon was used better by the opponent, which clearly indicated that the opponent's strength surpassed his own.
“Incredible, I lost! You truly live up to being a trainer from Pallet Town.”
“Especially battling you has been immensely beneficial. I originally thought I understood Bug-type Pokémon well, but after fighting you, I realized I still need to hone my skills.”
The warrior boy recalled his Metapod and approached Xiao Zhi, extending his hand, openly admitting his defeat; he was now completely convinced.
Of course, he had also been impressed by the previous battles, but none left as deep an impression as Xiao Zhi did, especially since Xiao Zhi had defeated him using his beloved Bug-type Pokémon.
“Thank you!” Xiao Zhi simply responded and shook his hand.
He didn't say anything humble; to be honest, the warrior boy's strength couldn't be considered strong. Even if he wasn't a trainer from Pallet Town, there were many trainers who could defeat him.
Moreover, if someone were to ask, he could only say, yes! Trainers from Pallet Town are indeed strong, that is beyond doubt.
Although it wasn't explicitly mentioned in the anime, over the years in this world, he had gathered enough from the adults' conversations.
Pallet Town, though small, had long been hailed as the birthplace of genius trainers, continuously producing many elite trainers over the years.
From the words of Hanako and Professor Oak, it was also clear that both their fathers were once renowned trainers, but the adults never mentioned where they went or what they were doing.
So if others were to ask whether trainers from Pallet Town are strong, there was no need for modesty.
“Help!!!”
At that moment, a sudden scream echoed, and several figures dashed out from the jungle.
The three turned to look and saw a boy and a girl in uniforms running out in panic, followed by a Meowth.
As they ran out, one of them tripped and fell, causing the two behind to stumble as well. The warrior boy looked bewildered, while Xiao Zhi and Xiao Xia exchanged glances, speechless.
“It's you two? What are you up to this time?” Xiao Xia recognized them; they were the Team Rocket members who attacked the Pokémon Center in Jouto City that day.
“Since you asked what we're doing...”
“Then we will generously tell you!” Upon hearing the question, the two immediately perked up, quickly getting up from the ground and striking a pose, leaving Xiao Zhi and Xiao Xia even more speechless.
The warrior boy was also confused, listening to the two finish their lines, then...
“Meowth can actually talk?!”
“Hmph! I'm not like other Meowths,” Meowth said proudly, hands on its hips.
“What are you two really here for...” Xiao Xia couldn't hold back any longer.
“We're Team Rocket, of course, here for rare Pokémon! Hand over your Pikachu, and maybe we'll let you go!” It seemed they had forgotten their earlier embarrassment and were now focused on Pikachu.
“You losers, what gives you the confidence?” These two were indeed just like in the anime, unable to learn from their defeats.
“Pika Pika!” Pikachu shrugged helplessly, shaking its head.
“Don't... don't get cocky! Last time was just because we were careless; this time, we will definitely teach you a lesson!” Musashi was flustered after Xiao Zhi called her out, and the two simultaneously took out their Poké Balls.
The warrior boy, though confused, understood what was happening. It was clear that the two in front of him were not good people, but he couldn't help at the moment; having just finished a battle, his Pokémon was out of combat capability.
“Go! Arbok (Weezing)!”
Old rivals, the two sent out Arbok and Weezing again. Seeing this, Pikachu quickly jumped in front of Xiao Zhi, ready for battle.
“Pika Pika!!!”
“Xiao Zhi, there are two of them; I think we should retreat!” The warrior boy, being quite chivalrous, glanced at Xiao Zhi and worriedly suggested.
“I won't run away; let me show you the true strength of a Pallet Town trainer.” Xiao Zhi resolutely looked ahead without turning back.
“Arbok, use Bind!”
“Weezing, use Sludge!” The two simultaneously issued their attack commands, with Arbok charging at Pikachu while Weezing opened its mouth to spit out a stream of purple sludge.
“Pikachu, use Quick Attack; Metapod, use String Shot.” But Xiao Zhi had no intention of a one-on-one fight.
He commanded Pikachu while also giving instructions to the Metapod that had not yet been recalled.
Upon hearing the command, Pikachu quickly dodged the sludge attack with its speed, while on the other side, Metapod released several strands of string, which sprayed directly onto Arbok's face, obstructing its vision.