Chapter 32: Pokémon Training
The warm sun beat down on the beach as Haru stood at the edge, watching his Pokémon train with determination. Each of them was focused on battling Scizor, who stood like an unyielding wall, showcasing its remarkable power and precision.
Scizor dodged and parried attacks with ease, its Bullet Punch and Aerial Ace keeping Haru's team on their toes. Despite their efforts, none of them could overpower the red juggernaut. The only one who managed to hold its own was Swampert, whose newly evolved strength from their recent adventure was proving its worth.
"Swampert, use Ice Punch!" Haru commanded.
Swampert then covered his fist with ice as the icey punch launched toward Scizor. But Scizor moved with fluid grace, deflecting the rocks with Sword Dance, its blades gleaming under the sun.
Meanwhile, Jessie was in the water, waist-deep, trying to bond with her newly caught Gyarados. The massive sea serpent roared in defiance but was starting to respond to her commands.
"Easy there, big guy!" Jessie called, holding a hand up to calm it. She tossed it a Poké Puff. Gyarados sniffed the treat before snatching it, a sign that trust was slowly building.
James and Casey watched from the sidelines, cheering and offering advice.
"Haru," Casey called, "Scizor's a monster! It's no wonder your team is struggling."
Haru smirked. "That's exactly why I'm making them fight it. They need to learn how to adapt under pressure."
Scizor faced down Meowth, who hesitated before lunging forward with Fake Out, attempting to catch it off guard. Scizor dodged effortlessly, responding with Bug Bite, sending Meowth skidding back.
"Alright, Meowth, you're done for now," Haru sighed, recalling the exhausted Pokémon. "Swampert, you're back in! Let's show Scizor we mean business!"
Swampert roared, stomping its powerful legs on the ground. This time, it combined Earthquake and Surf, forcing Scizor to backpedal. The clash sent waves of sand and water flying, but Scizor, as always, stood tall.
Haru grinned. "Perfect. Keep pushing, Swampert! This is how we'll grow stronger!"
Jessie emerged from the water with a proud smile, Gyarados swimming behind her obediently. "Looks like we're both making progress," she said.
Haru nodded, looking at his team. "This is just the beginning. Next stop, the gym battle. But for now, let's rest up. You've all earned it."
As the team returned to the Pokémon Center, the bonds between trainer and Pokémon were stronger than ever, and Haru couldn't help but feel they were ready for whatever challenges lay ahead.
Meanwhile, on a nearby cliff overlooking the beach, Ash stood in stunned silence, watching Haru's intense training session unfold. His jaw hung slightly open as he took in the sight of Haru's Scizor effortlessly outmaneuvering and outmatching Haru's other Pokémon, only to be met with unwavering determination from both Haru and his team.
Ash clenched his fists, his mind replaying the words Haru had said to him during their last encounter:
"If you want to win the Johto League, you'll need more than heart. You need strategy, precision, and training that pushes you to the limit. Are you ready for that?"
Those words lingered in Ash's mind, now accompanied by the vivid demonstration before him. Sure, Ash had always trained his Pokémon, but what Haru was doing... it was on another level.
Ash glanced at his team, who were gathered around him, enjoying the fresh air. Pikachu stood loyally at his side, its tail flicking curiously as it watched Swampert unleash a powerful Earthquake. Nearby, Bayleaf was playfully nudging Quilava, who lazily basked in the sun. Totodile danced around Phanpy, while Noctowl perched on a low branch, observing everything with its sharp gaze.
A pang of doubt struck Ash as he compared his team to Haru's.
"Man," Ash muttered under his breath, "Haru's like another Gary... but worse. It's like if Gary was 16, had a Scizor like that, and actually knew what EVs and IVs were."
Ash had only recently begun to understand the technical aspects of training after battling Haru, who had casually dropped terms like "stat optimization" and "type synergy" during their match. At first, Ash dismissed it as overthinking, but seeing Haru's methods now, he couldn't help but feel outclassed.
Pikachu noticed Ash's slump and chirped encouragingly, leaping onto his shoulder. Ash smiled weakly, scratching Pikachu behind the ear. "Thanks, buddy. I know we've always done things our way, but..."
His voice trailed off as he watched Swampert stand tall against Scizor, refusing to back down even after taking several heavy hits.
Ash's thoughts were a whirlwind. Am I really ready for the Johto League? Can I even compete against trainers like Haru?
He shook his head, trying to clear his doubts. "No, we can't give up now. Haru's strong, but we've been through so much together. We just need to step up our game. Right, guys?"
His team responded with eager cries, each one looking to Ash with determination. Ash's confidence flickered back to life as he balled his fists.
"Alright, team," Ash declared, his voice stronger, "starting tomorrow, we're going to train harder than ever. We'll show Haru and everyone else that we've got what it takes to win the Johto League!"
With renewed resolve, Ash turned his attention back to Haru's training, this time studying his methods carefully, determined to learn and grow from what he saw.
Brock approached Ash, placing a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "Hey, don't worry, Ash," he said with a warm smile. "You'll get there. Maybe not today, maybe not tomorrow, but soon… hopefully."
Ash let out a nervous chuckle, scratching the back of his head. "Yeah, I guess I've still got a lot to learn. Haru just makes it look so easy, though. It's like he's light-years ahead of me."
Brock shook his head. "Haru's got experience and a different way of thinking about battles, but that doesn't mean you can't catch up. You've got something he doesn't, Ash."
Ash blinked, tilting his head. "What's that?"
"A heart bigger than any Poké Ball," Brock replied, his tone sincere. "Your bond with your Pokémon is your greatest strength. You might not have Haru's technical skills yet, but you have something even more valuable: trust. Keep building on that, and you'll get there."
Ash smiled, his confidence growing bit by bit. "Thanks, Brock. You always know what to say."
Misty joined them, arms crossed but a small smirk on her face. "Just make sure you actually listen this time, Ash. Haru might be ahead now, but if you keep slacking off, even Totodile's dance moves won't save you."
"Hey!" Ash protested, puffing out his chest. "I don't slack off! You'll see—I'll be ready for Haru and anyone else in the Johto League!"
Pikachu let out an enthusiastic "Pika!" in agreement, and the rest of Ash's Pokémon cheered as well.
Brock and Misty exchanged knowing looks, both silently rooting for Ash to rise to the challenge. They knew his journey was far from over and that this was just another stepping stone in his growth as a trainer.
Then, Ash, Brock and Misty then saw two team rocket grunts, one seemed to be ash age and the other Haru age, as they looked at the group Haru also noticed them and walked in as they saw the two grunt's.
The younger female grunt looked at the older one. "What do we do, Rose".
The Older Female Grunt rose looked at her younger sister. "Will, we are fucked better to battle".
Haru just sighed. "Can I get a peaceful day Swampert".
Ash then called for his Pikachu. "Pikachu let's. Go".
The two girls they got a little nervous, as they sent out there Pokémon they also had pink hair, they maybe are sister if was hard to say, the older one sent out a crobat and the younger one sent out a Umbreon the Pokémon seemed very well taken care and even have matching scrap.
Haru just Blinked, as spoke in his mind. "Don't you only get does two by love and affection, what is happening".
The younger girl spoke as she looked at Crobat. "Do your Bess, hopefully we can escape". She was in the verge of crying. "Please hope we escaped".
Ash just looked at her he was still confused as he also mentally spoke. "This is new".
The tension in the air was palpable as the two Team Rocket grunts prepared for battle. Haru, Ash, and their companions exchanged glances, the situation seeming stranger by the second. Haru, crossing his arms, tilted his head slightly as he observed the two pink-haired girls.
"These two… don't seem like the usual Team Rocket thugs," Haru muttered under his breath.
Ash took a step forward, his Pikachu ready for action. "Alright, Pikachu, we've got this!"
Pikachu sparked with electricity, eager to jump into the fray.
The older grunt, Rose, clenched her jaw as she gestured toward her Crobat. "Alright, Crobat, let's show them what we've got!" Her voice carried determination, but there was an underlying edge of hesitation.
The younger grunt, still visibly shaken, trembled as she spoke to her Umbreon. "Umbreon... use Quick Attack!"
Umbreon dashed forward with incredible speed, but its attack lacked the usual aggression seen in most Team Rocket Pokémon. Haru caught the hesitation and sighed again, stepping forward.
"Swampert, let's keep this simple. Use Ice Punch on Crobat," Haru instructed, his tone calm and measured.
Swampert launched itself forward, its fist encased in frost, aiming directly at Crobat. The older grunt commanded a counter. "Crobat, dodge and use Cross Poison!"
Crobat managed to swerve out of the way, but just barely. The battle was intense but oddly restrained. Haru's eyes narrowed as he studied the two grunts' actions.
Meanwhile, Ash and Pikachu faced Umbreon. "Pikachu, Thunderbolt!" Ash called out.
Electricity surged from Pikachu, but Umbreon quickly used Protect, creating a shimmering barrier to block the attack.
Misty and Brock watched from the sidelines, their expressions reflecting their unease. "They're battling, but… something's off," Brock murmured.
Misty nodded. "Yeah, it's like they're holding back or… stalling for time."
As the battle continued, Haru finally called out, his voice firm. "Enough! Swampert, stand down."
Swampert halted its movements, looking back at Haru with a questioning growl.
Haru pointed at the two grunts. "You're not here to steal anything, are you? What's your deal?"
The younger girl flinched at his words, her Umbreon retreating slightly. She looked at her sister, unsure of what to say.
The two Pokémon just dropped, as Rose just hugged her sister as they started to cry, feeling like they were going to jail.
The younger girl's, who's names was diamond then spoke. "Boss, is going to kill us sis".
Jessie just sighed and looked at Haru. "They are probably members".
Haru and Ash just sighed and went to them, giving them each handkerchief. "Listen, we won't report your to the police, just leave and we will never talk about this ok".
Both girls blush, especially seeing how Ash and Haru words shinked up, as Diamond blushes looking at Ash and Rose blushes looking at Haru the two girls got up, checked to see if there Pokémon were ok and left
As the two Rocket sisters disappeared into the distance, the group was left standing on the beach, a mix of confusion and amusement on their faces. Brock scratched the back of his head, watching the sisters' retreating figures.
"That was... unexpected," Brock said, breaking the silence. "I mean, when was the last time we ran into Rocket members who weren't out for our Pokémon or trying to blow something up?"
Misty nodded. "They were… surprisingly polite. I almost feel bad for them. Team Rocket's higher-ups must be terrifying if they're that scared of leaving."
Ash looked down at Pikachu, who was just as perplexed. "Yeah, I don't think I've ever seen anyone cry after a battle like that. I hope they'll be okay."
Haru, leaning on Swampert, let out a long sigh. "Well, at least we didn't end up with a full-blown mess this time. I guess we did them a favor. But seriously, what was with the blushing? That was so awkward."
Jessie smirked, folding her arms. "Oh, come on, Haru. You can't be that clueless. Those two had a thing for you and Ash."
Ash blinked in confusion. "A thing? What do you mean?"
Brock immediately cut in, grinning. "She means they thought you guys were cute. Don't act like you didn't notice, Ash!"
Ash's face turned beet red. "W-what?! That's not—no way!"
Haru just shook his head, a small smirk creeping onto his face. "Well, at least I wasn't the only one getting weird vibes. Guess you've got a fan, Ash."
Misty rolled her eyes, crossing her arms. "You guys really need to focus on what's important. We've got a gym battle to prepare for, remember?"
Jessie nodded, looking out at the horizon. "Yeah, and if those two sisters weren't lying, we might see more Rocket trouble soon. Best to be ready for anything."
Haru stood up, brushing off sand from his clothes. "Good point. Let's get back to training. If Team Rocket's going to make a move, I want to be prepared. Swampert's ready to evolve, and I'm not letting anyone stand in our way."
The group exchanged determined nods before heading back to their camp. Despite the strange encounter, their resolve to keep moving forward only grew stronger.
Haru then looked at Jessie and James. "Hey, you two, is Archer really that scary"
James laughed. "Strong yes, but scary no, that goes to Giovanni right hand, who is currently rooting in prison, but is Archer smart and stronger yes".
Haru just sigehd. "I feel like in the future we will have to deal with him".
Jessie crossed her arms, her expression thoughtful. "Archer's not someone you take lightly. He's one of the few in Team Rocket who combines brains and brawn. He's not scary like Giovanni's right hand was, but he's ruthless when it comes to getting what he wants."
James nodded, his usual carefree demeanor replaced with a rare seriousness. "Yeah, Archer doesn't make mistakes often. If you ever cross paths with him, you better be ready. He's more dangerous because he's calculated. He won't waste time with flashy moves—he goes straight for the win."
Haru ran a hand through his hair, his expression tense. "Great. Just what I needed—a potential encounter with a mastermind Rocket member. It's like trouble just finds me wherever I go."
Jessie smirked, trying to lighten the mood. "You say that like it's not entertaining. Besides, you've got us, remember? We've tangled with Archer before, and we're still here."
Haru couldn't help but chuckle at her confidence. "Fair enough. But if he's as smart and strong as you say, we're going to need to be ready. I have a feeling this isn't the last we'll hear about him."
James shrugged. "Let's just hope he's too busy running operations to bother with us. But knowing our luck, you're probably right."
As the conversation shifted back to their plans, Haru couldn't shake the feeling that a future clash with Archer was inevitable. Deep down, he knew this journey wasn't going to get any easier. If anything, it was just the beginning of something bigger.
Meanwhile, Both Diamond and Rose came to a place, as they took a sighed to relief happy to escape.
Diamond looked at her older sister. "That guy was cute".
Rose looked at her. "Cute I think he was more hot then cute".
Diamond looked at her sister confuse. "Are we talking about the same guy, I am taking about the one with the Hat, what did he call him self Ash".
Rose looked at younger sister and spoke. "I am talking about the white coat guy, he is my age what is his name, Haru I think that what they called him".
Diamond tilted her head, her confusion fading into a teasing grin. "Oh, I see! So you've got a thing for the serious, brooding type, huh? Haru does have that 'cool and mysterious' vibe going on."
Rose crossed her arms, a faint blush creeping onto her cheeks. "And you've got a thing for the hyperactive, cheerful type, don't you? Ash is like a puppy with boundless energy."
Diamond stuck out her tongue playfully. "Hey, don't judge! He was kind and didn't turn us in, even after all that chaos. That's gotta count for something."
Rose sighed, shaking her head. "Well, they both seem way out of our league. But… I have to admit, they're not what I expected from people who hang around Team Rocket grunts like Jessie and James."
Diamond nodded, leaning back against a tree as they caught their breath. "Yeah, they were different. Not mean or condescending, just… normal. Kind of makes you wonder why people like them are mixed up in all this."
Rose looked at her sister, a small smile playing on her lips. "Maybe not everyone in this world is as bad as we think. Still, we should be more careful next time. I doubt we'll get lucky twice."
Diamond grinned. "Or maybe fate just likes us. Who knows? Maybe we'll bump into them again."
Rose rolled her eyes, but there was a hint of hope in her expression as they started to move on, ready to face whatever their next challenge might be.
To be continued
Hope people like this ch and give me power stones and enjoy