Pokemon: Scientist From One Piece

"Oh? A little Pokémon I've never seen before… wants to challenge me?"

Chuck's eyes lit up with interest.

"I've seen many Trainer challengers, but this is the first time a Pokémon has come forward on its own.

"Well then, let's have a little fun!"

With a flick of his wrist, he tossed a Poké Ball forward.

"Go! Hitmonlee!"

Chuck wasn't entirely sure about the strength of this mysterious Eevee evolution, so he decided to send out Hitmonlee—a Pokémon from his second-tier team, just like Machoke before.

"Mach Punch!"

The moment Hitmonlee landed, it threw a punch so fast that the sheer force whistled through the air.

Boom!

The attack struck Umbreon square on the cheek—

But instead of being knocked away, she simply smirked.

A slow, malicious grin spread across her face.

"Haii!"

With a twist of her neck, Umbreon retaliated at point-blank range—

Unleashing a spiraling shockwave of dark energy!

Dark Pulse!

Hitmonlee quickly crossed his arms, forming an X in defense.

The attack landed—

But only left a few scratches.

Hitmonlee barely flinched.

Chuck narrowed his eyes.

"A move I don't recognize… but it seems to be weak against Fighting-types."

He rubbed his chin.

"Hmm… I should make note of this and inform Professor Oak later."

Chuck had been good friends with Professor Oak's late son, and he still kept in contact with the professor.

In fact, Oak had even considered sending his grandson to train under Chuck when he got a little older.

But for now—

His focus was on Umbreon.

Umbreon took a step back.

Hitmonlee wasn't as overwhelming as the purple monster she had fought the night before—

But the punch still hurt.

"Is this what they call 'type disadvantage'?"

She narrowed her crimson eyes.

"Then I just need to change tactics!"

With a swift movement, Umbreon hooked her claws into the sandy ground.

Then—

Flick!

A cloud of yellow sand burst into the air, spraying toward Hitmonlee's face!

Sand Attack!

Hitmonlee instinctively raised his gloved hands, shielding his eyes from the sandstorm.

Umbreon didn't waste the opportunity.

Her body glowed white as she charged forward at high speed!

Quick Attack!

"Hitmonlee, Fire Punch! Upper left!"

Chuck's voice rang out instantly.

Even though Hitmonlee's vision was obstructed, he trusted his Trainer's command.

His right fist ignited with flames, swinging at a precise angle.

Just before the punch landed, Umbreon suddenly raised her head.

Boom!

A surge of Dark Pulse blasted upward—

Not at Hitmonlee—

But at the ceiling!

"What!?"

Chuck, Yishu, and the entire audience were caught off guard.

The force of the attack propelled Umbreon backward—

Letting her barely dodge the incoming Fire Punch!

But that wasn't all.

Boom!

A hole exploded in the Gym's ceiling, sending chunks of debris raining down!

Chuck's eyes flashed.

"Protect!"

Hitmonlee immediately raised his arms, forming a light-blue energy barrier around himself.

The falling rocks hit the barrier—

But couldn't break through.

The god-tier move Protect had nullified the damage.

"Heh, that was close."

Chuck smirked, watching Umbreon land.

Then—

His smirk faded as he saw her next move.

Umbreon's jet-black fur bristled as she lunged forward—

Her small but powerful claws bulging with strength.

Feint Attack!

"Bullet Punch!"

Hitmonlee's fists gleamed silver, moving at blinding speed!

A fist met claw in a violent collision!

Umbreon gritted her teeth.

Hitmonlee's skin felt like iron, making it difficult to push forward.

Chuck grinned.

"That was some clever thinking earlier—"

"Did you come up with that tactic?

"Or was it your Trainer?"

Hands on his hips, he let out a booming laugh.

"But you're still too inexperienced.

"Without a Trainer, you won't reach your full potential."

Umbreon's eyes hardened.

"I follow my master's footsteps—"

"That's why I must become stronger!"

Light white energy shimmered around Umbreon's body—

Another Quick Attack!

Chuck smirked.

"Muda da~! We have priority moves too.

"Hitmonlee—Bullet Punch!"

Hitmonlee's fists gleamed silver once more, his movements swift and calculated.

He stepped forward with fluid precision—

And struck!

At the last moment, Umbreon turned her head and opened her mouth—

Dark Pulse!

Chuck's eyes narrowed.

"Hitmonlee—lower right!"

Hitmonlee immediately adjusted his attack.

His fist slammed downward—

And struck cleanly!

Boom!

Umbreon staggered backward, dazed.

Chuck crossed his arms.

"This move is clever—"

"But a Gym Leader won't fall for the same trick twice."

"I saw which direction your mouth was facing—so I knew where you were moving."

Then—

His eyes widened.

Something was wrong.

Hitmonlee's fist was locked in place.

Umbreon was holding it back—

With her right hind leg.

Her muscles had visibly tightened—

When had she used a stat-boosting move?

The answer came too late.

Umbreon twisted mid-air, her tail shimmering silver.

Iron Tail!

Boom!

Hitmonlee was sent flying backward, smashing into the Gym wall!

A cloud of dust erupted from the impact.

"Hitmonlee, you okay?"

Chuck turned his head—

Just in time to see Hitmonlee standing up.

"Cha~ bi~."

He let out a low cry, still ready to fight.

"Heh. That was unexpectedly strong."

Chuck exhaled, impressed.

"Was that a Steel-type move?"

"Did it copy Bullet Punch just by seeing it a few times?"

Steel-types were newly recognized by the Pokémon League—

So Chuck wasn't sure what to call Umbreon's attack.

Thump!

Umbreon staggered, her legs trembling.

She was at her limit.

"Buii~."

She glanced at Chuck one last time—

Then, in a series of leaps, she retreated.

Jumping onto the audience seats—

Then onto the Gym's windowsill.

She paused, staring at the crowd below—

Then disappeared into the night.

Her master would be home soon.

She couldn't stay any longer.

End of Chapter.

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