Pokémon: The Master who emerged from the slums

With the team assignments for the class tournament completed, the competition officially began. The first match was between a Budew and a Pidgey. James carefully observed the stats of the two Pokémon:

Pokémon: Oddish

Type: Grass/Poison

Level: 7

Gender: Male

Ability: Run Away (Prevents the Pokémon from being trapped in battles against wild Pokémon)

Moves: Absorb, Growth, Acid

Inherited Moves: None

Move Tutor: None

TM: None

Note: Oddish is a Grass-type Pokémon that grows only when bathed in moonlight, hiding underground during the day to avoid the sun.

Pokémon: Pidgey

Type: Normal/Flying

Level: 6

Gender: Male

Ability: Keen Eye (Prevents accuracy from being lowered)

Moves: Tackle, Sand Attack

Inherited Moves: Air Cutter

Move Tutor: None

TM: None

Note: Pidgey is commonly found in grass and forests, and when it encounters an enemy, it first screeches and flaps its wings to throw sand at them, driving them away.

James analyzed the stats. Although Oddish had a higher level and knew a Poison-type move like Acid, it would still face a tough challenge against Pidgey, especially since Pidgey had inherited the Air Cutter move, which was a Flying-type attack and had the advantage over Grass-types.

The battle began, and both Pokémon exchanged a few attacks. Gradually, Oddish's moves were figured out. Ultimately, Pidgey landed a Tackle, knocking out Oddish. The trainer of Pidgey happily picked it up, celebrating the victory.

After that match, Laura called out James' name. She had high expectations for him, believing that he could win the school tournament. However, she also wondered about the potential of James' starter Pokémon. If the Pokémon's potential wasn't up to par, it might limit James' abilities. This was a common concern for trainers without much backing.

Standing on the battlefield, James calmly stared at his opponent. This was his first battle, and he was determined to win.

With the sound of a whistle from Laura, both James and his opponent threw their Poké Balls.

"Go, Machop! You're the one!"

"Machop!"

A flash of white light illuminated the arena, and Machop faced off against a Lillipup. James quickly used Pokédex Scan to check Lillipup's stats:

Pokémon: Lillipup

Type: Normal

Level: 6

Gender: Female

Ability: Pickup (Sometimes picks up items dropped by opponents or found during adventures)

Moves: Tackle, Work Up, Growl

Inherited Moves: Covet

Move Tutor: None

TM: None

Note: Lillipup is brave and cautious, standing up to strong opponents when necessary. Though it is known for its bravery, it is also very intelligent with excellent judgment.

James noticed that the Lillipup had inherited the move Covet, which could be used to steal items from opponents, and it had a battle-enhancing move, Work Up. However, Machop, being a Fighting-type Pokémon, had a natural advantage over Normal-types.

The opponent's trainer gave a small hum of disapproval and ordered, "Lillipup, strike first with Work Up!"

"Lillipup!"

James smiled slightly, thinking to himself, "Trying to boost your physical attack? Too bad, you're not going to get the chance."

He immediately commanded, "Machop, use Bullet Punch!"

"Machop!"

The opponent's trainer was taken aback. He hadn't expected James' Machop to use Bullet Punch, a move that could interrupt status-boosting moves. Panicking, the opponent shouted, "Lillipup, dodge!" However, Machop had already closed the distance, and before Lillipup could react, it was hit squarely by Bullet Punch, sending it flying 4-5 meters across the field. The students watching gasped.

"Wow, James's Machop is incredible! It knows Bullet Punch!"

"Not only that, but Machop's speed and attack power are amazing. With just one punch, it knocked Lillipup so far. This is terrifying!"

Someone in the crowd raised a question, "Did anyone notice how stiff Lillipup's dodge was? It seemed to freeze in place for a second?"

The others paused to think for a moment.

That was true.

At this point, the referee, Laura, spoke up, "Machop has the No Guard ability, meaning it can hit even if there's an evasion boost or status effect. You really should've studied more about Pokémon abilities. Now go and write the entire Pokédex Ability Handbook!"

The student who raised the question looked embarrassed, but Laura returned to watching the match. Despite her stern tone, she was pleased. She had already recognized that James's Machop had exceptional potential.

After being knocked back, Lillipup quickly scrambled back to its feet, though it looked a bit ragged.

Seeing Lillipup rise, James' opponent smiled, though he could tell that his Pokémon's condition had worsened.

"Close in and use Tackle!"

With the command, Lillipup blinked its eyes, and in a flash, rushed towards Machop.

James, however, was prepared. "Stay calm, Machop. Dodge and then use Low Kick!"

Although Low Kick was more effective with heavier Pokémon, James wasn't using it to deal damage but to stop Lillipup's quick movements. After all, Lillipup had a natural advantage in speed over Machop.

As Lillipup darted around the battlefield, Machop found it hard to keep up despite its No Guard ability. Lillipup evaded the attack, putting some distance between them.

Just as Machop seemed to lose focus, the opponent called out, "Now, Lillipup, use Covet!"

James smirked, having been expecting this move. "This is exactly what I wanted," he thought.

When Lillipup appeared in front of Machop, James immediately commanded, "Machop, Bullet Punch!"

As Lillipup prepared to show off a cute move, Machop's fist landed with a heavy thud. The force sent Lillipup flying out of the arena, and it crashed to the ground, eyes spinning.

A loud whistle blew, signaling the end of the match. Laura raised her hand and announced, "James wins! Lillipup's trainer, please take your Pokémon to the school nurse for treatment."

James walked back to his team amidst cheers from his classmates, but in the hustle and bustle, he quickly made his way to the side. Pretending to check Machop's condition, he slipped away from the crowd and let out a long sigh.

Victory in the first battle!