Hikaru was still discussing the Perish Song strategy with the Ghost-type experts when he suddenly received a message from Lance.
"What, you want suggestions for your Dragonite's item and moveset?"
Hikaru was amused that someone as strong as Lance—the ultimate Dragon Trainer—would ask about combos.
Then again, thinking about it carefully, Lance's Dragonite typically runs four offensive moves. A classic example of how many people here battle in "all-out force" style.
The same can be said for the Elite Four. Let alone Musubi, that part-time trainer at Saffron Gym. Now everything makes sense.
In the games, plenty of people reach Master Tier, but in reality, most Trainers are novices. Nobody can really judge the other. After all, training real Pokémon is far more complicated than game data. It requires tremendous time and resources, and it doesn't neatly match game stats.
Anyone who can come up with a unique strategy is already considered somewhat famous. Someone who deeply studies tactical depth is basically an expert in the field.
For Lance, he's too reliant on Hyper Beam. Even the Elite Four have gaps in their knowledge. So as a craftsman who actually designs battle items, Hikaru gets it.
"…Since you're asking so earnestly, I can indeed suggest a few combos. But I'm missing some materials for certain items. You'll have to wait until I restock before I can craft them."
Hikaru replied while sending over some potential moves, Abilities, and item setups.
"If your Dragonite has the Multiscale Ability, in Singles you could use a Sitrus Berry, Leftovers, or Rocky Helmet, for example."
"Dragonite is seldom described as 'common,' so I'll just break it down a bit."
"Most Dragon trainers view Dragons as majestic powerhouses, so they tend to run purely offensive builds. For instance, a Dragonite with Dragon Dance can become an offensive monster. In an official format where you can only use four moves, a standard set would be Outrage + Dragon Dance + Extreme Speed + Earthquake for high DPS."
"But Dragonite has a wide learnset. Abandoning brute force can lead to a 'troll stall dragon' approach that might unexpectedly beat stronger foes!"
Dragonite really can learn nearly anything. The only thing it can't do is be a Pokémon Trainer itself. Well… maybe that's possible, if you think about it…
"For example, still assuming a format with four moves allowed, you can run moves like Air Slash + Roost + Thunder Wave + Encore to frustrate the opponent, or combine a big hitter like Draco Meteor with Roost + Fire Spin + Encore."
"Use Fire Spin to trap the opponent, then Roost to sustain, Encore to lock them into a move, and Rocky Helmet gives you guaranteed damage…"
At that point, Hikaru paused.
Rocky Helmet does appear in the anime. He's not certain if the Rocky Helmet he crafts will produce the same "fixed damage on contact" effect as in the games.
Anyway, the point is to exploit Draco Meteor plus a stall approach to wear the foe down.
Maybe I can experiment with forging a Rocky Helmet. Likely it'll need Rock-type Pokémon materials…
"If it has the Inner Focus Ability in Doubles, you can use a Choice Band and teach it Icy Wind."
"Inner Focus prevents Intimidate and Fake Out. With Icy Wind, you can disrupt the opponent's field. The Choice Band raises attack power, though it does lock you into one move… Well, I'm not selling Choice items yet, but once I have them, stay tuned."
"Meanwhile, if you're up against Fairy or Ice Pokémon, you can run Steel-type moves for coverage!"
In earlier generations, Dragonite could learn Iron Head, Iron Tail, and Steel Wing, but they're all short-range moves. Facing a special attacker that fights from afar, you might struggle to close the gap. Such is the usual problem with physical Steel moves.
Still, if an Elite Four–level trainer invests enough time, maybe they can train Iron Head to an unbelievable level.In the anime, the most extreme example might be Brandon's Registeel. Iron Head was unleashed like a Meteor Mash, cloaking itself in steel energy and just smashing forward.Though for Dragonite, you could also try combos like Loaded Dice + Dragon Dance + Scale Shot, but I don't have a Scale Shot tutor… plus I need to see if I can figure out how to craft a Loaded Dice from the mechanical data I got from someone else…
Hikaru suddenly thought:
"However, if the opponent also purchased items from me—like a Focus Sash—and they're using a Fairy/Ghost or Ice/Ghost type, Dragonite's prized Extreme Speed might be useless…"
"So, in terms of priority moves, you might consider Aqua Jet instead of Extreme Speed! But for Dragonite, Aqua Jet is an Egg Move, so you'd have to put in some effort…"
"And in unrestricted battles, a Dragonite that knows all these different combos is even more of a nightmare!"
Though you'd have to watch out for real-world battles turning into fistfights… but Lance is well-prepared for that, presumably.
Yes, this is the third time I've given strategy advice.
Hikaru thought for a moment.
Offering battle consultation might be good for promoting the shop's products. In building different teams and strategies, you often need corresponding items.
Some are only available at his shop."…Maybe I should also try playing some online matches. I recall there's a 'virtual battle' software."
He did a quick search. He'd never paid attention to it before, but sure enough, it exists.
It's developed by a well-known Battle Company in Unova.
In the games, that company is famous for battle items, and they help with improving items like Poké Balls.
In this real world, that company's main project is designing battle simulations, letting people around the globe fight each other virtually.
Virtual battles greatly reduce the trial-and-error cost of training and serve as a form of strategic simulation.
Similar projects have popped up in other regions too, like the worldwide link terminal in Johto's Goldenrod City!
Hikaru found the virtual battle software, which had a straightforward name: "Poké Battle."
He created an account. For the profile, he just wrote:
"Check out the Traveler's Workshop!"
And presumably the network speed in Johto is quite decent, so that's nice.
Meanwhile…
Lance, who had just messaged Hikaru privately, now wore a thoughtful look, quite impressed.
All his Dragonite rely on four offensive moves, basically brute forcing opponents. Sometimes, he'll just spam Hyper Beam on Team Rocket grunts. In his mind, Dragonite equals raw power!
But so many different tactics?
"Hmm! Although these strategies differ from my usual fighting style, I can keep them as secret weapons in certain matchups. That might let me pull off unexpected comebacks! I just need to fine-tune them in real battles."
Theory is one thing. Real combat is another. But with a solid theoretical foundation plus a top-class Trainer, the result could be a fearsome tactic!
"I never expected that I'd get so many unique pointers just by casually asking. Hikaru's understanding of battles is really deep! Then again, if he wasn't highly experienced, he couldn't have crafted all those specialized battle items."
"Maybe he used to be a famous trainer in Sinnoh. Or perhaps he's just a recluse, like our Elder in the Dragon's Den. In any case, I get it!"
"There are quite a few items I've never heard of, like the Choice Band, Rocky Helmet, and so on… Oh, but I see Leftovers in the store. So that's what it does! I get it now!"
He saved all the notes. Then, as Clair glanced over suspiciously, Lance switched back to his usual cocky expression.
His cousin still has a long way to go in battle strategy! Maybe they should both try some virtual matches first.
…
In the Kanto region, Sevii Islands, Four Island.
Lorelei never expected Hikaru to provide tactical consultations, but recalling how his earliest special items were designed for battle, it made sense.
Giving battle advice is also good for promoting his workshop's merchandise.
"Shadow Tag + Perish Song, that's quite the deadly combo and very practical, too."
The question from Sabrina made Lorelei think. Sabrina mainly uses Psychic-types; Lorelei is an Ice-type specialist, but she does have experience with Perish Song.
Still, it's a bit odd to be asked how to counter this tactic for a mere Gym test, but apparently Sabrina is serious about it.
"If the challenger is using an interesting strategy and I can't counter it, then the match isn't going to be fun."
That's what Sabrina said. Though she only sent a brief text, Lorelei sensed Sabrina's excitement.
She's not usually that eager about battling.
What's got her so hyped?
"Well, Ghost Pokémon can escape Shadow Tag. I've read in academic papers that Shadow Tag and Mean Look create a 'can't escape' condition. Ghost-types aren't affected. That's how it was explained."
"The best move to counter Perish Song is definitely [Taunt]! But you have to time it right."
"Also, research now suggests that Ghost-types can't be locked in by Shadow Tag, so using a strong Ghost-type might help you. Another option is using a Pokémon with the Soundproof Ability to block Perish Song's effect."
Though Sabrina is a Psychic specialist, borrowing a Ghost-type for the exam might work. But if you're not familiar with Ghost-types, you'll have trouble using it well.
It's not something you can master just by reading a strategy.After all, in actual battles, command synergy, reflexes, reading the opponent, timing, the Pokémon's condition, stamina management, even the bond with the Trainer are crucial.
Even the classic "Dodge!" can be hard unless the Trainer is extremely skilled, or else the Pokémon might just stand there confused and get knocked out.
And now we're adding "items" to the mix…
Trainers who master multiple types are either champion-level or random amateurs. Very high ceiling, very low floor!
Lorelei pushed up her glasses, the lens glinting. A slight dangerous smile touched her lips.
What if I used that tactic on Lance? That would be fun!
(End of Chapter)
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