The reason Sam chose Venusaur for this battle was simple. Venusaur was a Grass/Poison-type Pokémon, and against a Normal-type Pokémon like Slaking, there was no type advantage to exploit. Since both Pokémon were at the Elite High Level, Sam decided to rely on Venusaur's Poison-type techniques and status effects to limit Slaking's combat ability.
Norman smiled.
"Not bad, young man. To train a Venusaur to the Elite High Level is quite impressive. You're an excellent Trainer."
As he spoke, Norman released his own Pokémon.
[Pokémon] Slaking
[Type] Normal
[Category] Lazy Pokémon
[Ability] Truant
[Hidden Ability] None
[Strength] Elite High Level
Although Slaking was a rare Pokémon, its Ability wasn't particularly useful in direct combat. However, what made Slaking terrifying was its overwhelming physical strength and durability.
Unlike most Pokémon that specialized in either offense or defense, Slaking excelled at both. It was one of the most troublesome opponents a Trainer could face.
"Young man, don't hold back. Show me your full strength," Norman said.
"Of course," Sam replied.
The battle began immediately.
The flower on Venusaur's back opened, and a massive seed shot forward.
"Seed Bomb!"
The giant seed flew straight toward Slaking.
To Sam's surprise, Slaking simply lay there lazily without moving.
Was it planning to take the attack head-on?
Sam frowned.
He knew how powerful Seed Bomb was. Unless a Pokémon possessed exceptional defenses, taking the attack directly would cause serious damage.
Yet Slaking remained motionless.
Suddenly, its left arm swung upward.
"Hammer Arm!"
With a single strike, Slaking smashed the incoming Seed Bomb.
The seed exploded in midair.
Even after blocking the attack, Slaking still looked half-asleep.
Norman laughed.
"It's not looking down on you. This is just how Slaking usually fights."
"That won't be enough," Sam replied.
Even so, watching Slaking lazily sprawled across the battlefield was irritating.
"Leech Seed!"
Countless tiny seeds flew from Venusaur's flower and landed on Slaking's body.
The attack itself caused no damage.
However, the seeds quickly took root.
A smile appeared on Sam's face.
"Grow!"
Vines suddenly burst from Slaking's body and wrapped around it.
This time, Slaking finally stood up.
It began trying to tear away the vines.
Unfortunately, the vines clung tightly to its body.
More and more wrapped around it until Slaking was completely restrained.
Just as Sam prepared to launch another attack, Slaking's arm suddenly trembled.
The vines wrapped around its arm snapped apart.
Then Slaking casually brushed away the rest of the vines from its body.
"Slack Off!"
The vines were quickly removed.
Moments later, Slaking returned to its lazy posture.
It opened its mouth and let out a huge yawn.
Sam immediately became cautious.
He knew that wasn't ordinary laziness.
Slaking had just used Yawn.
Although it wasn't an offensive move, Sam knew it had to be serving some purpose.
"Razor Leaf!"
Sharp leaves shot from Venusaur's body like flying blades.
The attack was fast and highly accurate.
Yet Slaking dodged every leaf with surprising ease.
Its movements were agile and fluid, completely at odds with its lazy appearance.
Was this somehow related to Yawn?
An odd thought crossed Sam's mind.
It almost looked like drunken boxing.
"Vine Whip!"
Countless vines lashed toward Slaking.
Once again, Slaking dodged nearly every strike.
The huge Pokémon swayed from side to side, moving with unbelievable dexterity.
Then Slaking suddenly charged.
Its movements looked sluggish and unsteady, but its speed was astonishing.
Every attempt Venusaur made to stop it failed.
"Feint Attack!"
Slaking's massive fist shot forward.
The punch landed squarely on Venusaur.
Boom!
Venusaur was blasted backward, nearly sent flying across the battlefield.