The atmosphere inside the forest dojo suddenly became rather awkward.
Only then did Ash realize that he had unintentionally become caught up in an internal dispute within the Kenzo Style.
It turned out that the elderly Master Kenzo was the head of this martial arts school. Although his granddaughter, Chigusa, possessed considerable talent, she was overly obsessed with flashy techniques while neglecting the importance of practical combat.
Seeing that he could not persuade his granddaughter, Kenzo suddenly had an idea and pushed Ash into the spotlight.
"This young man, Ash, is the successor I have chosen," Kenzo declared solemnly as he stroked his beard. "His Heracross is a true example of someone who has grasped the very essence of martial arts."
As expected, Chigusa refused to accept it. Her pretty face flushed with anger.
"Him? I'll prove through battle that beautiful techniques can win just as well!"
Ash naturally accepted the challenge. The Pokémon he chose was his only Fighting type, Heracross.
When Ash's Heracross appeared once again, the old master's eyes lit up.
Although he had seen Heracross once before, this time he immediately noticed that its aura had become far more imposing. It was obvious that its combat instincts were exceptionally sharp.
Just as Ash was about to send Heracross into battle, the dojo doors were suddenly thrown open.
A tall, powerfully built young man strode in proudly. Five wooden dojo plaques hanging from his waist clattered loudly with every step he took.
"My name is Shiro. I am currently on a warrior's training journey," he announced in a booming voice. "I have come to challenge the techniques of the Kenzo Style!"
Hearing Shiro's introduction, the old master looked visibly surprised.
Chigusa seemed to realize something and asked, "Let me ask you this. Are you the one who's been traveling around challenging Fighting type Pokémon dojos lately?"
"That's correct," Shiro replied proudly.
"I defeat each dojo master and take their plaque in place of a Gym Badge. So far, I've collected nine plaques. This dojo will provide me with my tenth."
He spoke with complete confidence, his words overflowing with pride in his accomplishments.
"Why are you doing something like this?"
"I plan to establish my own Fighting dojo. These plaques will serve as the best possible advertisement."
Kenzo was just about to accept the challenge when he suddenly grabbed his lower back and groaned. Beside him, his Machoke did exactly the same.
Both trainer and Pokémon had thrown out their backs at the exact same time!
Chigusa immediately wanted to fight in her grandfather's place, but Kenzo stopped her.
Instead, the old man looked toward Ash, his eyes filled with a silent plea.
Ash could only sigh helplessly.
Just as he was about to respond, he suddenly sensed something unusual.
"Heracross, southeast corner! Horn Attack!"
Heracross reacted instantly, charging toward a corner of the dojo and driving its massive horn straight into it.
With a loud crash, three familiar figures came tumbling out of their hiding place.
"You guys again?" Ash said, rubbing his forehead.
Jessie shouted furiously, "We finally found the perfect chance to..."
Before she could finish, Pikachu's Thunderbolt blasted all three of them into the sky.
"We finally got a chance to appear!"
"And this is how it ends again!"
"Looks like Team Rocket's blasting off again!"
After getting rid of the troublemakers, Chigusa insisted on battling Shiro first.
Chigusa sent out her Hitmontop. It danced gracefully across the battlefield, its spinning kicks as elegant as a performance. Yet no matter how dazzling its movements were, they accomplished nothing against Hitmonlee's calm, steadfast defense.
In fewer than ten exchanges, Hitmontop was defeated.
"My turn now," Ash said calmly as he stepped forward. "Heracross, I choose you!"
The moment Heracross appeared, Shiro sensed that this Pokémon was different. There was an unusually sharp fighting spirit in its eyes.
"Hitmonlee, use Whirlwind Kick!"
"Heracross, dodge it, then use Aura Sphere!"
Heracross casually shifted its body to the side, avoiding Hitmonlee's opening attack. At the same time, it gathered a sphere of fighting energy in its left hand and hurled it toward Hitmonlee.
Hitmonlee leaped high into the air and narrowly avoided the attack.
"Hitmonlee, use High Jump Kick!"
Since Hitmonlee was already airborne, Shiro chose High Jump Kick to maximize its power.
"Heracross, catch it head on, then use Brick Break!"
Heracross raised both claws and caught the incoming Hitmonlee without budging. With a single palm strike, it slammed Hitmonlee straight into the ground.
"Hitmonlee, get up and use Double Kick!"
To Shiro's credit, his Hitmonlee was incredibly resilient. It sprang back to its feet and immediately launched a Double Kick.
Before Ash could even issue another command, Heracross had already dodged the first kick on its own. As the second kick came flying in, it spread its insect wings and took to the air, becoming nothing more than a blur before ramming Hitmonlee with its horn.
"What incredible independent battle instincts," Chigusa exclaimed in amazement.
"Finish it with Megahorn!"
Heracross unleashed all of its power.
"Hitmonlee is unable to battle! Heracross wins!"
Shiro recalled his Hitmonlee and gave Ash a respectful bow.
"I have learned much today. Someday, I shall return to challenge you again."
After Shiro departed, Chigusa finally came to her senses.
She walked up to Ash and sincerely asked him for guidance.
"There's nothing wrong with flashy techniques themselves," Ash explained patiently. "But they have to be built upon a solid foundation. Your Hitmontop lacks sufficient physical conditioning. No matter how spectacular its moves look, they'll be easily broken without that foundation."
He looked at the dejected Hitmontop.
"More importantly, the bond between you and your Pokémon isn't strong enough. A trainer shouldn't force a Pokémon to perform movements that don't suit it simply to satisfy their own sense of style."
Chigusa finally understood. She sincerely apologized to both her grandfather and Hitmontop.
Over the next two days, Ash designed a special training program tailored to Hitmontop's strengths, helping the pair rebuild their trust in one another.
By the time they parted ways, Chigusa and Hitmontop fought together like an entirely different team.
Master Kenzo held Ash's hand tightly, tears streaming down his face.
"Thank you. You've helped this child understand what the true path of martial arts really is."
As they left the dojo, Brock chuckled.
"I never expected you to have the talent to be a teacher."
Ash simply smiled without saying a word.
...
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