Pokemon: This Ash Is Too Versatile

Chapter 831 - 440: Belly Drum, Rest, Chesto Berry! This Is Snorlax’s Strategy!

"Ash’s Snorlax seemed to be only at the Elite Intermediate Level when it was first captured. I didn’t expect it to improve so quickly to Gym Level!" Misty also noticed Snorlax’s level. However, like Volkner, she could only tell it was Gym Level, without knowing the exact grade within the Gym Level.

It’s because Snorlax boosted its aura through Aura Fusion, thus revealing its true level.

"From Elite to Gym Level... How long has it been? Ash’s Snorlax really has exceptional talent! It’s a pity I didn’t travel with you to the Orange Archipelago back then," Brock shook his head, looking regretful as he spoke.

Misty hugged Togepi, smiling teasingly: "Who told you to be attracted by Dr. Nemu~"

"Ugh!" Hearing Dr. Nemu’s name made Brock clutch his heart, nearly hitting his head on the seat ahead.

Serena covered her mouth and chuckled softly, then acted as the peacemaker: "Alright, let’s not talk about those times. Ash and Gym Leader Volkner’s battle is about to start!"

Upon hearing this, Misty and Brock refocused their attention on the battlefield.

Even though Snorlax is Gym Level, with Aura Fusion, defeating the Elite Advanced Level Manectric is not simple at all — it’s incredibly challenging.

After all, its level was raised by special powers, which is different from improving through progress. Overcoming the opponent depends on Ash’s unexpected tactics and his commanding ability.

On the field, Volkner took a deep breath, suppressing his inner shock. He wondered where this Trainer named Ash emerged from, and how he had Champion-level Pokemon capable of dramatic power upgrades.

Moreover, at the young age of fifteen, he was a prodigy among prodigies.

Volkner regretted it now; regretted not following external news and dedicating himself to focusing on his Gym’s setup.

If it weren’t for the invitation from the Johto League, he wouldn’t even know about the grand Silver Conference celebration, let alone Ash.

"Gym Leader Volkner, can we begin?" Ash rotated his wrist and shouted to Volkner.

He feared Volkner wasn’t yet over his shock, lest the loss be considered dishonorable later.

"The moment we unleash our Pokemon, the battle begins. I’ll let you attack first," Volkner gestured to Ash.

Understanding Ash’s implication, Volkner conceded by letting Snorlax attack first.

However, even with Snorlax attacking first, the speed of Snorlax meant Manectric could easily react to it...

"Since Gym Leader Volkner is so courteous, I won’t hold back!" Ash grinned broadly, a gleam in his eyes: "Snorlax, use Belly Drum!"

"Snorlax!"

Snorlax’s rotund body gave a sudden shake; its thick bear palms raised high, then heavily clapped its soft, white belly.

"Doom—!!"

A deep, thunderous drum sound exploded within the Gym.

The sound was low and powerful, causing the entire venue to sway slightly.

The lazy look on Snorlax’s face vanished completely in that moment, replaced by unprecedented excitement and fighting spirit.

Snorlax’s physical strength flooded away like a dam burst, and its originally ruddy complexion became visibly paler.

Yet, simultaneously, an overwhelming force surged out from its massive frame!

Belly Drum — at the expense of half the maximum physical strength, its ATK is greatly enhanced!

"I see, sacrificing Snorlax’s most notable physical strength for extreme ATK boost?" Volkner crossed his arms, a faint smile forming, "A good idea. But haven’t you forgotten one thing?"

He raised his right hand, pointing to the swift blue and yellow figure in the field.

"Manectric’s speed isn’t something your Snorlax can touch. No matter how high the ATK, if it can’t hit, it means nothing."

"Moreover—" Volkner’s gaze fell on Snorlax’s noticeably paler face, "Your most outstanding physical strength advantage is now gone. This Belly Drum move, from my perspective, is losing sight of what’s important."

In the audience, Ah Yi clenched his fists, a hint of confusion in his eyes.

Is the Gym Leader right? Snorlax’s biggest advantage was its immense HP.

Outsiders saw Snorlax as highly durable, thinking its defensive power was strong, which is actually a misconception.

Despite Snorlax’s large size, its defensive power was remarkably fragile, its forte being the HP.

Now Ash has voluntarily halved Snorlax’s HP, entirely exchanging its forte for a weakness!

Of course, Snorlax’s attack was inherently strong, so this ATK boost should be like adding wings to a tiger — not really an exchange of weakness. Yet Snorlax’s speed is quite slow; even with increased ATK it can’t hit the speed-focused Manectric.

— This is true when both sides are almost at the same level.

Therefore, Ash’s actions are exactly what Volkner described: losing sight of priorities!

Misty held Togepi, her eyebrows slightly furrowed. Would Ash really make such an unwise move?