Based on Fang Yuan and Eevee's observations, this Pikachu could, at most, display the strength of a professional level.
Even so, that was extremely formidable, for a Pokemon to be trained to such an extent in less than a year was enough to make the vast majority of Trainers on Earth feel ashamed.
Of course, this was inseparable from Pikachu's talent, Xiaozhi's luck, and not necessarily directly related to Xiaozhi's skill level. Instead, it was mostly the fruit of Brock's nurturing efforts and the care from Dr. Oak who tended to Pikachu before.
Perhaps the Rocket Team, who often gifted Pikachu with experience, also deserved some credit?
......
Due to Xiaozhi's whimsical battle request, Brock and Misty had no choice but to accompany him to an open area to witness the battle between Pikachu and Eevee.
As for the participants in the battle, Fang Yuan and Xiaozhi were both looking forward to it, getting themselves warmed up on either side of the battlefield.
"Pikachu, go!"
Xiaozhi commanded with a grand gesture.
"Eevee, do your best!"
On this side, Fang Yuan also motioned for Eevee to enter the fray.
Moments later, both Pokemon charged onto the field simultaneously.
On Xiaozhi's side, Pikachu planted its limbs firmly on the ground, with the red circular sacs on its cheeks flashing sparks as it stared intensely at its opponent, responding to Xiaozhi with "Pika pika".
Leave everything to it!
On Fang Yuan's side, Eevee agilely ran forward, lightly shaking its cream-colored ruff and tapping the ground with its fluffy tail, its long ears twitching as it eyed Pikachu with a sly look.
Electric rat, bring it on!
The provocation was full of intent!
Pikachu: (っ`-´c) Pika!!
Pikachu is irritated.
"Then let the battle begin!!"
Brock, voluntarily acting as the referee, declared the start of the battle when he saw both Pokemon fully charged with combative spirit.
As soon as Brock finished speaking, Xiaozhi, who favored quick-attack tactics, immediately took the initiative by commanding:
"Pikachu, Quick Attack!!"
Before the word "quick" had even been uttered, Pikachu had already turned into a streak of white light, stirring up a cloud of dust and moving in a "Z" pattern to disrupt its approach while attacking Eevee.
"Sand Splash." Fang Yuan spoke.
The next second!
Facing the onslaught of the white light, Eevee lightly scraped the ground with its paw pads.
In an instant, a whirlwind of air centered around Eevee started swirling the sand on the ground at high speed.
The force of the rapid spin flung the clumped sand into the air, instantly forming a mini sand tornado that wrapped around Eevee.
Seeing this, Xiaozhi, Brock, and Misty were all stunned, displaying incredulous expressions.
Pikachu, who was charging at Eevee, hadn't expected a sand tornado to suddenly appear, shielding Eevee from harm.
Caught off-guard, the sand-spouting Counter-shield expanded and flung the approaching Pikachu away.
With a "bang", Pikachu, which had charged at high speed, was sent flying.
"Pika—"
And it ended up with a mouthful of dirt.
After being hit, Pikachu continued to fly backward, rolling several times on the ground before stopping.
Even a Sand Splash can pack a punch.
"What kind of move is this?!"
"Sand Splash??"
"Can Sand Splash be used like that?"
In Xiaozhi's mind, speed was his Pikachu's absolute advantage. Seeing that Pikachu's pride in its speed had been rendered ineffective in an instant, Xiaozhi was momentarily stunned.
What exactly was this technique?
"How about that, Xiaozhi? My Eevee's Sand Splash isn't bad, right? I call this technique the Counter Shield!"
Fang Yuan looked directly at Xiaozhi, thinking "thanks a lot." In fact, he had been inspired by Xiaozhi's tactics to train Eevee to master this move.
Nowadays, Eevee might not need it anymore, but without a doubt, the move had brought countless help to Fang Yuan. It could be said that without the Counter Shield, there wouldn't be Fang Yuan, the winner of the Little Phoenix King Cup.
At this moment, Fang Yuan using it in front of Xiaozhi also aimed to let Xiaozhi learn the move in advance to add some variety to his quick-attack tactics.
"You guys are indeed very strong. I never thought Sand Splash could be used like this..."
Xiaozhi adjusted his cap, looking at the battered Pikachu getting up, and became even more excited, "But, we will not admit defeat—"
"Pika!!"
Pikachu also regained its fighting spirit, looking firmly at the opposing Eevee.
"That's the Xiaozhi I know."
Seeing Xiaozhi filled with energy again, Brock and Misty smiled inwardly. It was this spirit that had brought Xiaozhi to where he was today; when Xiaozhi was at a disadvantage, that was also when he created miracles!!
However, this Trainer named Fang Yuan, was very strong... The Sand Splash Eevee displayed, so smooth and fluid like drifting clouds and flowing water, even gym-bred Brock and Misty were dazzled. How many times had they trained to achieve such proficiency?
"Pikachu, Thunderbolt!!"
Swiftly, Xiaozhi initiated the next round of offense.
Opposite Eevee, Pikachu's body was enveloped in a golden yellow aura. Its electric moves were far more potent than those of other Electric Pokemon of the same level; a thunderous boom approached Eevee, rivalling an actual thunder.
"Sand Splash." Fang Yuan remained expressionless, choosing the same tactic.
He wanted to see if Xiaozhi could create a miracle this time.
At this point, Fang Yuan wasn't aiming to beat Xiaozhi, but rather to repay the Trainer who had given him tactical inspiration by engaging in an instructive battle with him.