Chapter 6: Chapter - 6
Sinnoh Gym Leaders Group Chat
Byron: Alright, team, did everyone catch that new kid's battle against Gardenia and Roark? It's been all over Poké-Tube.
Gardenia: Caught it? I lived it! That kid is something else, let me tell you! His Grotle is almost as big as my Torterra, and it's not just size—it's strength too.
Roark: Same here. Facing his Lairon was like going up against a fully trained veteran. I swear, I've never seen a beginning trainer with that kind of control. It felt like a throwback to when we trained under the old Advanced Battle format!
Volkner: Advanced Battle format… That brings back memories. Are you guys sure he's only a week in? With those kinds of Pokémon, I'd think he was a prodigy.
Fantina: Ah, a prodigy indeed! His Pokémon, have an aura, a shine… almost like the legends we heard of trainers like Red and Blue. And he took down both Roark and Gardenia? C'est incroyable!
Maylene: Advanced Battles, hmm? This kid must have some serious confidence and skill to go for that right off the bat. Think he could challenge the League one day?
Roark: If he keeps this up, I wouldn't be surprised if he reaches the League finals. He has something, a spark… and you can tell he's not doing it for show. His Pokémon respond to him with that deep trust you only see in seasoned trainers.
Gardenia: True. His Grotle and he were in perfect sync. And get this, his Grotle practically matched my Torterra in size and strength. Even his Charmeleon was holding its own against my Tangrowth. It's like he's skipped right over beginner training.
Crasher Wake: A Grotle the size of a Torterra, you say? Sounds like I'm going to need to add some extra power to my lineup just to keep up with him! It's refreshing to see a challenger come through with something unexpected.
Fantina: Oui, refreshing and delightful! Such battles fill the air with excitement. I wonder, Roark, Gardenia, did you sense that same energy in him as those rare few trainers we've encountered before?
Roark: Yeah, exactly that feeling. You know, when you can just tell there's something about them that will push the boundaries. I can't quite put it into words, but it's there.
Byron: Guess I'll have to see it firsthand soon enough. I'll be ready for him. If he wants Advanced Battles, I say bring it on!
Volkner: Alright, Roark, Gardenia—walk us through it. What exactly makes this kid so different? Everyone's talking about him, but I want to know what I'm really up against.
Gardenia: Well, first of all, his Grotle—imagine the size of a small Torterra. It's got this solid build that feels more advanced than a Grotle's usual strength. But it's not just raw power; his battle style is so intense and precise, especially for a kid so early in his journey. He understands his Pokémon, and they understand him back.
Roark: Yeah, that connection was crystal clear. His Lairon, for instance—every move was deliberate. No wasted energy, no hesitation. When we went head-to-head, it felt like I was battling someone who's been training for years.
Byron: Lairon, you say? I know that Pokémon well. Solid defences, and relentless offense when used right. Sounds like Jordan's training went deeper than most beginners.
Gardenia: Exactly. His Grotle didn't just use moves—it adapted. When we fought, he was actively studying my strategies and countering them in real-time. And as soon as I thought I had a handle on him, his Charmeleon came in with this fierce speed and power. It didn't feel like a typical Grass/Fire-type matchup.
Maylene: Did he try any unexpected tactics with his Pokémon? If he's that advanced, I'd imagine he's using some next-level strategies for a rookie.
Roark: Oh. For instance, he had Lairon use Sandstorm right at the beginning to chip away at Rampardos. That's not something I'd expect from a beginner, let alone someone facing an Advanced Battle for the first time. And he didn't just brute-force his way through. He'd wait for the exact moment to land a move, letting his Pokémon's stamina work against mine.
Fantina: Magnifique! It sounds as though he's treating his battles like art. I think I'll need to brush up on my choreography before he comes to Hearthome City!
Volkner: So, he's not just a powerhouse. I'm going to need to bring more than just raw electricity to this one. But Gardenia, I've gotta ask—how did his Grotle fare against your Torterra? That's no small feat for a new trainer.
Gardenia: Let me tell you, I was fully expecting Grotle to struggle. I even used Leech Seed, thinking I'd wear it down before going in with a Frenzy Plant, but Grotle withstood it. It was impressive enough that it was nearly my Torterra's size, but it kept up in pure strength, too. It wasn't until the final moves that I felt like I was close to turning it around, and even then, it wasn't easy.
Crasher Wake: Hah! Sounds like Jordan's Pokémon don't just pack a punch—they know how to take one, too. Google's got real endurance if it stood up to Frenzy Plant. That kind of resilience is going to keep him in fights most rookies wouldn't last two minutes in.
Byron: You're not kidding. And if he's as adaptable as you say, he'll probably come to each of us with strategies specific to our gyms. I like the sound of this challenge! I'll be watching these battle recordings closely.
Maylene: I'm going to need a new plan. My fighting types are strong, but they rely on speed and technique. If his Pokémon can handle Gardenia's Torterra and Roark's Rampardos, then he's already seen power and defense. I'll need to go for agility and catch him off-guard.
Fantina: Oui, and I'll need to get creative with my Ghost-types. Jordan may have seen strength and tactics, but I'll bring mystery! Maybe a few tricks will make him pause and think.
Volkner: I think we're all going to need to adjust, if not rethink, our strategies entirely. Roark, Gardenia, what's your final take—could this kid have the potential to challenge the League?
Roark: Honestly, yes. It might sound crazy for a beginner, but I'd say he's well on his way if he keeps pushing like this. He's got the basics, sure, but there's something deeper—a kind of instinct that doesn't come from just training. It feels… natural like he's meant for this.
Gardenia: Agreed. There's a maturity to his battling that I haven't seen in a new trainer in years. I don't want to compare him too early, but it does remind me of some of the greats—those trainers that stand out even when they're starting. He could go all the way.
The leaders start talking about what strategies they might use against Jordan, as well as how the public might react to the resurgence of Advanced Battles.
Byron: Sounds like we're bringing Advanced Battles back, and I, for one, am all for it! When's the last time a rookie has given us all this much to think about?
Volkner: It's rare. Maybe Red, Blue, or some of the older champions. We haven't seen this since… what, Professor Oak's time? People are going to go wild if he keeps winning Advanced Battles at this rate.
Fantina: C'est vrai! And the public—they will love it. Advanced Battles are a rare spectacle, a thing of beauty. People still talk about Oak's battles, and to see it happening again? Très excitant!
Crasher Wake: And think about what it'll do for his confidence. If he can stand up to the powerhouses like Rampardos and Torterra and keep going, imagine what he'll bring to the later Gyms. I'll have to train my Water-types to new limits just to keep things interesting for him.
Maylene: And we'll have to keep innovating. If the public sees these battles, they'll be expecting us to bring our best, too. I might start rotating in some of my secret training techniques just to keep things competitive!
Reactions Across the Pokémon World
Sinnoh Region – Oreburgh Café
The Oreburgh café was now packed with regulars who had seen Jordan's matches and were eager to share their thoughts. Amid the excited chatter, discussions turned to how unique Jordan's Pokémon were—not just strong, but strikingly large and powerful, even for their species.
"Look at his Pokémon! Lairon, Charmeleon, Grotle—all of them are bigger than usual," one man said, his tone full of amazement. "It's like they're made to handle these Advanced Battles."
"You think he's doing special training?" a young woman asked, sipping her coffee thoughtfully. "I mean, people are saying he only started his journey a week ago. How do you even get that strong so quickly?"
An older trainer nearby chuckled. "Sometimes, it's not just about time—it's about the bond and the talent behind the training. And I'd say Jordan's got both in spades. He's not just powerful—he's smart, too."
Several patrons around the table nodded in agreement, but one person muttered skeptically, "Or maybe he's just lucky. That kind of strength isn't normal, even for a gifted trainer."
The older trainer shook his head. "You're wrong there. Luck might win you one match, but not two Advanced Battles against ACE-level Gym Leaders. That's real talent and dedication."
Eterna City – Pokémon Center
Meanwhile, in Eterna City's Pokémon Center, trainers gathered around a large screen that was replaying clips of Jordan's battles. Trainers and even some nurses watched with awe as Jordan's Grotle charged Gardenia's Torterra, the size difference barely noticeable due to Grotle's impressive stature and power.
One nurse leaned over to a fellow staff member, whispering, "Have you ever seen a Grotle that big before?"
Her coworker shook her head, eyes wide. "Never. It's like he has a whole team of alpha Pokémon! How does someone that young manage that kind of strength?"
A nearby trainer, overhearing their conversation, chimed in. "I bet he's using special training techniques. Maybe he's even training in secret spots around Sinnoh. There are old legends about trainers who strengthen their bonds with unique training routines—it's rare, but I think Jordan's tapped into that."
"Or maybe it's just raw talent," added another trainer. "Not everyone gets this strong so quickly, but I've heard stories of other trainers—like Red and Blue—who went from beginners to champions in what felt like no time."
A few people nodded thoughtfully, while others exchanged whispers, speculating about how Jordan trained his Pokémon. The debates continued as the footage rolled on, showcasing Jordan's strategic maneuvers and his Pokémon's sheer power.
Kanto Region – Professor Oak's Lab
In Kanto, Professor Oak watched the highlights of Jordan's matches with a nostalgic smile. Every time he saw Jordan issue a command with that mixture of passion and calculated thought, he couldn't help but see glimpses of his former students. The lab was quiet except for the hum of the monitor, showing Jordan's fierce battles against Roark and Gardenia.
His assistant, observing Professor Oak's captivated expression, finally broke the silence. "Professor, you look… proud. Like you know him."
Professor Oak chuckled, his eyes twinkling with excitement. "I don't know him personally, but there's something about him that feels familiar. He has a drive that reminds me of Red and Blue when they first started. It's a rare thing, that kind of connection with one's Pokémon. And the skill… well, I'd say he's a natural."
The assistant glanced back at the screen, watching as Jordan's Charmeleon unleashed a powerful Flamethrower. "Do you think he'll reach the top?"
Professor Oak nodded slowly, his expression thoughtful. "If he continues like this, I don't doubt it. But it's not just his power—it's his heart. Advanced Battles are tough, and not every trainer can handle the pressure. But from what I've seen, Jordan isn't only talented—he's resilient, and that will make all the difference."
Johto Region – Goldenrod City Radio Station
In Johto's bustling Goldenrod City, DJ Mary hosted a popular radio segment, where she took live calls from fans excitedly discussing the latest in the world of Pokémon battles. Today's topic was Jordan, the young Sinnoh challenger, whose Advanced Battles were the talk of the town.
"Welcome back, listeners!" Mary said into the microphone, her voice cheerful. "Today's hottest news is none other than Jordan from Sinnoh, the rookie who's already taken on two ACE-level Gym Leaders in Advanced Battles! Now, I want to hear from all of you—what do you think of this young powerhouse? First up, we have a caller from Ecruteak City. You're on the air!"
"Hi, Mary! I'm just amazed by this kid, honestly," the caller gushed. "Did you see his Grotle? It's like he's raising them on some kind of special formula! And his Charmeleon—that thing's a fire-spitting machine!"
Mary laughed, nodding along. "I know! And he's just started his journey, which makes it even more incredible. How do you think he got his Pokémon so powerful?"
The caller paused thoughtfully. "You know, I've been thinking about that. I bet he's got some kind of mentor or training secret. But even then, he's the one fighting the battles—he's got skill."
Mary smiled as she read another comment from a listener. "Exactly! And let's remember, Advanced Battles haven't been done in a long time. Some say he's bringing back a style that was last perfected by none other than Professor Oak himself!"
The show continued, with fans calling in from all over Johto to express their admiration, curiosity, and excitement for Jordan's journey.
Galar Region – Wyndon Stadium
In Galar, where the League and Dynamax battles dominated the competitive scene, the buzz about Jordan had taken on a life of its own. A group of fans gathered in Wyndon Stadium to watch highlights of his battles on the big screen. The crowd was buzzing with energy, analyzing every move.
One fan, an aspiring trainer with a Wooloo, turned to her friend and exclaimed, "Look at his Charmeleon! Even without Dynamaxing, it has this massive presence!!"
Her friend raised an eyebrow, amused. "Yeah, That's the kind of intensity we usually only see here in Galar with Dynamax!"
Another trainer chimed in, arms crossed, but with a hint of respect in his tone. "He doesn't need gimmicks to win—he's got raw strength and solid strategies. That's a kind of power we don't see every day, and he's not even using a regional power boost."
The crowd murmured in agreement, some still skeptical but intrigued. As the footage of Jordan's battles continued, a sense of admiration for his unique approach spread throughout the crowd. Many couldn't wait to see if he would bring his Advanced Battles to Galar one day.
Hoenn Region – Petalburg City Gym
In Petalburg City Gym, Norman, the Gym Leader, had just finished watching Jordan's match highlights, and his son, Max, watched with awe. Norman smiled as he turned to Max, noticing his wide-eyed fascination.
"Dad, do you think he's really that strong?" Max asked, practically bouncing with excitement. "Jordan took on Roark and Gardenia's ACE Pokémon like it was nothing!"
Norman chuckled, nodding. "He's talented, Max. It's rare to see a trainer challenge ACE Pokémon so early. Jordan seems to have a deep understanding of his Pokémon's strengths—and that's the mark of a true trainer."
Max grinned, inspired. "I'm going to train harder so I can battle like that someday!"
Alola Region – Hau'oli City Beach
On the sunny shores of Alola, a group of trainers gathered around a Poké-Tube stream, watching Jordan's battles as they discussed his impressive feats. Alolans, with their deep respect for a trainer's bond with their Pokémon, seemed particularly drawn to Jordan's approach.
Kiawe, a seasoned battler from the Alola region, nodded approvingly as he watched. "Jordan has a bond with his Pokémon that reminds me of our traditions here in Alola. His Pokémon aren't just tools for battle—they're his partners."
His friend Mallow smiled, noticing how Jordan's Grotle and Torterra moved together with an almost synchronized energy. "Yeah, and they trust each other completely. He doesn't just give commands—he fights alongside them."
Another friend, Lana, nodded. "I'd like to see him battle here someday. He'd fit right in with our Island Challenges."
As news of Jordan's journey spread further, fans across the Pokémon world watched his every move with bated breath. Some speculated on his future battles, while others debated his mysterious strength and unique training approach. But one thing was certain—Jordan had caught the attention of the world.
Some saw him as the next legendary trainer, comparing him to champions of old. Others believed he was a flash of talent that might fade. But regardless of their views, they all agreed on one thing: Jordan's journey was just beginning, and they couldn't wait to see where he would go next.