Meowth Island was a relatively well-known small island located in the southeast region of the Orange Archipelago.
Some outsiders also referred to it as Mysterious Cat Island, due to the fact that the islanders here dressed up like Meowth and even had a giant golden Meowth statue erected on the island.
Legend had it that on the night of the full moon, the happy Meowth god would bring joy and blessings to the people of this land.
Aside from the Meowth statue, the most iconic structure on Meowth Island was its massive arena, nearly the size of a football field.
By the time Riku arrived at Meowth Island, May had already gotten there ahead of him and was waiting.
The two didn't have time for much conversation. Led by May, Riku quickly followed her straight to the arena.
The arena was reminiscent of the ancient Roman Colosseum.
At this moment, a shirtless man with a bare upper body was seated cross-legged at the center of the arena.
"Bruno, I know you're the Fighting-type Champion of the Indigo League, known for your incredible strength,"
"But the Orange Archipelago is my home. Since you refuse to leave, I'll challenge you right here!"
Just as Riku and May reached the spectator stands and joined the Seafoam Islands Gym Leaders, Drake had already jumped into the arena and formally issued a challenge to Bruno.
"Young man, you're no match for me,"
Bruno lifted his eyelids slightly, his expression calm and unwavering.
"How would you know without trying?" Drake replied firmly.
"Even if I lose, I will still challenge you—you're a veteran Champion!"
"Last time I faced Lance, the Dragon-type Champion, I didn't get enough of a fight."
Riku understood the idea of provoking an opponent before a battle.
But he couldn't wrap his head around how Drake could speak such bold words with a straight face.
Lance? Didn't get enough of a fight?
If Riku hadn't intervened that day, Drake would've been beaten into a pulp.
If this were a proper fantasy novel, Drake would be the typical trash-to-treasure protagonist right now. But based on his current condition, Riku figured the man might never have a real comeback.
"Is that so?" Bruno slowly stood up.
"If you were able to fight Lance, then it seems I may have underestimated you."
"Come, then."
"Let me enjoy the thrill of battle!"
"Come out—Hitmonchan."
Bang—
With a burst of light, Hitmonchan appeared from the Poké Ball. Like a human boxer, it eagerly looked toward its opponent, throwing a few shadow punches with its gloved fists.
Riku was momentarily stunned.
"This Pokémon looks cool… is it called Hitmonchan?"
"Yeah," May nodded and immediately took out her Pokédex.
"Hitmonchan, a Fighting-type Pokémon.
Hitmonchan wears samurai-style armor resembling a skirt, which is incredibly hard and serves as armor.
It wears boxing gloves and strikes when its enemies are caught off guard.
Hitmonchan are exclusively male and have no known female counterparts.
Note: Hitmonchan rotates its arms to deliver punches with power strong enough to shatter concrete. However, it requires rest after three minutes of continuous fighting."
The voice from May's Pokédex was also audible to the nearby Seafoam Islands Gym Leaders.
They immediately shouted reminders:
"Drake! Hold out for three minutes—then you'll be fine!"
"Good luck!"
Drake nodded slightly and threw out his own Poké Ball.
"Come out—Dragonite!"
Drake had many Pokémon, but only Dragonite had reached the Champion level.
Since owning a Champion-level Pokémon, Drake had come to understand the vast difference between Elite and Champion levels.
If even Dragonite couldn't stand against Hitmonchan, then no number of Elite-level Pokémon would make a difference—they'd just be easy pickings.
Watching the battle unfold, Riku couldn't help feeling excited.
"May, who do you think will win?"
"It's hard to say," May frowned.
"Type-wise, Dragonite has the advantage because it's part Flying-type."
"But Bruno is a veteran Champion of the Indigo League. I've heard stories about him. I don't think Drake stands much of a chance."
"Really?" Riku was surprised.
Looking at the size comparison between the two Pokémon, and judging from his own perspective, Riku thought that even if Dragonite got hit, it wouldn't take much damage.
"Dragonite, huh?" Bruno let out a cold chuckle.
"Seeing this Pokémon reminds me of Lance."
"Young man, even Lance's pseudo-legendary Dragonite wouldn't easily defeat my Hitmonchan..."
"Don't try to distract me!" Drake took a deep breath.
"Let's fight!"
"Alright," Bruno signaled Hitmonchan.
"Then I'll grant your wish."
"Hitmonchan, Mach Punch!"
At Bruno's command, Hitmonchan took one step forward—and then suddenly accelerated.
"Knowing full well that Dragonite is a Flying-type, and you still use a Fighting-type move?"
Drake laughed mockingly.
"Looks like even veteran Champions have their limits."
"Dragonite, Wing Attack! Knock that Hitmonchan back to where it came from!"
"Waaa—!"
At Drake's command, Dragonite's small wings suddenly unfolded wide.
But upon seeing this, Bruno slowly shook his head.
"Young man… you lied to me just now."
"With your strength, Lance could have ended you with a single move."
"Hitmonchan, don't waste any more time with him."
"Ice Punch!"
--------More Bonus Chapters!!!!
Every 300 power stones = 1 Bonus Chapter