Pokemon: The Chosen Ranger

Kabu clapped his hands and turned to Summer.

"Summer, the third stage of the exam has two objectives. The first—defeat me. The second—" He gestured around them.

A group of Litwick waddled out from the tall grass, swaying slightly as they lined up behind Summer.

"You must protect these Pokémon from harm. Like before, this test simulates a Pokémon poacher attack, but this time, it's the Pokémon who are in danger."

"I will attempt to attack them." Kabu's tone hardened. "Of course, you don't need to worry too much about their safety—these Litwick have the Flash Fire ability."

Then, after a pause, he added, "But, if they would have taken damage in theory, you will fail. How you handle both objectives—well, that's up to you."

He straightened his stance and pulled out a Poké Ball. "Like before, Summer, please recall your Pokémon."

"I understand."

Summer withdrew his team. Kabu's exam was incredibly well thought out—not only did it test combat ability, but it also added a harsh condition. But if he couldn't even protect Pokémon, what kind of Ranger would he be?

He steeled his resolve. I will pass this exam. No matter what.

"Go, Arcanine! Go, Ninetales!"

With a flash of light, a majestic tiger-striped beast and a graceful golden fox appeared before him.

Arcanine's large, muscular frame radiated strength, its thick fur flowing like flames. In ancient times, it was revered as a legendary Pokémon, appearing in Eastern myths. Though common now, its loyalty, keen senses, and battle prowess made it an ideal police partner.

Ninetales, with its sleek golden fur and nine elegantly swaying tails, exuded a mysterious aura. Its crimson eyes shimmered with power—some said it could hypnotize others and manipulate minds. There were still remote villages that worshipped Ninetales as a deity.

"Ninetales, Flamethrower!"

A blast of fire erupted from Ninetales' mouth, surging toward Summer's team.

Kabu's intent was clear—force Summer to respond to the attack, creating an opening for Arcanine.

"Corviknight, block it!"

Summer released Corviknight, summoning Rillaboom and Ogerpon at the same time to handle Arcanine.

A violent gust met the incoming jet of flames, twisting them into a whirling firestorm. Meanwhile, the Litwick behind Summer suddenly began panicking and scattering.

So that's the real challenge.

It wasn't just about defending them—these Litwick were acting like wild Pokémon would in a real crisis.

Some Pokémon, when frightened, run toward safety. But others—they flee blindly.

If this were a real-life situation, these Litwick could very well run straight into danger.

"Now, Arcanine—Extreme Speed!"

A blur of orange and black shot forward.

Extreme Speed was why Arcanine was called legendary—divine speed, a strike faster than the eye could follow.

This was Kabu's trick wording.

By emphasizing that he would attack the Litwick, he had subtly led Summer to expect Fire-type moves. But he never said how he would attack.

Extreme Speed was a Normal-type move—and Ghost-types were immune to Normal-type attacks.

Kabu was testing Summer's knowledge and judgment. A well-trained Ranger should notice the deception.

Badan had failed here—he hadn't realized the attack was harmless, panicked, and lost immediately.

But Kabu had left a clue in his instructions.

He had specifically said, "If the Litwick would take damage in theory."

A hint that their immunity was something to be considered.

Arcanine vanished in a flash of speed—but instead of hitting a Litwick, it suddenly swerved toward Ogerpon.

"Oh?" Kabu's brows raised. "Interesting choice."

Instead of attacking the Litwick, Arcanine rammed into Ogerpon's mask—headfirst.

The fox mask's expression remained joyful, but Arcanine staggered backward, dazed.

Its eyes were filled with confusion. Wasn't I just aiming for the Litwick?

Before it could recover—BAM!

A massive fist slammed into its ribs.

Rillaboom's punch sent it flying, and before it even hit the ground—WHACK!

Ogerpon followed up with a brutal club strike, smashing it straight into the dirt.

Arcanine twitched once.

Then stopped moving.

Kabu nodded approvingly.

"Good call. 'Look at Me!'"

The move had forced Arcanine to target Ogerpon instead of the Litwick. A smart strategy.

"But this firestorm… I'll handle it myself. Ninetales, Extrasensory!"

Ninetales' eyes glowed, seizing control of the flaming vortex, bending it like a living force.

At the same time, Kabu sent out a Centiskorch.

The massive centipede Pokémon coiled its red-hot body, twin flames blazing from its head and tail. Its segmented body plates pulsed with heat, radiating intense waves of energy.

With a single springing motion, it dived straight into the firestorm.

"Centiskorch's Flash Fire will strengthen it," Kabu explained. "Never assume I'll only send out one Pokémon at a time."

Corviknight shifted uncomfortably in the air.

Did I just help the enemy?

I should've blown out the flames instead of trying to look cool…

"Corviknight, take Rillaboom to deal with Ninetales. Leave Centiskorch to me and Ogerpon."

Summer reached into his pocket, pulling out a dark brown crystalline stone—a Z-Crystal—and slotted it into his Z-Ring.

"Caw! Caw!"

Corviknight smirked, diving toward Rillaboom.

Heh. This bug's gonna regret borrowing my wind technique.

"A Z-Move? That takes me back."

Kabu smiled.

After losing his Hoenn Gym title, he had traveled the world, visiting the hottest battle zones—including Akala Island's Wela Volcano.

There, he had witnessed Z-Moves firsthand.

Back then, the local Trial Captain had shown him Z-Moves with pure enthusiasm, reigniting Kabu's passion for battle.

"Gather, as solid as our unbreakable bond… and now—fall, shatter, and destroy!

Continental Crush!"

Summer's Z-Ring exploded with light, transmitting a surge of energy into Ogerpon's body.

Ogerpon let out a piercing howl as the ground trembled.

Massive boulders lifted into the sky, merging into an impossibly huge rock formation, casting a massive shadow over Centiskorch.

The fire-type centipede glanced up—and its mandibles quivered in sheer horror.

Ogerpon leapt onto the boulders, hammering them with relentless club strikes, accelerating their descent.

Centiskorch panicked, blasting flames upward—but it was too late.

BOOM.

The firestorm vanished instantly.

A deep crater remained, with Centiskorch lying unconscious at the bottom.

A Fire/Bug-type… had no chance against a Rock-type Z-Move.

Meanwhile, Ninetales was still recovering from a surprise aerial punch from Rillaboom—tears forming in its eyes.

Where's the first-string team?! We second-string members can't handle this!!

Paralysis, who had been silently watching the entire battle, finally accepted reality.

Summer wasn't a normal Ranger.

Summer wasn't a beginner.

He was definitely an elite trainer from another region—probably from a place where they used those terrifying Z-Moves.

Looking at the other Rangers, Paralysis let out a long sigh.

"…Man, everyone's so strong."

Then, with a defeated expression, he muttered:

"Guess I was the only weakling all along."

(End of Chapter)