After the debacle with the snobs was dealt with, Ash decided it was time for the students to show what they were capable of.
Ash: Ok, to start this class, I'd like to see what you all can do with your Pokemon, I want all of you to have a one on one battle with one of my Pokemon
Gus: I'm not sure I can stand against that Torterra
Ash: Don't worry, I'll be using Pokemon of the same types as yours, so who's up first?
Thomas: I'll be up first
"Cloooooood"
Ash: Thomas huh? What type is Closdire?
Thomas: He's a poison/ground type
Ash: Well then, Muk, I choose you!
He then sent out his purple blob Pokemon as he stared down the poison fish Pokemon.
Thomas: Cool, a Muk, this will be a battle worth bragging for, use Mud Shot!
Clodsire spewed out a blob of mud from his mouth that impacted Muk, but the attack barely did anything, as it slid down Muk's body.
Thomas: What the!?
"Clod?!"
Ash: Muk can take attacks like a champ, now Muk, use Shadow Ball
Muk then formed a shadowy blob and hurled it at Closdire, whom barely got out of the way.
Thomas: Well if that's the case, Closdire, use Bulldoze!
Standing on his hind legs, he then slammed his front legs and caused a wave to be sent Muk's way, which knocked the sludge Pokemon over.
Thomas: Alright, now use Poison Jab
The spines on Clodsire's back elongated and he charged forward and threw himself at Muk until he slammed into him, but it proved to be a big mistake.
Thomas: Direct hit!
Ash: Was that a good idea?
Thomas: Huh?
He then saw Clodsire was now stuck in Muk's slimy grip, and stuck good.
Thomas: Oh no!
Ash: Now Muk, use Brutal Swing
With glowing pink arms, Muk hurled Clodsire into one of the walls, knocking him out.
Thomas: Oh man, that is one tough blob
Zeke: Very clever on how Ash had Muk hold onto Clodsire, they have really sticky bodies
Felia: Not to mention nasty
Vanny: I'm up next
She then sent out her Orthworm, while Ash sent out his Melmetal
Vanny: Whoa! You have a mythical!
Ash: It's only one of my two steel types right now, sorry
Vanny: No matter, Orthworm, use Dig!
The metallic earthworm burrowed into the ground, with Melmetal trying to guess where its opponent might strike.
Ash: Be ready Melmetal, Orthworm could be anywhere
Melmetal then began to feel a light tremor coming from its right, and Orthworm shot out of the ground and slammed it with his tail. Melmetal was sent a few feet back, but managed to get its footing and balance back, only to see that Orthworm had gone underground again.
Ash: Looks like Vanny is trying to play it safe by staying out of Melmetal's line of sight, too bad I've encountered this type of tactic before, Melmetal, slam your fist to your right
Melmetal did so, and the resulting shock forced Orthworm out of the ground.
Vanny: Orthworm!
Ash: Now, use ThunderPunch
With an electrified fist, Melmetal slugged the earthworm and sent it hurdling, knocking it out.
Gus: Jeez, this guy is tough
Ash: So, who wants to go next?
Carla: I'll go next, Dondozo, go!
She then sent out a large catfish like Pokemon that resembled a sushi chef.
Ash: Greninja, let's go
Ash then sent out his Kalos ace to face the new opponent.
Carla: Dondozo, use Aqua Tail!
Dondozo charged forward and prepared to swing its large blue-glowing tail at Greninja.
Ash: Greninja, counter with Aerial Ace
After doing some impressive acrobatics, Greninja clashed with Dondozo by using a powerful axe kick to meet the Aqua Tail head on. This resulted in a large explosion that sent both water types backwards.
Carla: Use Body Slam
Ash: Use Double Team
Before the large fish could squish Greninja, multiple copies of the ninja frog appeared and the Catfish Pokemon began to panic as which one could be the real Greninja.
Carla: Oh man, I hate it when this happens, what should I do
That is when she got an idea in her head.
Carla: Dondozo, use Earthquake
Slamming his tail on the ground, Dondozo sent out a massive quake that destroyed the clones and revealed the real Greninja, whom was tripped up by the tremor.
Carla: Now, use Wave Crash
Dondozo then began to charge towards Greninja with a tidal wave following close behind it, ready to wash up Greninja.
Ash: Use Ice Beam
Greninja then spewed a freezing beam that froze up the wave and Dondozo himself.
Carla: Oh no!
Ash: Now, use Aqua Cutter
Greninja then formed blades out of water and slashed through the ice, knocking out Dondozo in the process.
Gus: Ouch, Carla and Vanny are our best battlers and they didn't stand a chance
Zeke: Still, seeing a champion in action is so cool
Ash: Alright everyone, that should be it for the day, let's go ahead and rest our Pokemon
Everyone agreed and went to the Nurse's office to heal their Pokemon after the battle.
Thomas: Next time, or someday, I will defeat Ash
Vanny: Yeah, no matter what me and Orthworm will beat him and that Melmetal
Felia: Not all of us are interested in battling
Ash then approached the group.
Penny: So Mr. Ash, what is our next assignment
Ash: Well, our next assignment is going to be a field trip
Zeke: Where to?
Ash: The entire Paldea region
Gus: You can't be serious
Ash: Oh I am, we'll be able to see what this region has to offer, we will leave tomorrow, so be sure to get everything ready
After being dismissed, the students left to do their own thing while Ash wrote down a report about his first day as a teacher.
Ash: Tch, and they say school is boring, well, maybe Poketech
The next day
Ash was now waiting outside of the entrance, eager to get started on their field trip.
Ash: Now you may be wondering why I decided to hold a field trip
Thomas: I sure do
Ash: Well, I was first drawn here by the Treasure Hunt
Felia: Oh yeah, it's an independent study of sorts
Ash: That's right, only this will be a group study, now let's get going
Ash and his students then made their way to the first step in their Paldea journey, but not before being set off by Nemona and her Pawmot.
Nemona: Good luck on your field trip
As she was waving goodbye, she and Pawmot immediately responded to an arguement happening in the plaza.
Nemona: Oh boy...
To be continued