Chapter 492 - 491: Kabuto
The first reason Cain took an interest in this Whiscash wasn't its level or abilities but its type.
The water-and-ground combination gives Whiscash a significant type advantage. Apart from its quadruple weakness to grass-type moves, no other type can deal more than normal damage to Whiscash.
Moreover, it is immune to electric-type attacks and has double resistance to poison, rock, steel, and fire-type moves.
It's an excellent type combination. Even Mudkip's final evolution, Swampert, which Cain greatly values, possesses this same combination.
This Whiscash had clearly survived for a long time. Although whiskers are naturally long for this type of Pokémon, this particular Whiscash's whiskers were twice as long as its body, indicating its age.
Although it only had a light green quality, its long life had allowed it to reach level 40, corresponding to the advanced level. It's quite a useful Pokémon.
Given Cain's current situation, this Pokémon's utility far exceeds its value as a long-term project. Therefore, for a newly established water-type gym, Whiscash will serve perfectly as one of the key Pokémon.
Defeating this Whiscash was somewhat challenging, especially since there was no type advantage. Even so, Slowking, Sneasel, and Skorupi managed to subdue it.
Meanwhile, Honchkrow and Haunter took care of the smaller Pokémon that kept swarming from the water.
Whiscash's appearance indicated that Vileplume's Sweet Scent move had reached the lake's depths. Whiscash lives at the bottom, in the mud, and is not picky about food, eating whatever it finds. This also explains why it has survived for so long.
After a small struggle, Cain captured Whiscash with a Pokéball.