마중물 (Storm Drain)

Storm Drain serves as both a protective redirection ability and a setup tool, drawing in single-target Water-type moves from opponents and converting them into Special Attack boosts. When a Water-type move targets any Pokémon on the field, Storm Drain redirects it to the bearer instead, completely negating the move's original effect and raising the Storm Drain user's Special Attack by one stage. This redirection cannot miss, making it a reliable way to absorb powerful Water attacks while simultaneously powering up offensive capabilities.

The ability follows specific priority rules when multiple redirection effects are present. Follow Me takes precedence over Storm Drain, meaning moves will be redirected to Follow Me users first. When multiple Pokémon have Storm Drain on the field, the Water move targets whichever Storm Drain user has the highest Speed stat, with ties broken randomly. Importantly, if the original target of the Water move also possesses Storm Drain, no redirection occurs at all.

Competitively, Storm Drain finds its niche primarily in doubles formats where Water-type attacks are common. Gastrodon stands out as the most prominent user, leveraging its Water/Ground typing to become completely immune to two common move types while potentially sweeping with boosted Special Attacks. The ability transforms threatening Water moves like Hydro Pump or Surf into setup opportunities, making Storm Drain users valuable both as defensive pivots and potential late-game sweepers when they accumulate multiple boosts.