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BOOM!!
A sudden explosion tore through the air! The glowing orb that the Delibird had just delivered into the priestess's hands exploded violently, releasing a thick cloud of black smoke that quickly engulfed the entire platform.
"Sea Priestess! No! The Sea Priestess has been attacked! Guards! Guards!!"
Panic spread across the platform in an instant. The elderly officiant stared blankly at the expanding cloud of smoke for several long seconds before finally reacting, his voice trembling as he cried out in alarm.
"Baa-ga!!"
From within the smoke came the shrill cry of the Delibird. Moments later, the bird burst out of the smoke—clutching a long, ornate staff in its talons as it soared into the sky.
"Ah! That's the Great Sea Spirit Sapphire! Oh no—it's been stolen!!"
"The Sea Priestess! Someone, check on the Sea Priestess—now!!"
With the divine artifact snatched away, chaos consumed the scene. Everyone was shouting, panicked and disoriented.
"Come out, Dragonair! Use Twister!"
"Raaaah!!"
At that moment, a familiar voice rang out from within the smoke—it was Delia! A powerful gust of wind swirled across the platform, scattering the black haze in moments and revealing the scene within.
There stood Delia, protected in the middle of the platform by her slender Dragonair. Nearby, the young priestess lay motionless on the ground, her body faintly glowing with a soft blue light—unconscious, but seemingly unharmed.
Though the explosion had gone off right beside her, her body bore no injuries, as if the blue light surrounding her had shielded her completely. It seemed she had merely been knocked out by the shockwave.
"Sea Priestess! Oh, merciful heavens—please be all right! What on earth happened!? Who would dare commit such a vile act!?"
The elderly officiant rushed over, falling to his knees beside the unconscious girl. His wrinkled face twisted with grief and rage as he looked up at the Delibird flying overhead, shouting in fury.
"Baa-gaa~!"
"KYAAA!!"
Suddenly, a sharp cry echoed through the sky, and a massive shadow spread over the platform. A dazzling, seven-colored bird descended from above, its wings stirring fierce winds as it landed—Ho-Oh!
"Baa-gaa~"
"Well done, Delibird. The Great Sea Spirit Sapphire is ours now. All that's left is Silver Rock Isle. Let's go, Ho-Oh—head for Silver Rock Isle!"
Standing atop Ho-Oh's back were the Masked Man, Kaz, and Sham. The Masked Man held the stolen Great Sea Spirit Sapphire in one hand, a sinister grin twisting across his face.
"KYAA!!"
Ho-Oh, its eyes dim and lifeless, let out a hollow cry. Under the Masked Man's control, it turned obediently in the direction of Silver Rock Isle, preparing to take flight once again.
But just then—
"Honchkrow! Use Mean Look!"
"Kraa!!"
A commanding voice came from below, followed by a blur of motion. A black silhouette sliced through the air, stopping directly in front of Ho-Oh. It was a Honchkrow! Its sharp eyes glowed with a dark light, casting a binding aura over Ho-Oh, forcing the legendary Pokémon to halt midair.
"Hm? Who dares interfere?"
The Masked Man frowned, glancing at the Honchkrow. Hearing the flapping of more wings below, his voice grew cold.
"Hah! Since you're asking—listen well! I am Yasha, the Dark-type Elite Four of the Johto region!"
With a bold declaration, a towering Skarmory shot upward, carrying Yasha on its back.
"And me! I'm Kim, Gym Leader of Violet Gym!"
On the other side, Kim rose on her Togekiss, the two forming a pincer formation that boxed Ho-Oh in from both sides.
"Hey! You're that Masked Man who's been wreaking havoc in Johto, right? So it's true—you've actually captured Ho-Oh! Looks like you've got some real power. Come on then—fight me! Let's see what you've got!!"
Yasha's eyes gleamed with excitement, his battle spirit blazing. He was already itching to clash with the legendary Pokémon before him.
The Masked Man, standing atop Ho-Oh's back, cast him a single, icy glance.
"Pointless... Ho-Oh, break free from this restraint! Ignore these pests and continue toward Silver Rock Isle!"
"KYAA!!"
At his command, Ho-Oh suddenly went berserk. With a powerful flap of its wings, it shattered the dark aura binding it, the energy rippling through the air. Then, with brute force, it rammed straight into the Honchkrow, sending it hurtling backward before flying off again toward Silver Rock Isle.
"Hey! Don't run away! Fleeing from a fight makes you a coward! Honchkrow—use Pursuit!"
"Kraa!!"
Yasha shouted angrily. The battered Honchkrow steadied itself midair, its eyes burning with fury. Dark energy enveloped its body as it transformed into a streaking black arrow, cutting through the air toward Ho-Oh.
"Annoying… Delibird, use Bla—"
The Masked Man began to issue a command, but he never finished—
Because—
"Crobat! Mismagius! Use Shadow Ball!"
"Crrraa!!"
"Maa!!"
Two black orbs shot out from below, slamming directly into the pursuing Honchkrow and blasting it away with a violent explosion.
"What!? Honchkrow, return! Damn it—who's the coward attacking from the shadows this time!?"
Yasha clenched his fists and recalled his Pokémon, glaring furiously toward the source of the ambush.
Even the Masked Man seemed momentarily caught off guard by this unexpected turn of events. He halted Ho-Oh midair and turned toward the approaching figure—
A man with purple hair, lifted into the sky by his Crobat.
"Hm? You're… from the Hunter Group?"
The Masked Man narrowed his eyes, recognizing the symbol on the man's uniform. A cold smile crept across his face.
"Yes, Masked Man. My name is Iga. It's a pleasure to work with you. As per our arrangement, the Hunter Group's elite force is fully deployed. Focus on your objective—leave these small fries to us."
As Iga finished speaking, chaos erupted below. One by one, disguised figures revealed the Hunter Group's insignia beneath their cloaks, unleashing their Pokémon as they began demolishing buildings and spreading panic through the ancient city.
"Oh, impressive. Seems I chose the right allies this time. In that case, I'll leave this place to you."
The Masked Man nodded in satisfaction. Without another glance back, he ordered Ho-Oh to continue its flight toward Silver Rock Isle.
"You're not getting away that easily! Stop right there!!"
Yasha spurred his Skarmory forward, but before he could close the distance, a wave of dark energy forced him to retreat. His expression hardened as he glared at Iga suspended in the air.
"Heh… if you want to chase after our employer, you'd better think twice about your chances."
Iga's lips curled into a wicked smile. Then, spreading his arms wide, his voice thundered arrogantly across the battlefield:
"Because from this point onward—"
He raised his hand dramatically, eyes gleaming with madness.
"—this path is closed!"