Jun Shafeng stepped into the arena, locking eyes with Du Long before scanning the crowd. If the Pokémon League Investigators were planning to apprehend Du Long, they'd likely be hidden among the spectators. His job was to stall as long as possible.
A referee climbed onto the stage and announced the rules. "This match pits the Donghuang Pokémon Battle Club against the Demon God Battle Club. It's a one-on-one battle. Victory goes to the trainer whose Pokémon knocks the opponent out of the arena or renders it unable to fight. Begin!"
Jun Shafeng and Du Long threw their Poké Balls simultaneously. Two red flashes revealed Growlithe and Drapion.
Jun Shafeng's gaze sharpened as he sensed Drapion's intense hostility. "This Drapion's been through some dark deeds with Du Long. That malice is palpable."
His system scanned Drapion, displaying its stats.
[Drapion]
[Type: Poison/Dark]
[Level: 35]
[Gender: Male]
[Ability: Battle Armor]
[Moves: Toxic, Poison Sting, Dig, Bug Bite, Wild Charge, Body Slam, Protect, Agility]
Jun Shafeng's expression grew serious. Du Long, noticing his focus, smirked and commanded, "Drapion, use Agility, then hit Growlithe with Toxic!"
Jun Shafeng reacted quickly. "Growlithe, dodge with Quick Attack, then use Double Team!"
Drapion closed in within seconds, but Growlithe's Quick Attack let it slip away just before Toxic could land. It then split into four clones with Double Team.
"Growlithe, tap into Observation Haki," Jun Shafeng urged. "This is a test of how well you've mastered it."
Growlithe closed its eyes, activating Observation Haki. Its mastery was still novice, covering only about 30 meters—roughly a third of the arena—but it was enough. Sensing Drapion's movements, Growlithe and its clones unleashed Flamethrower.
Drapion, facing four streams of fire, used Protect to weather the attack. As the flames faded, it retaliated with Poison Sting, dispersing two of Growlithe's clones.
Jun Shafeng seized the moment. "Growlithe, have your clones distract Drapion while you charge a Tailed Beast Ball!"
Du Long overheard the command. Though unfamiliar with "Tailed Beast Ball," he sensed danger. "Drapion, stop them! Use Dig to interrupt it!"
Drapion burrowed into the arena, its pincers tearing a hole in the ground. But underground, it entered Growlithe's Haki range. Dig relied on surprise, useless against an opponent who could predict movements—unless Drapion's speed outpaced Growlithe's reflexes.
Drapion erupted behind Growlithe just as it finished charging the Tailed Beast Ball. The glowing orb struck Drapion point-blank, the explosion sending both Pokémon skidding.
"Growlithe, use Morning Sun!" Jun Shafeng called.
Growlithe glowed, healing 80% of its injuries with Morning Sun. Du Long cursed. "Damn it, a recovery move? Drapion, get up!"
Suddenly, thick black smoke billowed around the arena. In the confusion, an Ursaring leapt onto the stage, lunging at Growlithe. Thanks to Observation Haki, Growlithe sensed the attack, dodging with Quick Attack and countering with Flamethrower.
Caught off guard, Ursaring's right arm was scorched. Enraged, it prepared Hyper Beam. But rain began to fall, and a powerful Hydro Pump blasted Ursaring from nowhere.
In the shadows, Black Bear—watching his Ursaring get hit—panicked. "Someone's onto us!"
A cold, commanding voice cut through the chaos. "So, Du Long has an accomplice. Perfect—let's take them both."
Before Black Bear could turn, a Freezing Ray from the darkness encased him in ice. The voice continued, "Lapras, use Ice Beam on the Ursaring!"
An Ice Beam shot from the shadows, freezing Ursaring solid. Du Long's face paled. "One move to freeze Black Bear's Ursaring? That's A-rank strength at least. Mizunotsume?"
Fear gripped him. As a C-rank trainer, he was no match for a Gym Leader.
A gust of Hurricane dispersed the smoke, revealing an empty arena—no crowd, no reporters, just a squad of armed League Investigators and their Pokémon. Their leader addressed Du Long.
"Du Long, our evidence confirms you're a Sirius Organization spy in Tianhong City. Surrender now for a lighter sentence, or face the consequences."
Du Long glanced at the Investigators, then at Jun Shafeng. "I've been at this for years, and now I'm outplayed by some kid? Surrender? Never."
He tossed another Poké Ball, summoning a Rhydon. "Rhydon, use Take Down to break through!"
Before Rhydon could move, another Ice Beam froze it solid. A silver-haired man stepped from a nearby grove, his Lapras at his side. It was Mizunotsume, the Water-type Gym Leader, exuding an aura of unshakable authority.
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