The Team Rocket trio had ties far too tangled with Giovanni.
Otherwise, how could they remain in Team Rocket without ever completing a mission?
They even flaunted the name of Team Rocket while wandering freely outside, and Giovanni never so much as frowned.
No one besides Giovanni knew their true significance.
To the rest of the organization, they were nothing more than bottom-tier grunts…
"Boss Giovanni, aren't those three…?"
Athena, one of Team Rocket's four executives, asked with some doubt.
She vaguely recalled hearing of them—always failing at whatever they tried, yet never losing heart.
If there was such a thing as success in failure, they were living examples.
"Don't bother with them. Focus on the legendary Pokémon showing up in this 'Heavenly Record.'
If any appear near Kanto, we can follow the trail and seize them."
Athena froze for a second, then clasped her hands and flattered him.
"As expected of Boss Giovanni! While others covet the rewards of this broadcast, you've already set your sights upon the stars and the sea!"
Giovanni gave no reply, his gaze still locked on the image flickering across the massive screen.
"Looks like the brat's in trouble…"
Jessie felt the tension from the battlefield seep through the broadcast.
She unconsciously tightened her grip on a soda bottle and gulped it down.
"Pikachu doesn't look like it can handle Latios!" James added nervously.
"What are you two babbling about, nya?! You really think Pikachu's only this strong?!"
"We've tasted that terrifying power firsthand more times than I can count, nya!"
Before the eyes of a worldwide audience, the Meowth on the screen spoke human words.
[Dragon Master Lance: ??? Am I seeing this right?]
[Kalos Champion Diantha: Did I mishear???]
[Elite Four Bruno: Is it my eyesight, or did that Meowth just talk?]
[Leon: Incredible! I've met psychic Pokémon who could speak through telepathy, but a Pokémon speaking plain human language? That's a first!]
[Professor Oak: Fascinating! I'd love to research that Meowth!]
[Professor Birch: A talking Meowth is rarer than a legendary! At least legendaries have appeared before—but a Meowth like this? Never!]
[Ash: Wait—why is Team Rocket on the broadcast?!]
[Dragon Master Lance: Hm? They're from Team Rocket?!]
Before Lance could ask further, the scene cut back to Ash.
Just as Meowth had said, Pikachu's strength was far from ordinary.
"Pikachu, use Thunderbolt!"
"Pika!! Chuuu!!"
Golden lightning lanced across the sky, but Latios weaved and darted through the air.
Three, four volleys—yet not a single Thunderbolt grazed him.
His speed was far too fast!
Ordinary attacks couldn't hope to land.
"Latios, again—Giga Impact!"
"Wooooooh!!"
A surge of violet energy cloaked Latios' body.
Like a predator pouncing, he dove at Pikachu with overwhelming momentum!
"Now's the moment… Dodge it!"
"Pika!"
With a nimble leap, Pikachu narrowly evaded the devastating charge.
"Yes! Now, Pik—what?! Iron Tail, defend yourself!"
Normally, after unleashing Giga Impact, a Pokémon would be left sluggish.
But Latios showed no such delay. As soon as his energy faded, his body flashed violet once more—
and with a sharp turn, he slammed toward Pikachu still mid-air!
Ash had no choice but to command a hasty Iron Tail.
Bang!
But how could Iron Tail possibly withstand Giga Impact?
Pikachu was sent flying dozens of meters, crashing into the edge of the battlefield.
Even so… he did not fall.
Shaking, battered, he forced himself back onto his feet.
Ash—cornered!
[Leon: As expected of a legendary Pokémon—no recoil even after unleashing such a devastating Giga Impact!]
[Dragon Master Lance: My Dragonite has mastered Hyper Beam to perfection, yet I can't negate the recoil entirely. So this is the power of a legend…]
[Diantha: But look—Ash is already on the ropes. Pikachu's given it everything this round.]
[Cynthia: True. Even after taking two Giga Impacts, Pikachu is still standing. Compared to his earlier battles, this is a whole new level!]
[Volkner: No… it's not over yet. Pikachu hasn't reached the same height it did against Regice.]
[Volkner: Remember what Professor Oak said—Pikachu responds to Ash's spirit, growing stronger mid-battle. If it can keep pushing further… there's still hope.]
[Professor Oak: I only fear… Latios won't give Pikachu the chance.]
Just as Oak warned, Pikachu's potential meant little if the opponent never let him breathe.
Latios was no sluggish titan like Regice.
His agility surpassed even Pikachu's Quick Attack.
If Pikachu continued to take hits, the outcome of this battle was already written…
"We can win… right, Pikachu?"
Ash whispered to his partner, sweat beading on his brow.
Maybe even he was wavering now.
But Pikachu…
"Pika-pi!! Pika-chuu!!"
On Ash's shoulder, Pikachu bounced and flailed his tiny arms, declaring one thing only:
I'm number one in the world! I'll carry you to victory!
"Haha! That's right! Pikachu! We'll win—whether it's us on screen, or our match tomorrow!"
Reinvigorated by Pikachu's fire, Ash's spirit flared again.
Eyes fixed on the unfolding scene above, he braced for what came next.
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