Natsuhiko stayed obediently in the tunnel behind Agatha.
Now it's a clash of titans.
He could only watch.
But his intentions were the same as Agatha's.
Just drag it out.
Let's see who loses patience first.
Undoubtedly, it's Tamechi in the stalemate, he's the most anxious now.
Indeed, the Shining Charizard he'd painstakingly developed with so much effort and cost was very strong, extremely strong, and although its power was excessively amplified by the "Blazing Energy Block," it managed to hold its own against Agatha, an undeniably formidable strength.
And this Shining Charizard hasn't undergone much systematic training or battle techniques polishing.
If it could be captured and given some training, its strength might become even greater.
Of course, the excessive amplification from the "Blazing Energy Block" is temporary; once it's over, the Shining Charizard will probably fall into a long period of weakness.
After all, Tamechi is somewhat like Tom Rokicki.
Only Tamechi's experience wasn't as smooth as Tom Rokicki's, crashing right into the guns of two Elite Four members.
And now, while Tamechi has tested the Shining Charizard's strength, he's also underestimated Agatha, the veteran Elite Four.
He's caught in a dilemma.
Tamechi bit his teeth, seemingly made a decision, pried off the black gemstone on his index finger, cut his palm, and dripping blood soaked into the black gemstone.
Yet the blood didn't drip off the gemstone but seeped into it.
The black light on the gemstone became even more intense.
Conversely, Tamechi's face soon turned pale, feeling his life force rapidly draining away.
But the effect was quite impressive.
The red light in the Shining Charizard's eyes became more intense, its originally volatile temper growing more rampant, its erupting power further enhanced.
Agatha, sensing the change in the Shining Charizard, wore a grim expression.
They're going all out.
"What is that gemstone anyway? How does it feel...?" Natsuhiko watched Tamechi's actions.
Previously fine, now he suddenly sensed how this gemstone somewhat resembled the "crimson gemstone" that controls Groudon.
Considering Tamechi's Pokémon, except for Chandelure which is not a Hoenn Region Pokémon, the other five are all registered in the Hoenn Region.
"Could this guy be from the Magma Team?" Natsuhiko muttered.
It's possible.
The Magma Team is under tight surveillance by the Hoenn Alliance in the Hoenn Region, coming to the Kanto Region, while the Kanto Alliance's attention is on the Rocket Team.
Moreover, with the chaos in Goldenrod City and the Rocket Team's recent quietness, it's a good cover.
"Using one's life to stimulate, his heart is pretty resolute."
Natsuhiko rubbed his chin, contemplating how to cope and resolve the current situation if he were in Agatha's shoes.
Clearly, stalling is no longer viable.
Once the Shining Charizard forces an opening under Agatha's restraint, Tamechi could use its power to escape; if he's decisive, sacrificing a few Pokémon as the rear guard wouldn't make leaving difficult.
Agatha's lack of mobility was also exposed.
If her Golbat could evolve into Crobat, the response methods might be different, more composed.
"So the optimal solution now is to have someone come out and hold Tamechi back, preventing him from fully focusing on controlling the Shining Charizard..."
That's what Natsuhiko thought.
"But it seems there's no one to help Agatha at the moment..."
"Natsuhiko, young man."
Suddenly, Agatha's sharp, raspy voice echoed.
Natsuhiko's expression froze.
He suddenly had a bad feeling.
He saw Agatha's sinister half-turn, glancing at him hiding in the cave.
Agatha's mouth curled up, "Could you have Haunter hold that rat for a moment? At least don't let him be so at ease."
Natsuhiko: "...."
What international joke is this?
Natsuhiko awkwardly took out Haunter's Pokeball, smiling wryly, "Well, Agatha, I think...I'm lacking in knowledge and ability, maybe you should handle it yourself?"
Agatha turned her head back, her voice came through.
"I'm old, this Charizard is strong, that guy's Pokémon aren't, but I can't split my focus, so I'll have to rely on you."
Then she added, "Don't worry, Haunter is strong enough, just need to hold him off."
Natsuhiko pressed his lips together.
'Should've left earlier, what's the point of being curious?'
"An Evolution Stone." Agatha suddenly added.
"Hmm?"
"Two Evolution Stones."
"Wait, it's not about the reward...."
Natsuhiko lowered his head.
It seemed Agatha was truly stuck.
Otherwise, with the pride of an Elite Four, she wouldn't make such a concession.
That Shining Charizard was probably under more pressure than Natsuhiko imagined.
After all, besides commanding six Pokémon, Agatha also had to oversee the entire Ghost Legion.
"Three." Agatha held up three fingers.
Natsuhiko twitched at his mouth's corner.
"I won't do it unless Haunter completely follows my orders, otherwise..."
"No problem, that kid's well-behaved." Agatha assured.
From Natsuhiko's shadow emerged a head, its cunning gaze flickered between Natsuhiko and Agatha.
Such a mischievous look...
'It doesn't look like a well-behaved kid, does it?'
But there's no choice, letting Tamechi escape wasn't something Natsuhiko wanted.
Although Natsuhiko hadn't showed himself, Tamechi and his crew already knew he had approached here when he sold the Onix.
They didn't act against him further simply because their plan was at a crucial stage, and they didn't want to be exposed too soon to the two Kings.
This time, Agatha came from this direction again.
Anyone with some brains could easily link it to him.
If Tamechi bore grudges, Natsuhiko didn't want to be remembered by such a guy.
Plus, it's Haunter doing the battling, so he should be relatively safe.
"Well, I simply want to contribute."
Holding Haunter's Pokeball.
"Abra, help me telepathically connect to Haunter."
"Keesh!"
Abra's eyes glowed blue.
After all, it was Agatha's Pokémon, with no tacit understanding with Natsuhiko, Abra's assistance slightly made up for this shortfall.
"Just distract him," Agatha reminded.
'Even if you want me to do more, I can't.'
"Haunter."
"Gengar."
Haunter, full of battle spirit, appeared beside Natsuhiko, although a bit reluctant to follow someone else's orders, but no choice, Agatha had the final say.
"In a moment, go pretend to be weak, the weaker, the better, once he sees it's not Agatha commanding the Pokémon, he'll lower his guard, then do this and that…this and that..." Natsuhiko whispered in Haunter's ear.
"Gengar?!" Haunter looked at Natsuhiko in shock.
I might not be human, but your tactic is downright dirty!
But I like it.
Haunter grinned, suddenly feeling an extra bit of appreciation for Natsuhiko.
For nothing else, but because this tactic suited its personality greatly.
"Heh heh heh..."
A slightly sly chuckle emerged.
Natsuhiko's face also broke into a smile, showing signs of being influenced by Haunter.
Abra quietly distanced itself from them.
Having heard the tactic just now too.
Just gotta say....
Pretty darn crafty.