After escaping from the research island destroyed by Team Rocket, Nawaki Senju followed the ocean currents and gentle breezes to the Orange Islands, a region dotted with numerous islands and breathtaking scenery.
Far from the heart of the Kanto continent, this area boasted a unique gym system that attracted trainers from all over the world, making it the perfect place for him to train and level up.
He knew that the approaching decisive battle was crucial for completing his system mission, Defeat Mewtwo, and claiming the hefty rewards.
He needed strength. He needed more partners. As a trainer, he had to prepare for and participate in the impending showdown with Mewtwo.
During the following days, Nawaki embarked on an almost obsessive journey of training and challenges.
He traveled between the islands, relying on his keen ninja instincts and the practical experience accumulated from countless Pokémon battles. Not only was his chakra slowly and steadily recovering, he also successfully captured several formidable Pokémon: Skarmory, Jynx (evolved from Smoochum), Crobat, and Misdreavous.
With his new companions, Nawaki's career as a trainer officially hit its stride.
Yet perhaps because he had been restrained in the world of ninja for too long, or perhaps driven by a desire to quickly boost his strength, Nawaki unleashed his full potential in battles.
He became aggressively competitive, challenging nearly everyone he encountered, from short street trainers to seasoned veterans.
Even elite trainers from other regions passing through found it difficult to escape his grasp.
What was even more frustrating for others was his notorious tactics, infamous for their cunning and deceptive strategies reminiscent of a ninja's guile, clashing completely with the mainstream, passionate, and straightforward battling style of this world.
Soon, Nawaki became infamous among the trainers of the Orange Islands, earning nicknames such as:
The Demon of the Orange Islands
King of Dirty Tactics
The Poison Trainer
Even Officer Jenny, responsible for local law and order, had to repeatedly warn him to mind his behavior and avoid unnecessary trouble and complaints.
On the surface, Nawaki appeared to accept her warnings humbly, but behind the scenes, he continued to do as he pleased.
It wasn't until the arrival of a heavyweight figure that his arrogance was temporarily restrained.
It was a cool, breezy night on the Tropita Island stadium. Nawaki had just executed his "Endless Cage" tactic, effortlessly forcing a confident trainer with a Blastoise to crumble and concede defeat.
Among the spectators, a woman with deep blue short hair, delicate glasses, and a sharp, professional outfit watched silently.
As Nawaki prepared to leave, she stepped out from the crowd.
"Quite a unique strategy," said Lorelei, a member of the Kanto Ice-type Elite Four, her voice calm but carrying undeniable authority.
"Yet, young man, don't you think that excessive scheming and total disregard for your opponent's feelings could make you overlook the passion and bonds that should exist in Pokémon battles?"
Nawaki felt a chill run down his spine. He could sense that she was a true powerhouse; her strength rivaled many elite jōnin he had encountered.
"Elite Four Lorelei?" Nawaki recognized her. "Passion and bonds may matter, but isn't victory more practical? Why don't we battle?"
A spark of excitement lit up in his eyes. This was the perfect opportunity to test his recent training.
Lorelei adjusted her glasses but did not refuse.
A private battle quietly began at the edge of the stadium.
No one knew the specifics. People only saw that, after the fight, one of the Elite Four quietly departed the Orange Islands.
As for Nawaki, the so-called "Poison Tongue Trainer," he maintained his usual relaxed demeanor, but his habit of challenging others had noticeably subdued.
Sora, a local radio journalist famous for digging up stories, finally managed to interview him.
"Trainer Nawaki, can you tell us the outcome of your battle with Elite Four Lorelei? Did she win?"
Nawaki smiled honestly at the camera. "Yes, my Pokémon lost. Lorelei truly lives up to her reputation."
His tone was candid, with no hint of resentment. Whether his frankness concealed other details was left for others to speculate.
That day, the sun shone brightly, and the salty, humid sea breeze swept across the beautiful southern beaches of Tropita Island.
Under the sunlight, soft white sands shimmered; palm trees swayed in the breeze; the distant sea sparkled under the blue sky.
Nawaki sat in the shade of a palm tree, carefully cleaning his Poké Balls, enjoying a rare moment of leisure.
Suddenly, a familiar, boisterous voice came from afar.
"Hurry, Brock! The Pokémon Center is just ahead!"
"I know, Ash! Don't run so fast!"
"My feet hurt! Can't we rest first?"
Nawaki looked up and saw the classic trio: Ash, bright-eyed and wearing his signature red cap, clutching Pikachu;
Brock, squinting slightly, looking mature (and probably scouting for beautiful women);
and Misty, in a short-sleeved top with her signature orange hair, complaining about her aching feet, while her goofy Psyduck waddled alongside.
Misty rubbed her ankle and casually glanced at Nawaki in the shade.
She froze, then her eyes widened as if she remembered something. Pointing at him with a trembling hand, she exclaimed, "Y-you… you're that guy! The legendary 'Demon of the Orange Islands'?"
Nawaki raised an eyebrow, surprised that his reputation had spread so widely, even reaching Misty.
Curious, he asked, "Oh? You recognize me?"
Misty took a deep breath. "Of course! Rumor has it the Demon of the Orange Islands is a young trainer with brown hair and rosy cheeks."
"Rosy cheeks…"
Nawaki twitched his mouth and instinctively touched his face.
That description left him momentarily speechless, itching to refute it.
He decided to have a little fun with these seemingly interesting people.
Nearby, Ash crossed his arms, striking a confident pose. "I get it! Now I understand!"
He stepped up to Nawaki, sizing him up, and began analyzing him in that classic, slightly arrogant tone.
"You must have earned that nickname by using strange tactics to bully weaker trainers! I've seen too many like you! You clearly don't understand what real Pokémon battles are about! True battles are about passion, excitement, and the bonds between trainer and Pokémon!"
Nawaki looked at Ash's "I know everything" expression and almost laughed.
He addressed everyone around loudly, "Oh? So you're the legendary Masara Town hero, Ash?"
Ash froze. "Huh? Masara Town hero? What's that?"
Misty and Brock turned their heads, equally confused.
Nawaki seriously counted on his fingers. "I heard you possess incredible vitality. No matter how strong the attack, you recover quickly and keep fighting. Pikachu's electric shocks, Charizard's flames rumor says you've endured hundreds of direct and indirect Pokémon attacks and recovered unharmed. If that isn't superhuman, what is?"
"Pika?" Pikachu on Ash's shoulder tilted its head.
Ash's face immediately turned bright red. "T-Those were accidents!"
Nawaki chuckled, then looked at Brock, his gaze lingering on Brock's always-squinting, ever-searching eyes. He then warned Misty, "Miss, you better watch your Pokémon. And be careful of the pervert next to you."
He emphasized the word "pervert."
Brock coughed awkwardly. "Cough, trainer, you misunderstood me~"
Misty stepped back in disgust, keeping her distance from Brock while glancing at her Psyduck.
The Psyduck, as usual, remained expressionless.
Finding it amusing, Nawaki waved deliberately at Psyduck. "You're Staryu, right? I heard you're strong. Want to battle me?"
"Psyduck?" Psyduck held its head, looking puzzled.
Misty stomped her foot in anger. "It's Psyduck! Not Staryu! And it can't battle yet!"
Nawaki laughed, stopped teasing Psyduck, and turned to Brock with a meaningful look. "Sir, do you want to join my 'guidance' session too?"
Brock immediately coughed violently. "Cough, cough! Trainer, mind your words! I'm merely a Pokémon breeder who appreciates and admires wonderful creatures!"
Misty walked away in disgust again.
"Enough talk!" Ash impatiently threw a Poké Ball. "Let's battle!"
Nawaki looked into Ash's clear yet slightly goofy (in a good way) eyes, thinking it would be far more fun to defeat him than argue… [Ash from Pallet Town has issued a challenge!]
"Then it's you, Pikachu!"
"Pikachu!"
"Go, Jynx!" Nawaki calmly sent out his Pokémon.
The battle, or more accurately, a one-sided spectacle, began.
"Jynx, use Lovely Kiss!"
"Pikachu, use Quick Attack…zzzzz…"
"Poison!"
"Scowl fiercely at me!"
The cycle of the Dream Eater began.
Pikachu's energy slowly drained as it slept, and no matter how Ash shouted, it was powerless to resist.
This was only the beginning.
From Squirtle to Bulbasaur, even his disobedient Charizard faced unprecedented defeat.
No Pokémon could escape the fate of being put to sleep, poisoned, unable to be recalled, and slowly drained.
Ash was elated at first, then anxious, shouting loudly, and finally collapsed on the sand, utterly dejected, as if his soul had been drained.
"It's over, it's over…" he murmured, eyes vacant, clearly devastated.
"Ash!" Brock helped his friend up, his expression serious as he faced Nawaki. "Your battling style is truly unique. Let me experience it myself! Go, Crobat!"
[Brock from Pewter City issues a challenge!]
He sent out his Crobat, which had the ability Inner Focus, theoretically immune to sleep, hoping to break Nawaki's control chain.
A cold smile tugged at Nawaki's lips as he thought of Jynx.
"Seems you still don't understand the true meaning of the title 'Demon of the Orange Islands.'"
Pokémon swap! Misdreavous, your turn!
"In real battles, there is no absolute safe card, only strategic advantage."
"Misdreavous, use Disable!"
Crobat's Air Cutter was sealed.
"Crobat, attack with Wing Attack!"
"Misdreavous, again!"
Mischief in play, forcing Crobat to repeat Wing Attack.
"Disable!"
Wing Attack sealed!
Brock, sweating, tried to break the rhythm with Double Team.
"Misdreavous, again!"
Forced Double Team.
"Disable!"
Double Team complete!
Last chance: Poison Fang!
"Misdreavous, again!"
Forced use of Poison Fang.
"Disable!"
Poison Fang sealed!
All four moves locked!
Under Encore, Crobat fell into painful struggle.
Each attack backfired, quickly draining its energy.
Meanwhile, Misdreavous leisurely used Recover to restore its health.
It even began mocking Crobat's struggles with a taunting dance.
The surrounding silence was broken only by the waves crashing against the shore.
"…I give up."
Brock looked at Crobat in dismay. He truly believed in his Pokémon, yet felt utterly powerless.
This level of absolute tactical suppression was beyond his comprehension.
Nearby, Misty covered her face, unable to watch any longer.
Nawaki looked at Misdreavous and laughed heartily, reveling in crushing the main cast.
Suddenly, a sharp whoosh sounded in the sky.
An orange-yellow figure cut through the air, kicking up a strong gust, and landed swiftly on the beach.
Mewtwo's messenger: Dragonite.
Clutching several beautifully crafted invitations, it scanned the group and precisely handed them to Ash, Brock, and Misty.
"What's this? An invitation from the strongest Pokémon trainers?!"
Ash's eyes lit up, completely forgetting his recent defeat.
Nawaki immediately stepped forward, holding out his hand to Dragonite. "Hey, big guy, what about mine?"
Dragonite lowered its head, carefully studying Nawaki with big eyes, showing a hesitation eerily human… maybe even a hint of disdain.
It tilted its head and rumbled, as if judging whether this trainer, who used "dirty" tactics, deserved an invitation symbolizing strength.
Nawaki's anger flared. "Hey! What's with that look? Am I not a strong trainer? I've beaten…"
"Uh, although the process may not suit your taste, I've defeated countless opponents! Give me the invitation!"
Startled by Nawaki's intensity, Dragonite retracted its neck. Reluctantly, it pulled out an invitation from its back and handed it over.
After all, its mission was to invite strong trainers, and Nawaki's strength was undeniable.
Nawaki snatched the invitation, smirking, carefully tucking it away.
He glanced at Ash and the others, who were excited to have received theirs, and a small smile curved his lips.
New Island. Mewtwo. The decisive battle was about to begin.
This time, I will face you as a challenger.