"What do we do? What do we do?!"
Yas and Kaz exchanged looks, each seeing unmistakable fear in the other's eyes. A tiger before them, wolves behind them—they had gathered the combined strength of two Gyms, yet not even the slightest chance of victory remained.
If they had taken a moment to examine the quality of their own disciples, they might not have been so shocked. If all thirty-plus of them had possessed true Elite Trainer strength, Kael wouldn't have bothered fighting for official Gym certification—he would have turned and left without hesitation.
But this so-called force was nothing more than a rabble of mediocre trainers and street thugs. With Rhydon holding the front line, Lulu guarding the rear, Weavile cutting through the back ranks, and Chansey providing support—even commanding with one's feet would have been enough to win.
"He is amazing!"
From a nearby hillside, Nobita watched with undisguised admiration. He wanted to become that strong one day—to travel with his Pokémon and teach bullies who oppressed the townsfolk a proper lesson.
"Suneo, how about we ask him to take us as students?"
The chubby Gian was practically shaking with excitement. Children naturally idolized heroes, and to him, Kael single-handedly challenging two Gyms made him the greatest hero imaginable.
Even Suneo had been won over by the battle. At the very least, he no longer harbored hostility toward Kael's side. In that moment, the three boys of Dark City felt a newfound curiosity about the profession of Pokémon Trainer.
...
"Mr. Yas, forget this month's pay! That guy's a monster!"
One of Yas Gym's disciples scooped up his battered Venomoth and bolted toward the forest.
"Same here! Mr. Kaz, I don't want this month's salary either!" A disciple from Kaz's Gym grabbed his bruised and battered Machop and fled as well.
"Everyone, let's get out of here! It's not worth risking our Pokémon's lives for this little pay!"
With that shout—combined with the two already deserting—those who had been hesitating immediately made up their minds. Recalling their fainted Pokémon, they turned and ran for the woods.
The chaotic plain fell silent.
All thirty-four disciples had vanished.
Only Kaz and Yas remained.
How could a group bought with money possess loyalty? Bullying defenseless civilians was one thing. But when faced with overwhelming force, these thug-like trainers ran faster than anyone.
The two now stood alone in the open field. A light breeze drifted past, making the scene almost pitiful.
Kael looked at the stunned pair and called out loudly:
"Gentlemen, your disciples are all gone. Still want to continue? If you pack your things and leave voluntarily, I might consider not reporting your usual misconduct to the League's certification inspector."
At those words, instead of fear, fury flared across their faces.
Kaz, hot-tempered as ever, immediately snapped back, "Brat! If we can't become officially recognized League Gym Leaders, don't think you'll have it easy either! Electabuzz—Thunderbolt!"
"Scyther, we're going in too! X-Scissor!"
They had clearly lost their reason.
Kael sighed and stepped back, sweeping his arm forward.
"Rhydon—Hammer Arm!"
"Roar—!"
Rhydon charged forward instantly. With his massive weight, once he began running, he resembled a fully powered Tiger tank. The ground trembled beneath his steps.
His thick arm—nearly the width of a grown man's waist—swept across with crushing force.
Hammer Arm, a Fighting-type move with a base power of 100, placed considerable strain on the user's muscles, briefly lowering speed after use.
But for Rhydon's enormous frame, the drawback was negligible.
Electabuzz, mid-leap, had no way to evade the sweeping blow. It was struck head-on and sent flying—
Rolling across the ground more than a dozen times before clutching its stomach in agony. With Rhydon's raw strength amplified by Hammer Arm, the fact that it didn't faint outright was proof of its solid constitution.
Scyther, more agile, managed to evade the initial sweep, beating its wings to circle from the side. Its twin scythes crossed as it slashed toward Rhydon's eyes—still aiming for the only vulnerable spot on his armored body.
But Rhydon had anticipated this. His eyes were indeed his sole weakness.
His legs bounced lightly, executing the small boxing footwork Hisoka had drilled into him.
His massive body leaned forward, narrowly avoiding the strike—
At the same time, his two-meter-long tail lashed out like lightning.
Its tip gleamed with metallic sheen—
Iron Tail.
Rhydon showed no mercy to anyone targeting his eyes. The steel-hardened tail smashed violently into Scyther's waist.
The force sent Scyther spinning through the air like a top. Even after crashing to the ground, it continued spinning in dizzy circles.
Unable to bear the sight, Yas withdrew his Pokémon.
With both main forces defeated, what could Kaz and Yas do, no matter how unwilling they were to accept it?
Before absolute strength, all schemes and defiance were meaningless.
In truth, they should have been grateful for the League laws they had long scorned. If Kael hadn't wanted to leave a favorable impression for the arriving certification inspector—Miss Joy—did they truly believe they would have walked away unharmed?
He was a former bounty hunter.
Not some naïve, hot-blooded youth.
...
That day would be remembered forever by the people of Dark City.
The two Gyms that had harassed them for an entire year—who had earned nothing but resentment—were finally leaving.
"Get out! Dark City doesn't welcome you!"
Residents poured from their homes, glaring at the two disgraced men as they passed.
"Don't ever let us see you again!"
Kaz and Yas said nothing.
The defeated had no right to speak.
What they hadn't expected was just how deeply the city's residents hated them. It felt as though, if even one person stepped forward, the furious crowd might surge in and beat them where they stood.
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