"Bellossom, Leaf Blade!"
Bellossom extended both arms, each wielding a shimmering green blade of energy. With a swift cross-slash, it struck toward Haunter.
The Shadow Ball shield had three layers.
The first was sliced through effortlessly by Leaf Blade, offering no resistance. The second layer managed to slow it down slightly but was also quickly cleaved apart.
But when Leaf Blade struck the third and final layer, the entire purple shield erupted in an explosive burst, sending Bellossom flying!
"Bellossom, use Quiver Dance to recover!"
"Haunter, Lick, interrupt it!"
Quiver Dance. A move that raised Special Attack, Special Defense, and Speed simultaneously.
If Bellossom managed to complete the technique, Haunter would have no chance of turning the battle around!
A grotesque, crimson tongue lashed out, striking Bellossom hard across the back. Mid-air and unable to adjust its position, Bellossom was sent hurtling to the ground, its Quiver Dance successfully interrupted!
"Bellossom, don't panic! Use Magical Leaf to counter!"
Despite being knocked down twice, Bellossom showed no fear. Instead, it seemed to awaken its fighting spirit, becoming even more aggressive.
A flurry of leaves, glowing in shades of green and violet, surged forward, seeking to engulf Haunter. The problem? Magical Leaf was a tracking move, it never missed, even if Haunter turned invisible.
"Haunter, use Sludge Bomb!"
Haunter cackled mischievously. Last night, during the intense training session, it had learned a new move. One that no one expected.
Until now, Haunter had only used Toxic in battle. Everyone assumed that was its only Poison-type move.
Now, deep purple sludge shot forth like a cannon blast, smashing through the incoming Magical Leaf storm. The toxic attack didn't stop there, it crashed directly into Bellossom!
Bellossom took the full force of the Poison-type attack, its energy draining rapidly. This single hit nearly wiped out its remaining stamina.
"Bellossom, Giga Drain!"
Hotta, still wearing her gentle expression, swiftly gave the perfect counter. Haunter was within range, and Giga Drain would steal its remaining strength.
"Dodge and use Shadow Punch!"
But the outcome had already been decided. Sludge Bomb had critically weakened Bellossom.
As Haunter vanished from sight and reappeared behind its opponent, its shadowy fist slammed into Bellossom, completely depleting its remaining energy.
Sato glanced up at the blazing afternoon sun.
Autumn's heatwave was still relentless. If Bellossom had focused on using Synthesis instead, Haunter might have struggled far more.
But ifs didn't matter.
For the second time, Sato had defeated a female trainer, and as expected, the applause was noticeably less enthusiastic.
The next match featured the rich kid, who sent out a massive Skarmory. His opponent was the very trainer who had popularized the "large Pokémon" strategy, the one commanding a Rhydon.
Using a strategy of constant repositioning and long-range attacks, switching between Flash Cannon, Dark Pulse, and Air Slash; Skarmory kept its distance, refusing to engage in close combat.
Rhydon, unable to land a single hit, was left utterly frustrated before finally collapsing.
Sato simply watched the match and had one thought.
'Having money must be nice.'
Flash Cannon and Dark Pulse were some of the most expensive TMs available. Giving them to a Skarmory, normally a melee fighter, wasn't exactly a waste... but it was definitely the kind of move only a rich trainer could afford.
Perhaps thinking that two matches weren't enough for the audience, the organizers made an announcement: The final battle would take place that very afternoon.
This short break was enough for both sides to fully recover their Pokémon.
Though, in truth, only Sato actually needed the time.
To have Haunter treated, Sato decided to grab a quick meal at the Pokémon Center. Just as he was halfway through eating, he noticed someone sitting down across from him.
"Nice to meet you. I'm Wester."
Sato looked up, gave the newcomer a slight nod, then returned to his meal, making a mental note to replace the nickname "rich kid" with "rich Wester".
Only after finishing the last bite of his not-so-tasty but nutritious meal did Sato finally give Wester his full attention.
"You're strong. And your Haunter is quite impressive," Wester said, unfazed by Sato's indifference. Despite the overwhelming aura of wealth surrounding him, his demeanor was surprisingly polite.
Seeing this, Sato's expression softened slightly. He responded with a quiet, "Thanks," though inwardly, he remained completely on guard.
"I know this might seem a bit forward, but have you ever considered trading Pokémon to diversify your training?" Wester continued.
Seeing Sato's immediate frown, he quickly added, "I'm not trying to sabotage this afternoon's match. I just genuinely think your Haunter is exceptional."
That explanation wasn't much better. Sato's frown remained, prompting Wester to sigh slightly before pulling out four Poké Balls and placing them on the table.
"These contain a Houndoom, a Xatu, a Skarmory, and a Breloom. You can choose any one of them in exchange for Haunter. Plus, I'll add 5 million Pokédollars on top of the deal."
Wester's wealth was on full display, but what truly surprised Sato was the sheer quality of his Pokémon lineup.
Like Houndoom's Dark-type and Xatu's Psychic-type potential, Breloom's Fighting-type potential had also reached Pseudo-Elite Four level.
If that was the case, Skarmory must also have at least one Pseudo-Elite Four level potential.
Sato's mind raced with possibilities. Haunter's Ghost-type potential was Pseudo-Elite Four as well, meaning, on paper, Wester's offer was fair.
But there was no way Sato believed Wester was making this deal purely for a fair trade.
"Why?" Sato asked bluntly.
"Because I like Haunter..." Wester started, but seeing the clear disdain in Sato's eyes, he awkwardly cut himself off.
"Ahem... Fine, I'll be honest with you... your Haunter..."
"The match is about to start. If you have something to say, save it for later," Sato interrupted. He stood up, pointed at the clock in the Pokémon Center, and walked away without hesitation.
Wester sat there, stunned, watching Sato leave with a complex expression.
Thanks to his Dark Energy, Sato was highly sensitive to hidden hostility from others.
On the surface, Wester showed no aggression toward him. Still unsure of his motives, Sato had abruptly ended the conversation to observe any reaction.
Yet, even after putting some distance between them, he felt no hostility from Wester at all.
This meant that Wester "probably" wasn't planning anything underhanded.
Sato didn't blame himself for assuming the worst. He had no family, no backing; alone in a world where power determined survival.
Until he became truly strong, he had to be cautious around major organizations and powerful figures.
There were still thirty minutes before the match. Since the arena was only a five-minute walk away, Sato took a detour to an empty corner and quickly pulled up information on Wester using his laptop.
Five minutes before the match, he closed the laptop, retrieved Haunter's Poké Ball, and headed to the competition stage, his expression unreadable.
There was a question that needed answering.
And this battle would provide the answer.