Listening to the conversation of the trio nearby, Aoki's expressionless eyes glinted. He knew Team Rocket had many treasure maps, some leading to genuine treasures. Though he hadn't redeemed one initially, preferring to save his points for other needs, fate had now led him to this treasure-hunting trio.
Aoki vaguely recognized the tall boy with the yellow-qualified Koffing, a Pokémon with great potential despite its moderate level. The other two, however, left little impression.
Regardless of their identities, encountering them in the wild sparked Aoki's interest in a confrontation. His mind raced with strategy—if he was going to fight, he needed to be fully prepared. The tall boy's Koffing was a formidable opponent; Aoki couldn't be sure if it had mastered Self-Destruct, and the distance was too great for his system to scan it accurately. The green-shirted boy's Zubat, judging by appearance, seemed well-developed. The small boy's Oddish, though weak, had a yellow qualification.
Facing trained Pokémon was different from battling wild ones. However, Murkrow's recent growth gave Aoki confidence. With a quick glance, he reviewed Murkrow's stats:
Pokémon: Murkrow (Green)
Ability: Prankster (Priority given to status moves)
Egg Moves: Punishment, Astonish, Roost
Basic Moves: Peck, Haze, Pursuit, Gust
Taught Moves: Snatch, Tailwind
TM Moves: None Google seaʀᴄh novęlfire.net
In just two days, Murkrow had reached level 12 and learned Haze and Gust.
Aoki crouched low, advancing through the dense forest underbrush with Murkrow perched silently on his back. He halted five meters from the trio, the maximum distance before risking detection. This was close enough for the system to scan their Pokémon.
With a flash of data, Aoki confirmed his suspicions: a level 14 yellow-qualified Koffing without Self-Destruct, a level 13 orange-qualified Zubat, and, surprisingly, a yellow-qualified Oddish at level 11—unlikely to be well-trained.
With this intel, Aoki's strategy crystallized. The first target would be Oddish, weak to Murkrow's Flying moves and easier to eliminate, thus turning a three-on-one into a more manageable fight.
"Murkrow, use Tailwind, then attack Oddish with Gust. Follow up with Peck," Aoki whispered, his voice barely audible to anyone but Murkrow.
Murkrow nodded, understanding Aoki's intent through their shared battle experience. Aoki signaled the countdown with three fingers, folding them one by one. As the last finger dropped, a pale wind enveloped Murkrow, sharpening its gaze.
One! The final signal.
Murkrow's wings flapped fiercely, sending a powerful gust through the underbrush, exposing Aoki as the wind flattened the surrounding grass.
Aoki stood, brushing himself off with a wry smile.
In a flash, Murkrow closed in on Oddish. The trio's startled expressions shifted to alarm as Murkrow's sharp gusts lashed at the stationary Oddish, cutting through the air like blades.
Tailwind-fueled Gust tore through Oddish, knocking it back into the dirt. Before anyone could react, Murkrow was upon it, striking with Peck.
The trainers barked their commands, but Aoki was ready. "Murkrow, dodge!"
Murkrow deftly evaded the attacks, leaving Oddish on the ground, barely conscious.
"Oddish!" the small boy cried, fear keeping him from approaching. His frail frame was no match for Murkrow's might.
Big Brother sneered, "Pathetic!" Turning his attention to Aoki, his expression hardened as he recognized him. "It's you, the lucky second-place finisher!"
Aoki's smile widened slightly. The rumors about his test tactics had spread, painting him as someone who relied on tricks. He had no intention of correcting them.
"Don't think getting second by luck makes you tough," Big Brother sneered. "Let's end this!"
The boy in green caught on quickly. "Zubat, get in close with Wing Attack!"
Aoki, calm as ever, instructed, "Murkrow, blow the Smog away with Gust!"
The dark winds from Murkrow's wings scattered the noxious Smog. However, as Murkrow cleared the air, Zubat rushed in with Wing Attack.
Murkrow took a hit, flying back a few meters, but quickly regained its composure. Its sturdy build absorbed the damage, keeping it battle-ready.
"Koffing, use Pursuit!" Big Brother ordered, aiming to exploit Murkrow's momentary vulnerability with a move that dealt double damage to fleeing foes.
"Murkrow, Tailwind again! Evade and counter with Astonish!" Aoki's voice was steady, keeping Murkrow focused.
Tailwind's speed boost allowed Murkrow to dodge Koffing's Pursuit. It then turned to Zubat, closing the distance rapidly.
"Dodge, Zubat!" the boy in green shouted, but Astonish guaranteed a hit.
"Bang!" Murkrow's sharp beak struck Zubat, sending it reeling. Murkrow retreated immediately, avoiding prolonged engagement.