Giovanni was completely taken aback.
At the critical moment, he sent out Rhyperior to block the aftermath of Explosion.
But he hadn't expected that "rocket" to really self-destruct like an actual launch failure.
"Just like a real rocket that failed to launch... How can there be a Pokémon like that..."
He coughed lightly. "Tch, did Krookodile get taken out?"
It had clearly been a hugely advantageous position. As long as Earthquake landed once, he could have taken complete control of the battlefield's flow and manipulated it at will.
But his plan got blown apart by the most shameless move possible.
One careless step, and the whole board was lost.
Still, at least that troublesome big lump of metal had been cleared away, right?
Sometimes you can't avoid taking a loss. You just have to learn to accept it.
"Drill Run!"
Giovanni could feel the vibration frequency from the floor.
The floor of Area 8 had already been blasted open.
Even this supposedly indestructible new construction material couldn't withstand the destruction unleashed by top-tier trainers; several floors of Area 8 had been completely linked together by force.
And the opponent, in the instant the blast ended, had withdrawn that massive body and, within the swirling ash and dust storm, sent out a new Pokémon!
There was no doubt about that feeling…
That was Steel-type!
A giant sword gleaming with golden light came crashing down!
When Rhyperior saw that sword, it was already too late to try and block.
Sacred Sword and Drill Run collided. The high-speed spinning drill was almost sliced open!
"Retaliate!"
Striking back for a fallen companion—if a Pokémon on your side had been knocked out in the previous turn, its power doubled!
That sword, as broad as a door and wreathed in golden lightning, had already stepped beyond the concept of a "normal Pokémon"!
Boom!
Giovanni clicked his tongue. "The power is impressive, but slashing attacks do nothing to my Rhyperior!"
"The rock-like hide is made of an unknown substance. Its hardness is so high that even a famed blade can't scratch it!"
Hikaru shook his head. "No, that cutting move just now wasn't a slash from some famous sword. It was something beyond even that—Sacred Sword!"
Strictly speaking, Rhyperior is actually doubly weak to Fighting-type.
Even with the ability Solid Rock slightly reducing damage from super-effective hits, it doesn't change the fundamental fact that it's weak to Fighting.
Under those conditions, for him to still say a "famed blade" couldn't harm it at all…
Whether that famed blade was being judged as Fighting-type or Steel-type, both should have been super effective against Rhyperior!
But… since the Rhyperior in front of him belonged to Giovanni, Hikaru decided to just assume this was proof of the "Earth Master's" superb training.
"Horn Drill!"
A one-hit KO move—the sharpest spear, the unstoppable lance!
And King's Shield, which could deflect any attack, was the sturdiest shield!
Yet even the invincible Horn Drill fell flat before the golden royal shield.
"Tch! No effect?"
"Ghost-type, huh?"
Giovanni noticed that Horn Drill had clearly hit, yet the opponent hadn't reacted at all.
Aegislash's single eye glanced toward Rhyperior.
That hardened drill really did look dangerous—just as it had sensed!
Horn Attack, Drill Run, Megahorn…
No matter which move it used, they were all terrifying "spears," and hidden among those killer moves was the one-hit KO Horn Drill.
Fortunately—
It was Ghost-type.
A one-hit KO move that counted as Normal-type meant nothing to it.
If you want a true one-hit KO against me…
At least bring out Fissure or Sheer Cold!
Icy northern winds coiled around Aegislash, and countless Air Slashes tore through the dust, falling on Rhyperior like a violent storm!
The massive beast was absolutely furious.
Air Slash again? Seriously?
I thought you, as the so-called "King of Pokémon," coming here to fight me, would have some grand technique!
And you're using something this cheap?!
"I've had enough of this kind of fighting. Don't you have anything more interesting?" Giovanni taunted, all while guiding Rhyperior's counterattacks.
Hikaru said calmly, "Flinching is an abnormal state that doesn't follow the usual status rules. Unless you've got the Inner Focus ability, no matter how strong the Pokémon is, it can still feel fear."
"Any living being that takes a hit will feel pain, fear, or show an opening."
And in the Pokémon world, even Ultra Beasts are no exception to fear.
So there was no need to worry about that.
"Of course, there are ways to counter flinching."
"The user has to move before the target for flinching to trigger. So that means…"
Rhyperior seized the opening and slipped past the next wave of Air Slash. At the same time, the forceful movement caused its armor and rocky hide to begin shining!
Rock Polish!
By grinding down its own body, it reduced air resistance, dramatically boosting its Speed!
"My Rhyperior is extremely agile. That massive body combined with incredible speed…"
"…becomes unmatched power!"
Rhyperior broke free from the Air Slash barrage. Flames of rage burned in its heart as the horn on its head began spinning violently!
Giovanni called out, "Is it Drill Run? Megahorn? Or something else?!"
"This is like a deadly roulette—take your pick! I already know Horn Drill doesn't work on you, but that 'useless' move can act as a starting point for something else!"
Hikaru of course knew exactly what Giovanni was talking about.
Horn Drill + Stomping Tantrum.
A lot of Elite Four-level trainers liked to use that combination.
Because no matter what happened, they came out ahead.
Rhyperior charged forward, massive arms spread wide!
It stuffed rocks into the holes in its palms, then violently tensed its muscles and snapped its arms out, firing the stones all at once!
Rock Blast!
Huge stones rained down like a storm, bombarding Aegislash.
The exploding rocks smashed the already-damaged floor even further, punching through from the upper levels of Area 8 down into the floor below!
Aegislash raised its Sacred Sword and used Fury Cutter to slice the incoming stones into pieces again and again.
The stones it intentionally knocked back down became Rock Slide, only to be smashed to dust by Rhyperior's twin arms!
"My Rhyperior's armor can withstand even volcanic eruptions. It can use that armor to deflect enemy attacks and, when opponents flinch, drive them through with its proudest drill!"
"We're already at point-blank range. Come on, bring that shield of yours out!"
That golden greatshield was Aegislash's main reliance, and Giovanni understood that to break this opponent, he would have to destroy that royal shield. But even Horn Drill couldn't pierce it, and that gold form was clearly abnormal.
In that case… well, doesn't he also have a flinch-inducing move of his own?
Rhyperior suddenly slammed its tail down into the floor and launched its huge body into the air, stomping down on Aegislash!
Stomp—attacking by crushing the target with a huge foot, with a 30% chance to make the target flinch!
But that wasn't the main point.
Stomp, followed by Bulldoze…
And then… Earthquake!
"The chained tremor secret art—three moves fused into one motion, gathering the power of the earth into a single point."
"Striking a weak point, hitting the critical spot!"
"Even if a move isn't naturally prone to landing critical hits, if you train enough, you can condense that power into one point and get an effect similar to a 'critical hit.'"
"So places that don't look like weak points can still be weak points."
"…?"
At least, that's how it should have gone.
Giovanni's pupils shrank.
Aegislash's lone eye remained just as wary as before. There was no flinch, nor any sign of the pain from a critical hit!
Only Hikaru knew why.
While King's Shield was in effect, his Pokémon couldn't be struck by critical hits. It was equivalent to every Pokémon on his team having Shell Armor as long as the royal heart was active.
That said, Giovanni's "everywhere can be a weak point" attacking style truly impressed Hikaru.
He'd just delivered a lengthy lecture about hitting weak points—
Then Giovanni turned around and essentially said: under my control, every part of the body can become a weak point.
An absolutely extreme mastery of energy, timing, and move power.
On Ground-type battle techniques, no one could surpass him.
Of course, Hikaru suddenly realized something.
This sort of style might actually be similar to moves like Surging Strikes or Wicked Blow—moves that always land critical hits.
They weren't "finding" the opponent's weak points.
They were creating them.
Giovanni's expression shifted slightly as he had that thought, and sharp light flashed in his eyes.
However, Aegislash, which was far more adept at reading hearts, sensed the spike of killing intent!
Boom!
Danger!
Aegislash immediately flung its shield away!
Its body became lighter!
RUMBLE—!
The floor of the Black Skyscraper was ripped open yet again! Rhyperior's stomp contained not just the triple-layer tremor combo…
But a fourth stomp!
And that was the deadliest one—Fissure!
The golden heavy shield crashed to the ground, a deep white crack carved clean through it!
Though it hadn't shattered, it now bore an indelible scar.
That one blow had looked like it was going to cleave the entire skyscraper in two.
Giovanni's eyes lit up. "Interesting. Throwing the shield at the last second to dodge Fissure—I've never seen a Pokémon do that before!"
"Hahaha! The supreme earth technique—if Horn Drill doesn't work, then what about Fissure?!"
"You want to know the secret of Fissure… this ultimate focused strike of earth's power? Try feeling it with your own body!"
Normally, Rhyperior shouldn't be able to learn Fissure at all.
But back in Gen I, its pre-evolutions could.
"Without the shield, how are you going to keep fighting?"
——————
"Area 8… Area 8 is basically destroyed!"
"The battle between those two is way too intense—they're not even human!"
The other Area Bosses were watching the fight through the cameras.
Trainers from other areas could also feel the violent tremors spreading out from Area 8, shaking from top to bottom, as if the entire skyscraper might collapse at any moment.
It scared a lot of challengers badly. They quit the challenge on the spot and ran down to the plaza outside, still shaken as they watched the huge explosion erupt within Area 8.
The floors of the Black Skyscraper didn't correspond one-to-one with Areas.
Each Area contained multiple floors.
The higher you went, the more floors an Area encompassed.
So when people on the ground saw explosions happening way up high, it was impossible not to panic.
If this was a Pokémon battle, wasn't it just a bit too intense?
"I knew it. He really is the strongest!"
"Even Lambert-san might not be his match!"
The Area 6 Boss, Haru Shion-san, was watching with shining eyes, sending message after message.
In the Boss Fan Club group chat, she spammed custom "check-in" stickers she'd made just to show her support.
The other Bosses were collectively speechless.
"Haru Shion, have you really become that guy's cheer squad?"
"Are you saying he's going to surpass Area 8 and become the Boss of Area 9… or even Area 10?"
"The popularity poll for the 'Most Beloved New Boss' keeps climbing!"
Haru Shion: "Do your best, do your best! From now on I'll be cheering for you forever!"
"If you reach the top first, you have to tell us how it feels to reach the edge of space, okay?"
——————
'How it feels to reach space, huh…'
Hikaru glanced at the sticker Haru Shion had sent on his Pokégear-like device and replied with a "no problem" emoji.
By now, the battle in front of him had already flipped around.
Giovanni's cap had long since been tossed to who-knows-where, and his ace Rhyperior was panting heavily.
Using Fissure had shattered the footing and cut off Aegislash's next move.
Cracks sprawled across the floors of the skyscraper; the sheer power of Fissure had nearly finished Aegislash off.
If that Pokémon hadn't been Ghost-type…
Giovanni mused that he could have used Endeavor to break through as well.
But typing was also a crucial part of battle.
Sometimes, even the strongest moves simply couldn't be used properly because of type matchups.
"Luck is also part of strength."
"The higher the level of the fighters, the more important luck becomes."
From Rhyperior's chest, the golden sword had finally broken through its orange armor plating.
The instant Fissure landed, the battle should already have been decided.
But the blazing aura pulsing around the blade had forcibly held out against that strike.
So your Pokémon wouldn't let itself fall, just so you wouldn't be sad…
And then, overcoming all odds—
The finishing blow that pierced through Rhyperior…
Was a max-powered Reversal!
Hikaru exhaled. "That's my win. Next one."
Giovanni shook his head. "No. There is no 'next one.' Well done—you've cleared Area 8."
"The rules for each Area are decided by the Boss. How many Pokémon I send out is up to me."
He didn't offer any comments on the outcome. Everything he'd wanted to say had already been poured out in the battle.
After all, no matter how strong you are, anyone can lose.
In the end, it had been a fun, heated fight that reminded him of the past.
A power that made him tremble—that was the potential in the trainer standing before him. Yes… young people always have all kinds of power like that.
"I felt it. It's the same kind of strength that a certain boy I once battled had."
"Day after day, searching for the answer to 'how to become stronger'… even now, he's still searching."
Giovanni looked straight at Hikaru.
"The invitation I offered earlier still stands."
"And it's permanent."
Hikaru reaffirmed his stance. "Is that so? Even so, I have no intention of joining Team Rocket, whether it's the old version or your 'new generation' Rocket."
"The old and the new… they're the same to me."
He had once used a Rocket disguise to trick the Trio, but that had just been to swipe their green tech.
Since Team Rocket weren't exactly 'champions of justice,' he had zero guilt about scamming them.
If they ever turned into good guys… he wouldn't be able to exploit them with such a clear conscience anymore.
[You defeated Giovanni. Emerging Force has been greatly strengthened!]
[Your Pokémon's EVs and growth rate have increased!]
[New moves learned.]
[Torterra: Nature Power! —— Celesteela: Grass Knot!]
[Aegislash: Giga Impact! —— Lilligant: Alluring Voice!]
[Gimmighoul: Nasty Plot! —— Victini: Speed Swap!]
A couple of them were basically just atmosphere members…
But they had each provided buffs—one increased prize money and one boosted accuracy like a passive aura.
So it was only natural that they'd get powered up too.
Hikaru bowed slightly. "Even so, thank you for the lesson just now."
Giovanni chuckled. "Heh… 'justice' or 'evil' is just a matter of perspective."
He rummaged in his coat, then suddenly flicked out something shining.
Hikaru caught it in his hand, then looked down.
It was an Earth Badge.
"Even if I'm no longer a Gym Leader, I still keep a few of these on me… as mementos."
Of course, that was only what Giovanni said on the surface.
The moment Hikaru squeezed the badge, he discovered its secret.
[Item: Earth Badge]
[Description: Proof of victory over Viridian Gym. Its design motif is a plant, shaped like an asparagus spear or a wheat ear, matching Viridian's evergreen theme.]
[Hidden Effect: Enhances the power of Ground-type Pokémon! It can be used to comprehend the power of the earth and grant new moves to Ground-type Pokémon—sometimes even moves they normally couldn't learn!]
[Note: With special processing, this badge can store a portion of the earth's power. Requires specific energy materials: Tree of Life Branch / Zygarde Cells / Ruin Fragment (Rainbow Rocket Ship).]
"This isn't just a commemorative badge—it's an Ability Badge."
Back before Gen 4, Gym Badges actually had special effects.
All the badges in Kanto and Johto boosted the power of their corresponding types.
Some unique ones even boosted stats like Attack, Sp. Atk, or Sp. Def. A few Hoenn badges also carried similar power.
Pre-Gen 3, the boost was 12.5%; in Gen 3, it was 10%.
In the manga, the immense power of badges directly triggered the huge battle on Suou Island, leaving the people of Kanto and Johto deeply unsettled and afraid.
In the anime, badges had no such special effect—they were just commemorative pieces handcrafted and painted in Shalour Village.
Hikaru frowned slightly. "Even if I accept this badge, I still won't do jobs for you."
Giovanni waved a hand. "Hmph, that's your choice. What's it got to do with me?"
"Kid, just knock me down like this…"
"And then go soar."
But in his heart, he was thinking something else.
This was no ordinary commemorative badge, but a true Ability Badge.
And not just that—
It was also a special "emblem of identity" within Team Rocket.
Any elite member who saw that badge would instantly understand everything.
Well… except for a certain trio of idiots.
Team Rocket's business had infiltrated countless industries. Even though they'd fallen on hard times, they still possessed enormous influence.
Humans like convenience.
Once someone took the badge and, in many different places, enjoyed special privileges only Team Rocket could provide…
They would gradually lose themselves.
Those who remained uncorrupted even then—that kind of spirit was something Giovanni appreciated even more.
However, once you get used to easy mode, suddenly dropping back into hard mode felt unbearable.
This had nothing to do with "justice" or "evil." When necessary, Team Rocket could even work with Interpol or the Ranger Union to protect the world.
In the future, joining the Unity Tower's council wasn't out of the question either.
Changing sides was a natural thing. The sort of jobs the "good guys" couldn't do, Team Rocket could handle in a heartbeat.
That was business.
"To prevent the world from being destroyed."
"To protect the world's peace."
"I am quite good at forcing sales, you know."
"Well then, farewell for now, future executive. Head on up to the higher Areas! Go witness the mighty power of time!"
"Hmm… your codename…"
Meteor, perhaps?
Giovanni mulled it over.
Then he snorted with laughter at his own joke.
After that, his thoughts naturally drifted to Area 9.
It wasn't that he had never been there.
But every time he went, he would see that boy who made his whole body tremble.
And, like a recurring nightmare, everything would replay exactly as it was—the afternoon he stood in Silph Co.
Or the moment at Tohjo Falls, facing the boy and girl who had crossed time itself.
Giovanni knew very clearly that this was the power of "time."
A force on par with Celebi—or rather, something even stronger than Celebi.
A power that turned everything into a dreamlike mirage.
A "Time Mirage."
————————
Area 9.
After healing his team, Hikaru took the elevator and arrived here.
There was nothing at all.
In the games, Lambert had been the Boss here, but he'd been demoted down to Area 8.
An eerie stillness filled the space, and black cosmic energy streamed endlessly upward. Even his perception of time felt like it was being twisted.
And so, just like that, he arrived at Area 10.
"Reached the world's highest city—Area 10 of the Black Skyscraper!"
"Take a look at the brilliant, boundless universe out there, my friends!"
With a thunderous roar, the Light Stone drew in massive amounts of aura and transformed into Reshiram.
The Dark Stone he'd brought back from the ancient city also revealed its true form. Amid the crash of thunder, Zekrom descended as well.
[We can feel it! A colossal power at the very top of the Black Skyscraper!]
[A mighty power from beyond the stars that twists time and space!]
The twin dragons of truth and ideals had sensed the presence of the teal Dialga—this godlike being "distributed by event" from a distant dimension of time!
(End of Chapter)
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