C4: Sneasel Ninja VS Mechanized Policeman
The Riolu following Shilo's side had begun imitating him ever since the incident involving Team Plasma remnants that had appeared in earlier chapters. It especially admired the fluid backflips Shilo had once used to evade a Watchog's Hypnosis. To Riolu, those movements were the embodiment of Aura control in motion. From what could be observed so far, this Riolu specialized in close-quarters combat. That was no coincidence—its mother was Cecil's Lucario, a Pokémon that in previous training chapters had demonstrated precise physical techniques like Bone Rush and Force Palm rather than ranged Aura Sphere.
Sneasel stood nearby, silently preparing its stance. Unlike the more straightforward fighting types, Sneasel's style resembled that of the ninja seen in the Johto arc of the manga—swift, deceptive, and precise. It threw an Ice Punch into the air. In accordance with the move's proper mechanics as described in battle commentary in earlier arcs, frost immediately crystallized around its fist before exploding outward in sharp flakes. The temperature around them visibly dropped.
" Sneasel?"
" Riolu!"
Riolu mimicked the posture, adjusting its footing the way its mother had once corrected it during sparring. It began throwing repeated punches, trying to condense Aura around its fist the way Sneasel condensed ice energy.
Understanding Riolu's intention, Sneasel slowed down and deliberately demonstrated the timing—first gathering cold energy along the forearm, then releasing it at the exact moment of impact. Unlike in the games, where moves are instantaneous, the manga frequently emphasizes form and buildup, as seen during Koga's ninja techniques. Sneasel was, in its own way, teaching.
Meanwhile, Shilo reviewed fighting stances. After comparing references—including martial forms used by Gym Leaders like Koga during the Fuchsia City confrontation—he chose a compact guard: tight shoulders, left fist forward, right hand shaped like a knife strike. It resembled the stance he once referenced from Ultraman 80, but now refined to resemble something more grounded in the manga's martial realism.
Cecil found it suitable. Shilo was portraying a villain; looking slightly restrained rather than flamboyant matched the tone of morally gray antagonists seen throughout Pokémon Adventures.
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Prison Transfer Scene
The Sneasel used for filming was the same one that had previously battled under strict item rules.
As established in earlier chapters, Gems such as the Flying Gem function only once per activation. After enhancing a Flying-type move, they lose their luster and become inert until sufficient time passes. Unlike in standard League matches, manga depictions often show items physically reacting—dulling, cracking, or even shattering.
In this scene, Shilo had two objectives:
1. Swap the Black Belt held by the mechanized policeman's Sawk with a Toxic Orb.
2. Escape while evading suppressive fire from pursuing officers.
Sabrina gave the cue.
Shilo sprinted. The officers fired prop rounds in accordance with the script. In the manga's stylistic exaggeration, impacts kicked up sand and smoke.
Hachiku, playing the mechanized policeman, stepped forward.
" Sawk, use Brick Break!"
True to the move's canon effect, Sawk performed a downward chopping strike capable of shattering barriers—as Brick Break once destroyed Light Screen in earlier arcs. Shilo countered with a high kick to disrupt Sawk's balance, transitioned into a one-handed handstand, and in that suspended position swapped the Black Belt with a Toxic Orb.
" Sawk, use Low Sweep!"
Low Sweep, known for reducing Speed in addition to dealing damage, carved across the ground. Shilo evaded with a back handspring and widened the gap.
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Beach Confrontation – Night Scene
They moved to the coastline.
" Serial thief Sneasel Ninja! Lay down your arms and surrender!"
" You've been deceived, mechanized policeman!"
Shilo taunted him about the Rainbow Pearl—an object previously referenced in earlier chapters as bait rather than treasure.
He explained the magnetic sand and sea air, playing into the mechanized theme.
" Sawk, use Karate Chop!"
" Sneasel, Icy Wind!"
Sneasel exhaled freezing air. In proper battle mechanics, Icy Wind lowers the opponent's Speed, and Sawk's movements visibly slowed.
Importantly, Sawk's Ability was Sturdy. In the manga, Sturdy prevents being knocked out by a single overwhelming blow—but it does not protect against status conditions. Therefore, when the Toxic Orb activated at the end of the turn, Sawk became badly poisoned. Purple veining appeared across its arms.
Hachiku realized the earlier switch.
Shilo mocked him.
" Super Alloy Metal Net! Fire!"
A mechanized prop launcher deployed a steel net. Shilo dodged explosively.
" Sneasel, use Aerial Ace!"
The Flying Gem activated correctly—enhancing Aerial Ace's power. As depicted in the manga, the gem flashed once, then fell dull to the sand.
" Sawk, use Endure!"
Endure allowed Sawk to survive the barrage with a sliver of stamina. Immediately after—
" Counter!"
Sawk absorbed the physical impact and returned double force. Sneasel was hurled backward and collapsed. Moments later, poison damage overwhelmed Sawk as well. Both Pokémon were unable to battle.
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Final Exchange
Before Hachiku could speak, Shilo grabbed the now-dull Flying Gem, sprinted, and executed a twisting aerial kick that knocked Hachiku down.
However, the trench coat insulated parts of the mechanized suit from direct sand exposure, limiting the magnetic interference effect.
Remembering Cecil's instruction to "let himself go," Shilo escalated.
He flung sand into Hachiku's visor. Hachiku retaliated, kicking sand into Shilo's face.
Sand burned in Shilo's eyes—but instead of panicking, he released his Aura. As previously shown when Riolu sensed hidden opponents, Aura perception allowed spatial awareness without sight.
He shifted into a specialized blind-combat stance.
Hachiku fired wildly. Shilo evaded with successive backflips and lateral handsprings. Smoke bursts erupted from impact points.
When the handgun clicked empty, Shilo delivered a sweeping kick that launched a full spray of magnetized sand over Hachiku's body.
"This… this is—!"
" Does it feel comfortable, mechanized policeman? Rust creeping through every joint?"
" Ultimate Police Solution 2. Judgment Explosion… engage…"
The mechanized suit locked in place, frozen mid-command.
" Even defeated, he stands… what obsession…"
Ruri read the narration as a girl styled like a Black and White-era Trainer dragged Hachiku away.
Filming ended.
Cecil nodded.
"Next time, go even further. If something goes wrong, we'll adjust the scene like they do in the League exhibitions."
Shilo exhaled. Riolu looked at him with shining eyes.
Sneasel smirked.
The ninja had won this round—but in the world of Pokémon battles, justice and villainy always met again.