The newcomer was a burly man dressed in a Team Magma uniform. However, he looked rather miserable—his clothes were torn and tattered, clearly showing that he had already fought a fierce battle on his way here.
The burly man was very strong. The Tentacruel he released was as high as level 53.
Taking advantage of the element of surprise—and with Camerupt's attention fully focused on Staryu and Sato ahead—Tentacruel's Hydro Pump struck Camerupt head-on without obstruction.
In an instant, the Fire- and Ground-type Camerupt suffered severe damage.
Fortunately, Camerupt had been covered in a thick layer of molten armor, which helped reduce some of the impact of Hydro Pump. Otherwise, it would have lost its fighting ability immediately. Even so, it was already on the brink of collapse.
"You're still alive? Damn it—those idiots are useless. Go, Manectric, use Thunderbolt!"
Recognizing the burly man as Kees—someone he had believed would never make it here—the young man's expression turned grim. However, he showed no intention of retreating. He immediately threw another PokeBall, releasing a level 51 Manectric.
The moment Manectric appeared, electricity crackled all over its body. A bolt of lightning shot straight toward Tentacruel.
"Use Reflect Type on Camerupt!"
Kees, being highly experienced in battle, instantly issued his command when he saw Manectric appear.
Receiving the order, Tentacruel shifted its attention to Camerupt beside Manectric. A flash of light passed over its body as its typing instantly changed to Fire and Ground.
Reflect Type truly was a nearly rule-breaking move. With this change, Manectric's Thunderbolt became almost ineffective against Tentacruel.
However, Tentacruel was still at a disadvantage. Manectric was extremely agile, while Tentacruel's speed was greatly reduced outside of water. As a result, Manectric began using its signature hit-and-run tactics.
For a moment, Tentacruel fell into a tough battle.
...….....
On the other side, Sato also recognized the burly man and felt a surge of joy. He didn't stay idle. While the young man's attention was fully focused on Kees, he immediately had Staryu use Recover to restore its stamina.
"Lord Kees, I'll help you! Staryu, use Bubble Beam on Camerupt!"
Sato deliberately put on an expression of relief and excitement upon seeing Kees, actively cooperating with him to deal with the young man.
Already heavily injured, Camerupt was pushed even closer to defeat by Staryu's attacks. Although it barely blocked the second Bubble Beam with Protect, it ultimately collapsed under the third one.
"You brat, you're courting death! Manectric, use Thunderbolt and finish him!"
Seeing this "minor character" Sato interfering—and even taking the opportunity to defeat his Camerupt—the young man's eyes burned with rage. He immediately shifted targets, ordering Manectric to attack Sato with lethal intent.
Manectric had already been suppressing Tentacruel with ease, so it had little pressure. Upon receiving the command, its glowing green eyes in the night locked onto Sato. A thick bolt of lightning shot out instantly.
"Staryu, use Protect!"
Sato's expression "changed drastically" as he quickly ordered Staryu to defend him.
In the next second, Staryu successfully used Protect, blocking Manectric's Thunderbolt.
"Now's the chance—Tentacruel, grab it with your tentacles!"
At the same time, Kees seized the opportunity when Manectric's attention shifted. A fierce glint appeared in his eyes. Instead of supporting Sato, he ordered his injured Tentacruel to launch a surprise attack.
Unknown to others, Kees had already been ambushed on his way here by several colleagues he had long-standing grudges with. Although he managed to defeat the three strong opponents, he had paid a heavy price.
Most of his main Pokémon had already lost their ability to fight. Only Tentacruel and a level 49 Roselia remained combat-capable.
As for saving Sato earlier, that had merely been a convenient chance to launch a sneak attack. In his eyes, Sato was just a disposable pawn—not worth risking his life to protect.
Tentacruel's short-distance burst speed was impressive. With a powerful thrust of its many tentacles, it shot forward like a cannonball toward Manectric.
Caught off guard by the sudden burst of speed, Manectric tried to dodge, but ultimately one of its legs was ensnared by Tentacruel.
Once Tentacruel secured its grip, its remaining tentacles quickly coiled upward like parasites, wrapping around Manectric's body.
Despite Manectric's fierce struggle—biting and clawing—it was mostly restrained within seconds.
"Don't even think about it! Swellow, go support Manectric!"
Realizing that Manectric would certainly lose if this continued, the young man could no longer afford to guard against Sato. He immediately sent out a Swellow to assist.
Unfortunately, before Swellow could reach the battlefield, a bolt of lightning struck it midair, knocking it straight to the ground.
That lightning naturally came from Staryu. Under Sato's command, it used Thunderbolt to cut off Swellow's support.
"You—!"
The young man glared at Sato with fury, as if he wanted to tear him apart.
But to Sato's surprise, instead of continuing the fight, the young man suddenly smashed through a window and fled.
Seeing this, Sato pretended to chase after him.
"No need to chase him. We leave immediately."
At that moment, Kees shifted his attention from Tentacruel to Sato and spoke up to stop him.
"Yes, Lord Kees."
Sato immediately halted and responded respectfully.
At the same time, a faint blue glint flashed in Sato's eyes—barely noticeable.
Then, a scream rang out.
Unbeknownst to anyone, Kecleon—who had been invisible all along—had already crept up beside Kees. Upon receiving Sato's telepathic command, it unleashed Thunderbolt, instantly knocking Kees unconscious.
Seeing its Trainer attacked, Tentacruel immediately abandoned its suppression of Manectric and tried to rush over.
But before it could take more than a single step, it was struck simultaneously by Staryu's Bubble Beam and Kecleon's Water Pulse.
With its typing still Fire and Ground, Tentacruel was instantly overwhelmed and knocked to the ground.
When the snipe and the clam fight, the fisherman profits.
In the end, Sato—the one who had been playing the fool—was the true winner.