""What is it!?""
Morty and Sheila asked at the same time.
As for Ryuto, he never concerned himself with such matters. His greatest wish was simply to spend his life peacefully at Ecruteak Gym. Although he was not especially strong, the average person was still no match for him.
Ryuto might not rank among the very best, but he was certainly above average, allowing him to live a peaceful and stable life.
Tetsuya understood Matsuba's concerns very well. Otherwise, he would never have thought of seeking out Giovanni. After all, on the surface, Giovanni still belonged to the Kanto region.
"Now that so many of the local League's higher-ups have ties to the Shadow Team, it's impossible to rely on the League's power to eliminate them. With our strength alone, there's no way we can shake an organization of that size," Matsuba said.
Only then did Sheila understand why Pryce had been so troubled recently. Matsuba's words also dampened everyone's spirits.
"When the time comes, we'll have to rely on the strength of another League. Right now, Kanto has clean politics and stands head and shoulders above the other Leagues," Tetsuya said.
Matsuba nodded. Then he thought about the Johto League, which was barely hanging on, and his heart immediately sank.
"Let's discuss this over the long term. When the time comes, we'll follow Pryce's decision," Matsuba said.
---◓---
Sheila stayed in Ecruteak City for several days, observing Tetsuya's training every day. She had witnessed his strength with her own eyes and thought that he would soon surpass both herself and Matsuba. If he could eventually reach Pryce's level, it would truly be a blessing for the Johto League.
Outgoing by nature, Sheila put aside all formality and took the initiative to challenge Tetsuya to a battle. This time, Mamoswine was prohibited from participating. After all, Sheila's Pokémon were all Ice-type Pokémon, and facing a Mamoswine that was immune to Ice-type moves was simply too troublesome. It was practically an unsolvable matchup.
Sheila changed into athletic clothes, stretched a little, and said, "Come on, Tetsuya-kun~. Let me see how strong you've become!"
"Mmm," Tetsuya simply nodded.
Even Matsuba paid close attention to this battle between Sheila and Tetsuya. Although Sheila was slightly weaker than he was, they were still in the same category. A battle against Sheila would provide the clearest measure of Tetsuya's current level.
Sheila's first Pokémon was Dewgong, which swayed its large tail gracefully like a mermaid.
"Tetsuya, my Dewgong has already reached its limit. It's about as strong as it was four years ago. Without using Mamoswine, how confident are you that you can defeat it?" Sheila asked.
"We'll find out once we battle. Houndoom, you're up!"
As soon as Tetsuya finished speaking, Houndoom dashed forward. With a mighty roar, it manifested the imposing aura of a king. Dewgong, however, continued leisurely licking its body, paying Houndoom no attention whatsoever…
" 'Howl'."
Tetsuya still had Houndoom use [Blazing Howl]. Its main purpose was to control the weather and raise morale.
"Hail!"
After observing Tetsuya's special training over the past few days, Sheila naturally knew that Houndoom's "Howl" also had the effect of bringing out Sunny Day. Using Hail was the perfect way to suppress Houndoom's weather.
In the end, Dewgong's level was still higher. Dark clouds gathered overhead, and hail began to fall from the sky. However, it was still affected somewhat by Houndoom's Sunny Day, so only a light hail fell, not enough to have any real effect on Houndoom.
"Flamethrower."
Tetsuya commanded the first attack. Scorching flames burst from Houndoom's mouth. Even without the boost from Sunny Day, Flamethrower was still not to be underestimated. Wherever the flames passed, the hail melted away before it.
"Dewgong, Aqua Tail!"
"Houndoom, Double Team." Tetsuya immediately changed his tactics. He knew Dewgong's Aqua Tail very well. Its power was concentrated mainly in its tail, and the strength of that Aqua Tail was still vividly etched in his memory.
Sure enough, Dewgong swung its tail, sending a spiraling torrent of water crashing forward. Flamethrower was instantly shattered as the attack swept toward Houndoom. Had Houndoom not used Double Team in time, it would have been forced to take the hit head-on.
But Dewgong was no pushover. Another surge of water swept out, and in an instant all of Houndoom's doubles were wiped out.
"Close in. Crunch."
Tetsuya chose offense as his defense. Houndoom did not focus on avoiding Aqua Tail. Instead, it dashed straight ahead, closing the distance with Dewgong.
"Headbutt."
Back when Sheila had battled him four years ago, she had never used this move, so he had no idea just how powerful it could be.
Dewgong slapped its tail, and Aqua Tail did not stop. Instead, it spun together with the torrent of water, its sharp horn aimed directly at Houndoom.
Bang!
Houndoom was sent flying at once. Dewgong's Aqua Tail was already immensely powerful, and using that momentum to launch Headbutt made the attack even stronger than Tetsuya had imagined.
Even Houndoom, whose Attack had been boosted by Howl, was completely overpowered!
While Houndoom was still flying backward, Dewgong instantly fired off Aurora Beam after Aurora Beam, each one striking Houndoom. Even so, Houndoom did not crash down awkwardly. It rolled as soon as it landed and immediately assumed a stance ready to attack again, gritting its teeth as it glared at Dewgong.
From the very beginning of the battle until now, Houndoom had been completely at a disadvantage. What was even more infuriating was Dewgong's calm and leisurely demeanor.
"Brine," Sheila ordered.
Tetsuya's heart skipped a beat. Sheila was preparing to use her finishing move. Brine doubled in power once the opponent's stamina had fallen below half, and it was also a Water-type move. If it hit Houndoom, the consequences would be severe. It might even leave Houndoom unable to battle.
"Embargo!"
Tetsuya could only gamble on a desperate measure. Embargo would temporarily intimidate the opponent, preventing it from using a move for a brief moment.
Dewgong's complete disregard for Houndoom earlier made him worry whether this tactic would succeed. If it worked, Houndoom would have a chance to catch its breath. Otherwise, it would have no way out.
Houndoom let out a fierce roar, also drawing upon the power of its King's Rock. Dewgong suddenly froze where it stood.
"Fire Blast, then Flamethrower!"
Tetsuya knew Dewgong's momentary hesitation would last only an instant. A Trainer's ability was measured by how well they could seize such fleeting opportunities. Houndoom did not hesitate either. It launched Fire Blast, then used Flamethrower to propel it forward, doubling Fire Blast's speed. In an instant, it reached Dewgong.
As Fire Blast exploded, Dewgong was engulfed in flames.
"Aqua Tail!"
Inside the flames, Dewgong looked as though nothing had happened. Its Water type, combined with its Thick Fat Ability, gave it astonishing resistance to Fire-type moves.
Sheila gave the order confidently. Dewgong immediately regained its senses and swung Aqua Tail, extinguishing the flames at once.
But the very next moment, a sly smile appeared on Tetsuya's face…
Dewgong suddenly twisted its body before letting out a cry of pain!