"S-So terrifying…"
"Why do I feel like the world is ending?"
"That thing isn't going to hit us, right?!"
The moment Sage Art: Wind Release – Rasenshuriken formed, the entire arena felt like it was on the brink of annihilation.
Cloyster felt locked on.
Isolated.
Helpless.
It had a terrifying intuition—
If that attack landed directly—
It would die.
"Cloy…!"
For the first time in years, fear surged through it.
Even Gu Qiu hadn't expected the Sage Rasenshuriken to be this overwhelming.
And worse—
He was struggling to control it.
"Sakura! Have Cloyster withdraw into its shell! I'll divert the attack!"
"I—"
"Release it as much as you can."
A domineering voice thundered through the Gym.
BOOM!
A wall exploded inward.
Misty had arrived.
She rode atop a massive Gyarados—larger than normal, radiating overwhelming pressure.
"It's Gym Leader Misty!"
"She's here!"
"We're saved!"
The apocalyptic suffocation vanished instantly.
Like an anchor stabilizing the ocean.
Misty had rushed over thinking Team Rocket was attacking her Gym.
Instead—
It was a challenge match.
But that challenger…
Was dangerous.
Victory and defeat were already decided.
There was no need for serious injuries.
She had heard Gu Qiu say he would divert the attack.
That alone raised her impression of him.
Gu Qiu exhaled when he saw her.
This Rasenshuriken—
Was beyond Greninja's current limits.
He scanned the Gyarados.
His pupils shrank.
Pokémon: Gyarados
Ability: Moxie
Type: Water / Flying
Quality: Epic
Level: 68 (Elite Four Tier)
This…
Was a true Elite Four-level Pokémon.
Level 68.
Epic quality.
Even most Elite Four trainers only had a few Top-tier Pokémon.
Epic-tier Pokémon—
Had the potential to reach Champion level.
This was the strongest Pokémon Gu Qiu had seen so far outside his own.
So this—
Was the real strength of top Gym Leaders.
"Greninja."
"Ku-ga."
No more words were needed.
They understood each other.
The Rasenshuriken was released.
At that moment—
A red-haired, elegant woman entered.
Lorelei adjusted her glasses, eyes shining.
"This Gu Qiu…"
"He never stops surprising people."
"How long has it been? And his Frogadier already evolved again?"
Even she felt disbelief.
If this pace continued—
In another ten days—
Would he reach pseudo-Elite Four?
If so—
This year's exam would truly shake the aristocratic families.
BOOM!!!
The Rasenshuriken detonated.
Even Misty's expression sharpened.
"That power… already threatens Elite Four level."
"Who is this young man?"
The massive wind blade descended—
Gyarados roared.
With a single surge of energy—
It blocked the attack head-on.
The shockwave rippled outward—
But the Gym remained intact.
Silence followed.
Greninja forcibly exited Sage Mode.
Its stamina was drained dry.
It collapsed.
"Good work."
Gu Qiu fed it a Water-type crystal and recalled it.
The Poké Ball would help recovery.
"Misty, Gym Leader."
"You fought well," Misty grinned. "Which family are you from? Why haven't I seen you before?"
She glanced at the damaged battlefield.
Her lips twitched slightly.
Money.
All money.
"I—"
"Gu Qiu? You're here too?"
Lorelei stepped forward.
"Elite Four Lorelei!"
"Lorelei-sama!"
Misty blinked.
"He's Gu Qiu?"
"You mentioned him earlier?"
"Yes," Lorelei smiled. "Impressive, right?"
Misty laughed loudly and slapped Gu Qiu's shoulder.
"Not bad at all! Since you're Gu Qiu, you're one of ours now. If anyone bullies you, big sis has your back!"
Gu Qiu: "…"
Lorelei's gaze shifted.
She paused.
"…Xiao Bing?"
The cold girl stepped forward quietly.
"Sister."
Misty froze.
"Sister?"
"She's from Celestic Town," Lorelei said calmly.
That was all she revealed.
But Misty's expression changed instantly.
Celestic Town.
That place.
Gu Qiu's eyes narrowed.
Celestic Town—
The hometown of Sinnoh Champion Cynthia.
Could it be—
This girl…
Was Cynthia's younger sister?
That would explain her confidence.
Her composure.
Her refusal to accept defeat.
If she truly came from that family—
Then yes.
She absolutely had that strength.
🌟 The story is already written… waiting to be unleashed.
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