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It was at this very moment.
With lightning speed, a blue figure tore through the murky waters and lunged straight at Poliwrath!
It was a Sharpedo, its blood-red maw wide open, sharp teeth glinting with a cold light as it bit exactly onto Poliwrath's flank.
Poliwrath grunted in pain, its massive frog-like palms slamming against the water in an attempt to break free.
The water churned into chaos, but the Sharpedo that had launched the surprise attack was like a maggot on a bone; its biting force was astonishing, showing no signs of letting go.
It twisted its body, dragging Poliwrath through the water with a savage surge of momentum, causing them both to tumble.
Poliwrath's counterattack was instinctive and swift.
Without a moment's hesitation, the instant it was bitten, its other palm gathered water, blasting an "Aqua Jet" at point-blank range toward the Sharpedo's head.
The water jet, carrying immense force, exploded underwater. However, the Sharpedo's hide seemed exceptionally tough; it merely tilted its head slightly to withstand the blow, its body trembling, but the strength of its Bite only intensified.
Next, its blade-like dorsal fin sliced through the water, carrying a frigid killing intent as it slammed into Poliwrath.
Ariel's gaze was locked tightly on the scene.
He did not act immediately, instead quickly pulling up his pokédex and aiming it at the ferocious Sharpedo.
Detailed data immediately popped up on the screen:
"Sharpedo, Brutal Pokémon, Level 59, ability: Speed Boost... Potential Assessment: Quasi-Elite!"
Ariel's breath hitched.
Level 59, Quasi-Elite potential!
In the wild, such a creature was practically impossible to come by.
The Speed Boost ability meant its speed would only increase during battle. Combined with its naturally high attack power, it was undoubtedly a killer among Water-type Pokémon.
This was absolutely a Pokémon worth capturing.
A strong sense of possessiveness surged in his heart; he had to have this Sharpedo.
At this moment, Poliwrath was already locked in a bitter struggle.
Although both were Gym Leader Level, facing this Level 59 Quasi-Elite Sharpedo, it was clearly outmatched.
The Sharpedo's offensive was sharp and ferocious; every Bite, every Tackle carried the determination to completely crush its opponent.
Poliwrath's defense was like paper before the Sharpedo's sharp teeth. Soon, it had sustained injuries in multiple places, and blood began to disperse in the water, enticing some small nearby fish. However, they were intimidated by the powerful aura radiating from the Sharpedo and dared not approach.
While struggling, Poliwrath's eyes unconsciously darted toward Ariel's direction.
In that gaze, there was a hint of an obvious plea for help.
It wasn't that it couldn't fight, but it knew clearly that if this continued, it would truly die.
This Sharpedo's combat experience and ferocity far exceeded any opponent it had encountered before.
Ariel saw it all. He could feel Poliwrath's struggle and unwillingness to give up.
This Sharpedo's combat discipline was truly high; its attacks were decisive, without any wasted movements, and every strike aimed straight for the vitals.
It wasn't toying with its opponent; it genuinely wanted to tear Poliwrath to shreds.
Ariel didn't want Poliwrath to die here pointlessly. A Gym Leader Level Pokémon—if it died just after being used as disposable bait once, his heart would ache.
"Return, Poliwrath."
Ariel decisively recalled Poliwrath.
With a flash of red light, the exhausted Poliwrath turned into a beam of light and returned to its Poké Ball.
However, it was precisely this red light from recalling the Pokémon that became the signal revealing Ariel and Greninja.
The Sharpedo's cold eyes, the moment the red light dissipated, accurately captured Ariel and Greninja hiding in the shadow of the rocks.
It no longer paid attention to the scent of blood left by Poliwrath, turning its killing gaze toward Ariel instead.
Ariel's heart tightened.
Tricky, far trickier than he had imagined.
This Sharpedo's strength had already exceeded the scope of his estimations.
At the peak of Gym Leader Level, combined with Quasi-Elite potential and the Speed Boost ability, along with its clean and ruthless killing methods, Ariel realized this was no ordinary wild Pokémon.
He quickly calculated in his mind.
After Gyarados Mega Evolved, perhaps it could fight it, perhaps not.
But right now, he wasn't sure.
If Gyarados were defeated, it would be in danger in the sea.
Moreover, although Greninja's strength was formidable, in this underwater environment, facing a pure underwater killer like Sharpedo, the massive gap in levels meant it might not necessarily gain an advantage.
"Greninja, let's retreat for now!"
Ariel made a prompt decision.
He was no hothead; when facing an enemy that far exceeded expectations, pulling back to reassess the situation was the wisest choice.
Greninja didn't say anything, immediately understanding.
Its figure, like a ghost in the water, carried Ariel as it swam rapidly upward.
However, the Sharpedo's speed was equally astonishing.
Under the boost of its Speed Boost ability, its speed kept increasing, like an arrow released from a bow, trailing tightly behind them.
The water current was torn apart by it, emitting low, rumbling sounds. That sense of oppression was suffocating, even underwater.
Ariel glanced back; the Sharpedo's massive figure loomed in the water, its eyes filled with bloodthirsty light, as if it had locked onto its prey and would not stop until its goal was achieved.
He could feel the Sharpedo's strength—it was a pure, savage power, without any frills, only the most direct predatory instinct.
...
Just as this tense chase was underway, above the sea surface, a streamlined Speedboat was cutting through the waves.
Standing on the Speedboat was a figure, none other than the Team Aqua Executive, Shelly.
Shelly possessed highly aggressive tanned skin, the mark of years of baptism by the scorching sun and sea breeze, healthy and full of wildness.
Her tight blue combat gear outlined her incredibly hot curves to the fullest, every arc radiating power and sexiness.
Her long, wet black hair was draped casually behind her shoulders, with a few strands clinging to her cheeks, adding a touch of wildness and unruliness.
Her gaze was sharp, as if it could pierce through the sea surface and perceive everything.
At this moment, Shelly was holding a communicator, talking to another Executive, Matt.
Her voice carried a unique hoarseness, yet it was full of magnetism.
"...Matt, how is the situation on your end?"
She asked into the communicator, her tone carrying a hint of impatience.
"Everything is going smoothly, Sister Shelly. According to plan, we have approached the target area and will complete the mission soon."
Matt's slightly dull voice came from the other side of the communicator.
Shelly was about to say something more, but the words caught in her throat and she suddenly paused.
Her gaze unconsciously cast toward the churning sea surface below.
She had dealt with the sea for years and had an extraordinary sensitivity to the subtle changes in seawater.
She felt a trace of unusual energy fluctuation, a scent belonging to a powerful Pokémon, vaguely coming from the deep sea.
A playful smile tugged at the corners of her mouth, a smile that carried a hint of dangerous temptation.
"Wait, Matt."
She interrupted Matt's words, her voice filled with a trace of excitement.
"It seems I have some 'fun' over here."
"Fun?"
Matt asked in confusion.
"Mm-hmm."
Shelly hummed softly, her gaze looking deep into the sea surface.
"My child seems to have found an interesting fellow. I have to go take a look; I can't let it hog all the good stuff for itself."
And the child mentioned by Matt clearly referred to the Sharpedo.
This Sharpedo was Shelly's Pokémon!
"Then... what about the action plan?"
Matt asked.
"The plan remains the same."
A trace of coldness flashed in Shelly's eyes.
"But my personal time cannot be delayed. I'll go meet this interesting fellow first."
Having said that, she hung up the communicator, the smile on her face becoming even more intense.
She knew that an opponent capable of making her Sharpedo this excited was definitely no ordinary person.
This sea area seemed like it was about to become much livelier.
She steered the Speedboat, adjusted the direction, and sped off in the direction where the Sharpedo and Ariel were chasing.