The armored Rhyhorn charged with [Drill Run], its spinning horn slicing through Frogadier's [Water Pulse] and hurtling toward its target. The scene seemed brutal and unavoidable as it barreled through Frogadier's body.
But there was no sound of impact.
"[Double Team]…? Damn it! Rhyhorn, retreat now!" Koga barked. He realized too late that Frogadier had used a clever decoy.
"Too late! Frogadier, [Hydro Pump]!" Satoshi commanded, his voice steady.
Frogadier materialized to Rhyhorn's left, a powerful surge of water already forming in its mouth. The [Hydro Pump] struck Rhyhorn squarely, sending it flying back toward Koga's feet.
The Ground/Rock-type Pokémon let out a pained growl. With its double weakness to Water, the attack left it barely conscious, sprawled on the ground.
Despite its state, Satoshi noted its resilience. "It didn't faint outright… impressive for a level 32."
Koga's expression remained calm, but his tone carried a hint of irritation. "You're no ordinary Trainer, are you? [Hydro Pump], [Double Team]… you've trained your Pokémon well."
Before Koga could act further, one of his subordinates spoke up, clutching a communicator. "Sir, there's no response from the patrolling team outside the cave."
"No need to call them. These two came prepared—the team outside has likely been defeated," Koga replied dismissively, his sharp gaze fixed on Satoshi and Misty.
"You've got guts, I'll give you that. But attacking Team Rocket? That's a death sentence."
Koga reached for his waist and produced a syringe filled with a glowing liquid. Without hesitation, he injected it into the nearly unconscious Rhyhorn.
Satoshi's eyes narrowed. "Not this again…" he muttered. He recognized the substance—it was the same enhancement serum Team Rocket had used in Viridian Forest. The drug forcibly boosted a Pokémon's power by overdrawing its potential.
The results were immediate. Rhyhorn's body glowed with an intense light as it let out a guttural roar. When the glow faded, its evolved form, Rhydon, stood before them.
Pokédex Scan:
Name: Rhydon
Type: Ground/Rock
Level: 42
The evolution and level jump of ten were enough to make even Satoshi uneasy. "This isn't good…" he muttered.
Rhydon roared furiously, its movements erratic and aggressive—a clear sign of the serum's side effects.
Misty, watching the scene unfold, clenched her fists in rage. "This… this is what you did to my Gyarados!" she shouted, her voice trembling with anger.
Consumed by her emotions, Misty ignored Satoshi's earlier warnings and stepped forward. "Staryu, [Water Gun]!"
The Water Pokémon obeyed, launching a jet of water directly at Rhydon.
Satoshi's eyes widened in alarm. "Misty, stop! You're not thinking clearly!"
Koga smirked at Misty's impulsive attack. "Foolish. Did you not learn from earlier? Rhydon, [Horn Drill]!"
The spinning horn met Staryu's [Water Gun], cutting through the attack with ease. The force of the counterattack hurled both Staryu and Misty into the cave wall.
"Misty!" Satoshi shouted, rushing forward.
But he was too late. Staryu fainted, and Misty slumped to the ground, unconscious.
Satoshi reached her just as she collapsed. He crouched, checking her condition. Thankfully, she was breathing, but she wouldn't be able to continue the fight.
Anger simmered beneath Satoshi's calm demeanor as he turned back to Koga. "You'll pay for this," he muttered under his breath.
End of the Chapter.