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Koga might be a Ninja, but compared to Ninja Pokémon like Greninja, he was hardly qualified for the title.
Additionally, Koga was severely weakened from not eating or drinking for several days.
So Greninja had easily approached Koga from behind, step by step, and once within striking distance, attacked with Water Shuriken.
The effect was remarkable.
Koga now knelt on the ground, hands clutching his lower back in agony.
He looked absolutely miserable.
"Hahaha, this is priceless!" Eddie laughed.
"Greninja was hiding behind Koga while Kangaskhan was dealing with Gastly."
"I couldn't be certain whether Koga would wake up immediately or after some time. When he didn't wake up at first, everything was going according to plan, but you forced him awake, so now he's suffering the consequences."
Eddie's smile was exceptionally bright at this moment, not just because of his victory, but because he derived considerable satisfaction seeing Koga desperately holding his injured kidney.
As for why he didn't just eliminate Koga? Well, if he killed Koga now, Koga's Pokémon would go berserk, potentially fighting to the death against Eddie and his team.
If Eddie were alone, he might have risked it, but unfortunately, he still had Gary to protect.
He could defend himself, but he couldn't guarantee Gary's safety.
So instead, he had Greninja target Koga's lower back, immediately rendering him combat-ineffective.
"So, Mr. Koga, do you regret deciding to fight me the moment you regained consciousness?"
"Though in this case, Miss Sabrina deserves some blame. If she hadn't awakened you so hastily, you wouldn't be experiencing what feels like a ruptured kidney right now."
Eddie's expression was infuriatingly smug as he addressed the kneeling Koga with obvious satisfaction.
Koga didn't respond, too overwhelmed by pain to formulate a reply.
Sabrina, levitating in the air beside him, observed Koga's pitiful state and shook her head helplessly.
As the saying goes, comparison provides perspective.
Compared to her earlier experience, Koga's current condition was significantly worse than anything she had endured, which considerably diminished her anger.
"...Very well, this round goes to you, Eddie. The next time we meet, you'd better have become stronger, otherwise..."
Sabrina left the threat unfinished, but her meaning was clear. By addressing Eddie this way, she was warning him that if he didn't continue to grow stronger, the consequences would be severe.
"Are you concerned about me? I'm touched. For Miss Sabrina's sake, I'll definitely become stronger."
Eddie knew that Sabrina might be offering this guidance because they had fought side by side, but men can be petty sometimes, and he couldn't resist teasing her further.
"Hmm, I've changed my mind. Next time we meet, I'll let you experience the sensation of being struck in the kidney."
Sabrina frowned at his words. She felt a flicker of anger along with some indefinable emotions rising within her. While surprised at how much her emotional state had fluctuated today, she nevertheless managed a cold smile in Eddie's direction.
As her words faded, psychic energy swirled around Sabrina, the force enveloping both her and Koga.
She was clearly preparing to retreat with Koga, and her method of departure was impressively dramatic.
"...Wait, kid, take this."
Just as Sabrina was about to leave, Koga struggled to his feet with tremendous effort, withdrew something, and tossed it to Eddie.
Eddie caught it casually, and upon closer inspection, discovered it was a pink badge.
"I've witnessed your strength twice now. You've earned this badge. Keep it safe. I'll reclaim it from your body the next time we meet."
While acknowledging Eddie's abilities, Koga also vowed to return today's humiliation tenfold during their next encounter.
"Then you're destined for disappointment. I'll only be stronger when we next meet. You won't be taking this badge back."
Eddie dismissed the threat and responded with absolute confidence.
By their next meeting, regardless of how gradually Eddie's strength improved, he would possess the power of a Gym Leader.
At that point, after harnessing the Power of Viridian, he would instantly become an Elite-level combatant. Only Champion-level or Elite Four would stand a chance against him.
Koga was merely a Gym Leader-level Trainer. When that time came, who would be pursuing whom?
Sabrina and Koga registered his words but didn't perceive them as mere boasting. After all, Eddie's experiences had demonstrated his potential.
They ceased their threats, and as the psychic energy completely enveloped them, only Eddie and Gary remained on the fourth floor of the Pokémon Tower.
"That's quite an exit strategy. If I had Psychic abilities, I could make similar departures in the future. Not only efficient but stylish as well."
Eddie observed Sabrina's method of leaving with admiration.
"Gary still hasn't regained consciousness, but Charmeleon and Golduck have. That's convenient—saves me the trouble of carrying Gary myself."
Eddie glanced at Charmeleon and Golduck who remained beside Gary. They had actually awakened some time ago.
These Pokémon had been too weak compared to Eddie and Sabrina for anyone to pay them much attention during the confrontation.
"You two, carry Gary and follow me. We need to get him treatment quickly."
Eddie directly commanded Charmeleon and Golduck. While Golduck didn't know Eddie, Charmeleon recognized him.
So the two Pokémon carefully lifted Gary and followed Eddie out of the Pokémon Tower.
The rain had stopped in Lavender Town. After Mega Charizard Y's ability had dispersed the dark clouds, sunshine had prevailed, and the oppressive atmosphere that had hung over Lavender Town gradually dissipated.
Humans are remarkably sensitive to their environment.
The residents of Lavender Town were no exception.
Anyone living in a place with an oppressive atmosphere, unable to speak freely with strangers, would experience a kind of spiritual pain—a pain that was finally alleviated today.
When Eddie had entered the Pokémon Tower, many Lavender Town residents had assumed someone else was about to meet an unfortunate fate.
Instead, Eddie emerged unharmed, accompanied by Gary, who had ventured inside days earlier.
Eddie noticed many people watching him, but he paid them no mind as he transported Gary to the Pokémon Center.
Lavender Town had no Gym, so the Pokémon League officials working at the Pokémon Center were responsible for managing the area.
Eddie arranged for Gary to receive treatment, then informed the League officials about the situation at the Pokémon Tower.
Of course, he didn't reveal who was behind the incident, simply stating that it had been caused by malicious Trainers whom he had defeated, and urged the people of Lavender Town to quickly rescue those still trapped inside the Tower.
After Eddie completed these actions, the mission completion notification finally appeared.
"Ding! You have completed the hidden task: Mr. Fuji's mission!..."