In the next instant, Beedrill and Scizor charged forward. Eichi grabbed Heracross's Poké Ball and released it as well. Seeing this, Tetsu and the others also released all their Pokémon.
"Come out, Miltank, Houndoom, Noctowl, Snorunt, and Ampharos!"
"Gardevoir, Arcanine, Umbreon, Meganium!"
"Magmar..."
"Steelix, Scizor..."
"Ursaring..."
It wasn't just Tetsu's group; other workers who had Pokémon joined the fight as well. Although their Pokémon weren't particularly strong, they had the advantage in numbers, especially with a high frequency of Machop and Machoke.
"Beedrill, Twineedle!"
"Scizor, use Bullet Punch!"
"Heracross, use Brick Break!"
The three Pokémon moved in unison. Facing the swarming enemies, Beedrill took the lead, thrusting a needle into the nearest Arbok.
Cha!
The Arbok instantly lost its ability to battle. Beedrill immediately moved to the next target, a Weezing. With another strike, the Weezing was sent flying.
One after another, Scizor and Heracross did the same. Pokémon with levels too low were simply fodder. However, there were also enemies with similar levels who attacked in coordination. Faced with multiple opponents, Heracross soon began to suffer injuries.
The others were also struggling. Team Rocket lived up to its reputation as the largest criminal organization in Kanto and Johto; its members possessed decent combat skills. The workers were gradually being pushed back.
Only Tetsu and his group were performing well. However, this was not a school tournament; this was a real battle where people could die. Fortunately, their recent wilderness training prevented them from panicking. Furthermore, since their Pokémon possessed excellent talent, they were able to trade blows effectively. As genius students of Silver Academy, they were improving rapidly.
Fighting in the distance, Director Yanagi noticed Eichi and the others running out. Given the sheer number of Team Rocket members, he worried whether they could make it out. Suddenly, Flygon let out a roar as its body shook. Director Yanagi's eyes widened as he shouted, "Flygon!"
"You dare to be distracted while fighting me?"
Hiraoka, riding a Fearow, sneered. He had also seen Eichi's group. He chuckled coldly. "Don't worry, they aren't getting out."
Director Yanagi regained his composure. "Whether they get out or not isn't up to you. Blastoise, Feraligatr, Poliwrath, Slowking, Kingdra, everyone attack at once!"
The Pokémon below roared and began to gather energy. Rocks continuously tumbled from the cavern walls. Massive pillars of water shot toward their opponents. Hiraoka's expression changed as he roared, "All-out attack!"
His Pokémon also unleashed their ultimate moves, causing the surrounding energy to become chaotic. Nearby, the battle between Fukiishi and Yakusho was equally intense. Moves were flying everywhere, leaving deep craters in the ground.
Eichi and the others continued to push forward through the chaos. They were nearly at the edge of the hall. Eichi shouted to the others, "Hold on, everyone! We're almost out!"
"You want to leave? Did you ask me first?"
A man ran over and blocked the cave entrance, laughing arrogantly. "I, Team Rocket Captain Yakushimaru, will not let you pass!"
"Just give up and surrender quietly."
Eichi sneered. "Do you think that's possible? I didn't realize a Team Rocket Captain could be such an idiot."
Yakushimaru's face instantly darkened. He said gloomily, "You brat, you dare insult me? You'll learn your lesson soon enough. Go, my babies!"
Six figures appeared before Eichi and the others, all wearing cruel and bloodthirsty expressions.
"Houndoom, Arbok, Weezing, Golbat, Ursaring, and Fearow."
Eichi activated his Eye of the Bug Emperor. His pupils constricted. This is bad, this is going to be trouble. Although the potential of these six Pokémon was only Excellent, their levels were all at the Gym Leader rank. Among them, that Ursaring was already at the peak of the Gym Leader rank.
"Everyone, attack!" Yakushimaru shouted.
The six Pokémon surged forward. On Eichi's side, Tetsu rushed out with his Gym Leader-level Houndoom, roaring, "Everyone, go!"
He took the lead, and the others followed suit, charging in regardless of the opponent's identity. Various moves were unleashed. Eichi also ordered Beedrill, Heracross, and Scizor to join the fray.
"Beedrill, Swords Dance plus Fell Stinger!"
"Scizor, Cross Slash!"
They didn't back down. Moves exploded everywhere, but the reality was cruel. The level gap between Yakushimaru's Pokémon and theirs was too large; furthermore, his Pokémon were veterans of life-and-death battles. The students were no match and were quickly beaten back. Pokémon lay scattered on the ground, having lost the ability to fight; some were even on the verge of death.
Although Yakushimaru's Pokémon had sustained some injuries, they were only minor.
Yakushimaru laughed loudly. "Haha! You think trash like you can defeat me?"
Just then, Beedrill's move connected. It spun rapidly as energy formed a whirlwind around its body, slamming into the Weezing. This was Beedrill's strongest strike—its trump card. Additionally, Eichi had turned off its Weighted Vest.
"Multi-Swords Dance Fell Stinger!"
Beedrill erupted with its most powerful attack, hitting the Weezing. The Weezing, wearing a look of disdain, tried to use a simple Tackle.
Bang!
The Weezing's expression changed instantly. With a scream of pain, it was sent flying into the wall, losing consciousness. Behind Beedrill, Scizor swung its claws, launching highly compressed energy blades at the Fearow.
"Cross Slash!!"
With a cry of agony, the Fearow was struck by the wind blades. A large cross-shaped scar appeared on its chest as it crashed to the ground.
"What!!!??"
Yakushimaru was shocked. What happened? How did two of my Pokémon lose their ability to fight just like that?
Tetsu and the others were also stunned. Eichi was simply too strong.
However, Yakushimaru quickly regained his calm. "So what? Your Pokémon can only use a move like that once."
Sure enough, Beedrill and Scizor were now unable to move, having exhausted all their strength. Just then, two more men ran over and stood beside Yakushimaru.
Yakushimaru laughed manically. "Haha! Ueno, Kawai, you're here! You're finished now. We have three Captains here. There's no way you're getting out!"