Boom!!
Suddenly, a muffled sound of techniques colliding reverberated within the rock cave.
Natsuhiko's eyes flickered, while across from him, Atuo's eyes appeared somewhat disdainful.
In the shadows, two figures separated, one being Natsuhiko's Doublade, and the other a grotesquely grinning Gengar.
"When it comes to ambush, ninjas never fear anyone," Atuo's confident voice echoed.
Clearly, Natsuhiko had tried to use his words to distract the opponent, then use Doublade's Shadow Assault to catch them off guard.
The result was apparent; Atuo was quite familiar with this sneak attack technique, and his Gengar had countered Doublade's attack.
However, this was expected. Natsuhiko was merely attempting, so he wasn't too surprised.
Ninjas are adept at ambushes and assassinations. Natsuhiko had even heard that Aju once poisoned an Elite Candidate Trainer without relying on Pokémon's power.
Although just an Elite Candidate, reaching that level implies strength and intelligence; to be easily assassinated speaks volumes of Aju's ninja skills.
Of course, these are just rumors, and not many know the exact details.
And as Aju's disciple, also a ninja, Atuo evidently possesses some of these abilities.
Compared to Hoshino Ryosaki, whom they encountered before, Atuo's identity and strength might be inferior, but to Natsuhiko, the person before him was more troublesome.
Pressing his temples.
"I really dislike these guys with rich field experience and strong guerrilla capabilities," he muttered to himself.
If Atuo were to battle normally, one Pokémon at a time in a regular arena, his prowess wouldn't stand out, possibly ranking only mid-tier among trainers participating in this trial.
But in a wild environment.
He's truly in his element.
Even if he took down some top-ranking trial participants, Natsuhiko wouldn't be surprised.
Like, if Kona encountered Atuo, lacking sufficient experience, she might die without knowing why.
"Friend, this is your last chance. Leave now, and we won't interfere with each other, but if you persist..." Atuo's eyes narrowed dangerously.
"Heh—"
Natsuhiko couldn't help but chuckle softly; he didn't believe a word he said.
No interference?
He'd probably find trouble with Natsuhiko after dealing with Noivern here.
In a dense forest, a vast alternate space, Atuo's ninja skills and poison techniques would be maximized.
Natsuhiko didn't want to constantly watch out for someone who could appear at any moment, keeping an eye on his food even while eating. That would be too troublesome and dangerous.
"I prefer to solve troublesome matters on the same day, preventing future complications," Natsuhiko declared.
And his words indicated that he saw through Atuo's intentions.
Rather than letting him find opportunities to assassinate later, he might as well bury him here.
The greatest advantage of a ninja lies in concealment.
If a ninja resorts to frontal attacks, they can hardly be called ninjas.
This relatively small rock cave is evidently the best burial ground for Atuo. Natsuhiko's thoughts were clear.
Doublade slowly retreated to Natsuhiko's side, and several Pokémon took their stances.
Atuo was amused by Natsuhiko's words.
"Initially, I was in a good mood to spare you, yet you insist on walking into the fire..."
While speaking, he swiped his hand across his waist, several red lights flashed, and a bunch of Poison-type Pokémon appeared by his side.
Ah, and there was an unexpected non-poison type intruding.
Zangoose!
Among the five Poison-type Pokémon Gengar, Weezing, Ariados, Golbat, Arbok, there was a Zangoose mingled in.
However, Natsuhiko didn't underestimate this Zangoose.
If he recalled correctly, Zangoose should have a trait that's...
"Cha-bam!!"
Suddenly, Arbok lunged and viciously bit down on Zangoose's shoulder.
"Chaka-ee!"
Togetic was startled by Arbok's action, shrinking back while pointing at the Zangoose opposite.
'An infight!'
Zangoose's fur bristled from the bite, its eyes gradually turning red, issuing low growls from its mouth.
Even drool unceasingly dripped from its open mouth, creating a sizzling sound as it hit the ground.
Natsuhiko pressed down on Togetic's head, and spoke gravely, "Toxin Surge?"
Atuo glanced at Natsuhiko in surprise.
"You seem to know a lot, an academic?"
Natsuhiko did not answer his question, but furrowed his brows slightly at the Zangoose, seeing a lack of vitality besides madness in its eyes.
The saliva dripping from its mouth was rich in toxins; it was clear that this wasn't its first time being bitten by Arbok.
Toxin Surge is a hidden trait exclusive to Zangoose.
Toxin Surge: When a Pokémon with this trait is poisoned, its Attack Power significantly increases.
And just now, that bite from Arbok injected its toxin into Zangoose.