The Challenge (1/3)

"I challenge ... first place, Aoki!" After Guga made up his mind, he no longer hesitated, taking firm steps and bringing his Ekans to a challenge zone specially prepared for battle.

Hearing Guga's words and seeing his subsequent actions, the audience's eyes immediately focused on him. This feeling of being watched by everyone gave Guga more confidence. The firmness and arrogance on his face grew even more pronounced.

Looking at Guga heading for the battlefield, the Team Rocket examiner frowned and shifted his gaze to Viper in the stands.

Guga's identity was no secret within the entire Team Rocket base. If something happened, aside from Viper, there would be trouble facing the wrath of Guga's brother. The examiner waited for Viper's decision.

Viper's expression was serious. He understood Guga's choice. Despite having all the advantages, Guga had been surpassed by Aoki, and his pride wouldn't allow him to be overshadowed any longer. Viper nodded slightly, signaling that the challenge could proceed.

The examiner, receiving Viper's approval, sighed quietly. As an examiner, he could not avoid his duties, even if he knew the risks this battle carried. Although his status and strength in Team Rocket were decent, and he wasn't too concerned about Guga's revenge, it was still an unwelcome situation.

Guga, standing on one side of the battlefield, laughed confidently. "Aoki! What are you waiting for? Show me how strong you really are! Don't disappoint me!"

Aoki stretched lazily and grinned silently.

Guga's challenge was expected. Aoki's earlier glance at him likely spurred him into making the decision. If all went according to plan, Aoki would soon leave the island. As the leader of his newly established influence, he needed to make a lasting impression.

"Number 234, Aoki, the second-place challenger, Number 99, Guga, has challenged you. Do you accept?" the Team Rocket examiner asked from the referee's position.

Challenges could be accepted or declined. Declining would result in a forfeit, with Guga replacing Aoki's ranking and Aoki being demoted ten places.

Aoki's grin widened, and the Murkrow perched nearby turned to its trainer with a gleam of determination.

"Accept!" Aoki said calmly, walking to the opposite side of the battlefield under the watchful eyes of the crowd.

The examiner sighed again. This was the outcome he had hoped to avoid. Both combatants he least wanted to see fight were now facing each other.

The examiner was aware of Guga's identity and had heard Viper mention Aoki's connection to a certain higher-up. Compared to that influential figure, Guga's brother seemed insignificant.

"This challenge is a battle of life and death! Each participant is limited to one Pokémon. No additional rules apply. The battle continues until one side surrenders or a Pokémon is unable to fight. Now, the challenge begins!"

With the examiner's signal, the first challenge of the trial officially began. The air grew tense with nervous energy.

"Ekans, Glare!" Guga shouted, starting the battle.

The move Glare could paralyze opponents by intimidating them with Ekans' hypnotic eyes.

"Ekans!" The snake Pokémon raised its head, its abdomen's intimidating pattern clearly visible.

Ekans' Intimidate ability further heightened the effect, reducing its opponent's attack.

"Murkrow, take to the air! Use Tailwind and don't look directly at Ekans!" Aoki commanded swiftly.

"Caw!" Murkrow took flight immediately, a gust of wind following its ascent. The pale white currents surrounding Murkrow ensured it moved almost unimpeded, disappearing like a shadow against the sky.

"Tch! Ekans, Screech!"

Realizing his initial tactic failed, Guga changed his approach. Ekans let out a piercing cry that lowered Murkrow's defense.

"Murkrow, your turn! Use Screech!"

Both Pokémon now produced harsh soundwaves, creating an uncomfortable environment for everyone in the vicinity. However, with Murkrow dominating the skies, Ekans was unable to reach its opponent directly. Despite the lowered defense, Aoki maintained control of the battle.

"Aoki! Are you going to keep your Pokémon in the air forever? Fight me on equal terms! Otherwise, you're just a coward!" Guga taunted, attempting to provoke his opponent.

Aoki smirked and responded, "Idiot! Pathetic provocation."

He added, "But you've succeeded. Murkrow, close in and use Wing Attack!"

The crowd murmured, realizing Aoki intended to end the battle decisively. Murkrow darted toward Ekans, white energy glowing faintly on its wings.

Guga grinned, his plan taking shape. "Ekans, Bind, then Bite!"

Ekans prepared to coil around Murkrow and deliver a venomous bite, its sharp fangs ready for action. Guga hoped to exploit the close-range engagement.

Murkrow, moving like a streak of black lightning, struck Ekans with Wing Attack. The glowing wings hit Ekans hard, sending it reeling.

"Ekans!" Guga shouted as the Pokémon hissed in pain. Despite its preparation, Ekans underestimated the power behind Murkrow's attack. The immediate instinct to defend delayed its counterattack, and Murkrow flew back before Ekans could respond.

Ekans' Bind and Bite attacks missed their mark entirely.

Frustrated, Guga barked, "Use Acid!"

Ekans quickly obeyed, shooting out a stream of corrosive liquid aimed at the retreating Murkrow.

The spray hit Murkrow mid-flight, sizzling as it began to dissolve some of the bird's feathers, reducing its defenses further.

After the first exchange of blows, both Pokémon stood at opposite ends of the battlefield, sizing each other up. The crowd could feel the intensity of the fight. Both trainers understood their opponents better now, and the battling spirits of their Pokémon burned even brighter.

Both Murkrow and Ekans were belligerent, ready for the next exchange.