With Natsui around, he naturally wouldn't let Kenta fight alone.
In fact, the animosity between Natsui and Team Rocket was already at a boiling point; both wanted to get rid of the other. Unless those guys had a change of heart, turned over a new leaf, and did something good for the world, whenever he saw them, even if they were celebrating Giovanni's birthday, he would crash the party!
However...
Natsui looked left and right. Besides Gengar hiding in his shadow, the only ones with him now were Eevee, which had been out of its Poké Ball, and Dragonair, which he had just sent out to battle Typhlosion.
But both of these Pokémon were at a disadvantage against Steel-types, so Natsui couldn't possibly send them into battle.
After a brief thought, he released Gardevoir, letting it help Typhlosion deal with Steelix and Skarmory.
As the blue light faded, Gardevoir appeared beside Typhlosion.
It was only upon seeing Gardevoir that the silver-haired man and Buson finally turned their attention to Natsui.
"So it's you! I never thought I'd run into someone so 'renowned' out here!"
The word "renowned" was, of course, used sarcastically. Clearly, they had recognized Natsui.
After all, Natsui's picture and deeds had long been circulated within Team Rocket. Few didn't know him, so they had recognized him the moment they saw him.
Natsui's curious gaze swept over the crystal, then lingered on Raikou for a moment. "Team Rocket, are you here specifically to capture Raikou?"
"It's only one of our targets. After this, we'll go after Entei and Suicune, and eventually, we'll even set our sights on Ho-Oh."
Perhaps out of a sense of acknowledgment towards Natsui, the silver-haired man seemed to hold nothing back, directly revealing their objective.
"Ah, after all this talk, it's time for a proper introduction. My name is Attila, and this is Buson. Like Vicious, whom you defeated before, we belong to the Pokémon Hunting Unit."
"Hunting Unit?"
"That's right," the silver-haired man, Attila, continued. "It's a unit that specializes in hunting Legendary Pokémon. Every member is an elite among elites within Team Rocket. Of course, if you're unfamiliar with that term, you can also call us Pokémon Hunters!"
Natsui's mind thought of Vicious. He wondered if the Dragon Tamers had successfully captured him, but he had received no news from Clair or Lance, so they had likely come up empty.
"That's perfect," Natsui nodded in understanding, then smiled. "I only fight the elites. Ordinary grunts aren't even worth my time!"
This statement was incredibly arrogant and instantly maxed out their animosity.
Staring at Natsui for a long moment, Attila's brow furrowed. "I see, quite the arrogant tone. Within our Team Rocket, including the Four Executives, you are listed as our number one enemy. I'd like to see just what you're capable of!"
The brief but intense war of words ended there. Both sides knew that a battle was inevitable.
Kenta, on the side, was already impatient. After all, with every passing second, Raikou, trapped in the barrier, took more damage. Now that the 'adults' had stopped their verbal sparring, he immediately waved his hand and gave the command.
"Typhlosion, use Flamethrower!"
A large ball of fire shot out from Typhlosion's mouth. Faced with such an attack, Attila calmly said, "Use Sandstorm."
Steelix's lower body began to spin rapidly, its massive body crushing the gravel and dirt beneath it. Instantly, a large amount of sand and earth was sent flying towards Typhlosion.
Sand and fire met in mid-air.
And this sand, infused with Pokémon power, not only extinguished the flames but also continued to fly towards Typhlosion, getting into its eyes!
And that wasn't all. Buson, on the side, also gave an attack command.
"Skarmory, use Wing Attack."
The Skarmory flying in the air's wings glowed white, and with a single dive, it knocked Typhlosion to the ground.
"Typhlosion!"
Kenta hurriedly ran forward and held his Pokémon.
Seeing that Typhlosion was so easily defeated, Buson, having succeeded in his attack, didn't forget to taunt him.
"Kid, you're still too young. Although a Fire-type Pokémon seems to have the upper hand against a Steel-type, what are you going to do against my Rock-type move?"
With that, ignoring the devastated Kenta, the two turned their attention back to Natsui.
This man before them was the biggest enemy they needed to be wary of!
Steelix and Skarmory then turned their target to Gardevoir and launched their attacks.
The two Pokémon's offense was very fierce. It was clear they were elites among Team Rocket's elites, and the ordinary grunts were no match for them.
Gardevoir fought one against two, and thanks to its outstanding power, it managed to hold its own for the time being.
Having come to his senses, Kenta sent out a Beedrill to join the battle.
But this time, he had learned his lesson. Knowing he might not be a match for Team Rocket, he instead directed his attack towards the mechanical shark.
"Beedrill, use Pin Missile!"
Beedrill's twin stingers, like a knight's lances, glowed brightly. The next second, hundreds of steel needles were continuously fired at the mechanical shark.
Thwack! Thwack! Thwack! Thwack!
Hit by these steel needles, the mechanical shark's external structure exploded. As its armor was continuously damaged, thick smoke engulfed the battlefield.
"What!?"
Attila and Buson immediately frowned.
They really hadn't expected this hot-headed kid to be so quick-witted.
Now that the mechanical shark was destroyed, even if they defeated Natsui, they could no longer forcibly capture Raikou!
At that moment, because the two were distracted, Gardevoir found an opportunity. Its Psychic accurately hit the Skarmory in the air, sending it flying back and crashing into Steelix.
Weighing the pros and cons, Attila decisively said, "There's no other way, Buson. Let's retreat for now."
Buson, a man of action, was clearly unwilling, but he had no choice but to agree. With a few operations, a dozen smoke bombs were launched, and in an instant, a large cloud of smoke enveloped the area.
"Cough! Cough! Cough!..."
Kenta, being too close, was choked by the thick smoke from the smoke bombs.
And when the white smoke cleared, Team Rocket and the crystal were long gone!
Seeing this, Natsui said in a low voice, "Gengar."
Gengar emerged from his shadow.
"What's up?"
Natsui quickly gave his orders. "Find their tracks. They can't have gone far. If you can, follow them and find out where their base is!"
"Got it, leave it to me!"