"Go, Kadabra, it's your turn."
Gu Yuan's command rang out, and Kadabra's psychic power quickly surged into the water, stirring the currents.
Very soon, the Water-type Pokémon living there became enraged. Several broke the surface, looking for the source of the disturbance.
The splashing sounds grew louder. Two Poliwhirl, one Poliwag, and several Goldeen rose from the water.
"Mankey, that Poliwag is yours."
"Eevee, take care of the two Poliwhirl, and work with Kadabra to attack the Goldeen in the water."
With the system in place, Gu Yuan quickly analyzed the strength of the Pokémon and arranged his team.
Eevee had already broken through to the Intermediate Rank. It was strong enough to face two Junior Rank Poliwhirl while still helping Kadabra.
"Mankey, same plan as before. Use Covet, then follow with Leer and Fury Swipes."
At the same time, Kadabra's telepathy activated, helping Gu Yuan direct the battle more smoothly.
"Eevee, use Shadow Ball in succession. Keep those two Poliwhirl pinned down."
"Kadabra, Teleport to the water's surface, then attack with Psybeam. Get ready to use Teleport again or switch positions."
Orders flew out in quick succession, and the Pokémon charged forward in sync.
Two Shadow Ball attacks shot out first, aimed at the Poliwhirl.
Mankey dashed forward. Its Covet distracted the Poliwag for just a moment.
Kadabra vanished, then reappeared above the water.
A dazzling Psybeam burst forth, targeting the Goldeen.
The Goldeen scattered quickly, then counterattacked with Water Pulse.
By then, Mankey had closed in on Poliwag, landing a solid punch. Following Gu Yuan's plan, it immediately used Leer. The fierce glare made Poliwag flinch, and its defense dropped.
Then Fury Swipes struck, leaving scratches across its body, and another Covet ended the fight.
The tactic Gu Yuan gave Mankey proved highly effective. Covet let it close the distance. Leer weakened defenses, ensuring the next moves hit harder.
"Mankey, turn and move in on the Poliwhirl."
"Eevee, charge in with Quick Attack. Get close to them fast."
While guiding Mankey and Eevee, Gu Yuan also ordered Kadabra to use Ally Switch to avoid danger.
The Water Pulse attacks missed Kadabra entirely and instead disrupted the Goldeen.
"Now, Mankey! Rush forward with Leer, then retreat quickly."
Mankey darted forward. Its sudden Leer made both Poliwhirl hesitate.
Eevee seized the chance, speeding in with Quick Attack.
A Shadow Ball hit the Poliwhirl on the left. Eevee used Covet on the one on the right, then followed with a close-range Swift, and finished with a hard Tackle.
The right Poliwhirl went down, and Eevee immediately turned to strike the other.
The strength gap was clear. Eevee defeated them in moments.
Meanwhile, Kadabra kept pressuring the Goldeen. With Teleport and Ally Switch, it took no damage, while the Goldeen suffered repeated hits.
"Kadabra, lure them toward the shore. Mankey, get ready with Leer. Eevee, prepare Shadow Ball. Hit the fastest one first."
With Poliwag already defeated, Gu Yuan could now focus everything on the three Goldeen.
The Goldeen, enraged after being toyed with for so long, charged recklessly.
As they entered Mankey's range, it used Leer, slowing their movements.
Eevee's Shadow Ball struck the leading Goldeen, and Kadabra teleported behind it. Shadow Ball and Psybeam together knocked it out instantly.
The rest was simple. With Eevee's support, Kadabra only had to stall. Whenever they faltered, Eevee's Shadow Ball struck hard.
In moments, the remaining Goldeen collapsed.
Gu Yuan threw Poké Balls, capturing one Poliwhirl and two Goldeen.
He didn't plan to keep them. Instead, he would transfer them to Shadow to exchange for points.
Gu Yuan valued long-term growth. He only caught some Pokémon for trade. Not every Pokémon was accepted for points within Team Rocket, but Shadow always took whatever Gu Yuan sent.
It was as if Gu Yuan still enjoyed a kind of beginner's protection. No matter the species or number, Shadow gave him points in exchange.
After putting the Poké Balls away, Gu Yuan was about to leave when a dark gaze struck Kadabra.
"Teleport, then use Psybeam!"
Gu Yuan wasn't surprised. He even smiled.
He had sensed someone long before Kadabra noticed. The system revealed any nearby hidden Pokémon.
It was normal for people in the wild to travel with Pokémon, but trying to stalk Gu Yuan was foolish.
So he had waited, using the Water-types as bait. Since the opponent attacked first, he now had a perfect excuse.
"I didn't expect you to notice me. No matter, this will just make the hunt more interesting."
From the shadows stepped Yusuke, confident.
His Intermediate Rank Crobat, Arbok, and Poliwrath gave him that confidence, especially since Gu Yuan's team had just fought hard.
"But you may not realize, sometimes the hunter and the prey can switch places."
Gu Yuan's smile faded. He released Charizard.
Its Senior Rank power flared. During those days Mankey was battling at the Pokémon Center, Charizard had not been idle.