When both Pokémon emerged, Ninjask's icon appeared in the first of Eichi's three circular slots on the massive electronic screen nearby. Across from him, Silas's first slot displayed Tentacool.
They were currently at the Water Field, which featured a layout identical to the Cerulean Gym. The entire battlefield was a pool filled with water, with only a few floating platforms scattered across the surface. While the terrain technically favored Tentacool, it wouldn't make much of a difference.
Activating his Eye of the Bug Emperor, Eichi viewed the data for Tentacool.
Tentacool, the Jellyfish Pokémon.
Types: Water / Poison
Abilities: Clear Body / Liquid Ooze (Standard), Rain Dish (Hidden)
Talent Grade: Excellent
Trainer Rank: Rookie (Level 25)
Description: A blue, jelly-like Pokémon with two large red crystals on its head. It floats in the water using its two long tentacles.
Eichi felt a sudden lack of motivation to fight.
Silas stared at Ninjask, a Pokémon he didn't recognize and wasn't familiar with at all. As soon as both Pokémon were in position, the match officially began.
"Tentacool, Water Gun!" Silas shouted.
He understood the importance of striking first and immediately commanded Tentacool to act. The Pokémon poked its head out of the water, puffed up its mouth, and blasted a stream of water at the airborne Ninjask. The blue jet shot out rapidly, appearing to hit its mark.
Silas's face lit up with joy, but his expression quickly twisted. The water jet passed straight through Ninjask's body. The image flickered and vanished; it wasn't the real Ninjask, but merely an afterimage.
Silas looked left and right, frantically searching for his target. In the next second, Ninjask appeared directly behind Tentacool.
"Tentacool, get underwater, quickly!" Silas panicked.
So fast! It appeared behind Tentacool in an instant.
"Ninjask, Fury Cutter," Eichi commanded.
Ninjask's gaze turned cold as its sharp forelegs extended, slashing repeatedly at Tentacool like a blur of shadows. Having just heard Silas's command, Tentacool sensed a dangerous aura behind it. It tried to dive, only to feel a piercing pain in its head. The agony was so intense that it let out a sharp cry before instantly losing consciousness.
"Tentacool!!" Silas cried out.
He watched as Tentacool was sent flying by the blow, crashing into the water and losing its ability to battle immediately.
"Unbelievable! Silas's Tentacool has been defeated in a single hit by Eichi's Ninjask!" the commentator's voice boomed. "How will Silas respond to this situation? Let's wait and see!"
"Dammit," Silas muttered.
He recalled Tentacool and looked at Ninjask with a heavy gaze. He realized that he might not even make it past the first round. His opponent's first Pokémon was terrifyingly strong. Silas pulled out his second Poké Ball and threw it.
"Go, Pidgeotto!"
A figure appeared in the air, facing off against Ninjask. Eichi scanned it with his Eye of the Bug Emperor.
Pidgeotto, the Bird Pokémon.
Types: Normal / Flying
Abilities: Keen Eye / Tangled Feet (Standard), Big Pecks (Hidden)
Talent Grade: Excellent
Trainer Rank: Experienced (Level 28)
Description: A large raptor-like bird with brown feathers and a prominent crest of red plumage. It is known for its incredible vision and territorial nature.
"Pidgeotto, Wing Attack!" Silas ordered.
Pidgeotto's eyes sharpened as it locked onto Ninjask. It beat its wings, circling once in the sky before suddenly accelerating. It charged toward Ninjask, its wings leaving faint trails in the air.
Eichi's lips curled into a disdainful smile.
"Ninjask, Fury Cutter."
Using the same move, Ninjask accelerated abruptly from its stationary position in mid-air. The audience only saw a streak of light appearing before Pidgeotto. The bird had no time to react; its prideful speed was worthless in the face of Ninjask.
Ninjask remained cool and detached. Ever since Nincada evolved, its personality had become as aloof as Eichi's. It was true that most of Eichi's Pokémon were influenced by his temperament. Beedrill, Scizor, the Black-Patterned Beedrill, and now Ninjask—all maintained a cold, distant demeanor in front of outsiders, only letting their guard down around their own.
Of course, Heracross, Wimpod, and Shedinja were exceptions, remaining entirely unaffected by Eichi's personality.
Back in the sky, Ninjask swung its sharp forelegs, slashing down mercilessly. The spectators could only see afterimages as it delivered three slashes within a single second. Pidgeotto felt a searing pain in its head and lost consciousness the moment it was hit. A shrill cry echoed through the stadium, audible to every spectator.
Tsk, Ninjask really is cold-blooded. No wonder it's a 'Ninja' Pokémon.
"Pidgeotto!" Silas screamed.
Under Silas's disbelief, Pidgeotto was sent crashing down, hitting the edge of the battlefield with a heavy thud. Dust kicked up from the impact. Serious injuries were visible on Pidgeotto's body. It let out a weak chirp before collapsing, unable to battle.
"Pidgeotto is unable to battle! Ninjask wins!"
On the giant electronic screen, two of Silas's icons went dark. Eichi's Ninjask remained lit, while his other two slots remained unknown.
"Truly dominant! Eichi's Ninjask is too powerful, defeating Pidgeotto with another single-hit KO!" the commentator shouted. "Our contestant Silas now has two Pokémon down. He has one last chance. Can he defeat Ninjask? Let's find out!"
Silas recalled Pidgeotto. The pressure was immense; Ninjask felt like a massive mountain crushing the air out of his lungs. His body began to tremble slightly, and sweat beaded on his forehead. Steeling his resolve, he took out his final Poké Ball.
"Go, Wartortle!"
A blue, turtle-like figure appeared on a floating platform.
"And there it is! Silas's final stand is with Wartortle!"
Eichi emotionlessly checked the data.
Wartortle, the Turtle Pokémon.
Type: Water
Abilities: Torrent (Standard), Rain Dish (Hidden)
Talent Grade: Excellent
Trainer Rank: Experienced (Level 32)
Description: The evolved form of Squirtle. It has large, furry ears and a tail that is a symbol of longevity.
Silas had no hope of victory; he simply wanted to keep fighting so he wouldn't be easily one-shotted again.
"Ninjask, Fury Cutter," Eichi commanded.
Eichi decided not to waste any more time. He chose to end the battle immediately by taking the initiative, even if it felt a bit cruel to Silas.
"It's Fury Cutter again! Silas's first two Pokémon fell to this very move! Can Wartortle withstand Ninjask's assault?" the announcer yelled.
Could Wartortle withstand it? The answer was, of course, no.
"Wartortle, use Withdraw!" Silas screamed.