As soon as Beedrill appeared on the scene, it instantly locked onto the threat to Natsuhiko.
A bright blue Pokémon burst out from the water, resembling a shark, with two menacing red eyes and black gills beside its eyes spraying water. Its rough skin carried some water droplets, and the yellow star pattern on its head and tail was its most distinctive feature.
Senior Level.
Sharpedo!
A Water and Dark-type Pokémon, a top predator of the ocean, known for its ferocity and savagery, it's one of the Pokémon that travelers at sea hope to avoid encountering.
Fortunately, the Saint Anus was large enough that a single Sharpedo could not shake it.
If it were a small fishing boat, facing such a formidable Sharpedo might result in the vessel being overturned, and creatures that fall into the water would naturally become its prey.
"Beedrill, Sword Dance!"
Natsuhiko retreated with Meiyu to dodge the attack range of Sharpedo, all while commanding Beedrill.
"Hiss bee!"
Beedrill let out a low growl, its scarlet compound eyes gleaming as a faint red stream of energy began to swirl around its gun-wielding body.
Sharpedo seemed to sense what Beedrill was doing, feeling an immense threat from it.
And thus.
A torrent of water gushed out from Sharpedo's body, enveloping it, allowing it to leap into the air without worrying about being hindered by leaving the water.
Water Jet.
Like a massive blue bullet, it shot towards Beedrill with great speed.
The Water Jet was incredibly fast, closing the distance between Sharpedo and Beedrill in the blink of an eye.
Beedrill remained unfazed.
This moment revealed Beedrill's lack of proficiency in the Sword Dance technique. If it couldn't execute Sword Dance before the opponent reacted, Beedrill might become an easy target.
But this time, facing Sharpedo's Water Jet, Beedrill did not intend to move.
Under normal circumstances, it would have to withstand such an attack.
But Beedrill wasn't alone; it had its Trainer, Natsuhiko, and... Togepi!
"Togepi, look at me."
Look at me: Puts oneself in a state of being in the spotlight, attracting the attention of the enemy, causing the enemy to shift its attack target onto oneself.
"Chaa!"
Togepi, prepared in advance, gave a gentle call.
A flash of dazzling white light burst from its body, successfully drawing Sharpedo's attention.
Water Jet is a high-priority move, but unfortunately, the look at me technique has higher priority.
Moreover, such confrontations aren't only about priority levels, but Togepi was well-prepared.
As Sharpedo adjusted its direction toward Togepi.
The forewarned distance Natsuhiko had established gave them some breathing room.
After executing the "look at me" technique, Togepi immediately displayed a pitiable demeanor, with a coquettish appearance that even softened Meiyu's heart, though she was still in shock.
Sharpedo was significantly affected, and even the water swirling around it stalled momentarily.
The ferocious expression softened.
Doubt crept into its heart.
Should a powerful being like itself pick on such a pitiable, weak Pokémon?
The moment of hesitation gave Beedrill enough time to react.
Aided by Togepi's distraction, Beedrill successfully completed the Sword Dance enhancement.
Its twin wings quivered, golden patterns flashed, a swirling energy surrounded it, and with a deep breath, its speed erupted.
Buzz—
A golden streak lingered midair, executing a strategic flanking maneuver.
Appearing directly behind Sharpedo.
Its twin needles crossed, shimmering with an emerald halo, executing a Cross Cut that struck directly at Sharpedo's vulnerable flank.
Bang!
The veil of water embracing Sharpedo shattered instantly, the Cross Cut brimming with intensified Insect Energy inflicted massive damage.
As a Dark-type Pokémon, Sharpedo was twice as weak to Insect-type techniques. Coupled with Beedrill's Sword Dance enhancement, Silver Powder support, and its Sniper trait activation, the ultimate result was...
Undoubtedly.
Thud!
It crashed heavily onto the deck, its eyes rolling back, losing all battle capabilities instantly.
Through Natsuhiko's training, Beedrill advanced steadily along the path as a "One-Needle Bee."
Of course, Togepi's critical support played an indispensable role in achieving such a result.
Considering Beedrill's lack of mastery in Sword Dance, this was a tactical maneuver devised by Natsuhiko.
Initially, there was Abra's Instant Movement plan, poised to escort Togepi away right after its "look at me" move, interfering with "Coquettish."
However, the current outcome didn't necessitate Abra's intervention.
The entire process from Sharpedo's emergence to its downfall took just tens of seconds.
During that brief time, the sailors and Trainers on board finally started responding, quickly converging towards the deck.
Hurried footsteps echoed from the hall.
Meanwhile, as Sharpedo fell, the sea became turbulent, with numerous ferocious fish surfacing from the waters.
Mainly comprising Carvanha, interspersed with a few Sharpedo.
Natsuhiko contemplated briefly and decided to retract Beedrill.
Since the sailors and Trainers had begun to react, it was time to leave it to them, conserving energy.
After recalling Beedrill.
A group of sailors in neat white short sleeves and caps, along with panicked Trainers, observed the unfolding scene.
The sea teemed with hordes of Carvanha and Sharpedo.
The experienced and quick-reacting sailors promptly threw Pokéballs, summoning Pokémon to oppose the Carvanha and Sharpedo.
Swiftly followed by Trainers confident in their abilities, summoning their own Pokémon as well.
Yet, at this moment, Natsuhiko, holding Togepi with Meiyu by his side, along with the sight of the Sharpedo lying on the ground nearby, was without a doubt the focus of the sailors and Trainers.
The whole Pokémon attack incident lasted only a few seconds.
The sailors reacted swiftly enough, but for someone to defeat a senior-level Sharpedo in such a short time?
Facing the gazes of respect, puzzlement, and doubt, Natsuhiko paid no heed and simply tossed an empty Pokéball, capturing the Sharpedo lying on the ground.
This was his prize.
And this scene did not escape Gerwin's eyes as she arrived.
She had been observing from the competition ground earlier.
After giving Natsuhiko, who was stepping back, a long look, she turned to summon her Pokémon to engage in the battle against Carvanha and Sharpedo.
Natsuhiko took Meiyu, accompanied by an elderly man with a complex expression, back into the hall.
"Don't worry, this is just a minor skirmish, the sailors can handle it."
If such a situation was unsolvable, Natsuhiko thought he would rather leave the Saint Anus early.
However, Meiyu was still somewhat apprehensive, Sharpedo's fierce demeanor left a considerable impact on her young heart.
Natsuhiko handed Meiyu over to the elderly man. "She seems a bit shaken, let her rest well."
The elderly man, with a complicated expression, but still grateful, said, "Thank you, sir."
He understood, if Natsuhiko hadn't reacted swiftly, Meiyu might have faced more than just a fright.
Natsuhiko waved his hand and walked towards the stairs alone.
Once out of their sight, Natsuhiko's expression turned solemn.
"Without any warning, this is definitely not a normal wild Pokémon attack...."