In the battle zone, Scizor locked eyes on the guardian of the third challenge. A crimson flash sliced through the teacup in the red-haired woman's hand, shattering it instantly. Scalding hot liquid splashed out, making the red-haired trainer cry out in distress.
"So hot!"
Klein lunged forward in an instant, sliding swiftly as he aimed his dagger at the red-haired trainer. She nimbly flipped away, dodging his strike while her Persian sprang toward him in retaliation. However, Scizor used Agility to intercept the attack, blocking the feline's sharp claws.
"What a terrifying little brat..."
Faced with Scizor, Persian's forehead jewel gleamed as it fired a Water Pulse. The attack was shockingly fast, carrying the force of a high-pressure water cutter, slicing through everything in its path.
"Miyamoto?"
At the mention of that name, the red-haired trainer raised an eyebrow in surprise. She hadn't expected this young boy to recognize her. After all, in recent years, she had only appeared in restricted-rated films.
"What a precocious little brat!"
Klein dodged swiftly, his dagger aiming for Miyamoto. Yet, the former Rocket executive smoothly countered his move with a graceful spin.
As they passed each other in a fleeting moment, Klein's words made Miyamoto tremble slightly.
"You have the same personality and features... Jessie is your daughter, isn't she?"
Psychological tactics were also part of Klein's strategy. Miyamoto's strength was extraordinary, and under the perception granted by his genetic Keystone, he could sense that her physique was far from ordinary.
Miyamoto—once an executive of Team Rocket and the mother of Jessie. Klein had never expected her to still be alive, let alone to have become a famous celebrity. Or was she merely an undercover Rocket agent, lying in wait?
In the original records, Miyamoto was the first person to discover Mew's traces in the northern Kanto region. She had once heard Mew's baby-like cries deep in the jungle and reported this to Madame Ivana, Giovanni's mother, who then sent her to search for Mew at the Tree of Beginning.
Worried about her young daughter, Miyamoto carried a picture of Jessie with her at all times. Later, she reportedly encountered Mew in the Andes Mountains and even showed it Jessie's picture in an attempt to capture it. However, Mew vanished.
Her companions at the time only recalled hearing a scream through the thick mist, and from that moment on, Miyamoto disappeared without a trace. Most assumed she had perished.
Based on past records, Miyamoto was deeply devoted to Team Rocket. Madame Ivana valued her highly, and their relationship seemed unusually close. Miyamoto also cared greatly for her daughter—knowing she couldn't raise Jessie herself, she arranged for her to be fostered elsewhere, hoping to earn money to provide her with a better life.
"Of course, I am the great celebrity, Miyamoto!"
Hearing Klein's words, Miyamoto lifted her brow with pride. Considering the presence of surveillance cameras, she maintained her composure, yet a flicker of unease betrayed her true emotions.
Was she worried about being monitored?
"Who would've thought the mighty Sandstorm King Klein was also a fan, recognizing the famous Miyamoto?"
The female committee member who had spoken earlier seemed a little displeased at Klein's apparent admiration for Miyamoto.
"Her recent works are all rated... ahem, restricted. I didn't take you for the secretive type, Sandstorm King!"
"Ah, I see. I was afraid you were too innocent to understand, but it turns out you're one of us!"
As the committee members muttered in amusement, Klein and Scizor intensified their offensive. Red light flashed violently within the cavern. Meanwhile, Miyamoto seemed increasingly uninterested in the fight, and even her Persian's attacks appeared to be just for show, mainly to deceive the watching committee members.
Persian unleashed several high-pressure Water Pulse attacks, but Scizor's extreme speed allowed it to evade easily. Accompanied by a fierce Sword Dance aura, Scizor's presence became more oppressive. Persian, under increasing pressure, bristled as powerful electric currents crackled through its fur.
Electricity surged through the battlefield, forming the core of Miyamoto's tactical approach. But Scizor paid no heed to these tricks. Amidst the raging Sword Dance winds, Bullet Punch erupted with terrifying force.
The water pooled on the ground from previous attacks instantly vaporized under the impact of Scizor's strikes, transforming into thick, billowing steam. Against such overwhelming power, resistance seemed futile.
Persian lunged forward but was immediately pinned down by Scizor's iron grip. Just then, Persian's body shimmered, and golden coins shot forth in dazzling arcs—it was Pay Day!
Countless golden coins materialized from nowhere, merging with the residual electric charge in the air. In an instant, the coins became electromagnetic projectiles, repeatedly striking at Scizor with relentless energy. The golden light flickered wildly, causing quite a bit of trouble for Scizor.
"You brat, don't get cocky!"
Despite the fierce counterattack, Klein remained unfazed. Scizor endured several electric shocks, its cold gaze unwavering. Its pincers trembled slightly as if building up to something. Then, to Klein's surprise, a dazzling silver light burst forth!
As Scizor spread its wings, a thousand silver specks shimmered in the air around it!
A brand-new technique—Silver Wind!
By scattering fine metallic powder into the wind and striking its opponents, Silver Wind not only inflicted damage but also had a chance to enhance all of Scizor's attributes. If enough powder accumulated, Scizor's overall abilities would skyrocket.
Klein had tried countless times to have Scizor master Silver Wind, but it had never succeeded—until now, in this battle against Miyamoto.
Speed, special attack, physical attack, defense, and special defense—everything surged at once!
Scizor and Silver Wind fused together, forming a meteor-like Bullet Punch wreathed in a silver glow. The punch, like a blazing red comet, crashed down!
With a deafening roar, the golden coins from Pay Day were obliterated. Scizor, at its peak strength, delivered a final, crushing blow to Persian!
"It seems Miss Miyamoto's skills have declined over the years. Silver Wind is indeed powerful, but Persian used to be much faster than this."
Clearly, the third challenge was no match for the Sandstorm King, Klein. The observing committee members swiftly cut off the surveillance feed and withdrew the spider drones.
But Klein's dominance was undeniable—clearing three challenges in such a short time, and barely two hours had passed.
"No wonder he won fifteen consecutive matches in the Kanto Championship and ascended to the Elite Four. That level of ferocity is truly overwhelming."
While some committee members sighed in admiration, the elder among them waved a hand dismissively.
"There is an issue. The guardian of the ninth challenge, Master Ramos, is currently on a mission in Kalos and cannot leave. We must find a replacement."
"Actually, we've already chosen a suitable candidate."
"A suitable candidate?"
The room fell silent as a cold breeze swept through, making the committee members shiver involuntarily.
Turning their heads, they saw an elderly figure enter the conference room.
It was Pryce, the leader of Kajii Gym. Leaning on his cane, he walked in without a word. He exchanged a few brief glances with the committee members before silently departing.
"Master Pryce..."
It was clear now—Pryce would be replacing Master Ramos as the guardian of the ninth challenge.
And when they saw the Pokémon lineup he had prepared, the committee members were utterly speechless.
A dual-core battle strategy?
Everyone knew that Pryce and Klein had a long-standing rivalry.
It seemed this time, Pryce was determined to stop Klein from reaching the Battle Frontier.