Cain, as a member of Team Rocket, even though he's currently infiltrating the League, hasn't caused any real harm to the organization.
It's not that Cain can't, but that he doesn't want to.
The main reason remains the same: the benefits aren't enough.
As for this guy named Gordon, Cain is sure he was corrupted by the interests offered by the Hunter Guild.
However, Cain understands this and doesn't feel particularly upset about it.
What truly enrages him is that these bastards from the Hunter Guild act carelessly, which could interfere with his operations within the League.
After all, neither the League nor Team Rocket are forces that Cain can confront openly at this moment. He needs time to grow.
And he's still nowhere near ready.
So, if that's the case, it's best to make these people disappear.
So they don't interfere.
"Send out your Pokémon. I'll give you a chance to resist," said Cain, not giving him any further option to defend himself.
Currently, Cain is a Chief-level researcher in the Hoenn League, part of the elite.
He can finally act freely.
If I say you're guilty, you are. If I say you're not, you're not, guilty or not.
This is power.
"Tyrannnn!"
Tyranitar appeared, gigantic at his side, looking down at the opponent with authority.
He knew this battle would be his turn to step in.
Even though the opponent didn't seem especially strong, that didn't matter.
It was his first battle since evolving.
Tyranitar still remembered well the words of the leader before leaving his territory: "Tyranitar, finish it in one hit!"
Though exaggerated, he took it seriously.
No matter the enemy—if you can end it in one blow, don't use a second.
"Hurry up. If you don't plan to resist, then I'll act immediately," said Cain calmly.
He looked like a customer eager to see a desperate vendor. Only then would he enjoy the show.
Because the customer is always right, right?
Hearing that, Gordon knew he had no other option.
His only chance was to hope Cain let his guard down, defeat his Pokémon by surprise, and then take him hostage to escape alive.
That was his only way out.
"Since Mr. Cain wants to spar with me, I have no choice but to comply," said Gordon, forcing a smile.
Some spectators approached because of the commotion.
Steven and Phoebe also came closer.
They looked at Cain somewhat surprised, but they trusted him, so they said nothing.
It just seemed a bit strange the opponent he had chosen.
A bit weak.
Gordon hesitated for a moment, glanced at Tyranitar, and took a Poké Ball from his belt.
He threw it, and a blue-colored Pokémon appeared: Swampert, one of the Water-type starters from the Hoenn region.
Cain nodded slightly upon seeing it.
Not bad.
A rival like this was decent for Tyranitar's first official battle.
Pokémon: Swampert (Light Blue)
Gender: Male
Level: 58
Types: Water + Ground
Ability: Torrent
Held Item: None
Egg Moves: Ancient Power, Ice Ball, Refresh, Mud Bomb
Basic Moves: Mud Shot, Hammer Arm, Tackle, Growl, Water Gun, Mud-Slap, Foresight, Bide, Rock Slide, Muddy Water, Take Down
Learned Moves: Water Pulse, Aqua Tail, Earth Power, Stomping Tantrum
TM Moves: Protect, Earthquake, Scald, Rock Tomb, Stone Edge, Surf
A decent strength for someone aiming to be a rival to Tyranitar.
"Not bad, I underestimated your level a little. With a Pokémon like that, being a mid-level researcher is beneath you," said Cain coldly.
Hearing that, a shadow flickered across Gordon's face.
"Mr. Cain... please be considerate," he murmured, as his Swampert was already ready to fight.
Many gathered to watch the match.
"Wow, that Tyranitar is huge!"
"I didn't know Mr. Cain had a Tyranitar! He looks so dominant!"
"Is Gordon going to fight Mr. Cain? Could it be that Mr. Cain is considering making him his subordinate? He still doesn't have assistants among the researchers..."
And more voices continued commenting.
Though everyone was impressed by Tyranitar's imposing figure, no one was surprised that Cain had one.
That's the prestige that now surrounds him.
"Swampert, attack! Use Aqua Tail!" shouted Gordon, ignoring the comments.
"Take it. Let's test your defense," Cain responded calmly.
"Tyrann!"
Tyranitar roared in obedience. He didn't move. He just roared and planted himself firmly on the ground.
Swampert hesitated for a second. That roar almost made his attack fade. But his battle instinct held firm. He kept his attack stance and charged at Tyranitar.
BOOM!
The Aqua Tail hit dead on.
A fairly powerful move.
Cain seemed confident, which made Gordon excited.
Got him!
But...
When the water dissipated, everyone was left speechless.
Tyranitar was completely unharmed.
The attack had done absolutely nothing.
Thanks to all the diamonds he had consumed, his defense was monstrous.
As soon as Swampert landed the hit, Gordon already had four more Poké Balls in hand.
Cain, seeing his movements, gave a cold smile.
"Crush him," he said icily.
Tyranitar grinned cruelly.
That attack had almost made him lose interest... luckily, it hurt a little.
He raised his fist high.
And slammed it down on Swampert, who had just finished his attack.
BOOM!
BOOM—!
CRAAACK!
The ground cracked violently.
Swampert tried to endure, to keep his eyes open...
But it was useless. His eyelids felt like they weighed tons. Swampert fell unconscious instantly.
"Uooohhh!"
The crowd erupted.
Tyranitar had beaten him in a single hit!
Even though he used the technique taught by the leader Tyranitar, it was a single brutal blow.
The force unleashed was absolutely monstrous.
(End of chapter)