Chapter 37: Chapter 37: Giovanni's Challenge
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"It doesn't seem right to leave just like that, Gym Leader Morikage!"
Giovanni's tone was filled with anger, his fury evident. If this weren't the Viridian Gym, Giovanni would have already taken action.
Morikage turned back at Giovanni's words, his expression cold and sinister as he replied, "What? Do you have more to say? Or are you looking to challenge me as well? Fine, come on! I'm not afraid of your half-baked Pokémon! This time, I'll show you runts what actually battling a Gym Leader feels like. Don't worry, I'll leave a few of their bones intact."
Giovanni's eyes grew colder, his naturally fierce gaze becoming even sharper. Pointing at Morikage, he took a deep breath and declared solemnly:
"Morikage, your actions today make you unfit to remain a Gym Leader. I will report this incident to the League and request an official challenge for the position of Gym Leader. I will defeat you in front of everyone and take your place as the Gym Leader of the Viridian Gym! Expect to hear from the League soon. Let's go."
With that, Giovanni led his subordinates out. Liam, his eyes gleaming with admiration, followed closely.
The battle hall was left empty, with Morikage standing alone in the arena, gritting his teeth in frustration and hatred.
Outside the Viridian Gym, Liam healed his Pokémon at the Pokémon Center before joining Giovanni and the others back at their hideout.
On the way, the younger members chattered excitedly about the earlier battle, their faces glowing with enthusiasm.
"Giovanni! What you said back there was so commanding! But… I think you may have overlooked a few things," Liam said, walking alongside Giovanni with a grin.
Giovanni chuckled at Liam's words, then asked what he might have missed. Frowning slightly in thought, Liam replied,
"First, how do you plan to report today's events to the League? After all, Morikage is the officially recognized Gym Leader. The League won't act based on your word alone."
"Second, even if the League does agree to your challenge, how confident are you about beating him? I remember your Beedrill lost to his Pidgeot when I first met you. And today, his Scyther showed remarkable strength. My victory was purely just a stroke of luck. If I had to battle his Scyther again, I have no doubt that I'd lose."
"And third, even if you do defeat Morikage, will the League approve of you as the new Gym Leader? Won't they question your background? To be blunt, Giovanni, your past isn't exactly squeaky clean."
Giovanni gave Liam an approving look and smiled.
"I wouldn't have said what I did without considering these things."
"First, while my voice alone may not carry much weight, rumors are powerful. And this isn't just a rumor; it's the truth. If I spread the story of today's events, the League won't need me to report it—they'll investigate Morikage on their own."
"Second, a Gym Leader challenge involves a full six-on-six battle. Last time, Morikage only beat my Beedrill with his Pidgeot. If I assemble a team that counters his Pokémon, winning won't be an issue."
"And third, haven't you heard the saying, 'Money makes the world go round'? I'll use part of the funding you gave me to ensure I have plenty of support for the position. Don't worry—I won't misuse your contribution."
With each explanation, Liam's admiration for Giovanni grew. By the end, he looked at Giovanni with genuine respect.
"These kinds of strategic moves really suit you, Giovanni. You've thought of everything. As for the funds, don't worry about it. That was my investment in joining you and your team. If it helps you become the Viridian Gym's Leader, it'll greatly benefit our organization's future. I think it's money well spent."
Recalling how Giovanni became the Viridian Gym's Leader in the original storyline, Liam suddenly had an idea and quickly said,
"Let me examine your Pokémon. I might be able to find ways to strengthen them further."
Giovanni hesitated but nodded. Leading the group to an open area, he released his Beedrill, Persian, and Nidorino.
"These are my current Pokémon. I plan to catch some Rock or Ground-types to counter Morikage," Giovanni said as he stroked Persian's sleek fur, eliciting a purring meow of delight.
"Let me take a look." Liam eagerly approached, pretending to examine the Pokémon while secretly using his system to scan them.
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Pokemon: Persian
Type: Normal
Species: Classy Cat Pokémon (evolved form of Meowth)
Ability: Technician
Nature: Arrogant
Gender: Male
Moves: Swift, Scratch, Growl, Bite, Fake Out, Fury Swipes, Screech, Taunt, Power Gem
Egg Move: Snatch
Stats: 447 (Base: 440)
HP: 65
Attack: 70
Defense: 60
Special Attack: 70 (Base: 65)
Special Defense: 65
Speed: 117 (Base: 115)
Evaluation: Excellent. Enhanced by a mysterious power that poses no harm. Recommended for focused training.
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Pokemon: Beedrill
Type: Bug/Poison
Species: Poison Bee Pokémon
Ability: Swarm
Nature: Calm
Gender: Female
Moves: Twineedle, Fury Attack, Rage, Pursuit, Focus Energy, Pin Missile, Venoshock, Toxic Spikes
Egg Move: None
Stats: 410 (Base: 395)
HP: 69 (Base: 65)
Attack: 96 (Base: 90)
Defense: 40
Special Attack: 45
Special Defense: 80
Speed: 80 (Base: 75)
Evaluation: Excellent. Enhanced by a mysterious power that poses no harm. Recommended for focused training.
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After reading the scans, Liam frowned, his eyes narrowing at the mention of the mysterious power. He quickly deduced that it must be the legendary Viridian Force, which was rumored to enhance Pokémon beyond their limits.
Turning to Nidorino, Liam discovered that its stats were unaltered—likely due to its recent capture—but its level was notably high, having already learned Horn Drill.
However, it remained unevolved due to the absence of a Moon Stone.
"Your Nidorino—how did you catch it? Its level seems quite high," Liam asked curiously.
Giovanni, surprised by the question, replied, "I caught it not long ago. It had been injured and driven out after losing a fight for a mate. I took it in, nursed it back to health, and it decided to stay. Why?"
"I see. This Nidorino has the rare Hustle ability, which increases damage at the cost of accuracy. Its opponent likely had Rivalry, which boosts power against the same gender. Combined with Hustle's accuracy drop, it lost the fight."
Liam grinned as he turned back to Giovanni, his tone confident.
"Giovanni, I've figured out a way to significantly boost your Pokémon's strength. Trust me—it'll be a game-changer!"