Chapter 368: Dragon Island! Team Rocket Returns
"Gallade!!! Mega Evolve!!!"
The moment he stepped onto the field, Li Xisheng went for his ultimate weapon. With a sharp cry, he triggered his Key Stone. The gold Mega Stone set into Gallade's belt flared with power, transforming the Blade Master into Mega Gallade.
As a Psychic/Fighting type, Mega Gallade was at a severe elemental disadvantage against a Ghost type like Froslass. But at this level, Li Xisheng knew that raw power and tactical precision could overcome the chart.
"Teleport!!!"
Mega Gallade's silhouette flickered and vanished, reappearing instantly behind Mega Froslass. He lashed out with a glowing Psycho Cut.
But Rainey Chang was an Elite for a reason. Having anticipated the warp, Mega Froslass phased through the physical plane the second Gallade vanished. As he reappeared, she spun mid-air, exhaling a puff of eerie, freezing purple fire.
Will-O-Wisp!
Mega Gallade didn't stay to find out if his speed could outrun the burn. He used Teleport again, warping across the arena.
The two Pokémon became blurs of white and purple, flickering across the battlefield in a high-speed game of dimensional tag. The air was filled with the sounds of energy clashing and ice shattering as they traded blows.
"It looks like Rainey has decided she's had enough of the job," Zhurong Yun remarked with a faint, knowing smile.
Kenji turned to look at him.
The Champion didn't keep him guessing. "She's sandbagging. Mega Froslass isn't using even seventy percent of its real output."
As the sitting Champion, Zhurong Yun knew the limits of his Elite Four better than anyone. He could see the subtle delays in Rainey's commands, the way Froslass was intentionally missing opportunities for a total shutdown.
By holding back, Rainey was essentially acknowledging Li Xisheng's growth. She had won their last duel three years ago, but now, she was ready to step down and let the new generation take the mantle.
Kenji nodded. He understood. After a century of service, maybe Rainey just wanted to go back to the snowy mountains and enjoy her retirement in peace.
Sure enough, the match began to tilt. Mega Froslass "accidentally" overextended during a Blizzard cast, leaving a microscopic opening. Li Xisheng seized it instantly.
A point-blank Fire Punch slammed into the Ghost's side, followed immediately by a devastating Psycho Cut.
The impact was massive. Mega Froslass was heavily injured. The stalemate broke, and after a final, desperate exchange, the frost specter finally hit its limit. The Mega Evolution dissolved, and the Pokémon fell to the snow-covered floor.
On the other side, Mega Gallade panted heavily, its cape tattered and its body bruised. Even with the "help," it had been a brutal fight.
"Froslass is unable to battle!! Gallade wins the match!!"
"Contestant Rainey Chang has no remaining Pokémon!! The winner is Li Xisheng!!"
"In a historic upset, Li Xisheng has defeated the Northeast Elite Four!! He now ascends to the seat of the Northeast Elite!!!"
The MC's voice boomed over the speakers, amplified by the roar of the crowd.
"LET US CHEER FOR THE BIRTH OF A NEW REGIONAL MASTER!!!"
In the stands, Kenji clapped politely. He was happy for Li Xisheng, but his mind was already calculating. With the regional masters gathering in the Capital, he needed to start his own run soon.
Li Xisheng stood in the center of the field, his eyes reflecting a mix of triumph and deep gratitude as he looked at the outgoing master. Rainey simply gave him a small, silent nod—a passing of the torch.
...
Three days later, Li Xisheng's official coronation ceremony as an Elite Four member was held.
With the festivities concluded, Kenji finalized his first target for the Road to the Championship: the Southeast Elite Four, Mason Chu.
Li Xisheng had just taken his seat; Kenji felt it would be rude to challenge him and knock him back down to earth so soon. It would ruin the vibe.
So, he set his sights on the veteran Steel-master, Mason Chu.
Mason had delayed his return to the Southeast District specifically to wait for Kenji's challenge. The match was scheduled for the following afternoon.
But the night before the duel, a frantic phone call shattered the peace of Kenji's hotel suite.
"Kenji! I'm so sorry, I... I have to go back to Dragon Island immediately."
It was Namgung Xi. Her voice was high and tight with panic.
"What happened?" Kenji asked, standing up instantly.
"Team Rocket," she whispered, her voice shaking. "They've been spotted again. A massive fleet is gathering in the mist around the island. I have to go home."
Kenji frowned. Although Namgung Xi loved the mainland, Dragon Island was her soul. If it was in danger, she wouldn't stay away for a second.
"Don't worry," Kenji said, trying to steady her. "The League won't let Team Rocket run rampant. And your Guardian Deity is there, right? No one gets past that dragon."
Namgung Xi nodded, but her eyes were still wet. "I know... but I still have to be there. I'm sorry we can't travel together anymore."
She looked heartbroken, not just for her home, but for the broken promise to see Kenji through his Elite Four run.
Kenji stayed silent for a moment, his gaze shifting to the Poké Ball on his nightstand—the one containing the black snake fueled by the Deity's own DNA.
"I'm coming with you," Kenji said firmly.
"What?" Namgung Xi blinked, stunned.
Kenji offered a confident smile. "Pack your bags. I'm going to Dragon Island too. You could use an extra hand, and I'm pretty sure my team is itching for a real fight."
Namgung Xi's eyes widened. "But... Kenji, you have your match tomorrow! You're supposed to challenge Mason Chu!"
Kenji waved his hand dismissively. "The challenge can wait. The Elite Four aren't going anywhere. We're friends, aren't we? Friends don't let friends fight a criminal syndicate alone."
Namgung Xi hesitated, but the relief on her face was visible. To have the strongest trainer in Huaxia—a man whose power exceeded the regional Elites—standing by her side made the world feel a lot less scary.
She nodded vigorously. "Thank you, Kenji. Really."
Kenji grabbed his jacket. "Don't thank me yet. Let's go give Team Rocket a reason to regret coming back."
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