Previously, Mitchell had sent out two Pokémon to eliminate the three intruders—Cain, Steven, and Phoebe—who had entered the hollow tree.
Drake had wanted to go to their rescue, so he hadn't been able to fight at full strength.
During the battle, he had held back tremendously.
That's how he gradually ended up fighting all the way down to the lowest part of the tree.
Now that he had confirmed Cain and the others were safe, the frustrated Drake was ready to fight with all his power.
Sensing the change in Drake's aura, the expressions of the three enemies tensed.
"Mr. Drake, wait a moment!" said Cain, stopping him.
Hearing this, Drake turned his gaze toward him.
Cain then pointed to the floating figure in the air, looking displeased: Celebi.
"Celebi?!" exclaimed Drake, completely forgetting he had been about to engage in combat.
"Celebi!!" shouted the two on Mitchell's side in unison.
Following Cain's finger, they also saw Celebi.
Mitchell's eyes lit up intensely.
He had orchestrated this entire operation, convinced the elders of the Hunter Guild, gathered enormous resources, and even involved Team Magma and Team Aqua—all for Celebi.
Because he knew the legend and the power of Celebi.
"Executive Tabitha, Executive Shelly, you two... she is our main target! I hope you'll keep your word. Just keep Drake busy—I'll handle Celebi!" Mitchell told them urgently.
Tabitha and Shelly exchanged surprised looks.
Although their organizations pursued Groudon and Kyogre respectively, they were not ignorant of other legendary Pokémon.
Upon seeing Celebi, both began to develop dangerous ideas.
Mitchell noticed their expressions and silence from the corner of his eye, and his face darkened.
With a cold voice, he said, "Tabitha, Shelly... don't forget the agreement between the Hunter Guild and your organizations! Do you want your groups to suffer major losses?"
The threat was direct and unambiguous.
Both frowned. As high-ranking members of criminal organizations, they were not used to being spoken to that way.
But before departing, their leaders had given them clear instructions.
If the opportunity arose, they were to help the Hunter Guild accomplish its mission.
In this, both Maxie and Archie were in full agreement.
"If we manage to capture Celebi, I promise you Elite Four-level resources. That's the most I can offer in the name of the Hunter Guild," Mitchell added, reinforcing his proposal.
As a veteran member of a criminal organization, he understood well how things worked.
Threats without benefits would only drive allies away. Better to make the threat clear... and then offer a substantial reward.
Upon hearing this, Tabitha and Shelly understood how they had to proceed.
They knew Celebi's name and appearance, but not her specific abilities.
Mitchell, on the other hand, could not hide his excitement.
If he managed to capture Celebi, he could do more than fulfill his promises. If given time to develop, he might even lead the Hunter Guild.
Those cowardly old men preaching neutrality were unworthy of command.
If he could subdue Celebi and take control of the vast resources the Hunter Guild had accumulated over so many years, then... he would not only dominate the Pokémon world, but could form an organization on the level of Team Rocket.
After all he had said and thought... he forgot one crucial thing.
As much as Celebi wasn't known for brute strength, she wasn't a Pokémon that could be captured so easily.
"Cain, Steven, Phoebe! You protect Celebi! I'll hold them off as quickly as I can!" Drake said, now completely serious.
When a legendary Pokémon was involved, the battle was no longer a game.
"Tabitha, Shelly, your turn! I don't need much—just five minutes! Five minutes will be enough! My Pokémon will assist you," Mitchell ordered.
They both nodded solemnly.
It was time to play their final cards.
Almost simultaneously, they pulled a Poké Ball from their clothing.
They threw them.
And two Champion-tier Pokémon appeared.
They had to be their trump cards. Perhaps not their own, but they knew how to command them in battle.
Mitchell also sent out all his Pokémon to support Tabitha and Shelly against Drake.
Then, carefully, he drew two more Poké Balls.
Without hesitation, he threw them.
A Ninjask and a Shedinja appeared.
Upon seeing them, Cain raised an eyebrow, now evaluating Mitchell with more respect.
He knew how to use special Bug-type Pokémon against Celebi.
Exactly: Celebi, as a Psychic and Grass type, was four times weak to Bug-type moves.
With Shedinja and its Wonder Guard ability, and the high speed of Ninjask thanks to Speed Boost, it was possible to stage a serious confrontation.
Steven and Phoebe immediately took combat stances upon seeing those two Pokémon.
"Cain, you design the strategy," Steven said directly.
Cain might not have been the strongest of the trio...
...but his strategies, unusual tactics, and unpredictable fighting style made him a recognized tactical master.
But Cain simply smiled. And gestured with his hand.
"No need. We don't have to intervene," Cain said calmly.
Steven and Phoebe looked at him, puzzled.
But he didn't explain further.
They had underestimated Celebi. Underestimated a legendary Pokémon. Underestimated a mythical Pokémon with unique powers.
If Celebi could be captured so easily, Cain thought he might as well start planning to capture Mew.
Even Team Rocket, even Giovanni, had never dared claim they could defeat Mew.
Mitchell, though strong—what was he compared to Giovanni? A nobody.
Celebi was on the same level as Mew.
Though not as good at fighting, she had abilities Mew didn't possess.
"Celee!"
In the air, Celebi was truly enraged.
That human not only fought in her home, but now wanted to capture her?
That was unacceptable!
The two Pokémon he had sent... she deeply disliked.
But they were no match for her.
Though Celebi did not enjoy fighting, she was now ready to act.
(End of chapter)