Natsuhiko's expression was teasing.
Can't scare you to death!
The Ocean Team is not like the Rocket Team, daring to confront the Alliance head-on.
Although the Ocean Team is also a significant underground force, their division of the Hoenn Region's interests with the Magma Team, coupled with their hibernation state, explains a lot.
In comparison, the Rocket Team occupies the two major regions of Kanto and Johto, while the Ocean Team only has at most half of the Hoenn Region. Moreover, their inability to recruit talent like the Rocket Team signifies a huge gap in comparison.
Natsuhiko's little hint almost confirmed Black Tide's suspicion that he was a descendant of the Alliance's top brass.
Black Tide forced out a smile that was more like a grimace.
"This... friend..."
"Friend?" Natsuhiko raised an eyebrow.
It wasn't hard to gather from the previous conversation between Black Tide and Henry that Henry's choice to target the Saint Anus was influenced by Black Tide's plotting, or rather, the Ocean Team's planning.
Whatever they were planning, Natsuhiko didn't care, nor was he capable of doing so.
But their plans inadvertently dragged Natsuhiko in, which made it a concern for him.
If not for them, Natsuhiko wouldn't have had to leave the Saint Anus overnight.
Moreover, judging by Black Tide's attitude, even after dealing with Henry and Binina here, they would still target the Saint Anus.
Given Natsuhiko's strength, avoiding danger would have been the best outcome.
But now, with Marshadow's help, he could temporarily command this powerful Shining Charizard.
So why not...
Get rid of them here!
Once and for all.
Natsuhiko patted the neck of the Shining Charizard, "Charizard, Dragon Song (Dragon's Fury)!"
Though unwilling, the Shining Charizard acted without hesitation.
Blue-violet Dracoflame representing Anger spewed from its mouth, immediately evaporating the thin mist covering the sea, as the massive Dragon's Fury swept towards Black Tide.
Seeing this, Black Tide's expression changed drastically.
He realized that peace was not an option this time.
However, the Shining Charizard's Dragon's Fury wasn't beyond his capacity to resist, as the nearby Crawdaunt dashed out, radiating a faint green glow.
Successfully defended against this Dragon's Fury.
But having decided to take action, Natsuhiko had no intention of giving them a chance to breathe.
"Energy Storage Flame Attack."
"Roar."
The Shining Charizard let out a low growl, as dark blue flames enveloped its body, leaving only a bit of space for Natsuhiko.
With wings trembling lightly, it descended like a huge meteor towards Black Tide.
This time, Black Tide didn't plan on resisting or defending, grabbing the back shell of Crawdaunt, quickly diving into the sea.
While he avoided it, that didn't mean everyone else could, especially not his vessel "Black King," which was directly pierced by the Shining Charizard's Energy Storage Flame Attack. The sturdy hull began to disintegrate, with dark flames rapidly rising from inside out.
The wooden hull became the best burning material at that moment.
Unfortunate pirates unable to escape were consumed by the flames, turning to ash in an instant.
In a rush, many jumped into the sea.
This huge pirate ship, in just one attack from the Shining Charizard, was torn apart, and no one could resist its might.
Many regretted getting on board earlier.
Too late for regrets.
"Gulp."
Gerwin swallowed hard, the visual impact of the scene before her was overwhelming. The "Black King," several times larger than their pirate ship, was just gone like that.
The infamous "Black King" of the sea didn't even have a thought of resistance, leaving everyone behind as it fled?
The dark flames reflected on everyone's faces, casting into their hearts as well.
"So strong." Binina was also shocked, "Elite Trainer Level, or even stronger, this Shining Charizard... is at least comparable to a primary Pokémon of an Elite Trainer."
Yet, usually, to mentor juniors, a Trainer would not lend out their primary Pokémon, as the relationship between Trainers of that level and their primary Pokémon is incredibly close.
At best, they would lend a second-tier or even a third-tier Pokémon.
Is this Shining Charizard a second or third-tier Pokémon of a powerful Trainer?
What terrifying strength would that Trainer have attained?
Champion?
Even beyond Champion?
Binina did not dare to think further.
Because at that level, it was difficult for even her original family to associate.
Natsuhiko's identity became even more enigmatic in her eyes.
Meanwhile, riding on the Shining Charizard, Natsuhiko once again witnessed its power.
Although not as destructive as when facing Agatha and Uncle Liu, it was not far behind.
The most important thing was that the Shining Charizard was rational and not frenzied, making it an even more terrifying foe.
Natsuhiko was relieved to be on the same side as the Shining Charizard now.
"Run?"
Natsuhiko's gaze swept towards the sea.
Black Tide's decision was swift, but could he escape the Shining Charizard's pursuit?
"Roar."
Without needing Natsuhiko's reminder, the Shining Charizard had already spotted Black Tide's figure, escaping quickly underwater with Pokémon assistance.
The Shining Charizard shook its wings again, changing direction.
Its body was once again engulfed in flames, as its speed suddenly increased, launching a Flashing Flame Charge!
A dark figure like a thunderbolt quickly tore through the sky.
"Hey, Charizard, calm! Calm!"
Natsuhiko couldn't help but remind, seeing the sea getting closer.
However, the Shining Charizard seemed not to hear, and even curved its mouth into a smile, eyes tauntingly sparkling.
'Scare you to death with borrowed might!'
Boom!!
The Shining Charizard, enveloped in black flames, plunged into the sea, causing a thunderous roar and massive waves in the center of its descent.
As it turned out.
Natsuhiko's worry was unnecessary; the sea water evaporated instantaneously before reaching the Shining Charizard due to its intense heat, creating a vacuum effect in the ocean.
The current rational Shining Charizard wasn't as reckless; after plunging in, it quickly ascended.
And hiding in the sea, Black Tide naturally became the primary target.
Splash——
Water rushed back, with Shining Charizard folding its wings, swiftly soaring again, avoiding the returning sea water and the rising Pokémon body.
It was Crawdaunt!
Natsuhiko's eyes flickered, "Sacrificing a Pokémon without hesitation as a cost?"
Black Tide dove deeper into the sea, making his position untraceable by sight.
"In that case." Natsuhiko took a warm breath, "Charizard, scour the sea."
"Roar..." The Shining Charizard grinned broadly.
Not bad, he was finally aligning a bit with its temperament.
Black flames seeped through the Shining Charizard's sharp teeth.
It was gathering strength.
Natsuhiko started understanding its nature and temper.
Although the Shining Charizard regained rationality, destruction and violence were deeply embedded in its core. If not for Marshadow's suppression, who knows what it would have done.
But now Marshadow allowed it freedom...
"Charizard, Purgatory!"
Go big, scour the sea!