I am Giovanni

Chapter 89: Surrounded

Giovanni had simply provoked the other party. And as he expected, bald men were often hot-headed. The surrounding Squad Leaders and grunts immediately made way for their leader.

"Focus Energy," Giovanni commanded softly. "Screech."

Beedrill, Machop, and Nidorino simultaneously used Focus Energy, their auras surging. Persian opened its mouth and let out a piercing roar that made the grunts' scalps tingle.

Tyson glanced at Beedrill and Persian, frowning. These two Pokémon were only at the advanced level, so why did they feel stronger than his own? A senior-level trainer didn't always have a full team of senior-level Pokémon.

Tyson's only senior-level Pokémon were his Golbat, Primeape, and Fearow; the others were still at the advanced level.

He shook his head. They're still just advanced level. He didn't believe they could pull off any tricks. He waved his hand disdainfully. "Go. Kill them."

His team consisted of a Golbat, Primeape, Fearow, Raticate, Arbok, and Grimer—a truly Team Rocket-style lineup.

"Beedrill, Nidorino, use Toxic Spikes!" Giovanni ordered. They quickly scattered the sharp, venomous caltrops on the ground, blocking the path of the charging Primeape and the others.

However, the spikes couldn't stop the Golbat and Fearow. They flapped their wings and swooped down towards Giovanni.

"Poison Sting! Karate Chop! Swift!" Giovanni commanded.

Beedrill and Nidorino unleashed a rain of arrows towards the Golbat. Machop leaped forcefully, striking towards the Fearow. And Persian's tail swung, unleashing a full-power Swift. The sparkling, five-pointed stars turned the sky into a brilliant meteor shower.

Tyson was a Squad Leader; he wasn't completely incompetent. "Wing Attack! Air Cutter!" he immediately reacted.

The Fearow used Wing Attack, its wings like sharp blades, gleaming with a faint light— a single dive interrupted the Machop's attack and knocked it down. It also managed to break through the dense Swift attack.

Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh!

The Golbat flapped its wings, and Air Cutter instantly formed. The sharp air blades deflected and shattered all the incoming Poison Stings.

The Toxic Spikes below also couldn't stop Tyson. "Grimer, eat them," he instructed. In delight, the Grimer wriggled forward and consumed the spikes. As it did, gases rose from its body, and its color became even more vibrant.

"Now," Tyson sneered, "I'd like to see what you do."

Group attacks were no longer viable. They had to defeat them one by one. Giovanni needed to quickly put Tyson at a disadvantage to draw out the observers sent by Captain Ank. At the very least, it could save Archer and Mars's lives.

"Persian," Giovanni shouted. "You handle that Primeape and Raticate. Nidorino, the Grimer is yours. Machop, Arbok should be no problem, right?" The three Pokémon nodded, their battle intent rising. As for Beedrill, it had already flown up, its twin stingers gleaming coldly, facing the most troublesome Golbat and Fearow.

The first to act was the Persian. It stared intently at the Primeape and Raticate, and with a flash of its body, it vanished, leaving only an afterimage—a Fake Out.

"No rush," Tyson said. "Use Focus Energy." The Primeape and Raticate quickly focused their power, preparing for the charging Persian.

However, the Persian appeared beside them in a flash; it had been a Feint attack. It first attacked the weaker Raticate. A swift Assurance sent the Raticate flying, its frantic claws leaving a deep scratch on the Pokémon's body, tearing the skin and flesh.

"Primeape, use Fury Swipes!" Tyson roared, his expression ugly.

The Primeape roared furiously, unwilling to be outdone. It clenched its fists, its muscles seemingly about to burst, and swung madly at the Persian. The air was torn by its sharp claws, making whooshing sounds.

"Dodge first, then Swift!" Giovanni immediately responded. The Persian dodged flexibly, and at the same time, flicked its tail. Countless five-pointed stars forced the Primeape to retreat again and again. Though it only caused superficial injuries, it was enough.

"Continue!" Giovanni seized the opportunity. "Assurance!"

The Persian moved, charging towards the Primeape, its sharp claws extended.

"Raticate, what are you still standing there for?!" Tyson roared. "Quick Attack, then Hyper Fang!"

The Raticate, a hint of panic in its eyes, quickly rejoined the battle. Its body was like lightning, appearing beside the Persian in an instant. It opened its mouth, its huge and sharp teeth glinting coldly.

"Power Gem!" Giovanni commanded, having anticipated the move.

The Persian snorted coldly. The gem on its head lit up, and sparkling Power Gems appeared around it. As they rotated, rays of light shot out, continuously striking the Raticate's body.

Its Hyper Fang hadn't even landed before it was sent flying by the Power Gem, its body blasted with bloody holes, looking utterly miserable.