Confirming the safety of the hostages, Yuga and Mr. Norman prepared to find a safer and more concealed location to wait for the right opportunity to take action.
At that moment, a group of people entered the hall, led by a woman with pink curly hair.
Yuga didn't expect to see Team Aqua officer and Special Operations Unit leader, Shelly, here. She was one of Archie's most capable subordinates. This woman had appeared multiple times in the original animated series, known for her decisive actions and swift execution. It was clear she wasn't someone to be trifled with.
"This should be the leader of their operation," Mr. Norman whispered to Yuga. Evidently, he didn't recognize Shelly.
Yuga nodded in agreement and said, "Let's leave here first and wait for a better opportunity to rescue the hostages."
"Alright," Mr. Norman softly agreed, getting ready to leave with Yuga.
Just then, Linoone's sharp claws scraped against the smooth floor of the TV station, creating a grating noise.
The voice was piercing, audible even to those who didn't want to listen. The other Team Aqua members immediately went on alert, and Captain Shelly released her Walrein, bellowing.
Seeing no one emerging, Shelly ordered Walrein to use an Ice Beam in the direction where Yuga and the others were hiding. Yuga and his team were forced to reveal themselves.
Upon seeing Yuga and Mr. Norman, Shelly let out a light chuckle. "So, it's Mr. Norman from the Petalburg Gym. I thought it might be some little mouse."
Although Mr. Norman didn't recognize Shelly, as a significant figure in the evil organization, she knew about him. Mr. Norman was a renowned Trainer in the Hoenn region and an important member of the Hoenn Pokémon League. Many members of the evil organization were familiar with his face.
"Since you recognize me, you should know that what you're doing is wrong," Mr. Norman remained composed despite being discovered, speaking calmly to Shelly.
The Team Aqua had previously acted in a lawful manner and hadn't violated the League's laws. That's why the League had been passive in their response, unaware of the takeover of Lilycove City's TV station.
Little did Mr. Norman know, the Team Aqua had always been ambitious. They just hadn't shown their true intentions until now.
"What we're doing is wrong? That's impossible. We're forging a new world!" Shelly, an ocean enthusiast, would never admit that her actions were wrong.
Upon hearing Shelly mention forging a new world, Mr. Norman was puzzled. Yuga, on the side, whispered an explanation, "The Team Aqua is searching for the Ancient Pokémon Kyogre to control and expand the oceans."
Though he didn't know how Yuga had this information, Mr. Norman was still shocked by what he heard. He felt they must be insane to want to control a legendary Pokémon.
"Mr. Norman, I suggest you surrender. There's no way you're leaving here today."
As Shelly's voice fell, the Team Aqua members surrounded Yuga, Mr. Norman, Linoone, and Audino.
"It seems we won't be able to negotiate today."
Mr. Norman's tone remained as calm as ever. Then, he quietly retrieved a Poké Ball and released his own Pokémon, Kangaskhan.
Type: Normal/Fighting
Moves: Double Strike, Mega Punch, Progressive Break, Dizzy Punch, Crunch, Endure, Counter, Revive, Thunderbolt, Shadow Ball, Brick Break, Assault, Rock Lock.
This was a Pokémon almost on the level of an Ace Trainer and was trained for all-out offense. Other than Endure, it only had attacking moves.
Seeing Mr. Norman's intention to resist, Shelly had her Walrein confront Kangaskhan.
Moves: Ice Fang, Crunch, Roll, Powder Snow, Water Gun, Rollout, Ice Ball, Aurora Beam, Topple Over the Summit, Ice Beam, Rock Lock, Surf.
Shelly truly lived up to her position as an officer of the Team Aqua; her strength rivaled that of Hoenn's strongest Gym Leader, Mr. Norman.
Quietly, Yuga released his Greninja and said to Mr. Norman, "Mr. Norman, please focus on dealing with this woman. I'll handle the other Team Aqua members."
While he didn't want Yuga to get involved in this situation, Mr. Norman had no other choice with only the two of them present. He nodded and advised Yuga, "Be careful and don't be reckless."
The impending battle had everyone in the hall trembling with fear.
"Mr. Norman, I advise you to surrender sooner rather than later. Don't engage in futile resistance," Shelly said with a cold tone.
Mr. Norman's resolve remained unwavering. "Are you sure you've already won today?"
"Then let's see what you've got! Walrein, Rollout followed by Ice Ball!" Negotiations failing, Shelly wasted no time in taking action.
With her command, Walrein curled up into a ball and a massive ice ball formed above its head before hurtling toward Kangaskhan.
"Kangaskhan, Mega Punch!"
Confronting the incoming ice ball, Kangaskhan faced the danger fearlessly. It raised its right fist high and shattered the ice ball into countless pieces that scattered in all directions.
As Shelly acted, her subordinates also moved into action.
The Pokémon used by the Team Aqua members were primarily Corphish and Spheal, resulting in a barrage of Bubble Beams and Water Guns aimed at Yuga.
"Greninja, Mat Blocki!"
Yuga's Greninja clapped its hands on the ground, and a white energy shield blocked all the attacks.
"Audino, Dazzling Gleam! Linoone, Headbutt!"
After Greninja shielded them from the Team Aqua's assault, Yuga immediately commanded his other two Pokémon to attack.
Linoone turned into a streak of lightning, quickly darting into the crowd of Team Aqua members. Each collision knocked down one of their Pokémon.
Audino also covered a great distance with its steps and arrived in front of the Corphishs and Spheals attacking Yuga's group. A colorful radiance flashed, causing a significant number of Pokémon to fall to the ground.
Shelly and Mr. Norman, engaged in their battle, noticed the Team Aqua members that Yuga had defeated. Both showed surprise, not expecting that an ordinary-looking young man would possess such strength.
Though Mr. Norman was pleased with the outcome, Shelly's brows furrowed in frustration.
It's no wonder the Team Aqua members were unable to withstand Yuga. Linoone and Greninja were of excellent quality, approaching Level 50, while Audino was nearly Level 60. This level of strength surpassed everyone present except for Shelly and Mr. Norman.
The Team Aqua hadn't reached its peak yet, and many of its members were newly recruited, so encountering such a situation was inevitable.