The sun had barely risen over the horizon when the first skirmishes erupted. Kanto launched a two-point invasion into Johto, striking simultaneously at New Bark Town and Olivine City.
New Bark Town Invasion
At the border near New Bark Town, Major Giovanni led the Kanto forces. His Persian stood by his side, ready to unleash its fury. "Disrupt their defenses and cut off their supply lines!" Giovanni commanded. Persian's Hyper Beam struck with pinpoint accuracy, causing Johto's defensive barricades to crumble. The Kanto forces advanced, their spirits buoyed by the initial success.
Giovanni's strategy was meticulous and ruthless. He utilized a multi-pronged approach, combining direct assaults with sabotage and psychological warfare. Knowing that New Bark Town was the gateway to Johto, he aimed to cripple the town's defenses swiftly and efficiently.
Giovanni deployed specialized sabotage teams to target supply routes and key defensive structures. These teams disrupted Johto's ability to resupply and reinforce their positions, creating confusion and delays. He coordinated a pincer movement, with one force attacking directly from the front while another circled around to strike from the rear. This strategy confused Johto's defenders and forced them to spread their forces thin. Understanding the importance of morale, Giovanni used propaganda and misinformation to sow doubt among Johto's troops. He had operatives spread rumors of Kanto's overwhelming strength and inevitable victory, aiming to demoralize Johto's defenders.
On the other side, Hayato, the then Gym Leader of Violet City and Falkner's grandfather, commanded Johto's defenders with his trusty Pidgeot. "Hold the line! We must protect our home!" he shouted. Pidgeot's Aerial Ace clashed with the incoming Hyper Beams, creating a dazzling display of power. The defenders fought valiantly, determined to keep Kanto from advancing further into Johto.
Despite their bravery, Johto's defenses began to falter. The initial sabotage had left them without vital supplies, and Giovanni's tactical brilliance kept them on the back foot. With key supply routes disrupted, Johto's forces struggled to resupply ammunition and medical supplies. This lack of resources hindered their ability to sustain prolonged engagements. The pincer movement forced Johto's defenders to spread out, diluting their strength. Hayato's forces found themselves fighting on multiple fronts, unable to concentrate their efforts where they were most needed. The psychological tactics employed by Giovanni began to take their toll. Soldiers and Pokémon alike grew weary, doubting their ability to withstand Kanto's relentless assault.
The dense forests around New Bark Town played a crucial role in the battle. The terrain offered both advantages and challenges to the combatants. The thick foliage provided cover for both sides, allowing for ambushes and surprise attacks. Giovanni's forces, trained in jungle warfare, used the environment to their advantage, setting traps and using the trees for concealment. The uneven ground and dense undergrowth made movement difficult. Large Pokémon struggled to navigate the terrain, and injured soldiers found it hard to retreat or seek medical aid. The forest was not without its dangers. Wild Pokémon, disturbed by the fighting, attacked indiscriminately. Streams and small rivers crisscrossed the area, creating natural barriers that both sides had to navigate.
Amidst the chaos, a young Johto soldier named Hiroshi found himself in the thick of the battle. As he watched the devastation unfold, he couldn't shake the nagging doubts that plagued his mind. The cries of injured Pokémon and the sight of fallen comrades weighed heavily on his conscience. "Is this really worth it?" he wondered, questioning his loyalty and the true cost of victory.
Olivine City Invasion
Simultaneously, another Kanto force aimed to seize control of Olivine City, a crucial port and economic hub. Lt. Surge led this assault, his strategic mind focused on crippling Johto's maritime capabilities. "Sever their supply routes and disrupt their trade!" Surge ordered. His Raichu and Electabuzz took point, their powerful electric attacks wreaking havoc on Johto's defenses.
The port city, usually bustling with the activity of traders and sailors, had become a warzone. The once peaceful docks were now filled with the sounds of clashing steel and crackling electricity. Surge's forces moved with military precision, targeting key infrastructure and supply depots.
Jasmine's grandfather, the then Gym Leader of Olivine City, coordinated the defense of the city. "We must protect the port at all costs!" he declared. His Steel-type Pokémon, such as Steelix and Magnemite, provided robust support against the Kanto forces. Jasmine's grandfather organized defensive lines and positioned his Pokémon strategically to counter Surge's electric attacks.
Providing crucial support was Chuck, the Gym Leader from Cianwood City. He led his Pokémon into the fray with fierce determination. Chuck's Primeape and Poliwrath engaged in close combat, using the narrow streets to their advantage and ambushing Kanto's troops.
The defenders used the city's layout to their advantage, setting up strategic chokepoints and ambushes. Steelix and Magnemite formed a powerful front line, their Steel-type moves deflecting many of Surge's electric attacks. Chuck's Pokémon worked alongside them, creating a coordinated and effective defense. The clash of elemental powers illuminated the night, with electric bolts and steel glints reflecting off the water.
Despite their efforts, Johto's forces struggled to hold the line. Surge's relentless assault, combined with the blackouts and supply shortages, began to take their toll. The defenders were pushed back, inch by inch, as Kanto's forces gained ground.
In the midst of the battle, a young trainer named Akira joined the defenders, inspired by the bravery of Jasmine's grandfather and Chuck. He vowed to protect his home and its crucial port. With his trusty Pidgeotto by his side, Akira used his skills to outmaneuver Kanto's forces in several key skirmishes. His actions earned him the admiration of his peers and the gratitude of his fellow citizens.
Akira took advantage of the darkened streets, using Pidgeotto's agility to deliver hit-and-run attacks on Kanto's troops. His quick thinking and bravery provided much-needed support to Johto's defenders, buying them valuable time to regroup and counterattack.
***
End of Chapter 20