Once more a dog is sent to meddle in matters beyond him. Amber eyes gaze upon familiar sands. This time, at least, he works with an equal. There is no dynamic at play. They're packmates, both charging behind the leaders.[break]
"Only thing I've done is touch the stone. It ties into that skeleton dragon from Galar. I think." It's hard to know for sure. He can barely read the language the people of Hoenn speak, much less process the odd and often esoteric myths of Galar.[break]
"I don't understand what we're supposed to be seein' in here."

"Only one way to find out!" He says in a steadier voice. They can sit here and discuss theory all day, or they can take action. The two packmates have this in common: actions are much preferred to words. There are far, far too many words tossed around carelessly. Best to focus on what they can do rather than debating theory.[break]
The dog steps forward, raises a leg. One of the guardians of this place comes running. They scream, beg him to not disturb anything. When his leg kicks out and disturbs a boulder, the only acknowledgement Hitoshi gives the man is a flick. Kusanagi emerges out of his other side as chaos ensues.

"Probably smart." Hitoshi has no deeper insight into offer, nor a leader's desire to conduct what happens next. Instead, he directs his Pokemon as best he can. Kusanagi launches from his hand like a missile, moving forward to do battle with the Regirock. Three swords dance across the stone, making little progress. Even ultra beasts and cursed blades can find little purchase against a paragon of stone. This beast of the earth rampages, twisting about in the swamp.[break]
Nothing they do will work. It steps out of the swamp with heavy footsteps. Every step sends debris falling down. While Hitoshi doubts death will stick in this simulated universe, he doesn't want to be the one who finds out. Whistling, his three swords rush back to him. Turning on his heels, he makes a desperate break from the tomb.[break]
"Shit, shit. Faster!"

The boss is beautiful. It is not his face that makes Hitoshi think so, nor his voice. It's the natural grace of his body, the absolute confidence with which he moves. This is another ultimate example of humanity. So transfixed in the perfection of his movements is Hitoshi that the dog doesn't bother to draw his sword until it's too late.[break][break]
Out comes two Pokemon: Nidoking and Gliscor. Two on two. That seems fair. The smart move would be to fall back, let his Kartana do the work. Hitoshi isn't in the business of being smart. Energy gathers along the edge of his blade, a sacred sword.[break]
"I didn't hear no bell, Wash!" He screams as the sword blasts into the Nidoking, sending him back. It is but the first blow in the battle. Victory is by no means assured. A veteran like this can surely recover.

The admin's eyes serve for a conductor's baton. Without a word, he guides them with a nod or a sway of his head. Hitoshi understands as soon as the Nidoking recovers that he has bitten off more than he can chew. The force behind each blow is enough to send him flying back. When his sword clashes against the Nidoking's fist, it feels as if his arm is going to shatter. Something splinters in his shoulder.[break]
Unable to keep up the fight that way, he lets Muramasa fly free. The blade skirts around Nidoking with the other two. One, two, three hits along the monster's edge. Nidoking keeps calm. The simulated admin's eyes turn upon Hitoshi.[break]
Backing away, he cowers like a dog with his tail between his legs. They're powerful eyes. The dog understands with one glance why they would choose this man to lead Rocket in Hoenn. His eyes carry dignity, mystery, and humanity.[break]
Ironic.[break]
Fire gathers around the Nidoking's fist. One fire punch is all it takes to send Tsuchigumo flying across the field. The Kartana falls, having fainted. Hitoshi recalls him.[break]
"Whitey, he's strong." The dog's voice carries both admiration and fear.