Lopunny's Earth-Splitting Strike!

Halfway through the match, Sato had lost Sharpedo and Krookodile, while Gengar was nearly out of health.

But considering the existence of Destiny Bond, Gengar's threat was practically equivalent to that of a Pokémon that had not yet appeared.

Flint had already lost Rapidash, Magmortar, and Flareon in succession, bringing the match into halftime break.

The atmosphere in the stands was no more enthusiastic. There was even a faint sense of solemnity, since most of the spectators supported Flint, who had fallen into a disadvantage.

Ten minutes passed quickly. When the referee blew the whistle once more, Sato and Flint both stood up without hesitation and quickly arrived at the command platform.

"Remember when I first met you at the Youth Elite Tournament? Back then, defeating you wasn't difficult," Flint said to himself, ignoring the referee's raised flag instead of sending out a Pokémon right away.

Referee: (;)

Sato also stopped himself from throwing his Poké Ball and looked at the other man in confusion.

"I never expected that after all these years, I'd end up being suppressed by you like this." Flint shook his head and continued with a sigh. "But I won't admit defeat, and neither will my partners!"

Sato: ...(⊙o⊙)?

Why was he suddenly making a vow? What was he supposed to say in response? A match was a match. Why was a grown man so sentimental?

After a long while, Sato gave nothing more than a mechanical nod.

As a young man with the old soul of someone over forty, Sato simply did not understand youthful passion or refusing to yield.

He only knew that if he couldn't win, he should concede. Once he became stronger, he could win it back.

The referee seemed to notice Sato's awkwardness. Then he remembered that Flint had ignored him