Once Zoroark's Illusion Strategy was deployed, unless the opponent found a way to counter it, they would never be able to locate its true position, much less launch a counterattack.
However, Cynthia was not entirely unfamiliar with Sato's Zoroark. She had watched its brilliant performance in the Pseudo-Elite Four Tournament before, so she immediately ordered Garchomp to whip up a Sandstorm.
However, weather had one shared flaw—it could not be activated instantly! And that brief window was already enough for Zoroark to launch its strongest attack.
Dark Burst Compressed Ball! Hundreds of Zoroarks filled the entire field, each in a different pose as they swiftly condensed Dark Burst Compressed Balls.
Then, all at once, they hurled them at Garchomp in the center of the field!
Boom!!! The explosion came far earlier than expected. Zoroark had placed the real attack at the very front, all to catch Garchomp off guard.
The next moment, the Sandstorm began to rage, obscuring the field in a hazy blur. Under the effect of Sand Veil, Sato could no longer see Garchomp's exact condition.
He did not even know how effective the Dark Burst Compressed Ball from earlier had been. "Dig!"
Just then, Cynthia's voice suddenly rang out, and Garchomp almost simultaneously darted out from underground. Its sharp claws aimed directly at the real Zoroark's soft abdomen! With the Illusion Ability riddled with openings under the raging Sandstorm, Garchomp used the opportunity to pinpoint Zoroark's location.
"Kuu!"
At a crucial moment, a Pokémon's independent combat ability became especially important.
Faced with the sneak attack, the real Zoroark leaped backward without a word. Its exceptional reflexes allowed it to dodge Garchomp's lethal strike.
A trace of surprise flashed in Garchomp's eyes, but its body's battle instincts had already driven it to charge forward, swinging its claws for