"Wah?"
A flash of red light appeared, followed by a confused cry.
As the red light faded, Ash's second Pokémon was revealed before the crowd.
It was a nimble, powerful Pokémon with flames wrapped around its hands and feet, and a blazing fire burning atop its head.
Sinnoh's Fire- and Fighting-type Starter, Infernape!
The commentator's voice rang out.
"Under Trainer Su Hao's Braviary's Whirlwind, Trainer Ash's second Pokémon is Infernape!"
At a Pokémon Daycare somewhere in the Sinnoh region.
Paul, his eyes slightly fierce, sat up straight and cursed under his breath.
"Useless idiot!"
Not only had it let the opponent get free damage, it had also turned the Battle Arena into territory most favorable to the other side. Compared to that, the opponent had merely spent a small amount of stamina and energy creating a Substitute.
No matter how one looked at it, it was utterly foolish. He had completely fallen into the opponent's rhythm and was being led around by the nose!
Now that Infernape had been dragged into battle, its specialty, Mach Punch, was effectively sealed... though Fighting-type moves had never been much of a threat to that Psychic- and Flying-type Hisuian Braviary anyway.
Inside a lounge at Spikemuth Arena.
A trace of surprise appeared in Cynthia's eyes. "So that was what he was planning?"
Steven smiled faintly. "Rather than continue fighting and risk unforeseen variables, he chose to stop while he was ahead, while also creating an environment more suited to Braviary's battle style so he could further expand his advantage?"
"Indeed. In my impression, Ash and Pikachu have always been able to create miracles."
Dande nodded in agreement.
But Lance wore a proud expression. Crossing his arms, he said, "Using Whirlwind to force a switch—Su Hao's instinct and sharpness when it comes to Flying-type Pokémon