At that moment, Blastoise trudged back to Yu Hai with weary steps, panting heavily. Its body rose and fell slightly as it gulped in air, bead-sized drops of sweat rolling from its forehead onto the grass.
After fighting two consecutive battles, Blastoise had not been injured, but it had clearly expended a great deal of stamina. Anyone familiar with Yu Hai knew that, given his usual fighting style, this was not yet the time to recall Blastoise.
Yu Hai stood with his arms folded, a faint smile at the corner of his lips. His eyes held confidence and calmness; everything was under his control.
His opponent only had one Pokémon left. In his eyes, once his opponent sent out that final Pokémon, it would be entirely at his mercy. Whether he kneaded it flat or round would be up to him.
"Go, Rapidash!" Du She gritted his teeth and, with a trace of determination, forcefully threw his last Poké Ball.
A flash of red light passed, and a Rapidash wreathed in blazing flames appeared on the battlefield. Rapidash raised its head and neighed, its resounding cry seeming capable of piercing the heavens.
Its mane danced in the wind like burning fire, radiating astonishing heat that distorted the surrounding air.
This was a Fire-type Pokémon, clearly at a type disadvantage against Yu Hai, a Water-type Trainer. Seeing the situation, the spectators began discussing among themselves. The outcome of this Knockout Stage match seemed beyond doubt.
"It's Rapidash! How will contestant Yu Hai respond? Will Blastoise continue fighting? Or will he switch to his second Pokémon? Could we be witnessing another one-hit-three battle today?"
The host's excited commentary rang out loudly, full of anticipation and curiosity. The audience's gazes all focused on Yu Hai as they eagerly waited to see what he