Sucker Punch was only effective when the opponent used an attacking move, allowing the user to strike first. In actual combat, it could also be used to close the distance quickly.
The opponent had taken the battle far too much for granted. Even with an overwhelming advantage, Ye Lan would never underestimate his opponent. Such an obvious opening could very well be a trap.
Sure enough, with a furious roar from Emboar, flames swiftly spread over the Cotton Spore and burned it to ash. The slowed Flare Blitz surged forward like a wild horse breaking free of its reins, carrying Emboar toward Whimsicott once again.
Honestly, the sight of a hulking Emboar charging head-on might have been intimidating to an ordinary Pokémon. With a move that also had a type advantage, it would be even easier to throw off their judgment.
But for Whimsicott and the other Pokémon on Ye Lan's Team, seeing their unusually large Serperior every day and having experienced the Giant Venusaur Forest had changed their perspective. Even to the small, slender Whimsicott, the Emboar before it, standing roughly 1.8 meters tall, was just a "little guy"...
"Now, Emboar, use Close Combat!" Seeing the distance shrink, the student's eyes flashed with excitement.
With Whimsicott's tiny frame and low physical defense, this attack could very well knock it out in a single blow!
"Emboar—roar!"
Flames burst from Emboar's fists. Once it judged that it was close enough, it unleashed a storm of punches. Yet Whimsicott remained where it stood and even pulled a face at its opponent.
"Whimsi~"
The next instant, "Whimsicott" shattered beneath Emboar's punch into a vast cloud of pale yellow powder, instantly blanketing the entire battlefield.
"Substitute? Oh no! Emboar, use Protect, quick!"
Hearing its trainer's frantic urging, Emboar tried to react immediately. But just