Xia Yan vs. Giovanni!
"Will both contestants please prepare!"
The referee's voice echoed throughout the stadium.
The battle to advance into the Masters Eight had officially begun.
"Since it's the first match, you'll take the lead."
As his words fell.
The Poké Ball in Giovanni's hand traced a smooth arc through the air.
Click—
As the Poké Ball opened and red light flashed, a burly Pokémon standing atop milky-white clouds with its arms folded appeared on the field.
Threads of earthy-yellow energy wound around it, stirring up the Ground-type power across the entire field.
Landorus!
"Ohohoho—Giovanni's first Pokémon is actually Landorus! It is said to be a Legendary Pokémon from the Unova Region, and the only one of its kind!"
Although Landorus was a minor Legendary Pokémon, like Zapdos and Registeel, it was unique.
It was somewhat similar to Sinnoh Region's Lake Guardians.
"Viewers from the Galar Region may not know this, but as the Gym Leader of Viridian City, Giovanni is widely known as 'Earth Giovanni'! Ground-type Pokémon are his specialty!"
The commentator did not forget to introduce Giovanni to the audience.
Of course.
His identity as the leader of Team Rocket was not yet something that could be revealed.
At the same time.
As Giovanni summoned Landorus, the Poké Ball in Xia Yan's hand also slammed onto the field.
"Kugeh—!!"
A roar brimming with momentum rang out. Amid flames soaring into the sky, Infernape appeared, bathed in blazing fire, hunched over with sharp eyes.
A low growl came from within the dark-red flames.
Facing Giovanni's Landorus, Infernape's momentum did not fall short in the slightest.
What a joke.
Little Gu was already Infernape's friend. Why should it fear a mere Landorus?
Seeing the Infernape Xia Yan had summoned, Giovanni raised an eyebrow slightly.
This Infernape had practically become