Xia Yan VS Giovanni

"Greninja?"

Seeing Greninja appear before Xia Yan and shield him from the gusts stirred up by Flygon's wings, Giovanni raised an eyebrow in slight surprise.

This was the first time he had learned that Xia Yan had a Pokémon like Greninja.

Still, this Greninja possessed Elite Four-level strength, so it was hardly weak.

There was no type advantage between them, either.

"Dragon Claw."

Giovanni gave the command calmly.

"Roar—!!"

Flygon swung its tail in midair, its wings vibrating as it dove sharply toward Greninja.

Dense Dragon-type energy enveloped its sharp claws. The vicious swipe seemed to tear through the air, and even the gust brushing against their faces stung.

A Psychic-type glow flickered in Xia Yan's eyes.

Telepathy connected him to Greninja.

The understanding between him and Greninja was not deep enough, and they had not practiced many tactical combinations. Only by establishing a connection through Telepathy and shortening the time it took to transmit commands could he barely make up for that weakness.

"Greninja, Ice Punch!"

Xia Yan's voice rang out in Greninja's mind.

"Ku!"

Greninja, standing with its arms at its sides, had long since felt the pressure Flygon exerted.

Its brow furrowed as it crouched slightly, every muscle in its body taut.

The next second.

It launched itself from the ground without hesitation.

Facing the diving Flygon, its clenched fist was instantly encased in thick ice crystals.

And.

Greninja's aura quietly changed as well.

Its Protean Ability activated. Greninja became an Ice-type Pokémon, gaining greater control over Ice-type energy and making Ice Punch easier to use.

Bang—!!

Flygon, known as the "little land shark," was four times weak to Ice-type moves.

Having changed its type, Greninja instantly gained the type advantage.

Dragon Claw and Ice Punch collided fiercely in midair.

Ice crystals scattered as Dragon Claw dissipated,