Xingye vs. Akari: A Clash at the Summit!

Before the eyes of the crowd, the final battle finally began. The Poké Balls they threw collided above the field and bounced apart, flashes of red light spilling out.

But before the spectators could make out the Pokémon, a long, sharp black-and-red claw lashed out. From the flash on the other side, an equally sharp gray claw swung to meet it!

The Pokémon had not even fully emerged from their Poké Balls before the clash began. Only then did Sneasler and Zoroark come into view, their claws striking together in a shower of sparks.

"Incredible. Both sides are trying to outmaneuver each other. If either one reacts a moment too slowly, they'll be at a disadvantage!"

Red offered his assessment. Xingye was undoubtedly the strongest Trainer of this era, while his opponent was the Trainer who had helped usher it in. Whoever won, this battle would go down in history!

The fight continued. After an opening exchange to test each other, both Pokémon leaped back to create distance.

Looking at Sneasler, Xingye sensed that she was a descendant of the Noble Pokémon Ingo had once cared for. Ingo seemed to be in the audience today, too. Perhaps fate had brought them all here.

But now was no time for such thoughts. Xingye waved his hand and shouted, "I have the type advantage! Bitter Malice!"

"Who cares about type matchups?"

Akari answered with a grin. Sneasler raised an arm and charged without a trace of fear. Using an Agile Style Dire Claw, she struck before Zoroark could unleash its grudge, bringing her claw down hard.

Trading some power for speed made it difficult to deal serious damage, but it was enough to throw off an opponent's rhythm and catch them unprepared.

Dire Claw struck Zoroark's vital spot. Though the move was