Chapter Summaries

Chapter Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• Heiduo faces Yuko’s unusually powerful, defense-focused Blastoise in a tournament battle.
• Beedrill refuses to fight, choosing to give Sceptile and the other younger Pokémon more experience. Heiduo reluctantly accepts and sends out Lucario instead.
• Yuko immediately orders Hydro Pump. Lucario uses Extreme Speed to evade the attack, leaving behind an afterimage, then strikes Blastoise with a Power-Up Punch delivered through its foot.
• Blastoise protects itself with Withdraw, raising its Defense. Heiduo realizes that Yuko and Blastoise share a strong bond, allowing Blastoise to respond almost simultaneously with Yuko’s commands.
• Yuko uses a carefully prepared strategy: Blastoise freezes the battlefield with Ice Beam while spinning with Rapid Spin, creating a slippery arena that greatly increases its rotational speed.
• Blastoise then combines Rapid Spin with Water Pulse, producing a massive fan-shaped water blade that sweeps across the battlefield.
• Lucario avoids the attack by using Magnet Rise, remaining suspended in midair instead of falling back down. Yuko, Blastoise, the audience, and even Blue are shocked because none of them realized Lucario could use the move.
• Blastoise’s carefully constructed attack fails because its strategy was designed for ground-based opponents. Lucario reacts with innocent curiosity, seemingly disappointed that the “fountain” attack has stopped.

Character Developments

• Heiduo demonstrates confidence, patience, and strong tactical awareness. Rather than rushing to attack, he studies Blastoise’s defenses and waits for the right moment to counter.
• Lucario is portrayed as highly eager to battle and extremely fast. Its ability to use Power-Up Punch through its foot and Magnet Rise reveals unexpected versatility.
• Beedrill shows maturity and consideration by giving younger teammates the opportunity to gain battle experience instead of fighting itself.
• Yuko proves herself an inventive strategist. Her battlefield-control plan is effective and well-practiced, but her confidence collapses when Lucario reveals an ability she had not anticipated.
• Blastoise is revealed to be heavily trained in defense and rapid-response tactics. Its strong bond with Yuko allows it to act almost instinctively.
• Umbreon enjoys watching Yuko’s surprise and mocks her failed assumption that Lucario must eventually fall.
• Blue is established as knowledgeable about Blastoise but unfamiliar enough with Lucario and Magnet Rise to be unable to explain what happened.

Significant Themes

• Adaptability versus preparation: Yuko’s strategy is elaborate and nearly overwhelming, but Heiduo succeeds because he can adapt to unexpected circumstances.
• The importance of hidden abilities: Lucario’s Magnet Rise completely undermines Blastoise’s area-control tactic, showing that known moves and assumptions can be decisive in battle.
• Trainer-Pokémon synchronization: Yuko and Blastoise’s high Friendship allows them to coordinate instinctively, making their attacks faster and more difficult to predict.
• Experience and mentorship: Beedrill’s decision to step aside emphasizes the value of helping younger Pokémon grow rather than always seeking personal victory.
• Confidence and surprise: Yuko’s excitement turns into disbelief when her supposedly reliable strategy fails, highlighting how quickly confidence can collapse when an opponent reveals an unknown capability.

Character Interactions

• Heiduo and Beedrill communicate directly, with Beedrill persuading him to let the younger Pokémon gain experience.
• Heiduo and Lucario display strong mutual understanding: Lucario moves before receiving a verbal command, and Heiduo trusts it to handle the attack.
• Yuko and Blastoise fight as a closely synchronized team, with Blastoise’s movements sometimes preceding Yuko’s spoken orders.
• Heiduo and Yuko’s battle becomes a contest between Yuko’s carefully engineered setup and Heiduo’s calm counterplay.
• Umbreon teases Yuko after Lucario remains airborne, while the audience and Blue react with confusion to Lucario’s apparent ability to fly.

Chapter Summary: “Big Ball Rasengan? No, It’s My Spirit Bomb!”

1. Key Plot Points and Events

• Yuko’s strategy of using Blastoise’s fan-shaped water blades fails because Lucario can fly and evade them.
• Blastoise attempts a long-range Hydro Pump, but Lucario dodges both water blasts.
• Lucario counters with Aura Sphere, striking Blastoise beneath the jaw and dealing heavy special damage.
• Blastoise activates Aqua Ring, which rapidly restores its health and demonstrates its strength as a durable, defensive Pokémon.
• Lucario charges an enormous Aura Sphere while hovering above the battlefield. Despite Heiduo’s warning not to overdo it, Lucario launches the massive attack at Blastoise.
• The explosion knocks Blastoise unconscious, effectively ending the battle. Heiduo’s Umbreon uses Protect to shield him from the blast.
• The referee declares Heiduo the winner. The crowd reacts enthusiastically, impressed by Lucario’s overwhelming display of power.
• Heiduo scolds Lucario for recklessly using excessive force. Lucario becomes apologetic and sheepish.
• Yuko graciously accepts the defeat, comforts Blastoise, and congratulates Heiduo.
• A referee announces a surprise fourth qualifying round because too many contestants have three wins or two wins and one loss. Contestants who win four matches will definitely advance, while some three-win contestants may also qualify based on performance.
• Yuko is delighted because this gives her another chance to reach the preliminaries.
• Heiduo informs Blue and Silver of the change. They leave because spectators keep pestering them, though Heiduo promises to bring them to the safer coaches’ and relatives’ section during the preliminaries.

2. Character Developments

• Heiduo demonstrates strong tactical judgment, recognizing that Blastoise’s high durability and recovery make it dangerous in a prolonged fight. However, he becomes frustrated with Lucario’s tendency to show off and use excessive power.
• Lucario proves itself highly skilled, mobile, and capable of enormous Aura Sphere attacks. Its victory is decisive, but its reckless enthusiasm creates a new behavioral problem. After being reprimanded, it becomes meek and remorseful.
• Yuko shows resilience and maturity. Although visibly discouraged when her plan fails, she quickly adapts and continues fighting. After losing, she refuses to blame Blastoise and comforts it, emphasizing their long-term journey rather than one tournament result.
• Blastoise is established as an exceptionally sturdy Pokémon with strong defensive capabilities and reliable recovery through Aqua Ring, though it remains vulnerable to powerful special attacks.
• Blue and Silver continue acting as Heiduo’s companions and support team. Silver becomes interested in Lucario’s techniques, while Blue helps manage the attention surrounding Heiduo.

3. Significant Themes

• Power must be controlled: Lucario’s overwhelming strength wins the battle but nearly endangers Heiduo and demonstrates that raw power without discipline can cause problems.
• Adaptability in battle: Yuko changes tactics after her initial plan fails, while Heiduo uses Lucario’s aerial mobility and special offense to exploit Blastoise’s weaker special defense.
• Resilience and sportsmanship: Yuko accepts defeat gracefully, supports her Pokémon, and maintains hope despite the setback.
• The difference between endurance and offensive power: Blastoise represents durability, healing, and persistence, while Lucario represents speed, mobility, and explosive power.
• Competition and uncertainty: The tournament rules change unexpectedly, showing that advancement depends not only on winning but also on shifting tournament conditions and performance.
• Comedic family dynamics: Heiduo’s Pokémon behave like unruly children. Lucario is the reckless troublemaker, Larvitar is the favored “good child,” and Umbreon acts as the responsible observer.

4. Character Interactions

• Heiduo gives Blastoise tactical advice, encouraging Lucario to attack from a distance rather than imitate its Trainer’s fighting style.
• Yuko commands Blastoise to use Hydro Pump, Withdraw, and other defensive tactics, while Heiduo directs Lucario’s evasive and offensive maneuvers.
• Heiduo reprimands Lucario after the oversized Aura Sphere nearly catches him in the blast, physically and verbally treating it like a misbehaving child.
• Larvitar enjoys Lucario’s punishment, while Umbreon silently sympathizes with Heiduo’s burden of managing troublesome Pokémon.
• Yuko and Heiduo exchange respectful compliments after the match, acknowledging each other’s skill.
• Heiduo reassures Yuko that her Blastoise was strong and attributes his victory mainly to the matchup and Lucario’s moves.
• Heiduo explains Lucario’s movement technique to Silver, though he humorously misidentifies or simplifies it as Magnet Rise, reinforcing Silver’s growing interest in battle techniques.
• Heiduo promises Blue and Silver better access and safety during the preliminaries, strengthening their supportive relationship.

Chapter Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• Heiduo and Yuko finish their first three Selection Round matches and are assigned a fourth match because nightfall is approaching.
• Yuko leaves for her next venue, while Heiduo stays to compete. He observes Pokémon repairing the battlefield, prompting a brief discussion with Umbreon about how Gyms restore damaged terrain.
• Heiduo’s next opponent, Dodd from Goldenrod City, immediately seems suspicious. His overly artificial smile, evasive behavior, and apparent fear make Heiduo suspect that he was deliberately sent to eliminate him.
• The match’s spinner gives Heiduo the first move, reinforcing his belief that the opponent’s side may have attempted to manipulate the battle.
• Heiduo chooses Sceptile instead of the more fragile Beedrill. Dodd sends out Heatmor, a rare Unova Pokémon that should not normally be possessed by someone from Goldenrod City.
• Heiduo inspects Heatmor and discovers that its listed identity and trainer information are fake. Although it is supposedly level 65, its move levels and overall strength are far below what Heiduo expects from a true high-level competitor.
• Sceptile’s initial Bullet Seed is weakened by Heatmor’s intense body heat, allowing Dodd to believe Heiduo has been overrated. Dodd orders Flamethrower, but Sceptile counters it with Leaf Storm, demonstrating a major difference in power and speed.
• Losing interest in the weak opponent, Heiduo tells Sceptile to handle the fight on its own. Sceptile charges with Leaf Blade, but Heatmor prepares a powerful modified Inferno using flames enhanced by the Death Fire of a Litwick.
• Heatmor spreads Inferno across the ground to trap Sceptile. However, Sceptile anticipates the strategy, stops before entering the flames, and counters with another Leaf Storm. The chapter ends with Heiduo and Sceptile turning the opponent’s trap against him.

Character Developments

• Heiduo becomes increasingly perceptive and suspicious. He quickly recognizes that Dodd is likely an agent sent to defeat or suppress him and identifies the falseness of both the trainer and Heatmor’s supposed credentials.
• Heiduo’s confidence borders on indifference. Once he realizes the opponent is weak, he stops actively directing Sceptile, trusting it to win without further instruction.
• Sceptile displays strong independent battle instincts, speed, precision, and tactical awareness. It recognizes Heatmor’s Inferno strategy and halts at the edge of the attack rather than recklessly charging forward.
• Umbreon continues acting as Heiduo’s observant companion, noticing that something is wrong with Heatmor but obeying Heiduo’s order not to draw attention.
• Shao De/Dodd is revealed as an overconfident operative. He initially believes Heiduo’s reputation is exaggerated, but his confidence begins to falter when Sceptile blocks Flamethrower and outpaces Heatmor.

Significant Themes

• Deception and hidden agendas: Dodd’s fake identity, suspicious Pokémon, and staged participation suggest an organized attempt to undermine Heiduo.
• Perception versus appearances: Heiduo sees through Dodd’s pleasant expression and Heatmor’s supposed level, while Dodd misjudges Heiduo based on the apparent weakness of Bullet Seed.
• Experience and strategy over type advantage: Although Heatmor has a natural advantage against Sceptile, Heiduo’s superior judgment and Sceptile’s tactical skill allow them to overcome it.
• Trust and autonomy: Heiduo’s decision to let Sceptile fight independently reflects his confidence in its abilities and growing partnership with his Pokémon.
• Power concealed beneath restraint: Sceptile’s first attack is not representative of its true strength; its later Leaf Storm reveals that Heiduo has deliberately withheld its full capabilities.

Character Interactions

• Yuko and Heiduo part amicably before the fourth match, maintaining their friendly relationship.
• Heiduo and Umbreon discuss battlefield restoration and quietly analyze the suspicious opponent together.
• Heiduo and Shao De engage in a psychological contest: Shao De attempts to appear harmless and exploit type advantage, while Heiduo sees through him and deliberately allows him to become overconfident.
• Heiduo’s brief command to Sceptile—essentially telling it to fight as it wishes—shows their mutual trust.
• Sceptile and Heatmor clash through Leaf Storm, Flamethrower, Leaf Blade, and Inferno, with Sceptile consistently demonstrating superior speed and tactical control.

Chapter Summary: “Why Does Your Fire Go Out After One Gust?”

Key Plot Points and Events

• Heiduo’s Sceptile battles Shao De’s Heatmor in the qualifying tournament.
• Heatmor’s blue flames are dispersed twice by Sceptile’s Leaf Storm, astonishing both Shao De and the audience despite Sceptile’s Special Attack reduction.
• Sceptile then engages Heatmor in close combat. Although Leaf Blade is only half-effective and does limited damage, Sceptile’s speed and attack frequency overwhelm Heatmor.
• Heatmor attempts Bug Bite, but Sceptile easily blocks it and launches a relentless barrage of Leaf Blades.
• Sceptile finishes the match with Dragon Claw. Shao De warns Heatmor too late, and Heatmor accepts that he cannot win.
• Heiduo criticizes Shao De’s poor training and command ability. Heatmor possesses a high Energy Level but lacks move proficiency, Resonance, coordination, strategy, and effective support from his trainer.
• After advancing, Heiduo leaves the arena and is mobbed by spectators seeking introductions, congratulations, or information about his school. Several people even attempt to steal or interfere with his Poké Balls; Heiduo knocks them down and turns them over to Officer Jenny.
• On the contestant shuttle, Heiduo meets Fred and Yuan Hao. Both reveal that they lost one qualifying match:
  • Fred lost to a Ninetales with the rare Drought Ability.
  • Yuan Hao lost to a fellow Hoenn contestant using a Milotic with exceptional defensive ability and Competitive.
• Heiduo learns that most of Yuan Hao and Fred’s classmates were eliminated, though one unusual contestant named Keisuke won all his matches.
• Keisuke is an experienced archaeologist and traveler who specializes in Sandstorm teams, using Ground-, Rock-, and Steel-type Pokémon. His Pupitar especially catches Heiduo’s attention.

Character Developments

• Sceptile demonstrates that his strength extends beyond special attacks. He shows extraordinary speed, reflexes, attack speed, and enthusiasm for physical combat, especially Leaf Blade and Dragon Claw.
• Heiduo becomes increasingly confident in Sceptile’s dominance and more critical of weak trainers. He also remains observant and analytical, evaluating opponents’ abilities, strategies, and team composition.
• Shao De is exposed as an ineffective trainer. He relies on frantic, delayed commands and fails to recognize openings or respond quickly enough to Sceptile’s attacks.
• Heatmor begins the battle proudly, confident in his flames, but is quickly overwhelmed. By the end, he calmly accepts defeat, recognizing the gap between himself and Sceptile.
• Fred and Yuan Hao suffer setbacks but retain a chance to advance through the Selection Round. Their losses reveal the strength and variety of competitors in the tournament.
• Yuan Hao appears especially discouraged by losing to Milotic, while Heiduo reassures him that advancement remains possible.
• Heiduo becomes interested in Keisuke because of his archaeological background and connection to the wider world of Pokémon researchers and travelers.

Significant Themes

• Raw power versus mastery: Heatmor’s high Energy Level and intimidating flames are meaningless without refined moves, coordination, strategy, or effective commands.
• Trainer competence: The battle emphasizes that a strong Pokémon cannot compensate for a trainer who reacts slowly and gives poor instructions.
• Speed and timing: Sceptile’s greatest advantage is not merely physical speed but also his rapid reactions and ability to act before Heatmor or Shao De can respond.
• Tournament uncertainty: Even capable trainers such as Fred and Yuan Hao can lose to rare Abilities, unusual Pokémon, or unfavorable matchups.
• Reputation and attention: Heiduo’s impressive victory attracts admiration, opportunists, and thieves, showing the social consequences of becoming a tournament standout.
• Preparation for stronger competition: The chapter contrasts Shao De’s disappointing level with the more formidable opponents Heiduo expects to encounter in the Victory Tournament.

Character Interactions

• Sceptile and Heatmor clash in a one-sided battle, with Sceptile visibly enjoying the physical exchange while Heatmor gradually loses confidence.
• Shao De repeatedly attempts to command Heatmor but reacts too slowly, particularly when warning him about Dragon Claw.
• Heiduo interacts with the crowd only reluctantly and deals directly with would-be thieves by handing them to Officer Jenny.
• Yuan Hao jokes with Heiduo about the crowd surrounding his arena, while Heiduo explains that he was equally unable to escape.
• Heiduo discusses Fred and Yuan Hao’s losses, offering Yuan Hao encouragement after his defeat by Milotic.
• Yuan Hao gives Heiduo information about Keisuke, introducing a potentially important and powerful future competitor.

Chapter Summary: “All Eyes on Him! No Regrets!”

Key Plot Points and Events

• Heiduo checks the list of trainers advancing to the next stage of the Silver Conference and is pleased that his four consecutive victories secured his advancement.
• Fred also qualifies, though he barely makes it, while Yuan Hao is eliminated. Heiduo is curious about Yuan Hao’s unusual team of Magcargo and Slugma.
• Heiduo notices that Hesu, the delicate-looking boy he met during the Elite Trainer Certificate exam, has also advanced. He remembers encouraging Hesu previously and looks forward to possibly facing him.
• The following day is reserved for the Silver Conference’s opening ceremony rather than battles. The forty-eight qualifying contestants assemble before a massive audience.
• Heiduo and Fred discuss how exaggerated audience numbers can be at public competitions, though the Silver Conference genuinely attracts around fifty thousand spectators.
• Longxing arrives despite disliking public events. Her tense interaction with Heiduo creates an intimidating atmosphere that makes Fred and Hesu hesitant to speak.
• The contestants enter the stadium to loud music and cheering. Many are overwhelmed by the crowd, but Fred regains his composure, while Heiduo remains calm.
• Heiduo spots many friends, acquaintances, teachers, relatives, and important figures among the spectators. The event is also being watched remotely across Johto and other regions, including by Red, Professor Oak, Cynthia, several Gym Leaders, researchers, rivals, and people connected to Heiduo.
• Heiduo playfully argues with Longxing about the number of supporters he has. Their bickering reveals a more childish side of Longxing.
• Longxing notices Larvitar in Heiduo’s baby carrier and asks to hold it. She handles Larvitar effortlessly, demonstrating the strength gained from her Extreme Fighting training.
• The Sacred Fire is carried into the stadium and used to light the ceremonial torch.
• The Pokémon Association chairman gives a speech urging the contestants to fight honorably, display their full abilities, and compete without regrets. The opening ceremony then concludes.

Character Developments

• Heiduo: Shows confidence in his advancement and remains composed under intense public attention. He is surprised and moved by the large number of people supporting him, though he continues to tease others and behave playfully with Longxing.
• Fred: Reveals that he is nervous about performing before fifty thousand spectators, but successfully calms himself and demonstrates emotional maturity.
• Longxing: Although normally aloof, proud, and antisocial, she attends because of pressure from her family and becomes unexpectedly playful while holding Larvitar. Her physical strength highlights the effectiveness of her Extreme Fighting discipline.
• Hesu: Remains timid around Heiduo and Longxing, despite wanting to greet Heiduo. His advancement confirms that he is a capable competitor.
• Larvitar: Develops an amusing impression of Longxing, comparing her aloof but occasionally foolish behavior to that of its older sister, Tyranitar.
• Yuan Hao: Is eliminated from the competition, marking a disappointing outcome despite Heiduo’s interest in seeing his newer techniques.

Significant Themes

• Public pressure and composure: The chapter contrasts Fred and the other nervous contestants with Heiduo’s calmness, emphasizing the psychological challenge of competing before an enormous audience.
• Support and recognition: Heiduo realizes that his actions and reputation have earned him supporters across multiple regions, including people he did not expect to be watching.
• Competition without regret: The chairman’s speech establishes the tournament’s ideal of fighting openly, honorably, and with maximum effort.
• Hidden relationships and reputation: The wide range of spectators shows how interconnected Heiduo has become with Trainers, Gym Leaders, researchers, family groups, and influential figures.
• Playfulness beneath serious personalities: Longxing’s interactions with Heiduo and Larvitar reveal that even her intimidating, disciplined exterior hides a childish and affectionate side.

Important Character Interactions

• Heiduo and Fred discuss the reality of the audience size and encourage each other before the ceremony.
• Heiduo and Longxing exchange tense but familiar remarks, later descending into childish bickering over Heiduo’s supporters.
• Longxing holds Larvitar, and Heiduo quietly tests her strength by handing it over without warning her about Larvitar’s weight.
• Hesu watches Heiduo from a distance but avoids approaching because of the intimidating atmosphere created by Heiduo and Longxing.
• Heiduo acknowledges and waves to numerous supporters in the stands, reinforcing his growing network of relationships and influence.

Chapter Summary: “What a Coincidence! You're Here Too!”

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Silver Conference officially begins, and Heiduo discovers his two Qualifying Round opponents: one man and one woman. Although recent events have made him suspicious of potential sabotage, he deliberately sets those worries aside to protect his mental state.
• The forty-eight competitors are divided into sixteen groups, with Heiduo placed in Group F. His first Qualifying Round battle will take place that afternoon, while his second is scheduled for the following morning after a rest day.
• Heiduo registers a rain-oriented team after studying his opponents’ previous battles. Fred also registers his lineup, selecting Hitmontop, Heracross, and Scrafty specifically to counter a Psychic-type opponent.
• Heiduo learns that Fred possesses a powerful and varied Fighting-type roster, including Poliwrath, Breloom, Mienshao, Emboar, and others. He gains greater respect for Fred’s abilities and recognizes Hitmontop as Fred’s planned finisher.
• Heiduo chooses to attend Longxing’s match, viewing her as the competitor he fears most. Her international experience may have given her access to powerful battle tools such as Mega Evolution or Z-Moves, making her difficult to prepare for.
• While heading to Longxing’s arena, Heiduo unexpectedly reunites with Teacher Tuo Nan and the three Breeders, Elena, Du Wu, and Rika. They tease him for failing to visit them during his return to Goldenrod City.
• The group is quickly distracted by Larvitar, whose cuteness attracts attention and causes the girls to crowd around it. Heiduo is pushed aside while Umbreon jokes about Larvitar’s ability to charm everyone.
• At Arena Three, Heiduo meets Longxing’s companions, Hongye and Diana. Elena is shocked to recognize Diana, revealing that the two have met before as Pokémon Contest rivals. Diana remains polite and composed, while Elena reacts with visible discomfort and uncertainty.

Character Developments

• Heiduo becomes more self-aware and disciplined. Rather than allowing suspicion to affect him, he consciously dismisses his fears and focuses on preparing for the tournament. He also demonstrates careful strategic thinking by studying opponents and monitoring Longxing’s potential access to advanced battle mechanics.
• Fred is shown to be cautious, methodical, and tactically capable. He spends extra time researching his opponent rather than prematurely focusing on later rounds.
• Longxing is established as Heiduo’s most serious known threat. Her extensive travel and education suggest she may possess unpredictable strategies and regional battle techniques.
• Elena appears more emotionally restrained and distant toward Heiduo than before, though she still shows affection and embarrassment around him. Her tense reaction to Diana suggests unresolved rivalry or unpleasant history.
• Diana is portrayed as graceful, mature, and confident. Her formal greeting toward Elena contrasts with Elena’s conflicted response.
• Larvitar continues to serve as a source of comic relief and affection, easily attracting attention and overshadowing Heiduo.
• Umbreon remains sarcastic and observant, frequently teasing Heiduo and enjoying the social drama around him.

Significant Themes

• Preparation versus overthinking: Heiduo must remain vigilant without allowing suspicion to undermine his performance.
• Competition and rivalry: The tournament brings together strong trainers, while Elena and Diana’s encounter hints at past Contest competition.
• The importance of strategic knowledge: Studying opponents, team compositions, and regional battle mechanics is presented as essential to success.
• Reunion and changing relationships: Time apart has altered Heiduo’s relationship with Elena and his other acquaintances.
• Humor amid competition: Larvitar’s popularity and Umbreon’s commentary provide lighthearted contrast to the serious tournament atmosphere.

Character Interactions

• Heiduo and Fred register their teams together and briefly discuss preparation, with Heiduo encouraging Fred to remain cautious.
• Heiduo reunites warmly with Teacher Tuo Nan and the three Breeders, though Du Wu jokingly scolds him for not visiting them earlier.
• Elena congratulates Heiduo and interacts affectionately with Umbreon, but her nervousness around Heiduo reveals emotional distance and embarrassment.
• Larvitar becomes the center of attention when Elena, Du Wu, and Rika enthusiastically pet it.
• Heiduo meets Hongye and Diana at Longxing’s match. Elena and Diana recognize each other as former Contest opponents, creating an awkward and unexplained tension that Heiduo observes but does not investigate.

Chapter Summary

1. Key Plot Points and Events

• The Silver Conference Qualifying Round begins under a three-on-three points system: wins earn three points, losses earn none, and draws earn one. Advancement can also depend on net victory points, which count Pokémon defeated minus Pokémon lost.
• The first match in Group B pits Longxing of Goldenrod City against Chester of Cianwood City.
• Heiduo, Diana, Hongye, Elena, and others watch from the contestant area. Longxing and Heiduo exchange provocative gestures, emphasizing that they now regard each other as serious rivals.
• Chester wins the right to attack first through the roulette selection.
• Longxing sends out a Level 68 Noivern, while Chester uses a Level 64 Staraptor with the powerful Hidden Ability Reckless.
• Chester orders Staraptor to use Brave Bird. Longxing has Noivern evade the attack and immediately counter with Boomburst.
• Noivern’s devastating sound attack overwhelms Staraptor, dispersing its Brave Bird energy, blasting it into the ground, and creating cracks in the battlefield.
• The spectators assume Staraptor has been defeated, but Heiduo correctly predicts the battle is not over.
• Staraptor emerges from the smoke and rises again, apparently still in excellent condition, revealing its remarkable durability and setting up a more difficult fight than expected.

2. Character Developments

• Longxing is portrayed as confident, aloof, and highly competitive. She treats Heiduo as her greatest rival and taunts him before the battle, but she remains focused and composed once the match begins.
• Heiduo demonstrates strong analytical ability. He evaluates both Pokémon’s levels, abilities, and moves, recognizes the danger of Staraptor’s Reckless-boosted Brave Bird, and anticipates that Staraptor has survived Noivern’s Boomburst.
• Chester appears polite and experienced but is immediately revealed to be a capable trainer. He has researched Noivern and chooses an effective opening attack, while Staraptor shows excellent battle instincts by continuing its assault after Brave Bird misses.
• Elena grows curious about Heiduo and Longxing’s rivalry and increasingly relies on Heiduo’s judgment during the match.
• Diana and Hongye openly support Longxing and react enthusiastically to her apparent advantage.
• Umbreon provides humorous commentary and reinforces the lighthearted side of the group’s interactions.

3. Significant Themes

• Rivalry and mutual respect: Longxing and Heiduo’s teasing masks a serious recognition of each other as major opponents.
• Strategy over appearances: Although Noivern’s Boomburst looks decisive, Heiduo emphasizes that a battle cannot be judged by spectacle alone.
• Strength and endurance: Staraptor’s survival highlights the resilience of high-level Pokémon and the difficulty of defeating elite competitors.
• Growth and competition: The Qualifying Round contains opponents far stronger than expected, showing the increasing standard of the Silver Conference.
• Talent, resources, and ambition: Longxing’s powerful team and history as a top conference competitor suggest both exceptional ability and the advantages of strong training and support.

4. Character Interactions

• Longxing and Heiduo exchange taunting gestures, establishing their competitive relationship.
• Diana and Hongye cheer loudly for Longxing, while the rest of the group gathers nearby to support the contestants.
• Elena questions Heiduo about the battle and his relationship with Longxing, though Heiduo casually explains that he is speaking to Umbreon.
• Longxing and Chester interact only briefly before the battle: Chester is courteous, while Longxing remains distant and uninterested.
• During the fight, Longxing and Chester display contrasting strategies—Chester relies on Staraptor’s direct physical power, while Longxing uses Noivern’s agility and overwhelming sound-based attacks.

Chapter Summary: “Quality Player GCK!”

Key Plot Points and Events

• Staraptor survives Noivern’s Boomburst because it has been heavily trained in HP, Defense, Special Defense, stamina, and mental endurance rather than Speed or power.
• Longxing counters Staraptor’s durability with Super Fang, which cuts its remaining HP in half regardless of its defenses.
• Noivern’s superior Speed allows it to land Super Fang before Staraptor can effectively use Double Team. Chester quickly recalls Staraptor to prevent a follow-up attack.
• Chester sends out his second Pokémon, a massive Snorlax, revealing that his team is built around exceptionally bulky Pokémon.
• Heiduo’s Detection System reveals Snorlax’s powerful defensive set: Rest, Sleep Talk, Return, Curse, and several coverage moves. Its Immunity Ability prevents poisoning.
• Longxing tests Snorlax with Air Slash, but the attack barely affects it. Snorlax immediately uses Curse to raise its Attack and Defense while lowering its already poor Speed.
• Longxing attempts to force Snorlax out with Whirlwind, but Snorlax anchors itself by striking the ground and resists the move.
• Realizing Noivern cannot handle Snorlax, Longxing recalls it and sends out a mysterious Pokémon disguised as Pikachu. The commentator identifies it as Mimikyu, an Alolan Ghost-type Pokémon.
• Heiduo’s system reveals Mimikyu’s Ghost/Fairy typing, Disguise Ability, and a versatile moveset including Play Rough, Shadow Claw, Wood Hammer, Swords Dance, Pain Split, Will-O-Wisp, Shadow Sneak, Protect, and Destiny Bond.

Character Developments

• Longxing demonstrates strong tactical awareness. She immediately recognizes Staraptor’s endurance-based strategy, exploits it with Super Fang, and later realizes that Noivern cannot defeat Snorlax. Her decision to preserve Noivern and reveal Mimikyu shows careful preparation and secrecy.
• Chester is established as a specialist in durable, difficult-to-defeat Pokémon. He confidently relies on defensive endurance and uses Snorlax’s Curse strategy to pressure Longxing.
• Heiduo continues to display exceptional battle knowledge. He correctly identifies Staraptor’s training focus, predicts Noivern’s inability to defeat Snorlax, and understands the threat posed by Curse and Snorlax’s move combination.
• Elena becomes increasingly impressed by Heiduo’s insight and ability to predict the battle.
• Hongye remains curious and somewhat blunt, while Heiduo privately suspects that his past romantic pursuit of Longxing’s relative failed.
• Mimikyu is introduced as a carefully hidden part of Longxing’s team, surprising both the audience and even members of Longxing’s family.

Significant Themes

• Endurance versus direct power: Chester’s Pokémon are designed to survive attacks and win through durability, while Longxing relies on speed, fixed damage, switching, and tactical counters.
• The importance of preparation and specialized builds: Staraptor’s defensive training and Snorlax’s Curse/Rest/Sleep Talk configuration show how Pokémon can be built around highly specific battle strategies.
• Adaptability in battle: Longxing repeatedly changes plans when her initial attacks prove ineffective, while Chester anticipates counters and uses Snorlax to exploit Noivern’s limitations.
• Hidden information and surprise: Longxing’s concealed Mimikyu gives her an unexpected advantage, while Heiduo’s Detection System allows him to understand threats that others cannot see.
• Knowledge as power: Heiduo’s understanding of abilities, move mechanics, and battle theory lets him interpret the match more accurately than the spectators or even the competitors.

Character Interactions

• Longxing and Chester engage in a tactical contest, with each attempting to force the other into unfavorable switches.
• Heiduo explains the battle’s implications to Elena and the others, accurately predicting that Noivern cannot defeat Snorlax.
• Elena admires Heiduo’s foresight, while Hongye presses him for information.
• Chester encourages and praises his Pokémon, recalling the injured Staraptor and reassuring it before sending out Snorlax.
• Longxing quietly praises Noivern after it successfully uses Super Fang, and Noivern responds confidently.
• The chapter ends with the audience reacting in confusion to Mimikyu’s appearance, setting up the next stage of the battle.

Chapter Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• The chapter centers on a tournament battle between Chester’s Snorlax and Longxing’s Mimikyu.
• Longxing opens with Swords Dance, boosting Mimikyu’s physical strength. Heiduo notices that Mimikyu’s wooden tail has been carved into a sword, suggesting a strong bond and possible emotional growth between Mimikyu and Longxing.
• Chester, unfamiliar with Mimikyu and uncertain of its typing, orders Snorlax to use Fire Punch. Mimikyu counters with a powerful Wood Hammer, smashing through Snorlax’s defense and striking its head.
• Snorlax uses Crunch, but the move appears ineffective because it only breaks Mimikyu’s Disguise ability rather than seriously injuring it.
• Mimikyu follows with repeated Play Rough attacks. Chester orders Snorlax to use Rest, fully restoring its stamina and putting it to sleep.
• While asleep, Snorlax uses Sleep Talk, first producing Ice Punch, which Mimikyu blocks with Protect, and then Crunch, which misses after Mimikyu creates a decoy with Double Team.
• Mimikyu attacks Snorlax from behind, waking it. The two Pokémon exchange Fire Punch and Mimikyu’s sword-like attack, creating a powerful collision.
• Longxing uses Will-O-Wisp, successfully burning Snorlax. The Burn halves Snorlax’s physical attack and steadily drains its stamina.
• Snorlax attempts to use Rest again, but Mimikyu repeatedly interrupts it with Wood Hammer and Play Rough.
• Unable to recover and weakened by Burn, Snorlax finally faints. The referee declares Mimikyu the winner.

Character Developments

• Longxing is shown to be a calm, tactical, and ruthless battler. She combines Mimikyu’s abilities—Disguise, Protect, Double Team, Will-O-Wisp, and strong physical attacks—to deny Snorlax any chance to recover.
• Longxing also demonstrates genuine affection for Mimikyu, praising it after the match and recalling it when she realizes its Disguise has been exposed too much.
• Chester is revealed to be inexperienced against unfamiliar Pokémon. His lack of knowledge about Mimikyu’s typing and Disguise causes him to misjudge the battle, particularly when he assumes Crunch has dealt meaningful damage.
• Chester remains respectful and takes responsibility for the defeat, admitting that failing to understand his opponent was his mistake.
• Mimikyu proves both extremely powerful and deceptively durable. Its sword-like tail, strong bond with Longxing, and willingness to fight a much larger opponent make it a formidable battler.
• Heiduo serves as an observant commentator, recognizing Longxing’s “dirty” but effective strategy and correctly appreciating the significance of Mimikyu’s unusual tail.
• Umbreon also acknowledges Mimikyu’s strength, especially its impressive Play Rough.

Significant Themes

• Knowledge and preparation: Chester loses largely because he does not understand Mimikyu’s abilities, typing, or battle style.
• Strategy over brute force: Snorlax has immense durability and recovery potential, but Longxing’s careful use of status effects, decoys, protection, and interruption prevents it from using those advantages.
• Trust and partnership: Mimikyu’s altered tail suggests that its relationship with Longxing is strong enough to outweigh its natural fixation on imitating Pikachu.
• Deception and hidden abilities: Mimikyu’s Disguise, Double Team, and concealed Will-O-Wisp allow it to manipulate the opponent’s expectations.
• Persistence and pressure: Longxing never gives Snorlax time to recover, showing how sustained offensive pressure can defeat even a defensive powerhouse.

Character Interactions

• Longxing and Mimikyu: Their commands are synchronized and efficient. Longxing remains composed while Mimikyu responds immediately, reflecting trust and battle experience. Afterward, Longxing praises Mimikyu and protects its secret ability by recalling it.
• Chester and Snorlax: Chester relies on Snorlax’s durability and Rest strategy, but his uncertainty leads him to make reactive decisions. After Snorlax faints, he thanks it and accepts responsibility for the loss.
• Heiduo and Longxing: Heiduo recognizes Longxing’s tactical style and watches her closely, while Longxing appears aware that Heiduo may uncover Mimikyu’s Disguise.
• Heiduo and Umbreon: They observe and discuss Mimikyu’s performance, with Umbreon specifically praising its Play Rough.

Chapter Summary

1. Key Plot Points and Events

• Chester sends out his third Pokémon, a level 61 special-attacking Lickilicky, after Snorlax is defeated.
• Heiduo recognizes that Chester’s confidence and fighting spirit have collapsed. He explains that the pressure of the Silver Conference—especially its single-elimination nature—can destroy a young trainer’s mentality after a crushing loss.
• Chester’s unfamiliarity with Mimikyu led him to attack recklessly, failing to account for its Disguise ability. Heiduo notes that Snorlax’s strategy could have worked without Disguise and Burn interfering.
• Longxing also sends out her third Pokémon, Hydreigon.
• Lickilicky and Hydreigon clash with Hyper Beam and Dragon Pulse. Despite the spectacular energy collision, Hydreigon’s natural offensive power overwhelms Lickilicky, which is knocked out.
• Heiduo concludes that Chester’s match is effectively over and leaves the stadium to prepare for his own afternoon battles.
• He and the others return to the Competitors’ Village. Elena and the others leave him alone so he can focus.
• Heiduo studies information about his upcoming opponents: Goromaru from Eterna City and Qin from Olivine City.
• Goromaru uses Cacturne, Armaldo, and Bronzong; Qin uses Masquerain, Exploud, and Ampharos. Neither appears to specialize in a single type, which surprises Heiduo and makes him question whether their Selection Round teams represented their strongest or most characteristic Pokémon.

2. Character Developments

• Chester: His defeat exposes a serious weakness in his mental resilience. Once his ace falls, he becomes passive, panicked, and unable to use his remaining Pokémon intelligently. His apparent top-eight skill does not match his fragile mentality.
• Heiduo: He demonstrates strong understanding of battle psychology, type advantages, abilities, and tactical decision-making. He also shows humility, admitting that he might struggle after suffering a defeat as severe as Chester’s.
• Umbreon: It recognizes Heiduo’s emotional stability and praises his ability to remain composed despite previous losses.
• Elena, Hongye, and the others: They begin to understand that mental strength is as important as Pokémon power and tactically give Heiduo space to prepare.
• Longxing: She advances through the battle with Hydreigon, though the chapter focuses more on Chester’s collapse than on her development.

3. Significant Themes

• Mental resilience in competition: A trainer’s mindset can be as decisive as their Pokémon’s strength. Confidence allows a trainer to recover from setbacks, while panic destroys judgment.
• The pressure of single elimination: Because there is no “next match” after a tournament loss, regional competitions place extraordinary psychological pressure on young trainers.
• Knowledge and preparation: Chester’s unfamiliarity with Mimikyu’s Disguise directly contributes to his defeat, showing the importance of understanding opponents’ abilities.
• Power versus strategy: Hydreigon’s overwhelming offensive force defeats Lickilicky in a direct contest, but Heiduo criticizes Chester for abandoning his strategic advantages and trying to win through brute force.
• Cultivating character: Heiduo connects emotional discipline with the “Imperial Style,” suggesting that controlling one’s heart and maintaining composure are skills that must be trained.
• Unpredictability: The varied teams of Heiduo’s upcoming opponents challenge his expectations and suggest that the Selection Round may not reveal their complete strategies.

4. Character Interactions

• Heiduo analyzes Chester’s collapse while explaining to Du Wu, Hongye, and the others why mentality matters so much in tournament battles.
• Heiduo internally compares Chester’s behavior to the others’ past moments of emotional weakness, emphasizing that all the young trainers still need experience and character development.
• After the battle, Umbreon discusses Chester’s fragility with Heiduo and praises Heiduo for remaining mentally steady during difficult matches.
• Heiduo responds modestly, crediting the Imperial Style for helping him cultivate emotional control.
• Heiduo briefly instructs Diana and Hongye that he is returning to prepare, while they remain behind to support Longxing.
• Heiduo independently studies his next opponents, shifting from observing other trainers’ failures to preparing carefully for his own upcoming matches.

Summary

• Content: This is an author’s April patron appreciation note rather than a narrative chapter.
• Key events: The author celebrates that the book has been premium for two months and thanks readers for recommendation votes, comments, monthly votes, subscriptions, and donations. They specifically acknowledge numerous patrons by username.
• Character development: No fictional characters or plot developments are present. The author briefly expresses relief and affection toward Dark Star Emperor, who had been absent but returned, and warmly praises new and generous supporters such as Heroes' Spirit Under Heaven.
• Themes: Gratitude toward readers, community support, continued patronage, and the relationship between the author and their audience.
• Interactions: The author directly addresses and thanks individual patrons, using playful, emotional language and jokingly calling them “big shots.” The note ends with the author returning to writing.
• Additional details: A website domain, twkan.com, is mentioned, along with a cryptic number sequence and a notice that the chapter’s content is still being updated.

Chapter Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• Heiduo’s Battle Tower Tournament match begins in Arena One against Goromaru, a cheerful Sinnoh contestant from Eterna City.
• Umbreon is nervous about the huge, enthusiastic crowd, while Larvitar is kept close to prevent it from wandering into danger.
• Heiduo is embarrassed when Blue and Silver unfurl a large red banner supporting him. Other spectators mistake them for a fan club or relatives.
• Heiduo and Goromaru introduce themselves and discover a shared connection to Sinnoh. Goromaru reveals that he admires Steel-type Pokémon and hopes to become a trainer like Canalave Gym Leader Byron.
• The match’s rainy conditions disappoint Heiduo because Goromaru appears to specialize in Steel-type Pokémon, making a Fire-type strategy impractical.
• Goromaru sends out an offensive Armaldo, while Heiduo reveals his unusually massive, primordial-looking Swampert. The Pokémon shocks the audience, commentator, and contestants, who assume it is a mutant variant.
• The battle begins with Goromaru ordering Armaldo to use Dig. Heiduo expects an easy opportunity to counter with Earthquake.
• Armaldo instead uses Dig strategically, creating a surprise Stone Edge attack from underground. Sharp stones launch Swampert into the air, catching Heiduo off guard and setting up Armaldo to attack Swampert as it falls.

Character Developments

• Heiduo: Remains observant and strategically confident, though he is visibly embarrassed by Blue and Silver’s public support. He recognizes both Goromaru’s enthusiasm and the danger of underestimating his unusual tactics. He also shows pride in unveiling Swampert in front of a large audience.
• Umbreon: Continues to be anxious around crowds but provides sarcastic commentary, teasing Heiduo about his supposed “fangirls.” It also demonstrates maturity by refraining from interrupting Heiduo during battle.
• Goromaru: Is established as friendly, talkative, passionate, and extremely confident. His admiration for Steel-types and Byron shapes his identity as a trainer. Despite his cheerful personality, he proves to be a capable and inventive battler.
• Blue and Silver: Show strong support for Heiduo by bringing a banner into the stadium. Blue is shamelessly enthusiastic, while Silver is embarrassed but clearly admires powerful Pokémon such as Swampert.
• Swampert: Makes its public battle debut. Its enormous, savage appearance and calm demeanor distinguish it from ordinary Swampert and reveal the results of Professor Mai’s experimental serum.
• Armaldo: Demonstrates unexpected tactical intelligence by combining Dig and Stone Edge, using underground movement to create a surprise attack rather than relying on Dig’s direct damage.

Significant Themes

• Public performance and reputation: The tournament is not only about winning but also about impressing spectators and maintaining a strong presence. Heiduo reflects that a trainer can lose a match without losing their dignity or image.
• Support and belonging: The banners and audience reactions highlight the importance of friends, family, and supporters during competition.
• Unusual identities and appearances: Goromaru’s unique personality and Swampert’s prehistoric form emphasize how individuality can distinguish trainers and Pokémon.
• Innovation in battle: Armaldo’s combination of Dig and Stone Edge shows that familiar moves can be used creatively and unpredictably.
• The pursuit of ancient power: Swampert’s primordial form reflects Professor Mai’s ambition to awaken dormant genetic traits and restore Pokémon’s ancient potential.

Character Interactions

• Heiduo and Umbreon exchange sarcastic remarks about the crowd and the embarrassing support banner.
• Heiduo and Goromaru begin with a friendly conversation about their Sinnoh origins, Michina, Celestic Town, Steel-type Pokémon, and Byron.
• Spectators and Heiduo’s acquaintances speculate about the identities of Blue and Silver and their relationship to Heiduo.
• Fred identifies Swampert as a possible mutant variant, while the truth is that its unusual form was artificially induced through experimental treatment.
• Goromaru’s friendly confidence contrasts with Heiduo’s more guarded, analytical personality, while their battle reveals that both are capable of surprising others.

Chapter Summary: “Trainers These Days Have Terrible Standards!”

Key Plot Points and Events

• Goromaru’s Armaldo launches a powerful combo against Heiduo’s Swampert, using a displacement move, a launch, and X-Scissor. Swampert narrowly avoids defeat by using the water jets from its air sacs to propel itself away with Aqua Jet.
• Heiduo reveals that Swampert has modified its air sacs into water-based propulsion devices, though the technique consumes a limited amount of water and cannot be used indefinitely.
• Swampert begins a Waterfall attack, prompting Armaldo to use Dig. Heiduo anticipates this and orders Swampert to change moves midair, replacing Waterfall with Earthquake.
• Swampert’s Earthquake spreads powerful underground vibrations, striking Armaldo while it is underground and dealing double damage. Armaldo’s armor and the stone spikes it created are badly damaged.
• Armaldo attempts a final Rock Blast, but Swampert counters with Scald using extremely hot spring water from Mt. Silver. Armaldo is burned and has little strength remaining, forcing Goromaru to recall it.
• Goromaru sends out Bronzong, a highly defensive Pokémon. Rather than continue fighting with Swampert, Heiduo recalls it and sends out his newly evolved Electivire.
• Electivire’s appearance causes the audience to recognize Heiduo as the former champion of the Battle Tower Tournament. Spectators recall his past achievements with Electabuzz, Eevee, and Sceptile, while Elena and her friends realize they had previously encountered the tournament’s promotion.

Character Developments

• Heiduo demonstrates exceptional battlefield awareness and tactical flexibility. His ability to command Swampert to change attacks in midair shows advanced coordination, training, and quick thinking.
• Heiduo continues to experiment with unconventional uses for Pokémon abilities, such as transforming Swampert’s air sacs into water jets.
• Heiduo remains confident and somewhat dismissive of his opponents, joking about their defensive strategies and believing that many trainers focus too much on durability rather than offensive power.
• Goromaru is shown to be a capable but frustrated trainer. He correctly predicts Swampert’s Waterfall, but fails to account for Heiduo’s ability to alter the attack midair. His decision to use Dig is punished severely, though he eventually recalls Armaldo responsibly once it is burned and weakened.
• Swampert displays impressive endurance, mobility, power, and discipline. It withstands Armaldo’s opening assault, executes a complex midair move change, and defeats Armaldo without appearing seriously injured.
• Armaldo proves durable enough to survive multiple devastating attacks, but its shell is shattered by the Earthquake’s double damage and it is ultimately forced to withdraw.
• Electivire receives a dramatic introduction as Heiduo’s evolved Pokémon. Its reputation from the Battle Tower Tournament establishes it as a fan-favorite and a highly dangerous battler.
• Elena, Du Wu, and Rika gain a new understanding of Heiduo’s past accomplishments, while Blue and Silver become more confident in supporting him publicly.

Significant Themes

• Adaptability and tactical creativity: Swampert’s use of its air sacs and its midair transition from Waterfall to Earthquake emphasize the importance of flexibility in battle.
• Experience versus prediction: Goromaru makes a reasonable tactical choice based on Swampert’s apparent Water-type attack, but Heiduo’s superior experience allows him to turn that prediction against him.
• Durability and willpower: The battle highlights how Pokémon endure attacks that would normally defeat them, suggesting that determination and battle spirit can push them beyond ordinary limits.
• Trainer standards and defensive strategies: Heiduo mocks the prevalence of “tanky” Pokémon and stall-oriented teams, preferring decisive offensive power and creative tactics.
• Reputation and recognition: Heiduo’s past success resurfaces when spectators identify him as the Battle Tower champion, showing that his influence extends beyond the current match.
• Innovation in Pokémon training: The chapter presents Pokémon techniques as something trainers can modify and develop creatively rather than simply copying standard moves.

Character Interactions

• Heiduo and Goromaru engage in a battle of tactical prediction, with Heiduo repeatedly countering Goromaru’s commands.
• Goromaru’s frustration grows as Heiduo’s Swampert defeats Armaldo despite Armaldo’s carefully planned combo.
• The audience reacts loudly to Swampert’s unusual movement technique and destructive Earthquake, criticizing Goromaru while praising Heiduo’s strategy.
• Heiduo’s choice to recall Swampert after Bronzong appears reflects both strategic caution and his desire to conserve the limited hot spring water.
• Spectators, including Yuan Hao, recognize Electivire from its earlier battles and revive Heiduo’s public reputation.
• Elena, Du Wu, and Rika discuss Heiduo’s past championship, while Blue and Silver silently gain greater confidence in supporting him.
• The chapter ends with Heiduo unaware that the audience has begun celebrating and discussing his identity.

Chapter Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• Heiduo faces Goromaru’s Electivire in the Silver Conference. Although it is not Volkner’s famous ace, Goromaru is intimidated by Heiduo’s reputation and by the Pokémon’s unconventional battle style.
• Electivire begins by leaping into the air and remaining airborne, confirming the audience’s suspicion that Heiduo is the same trainer who once used a flying Electabuzz in the Battle Tower.
• Goromaru has Bronzong activate Trick Room, reversing the effective speed order of the battlefield. Electivire becomes extremely slow, while Bronzong gains the advantage of its normally low Speed.
• Bronzong attacks with a powerful Flash Cannon, but Electivire blocks it with Protect. Heiduo then orders Electivire to use Swagger, deliberately provoking Bronzong into raising its Attack while becoming Confused.
• Electivire follows with Thunder Wave, and Bronzong accidentally injures itself in confusion before being Paralyzed. With multiple status conditions crippling Bronzong, Goromaru recalls it.
• Goromaru realizes that, despite losing none of his Pokémon outright, Armaldo is badly damaged and Bronzong is effectively disabled. His confidence begins to collapse, but encouragement from his family renews his determination to fight cautiously.
• Goromaru sends out his third Pokémon, a level 61 Magnezone with a strong Electric/Steel moveset.
• Heiduo immediately notices that Magnezone lacks Hidden Power Ice or Grass, moves that could threaten Swampert. He switches Swampert into battle, believing Magnezone’s limited coverage gives him another advantage.

Character Developments

• Heiduo demonstrates increased tactical creativity. Rather than relying solely on overwhelming attacks, he uses psychological manipulation, status effects, and battlefield control. His confidence and willingness to fight “disgracefully” mirror the unconventional nature of his team.
• Goromaru shifts from confidence to anxiety as Heiduo repeatedly dismantles his strategy. He recognizes the seriousness of the situation and resolves to abandon recklessness in favor of extreme caution.
• Bronzong is shown to be powerful but vulnerable to emotional provocation and status conditions. Its confusion causes it to attack itself despite Goromaru’s attempts to guide it.
• Electivire is characterized as far more versatile than a standard physical attacker. It can use defensive techniques, status moves, and psychological tactics in addition to its offensive abilities.

Significant Themes

• Adaptation versus predictability: Heiduo’s opponents study his old Battle Tower strategies, but he has changed and refuses to fight according to outdated expectations.
• Psychological warfare: Swagger succeeds not because of raw power but because Electivire deliberately enrages Bronzong, causing it to lose control.
• The importance of team composition and coverage: Magnezone is strong, but its lack of the right Hidden Power type leaves it poorly equipped to face Swampert.
• The difference between technical rules and real battles: Trick Room is examined in practical terms, while Pokémon behavior, trainer commands, confusion, and emotional resistance operate in a more realistic, less predictable way.
• Mental resilience: Goromaru’s family support helps him recover some determination even as the battle exposes the widening gap between him and Heiduo.

Character Interactions

• Heiduo taunts and manipulates Bronzong through Electivire’s insulting Swagger gestures, exploiting the Pokémon’s temper.
• Goromaru attempts to counteract Confusion by shouting encouragement and ordering Bronzong to use Extrasensory, but Bronzong instead strikes itself.
• The contestants, including Fred and Yuan Hao, are surprised by Electivire’s ability to use support-oriented status moves.
• Goromaru’s family’s cheering influences his decision to continue fighting carefully.
• Heiduo evaluates Magnezone’s moveset and immediately capitalizes on its weakness by sending out Swampert.

Chapter Summary: “Roar Once, Feel Great; Keep Roaring, Keep Feeling Great”

Key Plot Points and Events

• Goromaru sends Magnezone against Heiduo’s Swampert, hoping to exploit distance and ranged attacks.
• Magnezone uses Mirror Shot, whose power is enhanced through a clever combination of its magnets, striking Swampert with a concentrated blast. The attack proves surprisingly powerful and briefly interrupts Swampert’s advance.
• Heiduo counters with Mirror Coat, reflecting Magnezone’s special attack back at double power. Although Magnezone survives, it is seriously damaged.
• Swampert then scatters Stealth Rock across the battlefield, creating a hazard that damages every Pokémon Goromaru switches in.
• Heiduo orders Roar, forcing Magnezone back into its Poké Ball and automatically bringing out Goromaru’s Armaldo.
• Armaldo suffers heavy damage from Stealth Rock, taking increased damage because of its Rock-type weakness. Its existing burn then deals the final blow, causing it to faint almost immediately after entering battle.
• The match’s Trick Room ends, removing the field condition that had influenced the Pokémon’s speed order.
• The audience and commentators are shocked by Swampert’s unusual, highly versatile strategy involving Roar, Stealth Rock, Mirror Coat, and Yawn.
• Goromaru is initially devastated by Armaldo’s pointless defeat, but encouragement from his family restores his determination. He steels himself to continue fighting.

Character Developments

• Swampert demonstrates remarkable versatility, combining direct attacks, ranged moves, counterattacks, field hazards, and forced switching. Its unusual move set makes it extremely difficult to predict.
• Heiduo shows his tactical creativity and willingness to use unconventional strategies. He recognizes the psychological and strategic impact of Roar and Stealth Rock, even acknowledging the harshness of the combination.
• Goromaru experiences a major emotional setback after losing Armaldo through forced switching and hazard damage. However, his family’s support reignites his confidence, transforming his despair into fierce resolve.
• Magnezone performs well with an unexpectedly powerful Mirror Shot but is punished for relying on a special attack that Swampert can reflect.
• Armaldo becomes the victim of the battlefield hazards and its preexisting burn, fainting before it can meaningfully participate.

Significant Themes

• Versatility versus specialization: Heiduo’s Pokémon use a wide range of moves rather than fitting into conventional attacker or support roles.
• Preparation and battlefield control: Stealth Rock and Roar show how setting conditions and controlling switches can be as decisive as direct attacks.
• Adaptability and unpredictability: Swampert repeatedly counters Goromaru’s expectations, making ordinary battle assumptions unreliable.
• Resilience after failure: Goromaru’s emotional collapse and recovery emphasize the importance of family support, determination, and mental strength.
• The power of unconventional strategies: Moves that are often overlooked or considered situational become devastating when combined effectively.

Character Interactions

• Heiduo and Swampert coordinate smoothly, with Heiduo exploiting every opening Goromaru gives them.
• Goromaru panics when Mirror Coat reflects Magnezone’s attack, then becomes increasingly alarmed when Roar forces Magnezone out.
• The commentators and spectators debate Swampert’s unusual moves and whether Roar is truly overwhelming or has exploitable weaknesses.
• Yuan Hao praises Swampert’s versatility, while Rosa reacts with a mixture of admiration and fear.
• Goromaru’s family rallies around him after Armaldo’s defeat, and their encouragement restores his fighting spirit.
• Heiduo notices Goromaru’s renewed determination and recognizes that the battle is entering a new emotional phase.

Chapter Summary: “Infestation Is a Fine Quality for a Trainer”

Key Plot Points and Events

• Heiduo recalls Swampert and sends out Electivire against Goromaru’s confused Bronzong, renewing their old rivalry under different circumstances.
• Bronzong takes Stealth Rock damage, but Goromaru uses their deep bond to help it break through Confusion. Their synchronized signals reveal that they possess a form of Resonance.
• Goromaru orders Bronzong to use Gyro Ball. Paralysis, Swagger’s Attack boost, and Electivire’s speed make the attack exceptionally powerful.
• Electivire blocks the devastating Gyro Ball with Protect, then counters with Fire Punch before Bronzong can use Iron Defense. The blow shocks the audience but does not defeat Bronzong.
• Goromaru repeatedly orders Gyro Ball, believing Electivire’s use of Protect proves it cannot withstand the attack directly.
• Electivire chooses to meet Bronzong head-on. With Heiduo’s approval, it intensifies its Fire Punch into blue flames and combines both fists into a spectacular attack.
• The clash creates a massive explosion that destroys much of the field. Bronzong is knocked out, while Electivire remains suspended high above the arena.
• Although Goromaru loses Bronzong, he accepts the result with pride because both he and his Pokémon fought without hesitation or regret.
• Goromaru sends out Magnezone for the final round, emphasizing the chapter’s central principle: never surrender while even the smallest amount of strength remains.

Character Developments

• Heiduo demonstrates respect for mental resilience and fair competition. Rather than exploiting Goromaru’s earlier difficulties, he decides to fight seriously and recognizes the bond between Goromaru and Bronzong.
• Electivire initially feels embarrassed at being forced into a defensive position, but regains its confidence through Fire Punch and ultimately chooses to prove its strength by confronting Gyro Ball directly.
• Goromaru shows exceptional trust in Bronzong and refuses to become discouraged after losing. His ability to remain composed confirms his growth as a Trainer.
• Bronzong displays remarkable endurance, surviving Electivire’s devastating Fire Punch and continuing to fight despite heavy damage. Its Resonance with Goromaru allows them to communicate beyond ordinary commands.
• Magnezone is introduced as Goromaru’s remaining hope and appears eager to continue the battle.

Significant Themes

• Mental resilience: A good Trainer must not collapse after defeat. Goromaru’s calm acceptance of Bronzong’s loss reflects true strength.
• Resonance and emotional bonds: Goromaru and Bronzong’s silent signals show how trust and shared experience can create communication beyond spoken orders.
• Fighting without regrets: Both Trainer and Pokémon commit fully to their choices, accepting the risks rather than retreating from a difficult challenge.
• Persistence and refusal to surrender: The chapter presents “infestation” as a metaphor for relentless determination—continuing to fight as long as even one breath remains.
• Respect between rivals: Heiduo’s admiration for Goromaru leads him to abandon any half-hearted strategy and give his opponent a genuine battle.

Important Character Interactions

• Heiduo and Goromaru face each other as respectful rivals, with Heiduo recognizing the unusual bond between Goromaru and Bronzong.
• Goromaru encourages Bronzong through its Confusion, and Bronzong answers through their private clang-based signals.
• Heiduo and Electivire communicate through mutual trust; when Electivire chooses to confront Gyro Ball, Heiduo grants it permission to fight without regrets.
• After Bronzong’s defeat, Heiduo’s smile and Goromaru’s family’s thumbs-up reassure Goromaru that his effort was honorable.
• Goromaru recalls Bronzong with gratitude, while Bronzong understands and shares its Trainer’s determination to continue.
• The chapter ends with Goromaru releasing Magnezone, setting up the final stage of the battle.

Chapter Summary: “Qualifying Round, Round 1, Conclusion”

Key Plot Points and Events

• Heiduo analyzes Goromaru’s battle and recognizes that Bronzong briefly strengthened its Gyro Ball during its clash with Electivire, suggesting the move was beginning to level up under pressure.
• Electivire’s blue flames are revealed to be a special version of Fire Punch, developed by enduring Charizard’s flames to increase its power. Heiduo allows Electivire to use the attack despite revealing this trump card because Bronzong is considered a worthy opponent.
• Goromaru sends out Magnezone. Because Electivire possesses Motor Drive, Electric-type attacks would only benefit it, forcing Goromaru to rely on other tactics.
• Magnezone sets up Reflect to reduce Electivire’s physical attacks, but Electivire uses Brick Break, shattering the barrier and striking Magnezone with super-effective damage.
• Goromaru orders Magnezone to use Explosion in an attempt to take Electivire down. Heiduo anticipates the tactic, having Electivire retreat at the last moment. The explosion only grazes Electivire’s feet and fails to defeat it.
• After the battle, Heiduo disguises himself to avoid overwhelming attention from fans and heads back to the Competitors’ Village.
• Blue and Silver meet him wearing disguises and holding a promotional banner. Blue explains that Yunsheng’s marketing has made Heiduo extremely popular with the spectators.
• Heiduo encounters Longxing, who praises his progress after Mt. Silver and confidently predicts that they will meet in the finals. Heiduo interprets her visit as evidence that she has begun to fear him.
• In a separate meeting, a bespectacled organizer plots against Heiduo. He suspects that influential people are secretly supporting Heiduo and orders eight criminals from former criminal organizations to use any methods necessary—including illegal ones—to defeat him during the tournament.

Character Developments

• Heiduo: Demonstrates increasing tactical maturity and confidence. He anticipates Explosion, controls Electivire’s movements precisely, and recognizes both Bronzong’s potential and Goromaru’s battle strategy. His growing popularity also forces him to disguise himself in public.
• Electivire: Reveals the powerful blue-flame version of Fire Punch and shows improved aerial mobility through Magnet Rise. It fights aggressively but also obeys Heiduo’s tactical commands instantly.
• Goromaru: Shows strong determination despite being completely outmaneuvered. His confidence shifts into frustration, but he refuses to surrender and uses Explosion as a last-resort attempt to change the battle.
• Longxing: Acknowledges Heiduo’s growth and appears sufficiently concerned by his strength to seek him out personally. Her confident prediction about meeting in the finals reveals both ambition and possible anxiety.
• Blue and Silver: Continue supporting Heiduo while pursuing their own goal of saving money to confront Pryce. Blue also helps promote Heiduo’s public image.
• The bespectacled organizer and his subordinates: Establish themselves as the chapter’s antagonistic force. They view Heiduo as a threat and prepare to target him through manipulation and prohibited tactics.

Significant Themes

• Tactical intelligence versus raw power: Heiduo wins not merely through stronger Pokémon, but by anticipating Goromaru’s plans, exploiting type matchups, and recognizing dangerous moves before they are used.
• Growth through battle: Bronzong’s developing Gyro Ball symbolizes how intense combat can push Pokémon beyond their current limits.
• Reputation and public image: Yunsheng’s promotion turns Heiduo into a public sensation, showing how fame can be deliberately created and how success brings unwanted attention.
• Confidence and psychological warfare: Heiduo’s calm control contrasts with Goromaru’s mounting frustration, while Longxing’s visit suggests that Heiduo’s reputation is affecting even powerful rivals.
• Fair competition versus corruption: The tournament appears to be threatened by organizers willing to employ criminals and illegal methods, setting up a conflict between Heiduo’s legitimate progress and backstage manipulation.

Character Interactions

• Heiduo and Goromaru: Their match develops into a clash of strategy and pride. Although Heiduo decisively wins, he respects Goromaru enough to let Electivire reveal its blue-flame attack.
• Heiduo, Blue, and Silver: Blue jokes about their poor disguises and promotional efforts, while Heiduo reacts with bemusement to his sudden fame.
• Heiduo and Longxing: Their brief conversation is outwardly polite but functions as a psychological challenge. Longxing promises to meet him in the finals, and Heiduo accepts the implied rivalry without hesitation.
• The organizer and the criminal trainers: The organizer commands former members of the Dark Team, Shadow Team, and the Unova Poaching Gang to eliminate Heiduo by any means necessary, launching the next major threat.

Chapter Summary: “Why Is His Opponent That Brat?!”

Key Plot Points and Events

• Heiduo watches Fred’s Qualifying Round match against A-Jun from New Bark Town, whose team has no clear type specialization.
• Fred leads with Heracross against A-Jun’s Nidoking. Although Heracross is stronger and has powerful moves such as Megahorn and Close Combat, Nidoking’s resistance to Bug- and Fighting-type attacks makes the matchup unfavorable.
• Heracross lands a powerful Megahorn, but Nidoking withstands it and retaliates with Flamethrower. The flames spread across the ground and burn Heracross, prompting Fred to switch it out.
• Fred sends in Hitmontop, which uses Foresight to anticipate and avoid Nidoking’s Earth Power.
• Hitmontop then attacks from midair with Drill Run, piercing through Flamethrower and striking Nidoking for super-effective damage. It follows with Triple Kick, knocking Nidoking through the arena wall and defeating it.
• Heiduo judges Fred’s opponent to be reckless and tactically inferior. He believes Fred is certain to win after seeing A-Jun’s second Pokémon, a relatively weak Slowbro with only one level-six move, Psychic.
• Confident in Fred’s victory, Heiduo leaves to watch another battle in Arena Four.
• He specifically goes to observe an androgynous “cute boy” he previously met during the exam, remembering the trainer’s unusually strong Jumpluff.
• At the new arena, Heiduo is shocked to see a beautiful golden Ninetales attacking what appears to be a rapidly rolling Poké Ball, setting up the chapter’s cliffhanger.

Character Developments

• Heiduo demonstrates increasingly sharp battle analysis. He recognizes Heracross’s poor matchup, predicts Fred’s switch, understands the tactic of attacking a newly switched-in Pokémon, and quickly evaluates both competitors’ strengths and weaknesses.
• Fred is shown to be a capable and well-prepared trainer. His Heracross is highly trained, while his Hitmontop demonstrates clever tactical play and effective move coordination.
• Yuan Hao and Rosa remain emotionally invested in Fred’s progress. Their initial worry turns into excitement as Fred’s Hitmontop decisively defeats Nidoking.
• A-Jun is revealed to be aggressive but careless. His decision to continue attacking recklessly after Fred’s switch causes him to lose Nidoking, which could otherwise have been valuable against Heracross.
• Umbreon continues to provide humorous commentary while also recognizing the strength of the competitors Heiduo observes.

Significant Themes

• Battle strategy over raw power: Heracross is stronger on paper, but its unfavorable matchup and susceptibility to burn make switching the wiser choice.
• Tactical awareness and prediction: Hitmontop’s use of Foresight to evade Earth Power illustrates how anticipation can neutralize an opponent’s planned attack.
• Training and specialization: Fred’s carefully trained Pokémon, particularly Heracross and Hitmontop, reflect the advantages of focused preparation.
• Confidence based on analysis: Heiduo’s growing confidence comes from understanding movesets, abilities, levels, and battle patterns rather than simple intuition.
• Unpredictability and mystery: The chapter ends by introducing a strange battle involving Ninetales and an apparently rolling Poké Ball, creating suspense about the identity and abilities of the new trainer.

Character Interactions

• Yuan Hao and Rosa ask Heiduo whether Fred can win, revealing their concern and reliance on his judgment.
• Heiduo advises that Fred should switch Heracross for Hitmontop, correctly predicting the battle’s turning point.
• After Hitmontop defeats Nidoking, Yuan Hao and Rosa begin to suspect that Heiduo is far more perceptive and skilled than he appears.
• Heiduo reminds them to have Fred buy him milk tea if he wins, referring to Fred’s earlier promise to treat them.
• Umbreon teases Heiduo about going to watch the “cute boy,” while Heiduo explains that he is interested in seeing how the trainer’s strong Jumpluff has progressed.

Chapter Summary: “Who’s Faster in the Sun, You or Me?”

Key Plot Points and Events

• Heiduo uses the Detection System to examine Hesu’s Ninetales and discovers that it has the Hidden Ability Drought, confirming that Hesu is using a sun-based team.
• Hesu’s Ninetales has powerful moves such as Fire Blast, Energy Ball, Nasty Plot, and Hidden Power. Its Drought ability intensifies the sunlight, greatly strengthening Fire-type attacks.
• Against an opposing Starmie, Hesu withdraws Ninetales rather than risk a direct confrontation, revealing his cautious and strategic battle style.
• Hesu sends out a Chlorophyll Shiftry, whose Speed doubles in sunlight. It immediately overwhelms Starmie with Fake Out.
• Starmie’s Trainer responds rapidly by using Recover and Reflect, demonstrating highly trained move chaining and surprising both Hesu and Shiftry.
• Shiftry defeats Reflect-protected Starmie with a clever combination of two Razor Leaves launched almost simultaneously. The attack produces a Critical Hit that bypasses Reflect and strikes Starmie’s central gem.
• Shiftry finishes Starmie with a powerful leaf-based wind attack, giving Hesu a clean victory. Hesu’s three Pokémon remain standing, including Ninetales, Shiftry, and the previously seen Houndoom.

Character Developments

• Heiduo: Shows increasing interest in Hesu as a serious competitor rather than a novice. He analyzes Hesu’s team composition, battle decisions, and Shiftry’s unusual technique in detail. He also becomes intrigued by the possibility of comparing the speed of his own sun team with Hesu’s.
• Hesu: Is established as a skilled and careful battler. Rather than recklessly keeping Ninetales in against Starmie, he switches to the Pokémon best suited for the matchup. His sun-team strategy is shown to be deliberate and effective.
• Shiftry: Demonstrates exceptional speed, precision, and creativity. Its Chlorophyll ability makes it extremely fast under sunlight, while its ability to use its physical leaves in a specialized Razor Leaf technique gives it unusual offensive power.
• Umbreon: Continues to act as an enthusiastic observer, reacting with surprise to Shiftry’s speed and asking questions that allow Heiduo to explain the battle mechanics.
• Starmie’s Trainer: Revealed to be highly trained, capable of chaining Recover and Reflect almost instantly. Despite this skill, the Trainer is caught off guard by Shiftry’s unconventional attack.

Significant Themes

• Strategy over brute force: Hesu’s decision to withdraw Ninetales emphasizes the importance of selecting favorable matchups instead of relying solely on powerful attacks.
• Speed and momentum: The battle focuses heavily on Chlorophyll Shiftry’s extraordinary speed and the advantages of rapid move combinations.
• Creativity in combat: Shiftry’s concealed two-leaf Razor Leaf technique demonstrates how unusual applications of a move can overcome defensive strategies like Reflect.
• Adaptation and specialization: Although Shiftry has mediocre typing and several weaknesses, Hesu uses it effectively within a sun team, showing that a Pokémon’s value depends on how well it fits a particular strategy.
• Observation and analysis: Heiduo’s perspective highlights the importance of understanding abilities, move mechanics, type matchups, and hidden techniques.

Character Interactions

• Heiduo and Umbreon watch the match together, with Heiduo explaining Hesu’s sun strategy, Shiftry’s Chlorophyll boost, and the mechanics behind the Critical Hit.
• Umbreon compares Shiftry’s speed to Lucario’s Extreme Speed, prompting Heiduo to consider whether Hesu’s sun team might be faster than his own.
• Hesu’s cautious switch from Ninetales to Shiftry contrasts with his opponent’s rapid defensive response using Recover and Reflect.
• The battle creates a growing sense of rivalry between Heiduo and Hesu, even though they do not directly fight in this chapter.

Chapter Summary: “What’s Ice Ball’s Deal?”

Key Plot Points and Events

• After a short nap, Heiduo discusses the tournament and his many competitors with Umbreon. He remains unconcerned about ruining opponents’ confidence, believing strong Trainers should recover from defeat and continue improving.
• Heiduo and Umbreon plan to watch Goromaru’s match against Qin, hoping to observe new Pokémon and tactics.
• Fred, Yuan Hao, and another academy Trainer arrive with an enormous bucket of milk tea for Heiduo. Since they are free, they accompany him to Venue Two.
• Goromaru sends out a level-60 Aggron, while Qin uses a level-62 Walrein. Walrein’s unusual moveset includes Ice Ball, a rare Ice-type move that grows stronger with consecutive use.
• The battle begins with both Pokémon using Water Pulse. Goromaru’s Aggron uses the move not to deal damage, but to conceal its true strategy.
• Walrein’s Water Pulse breaks through Aggron’s weaker attack and deals heavy damage. Aggron then retaliates with Metal Burst, reflecting one and a half times the damage it received and severely injuring Walrein.
• Both Pokémon rise and prepare for a final exchange. Aggron charges with Take Down while Walrein uses Ice Ball, rolling itself into a massive sphere of ice.
• The attacks collide. Walrein is knocked out, while Aggron survives because its Rock Head ability prevents recoil damage and it uses its remaining strength to follow through with Iron Head.

Character Developments

• Heiduo continues to display his ruthless, unconventional battle philosophy. He believes opponents must learn to withstand crushing defeats, though he does not recognize how psychologically damaging his own tactics can be.
• Heiduo demonstrates strong battle analysis, immediately understanding that Goromaru’s Water Pulse was a setup for Metal Burst rather than a foolish attack.
• Umbreon remains playful and supportive, teasing Heiduo about his competitors and loudly cheering during the battle.
• Fred and Yuan Hao learn from Heiduo’s explanation of Goromaru’s strategy, moving from confusion to admiration.
• Goromaru is shown to be highly cautious and tactical, using a deceptive move combination and exploiting Aggron’s Rock Head ability.
• Qin reveals herself as a capable Trainer with a powerful Walrein and access to the exceptionally rare Ice Ball technique.

Significant Themes

• Battle strategy and deception: Goromaru’s Water Pulse serves as a smokescreen for Metal Burst, emphasizing that moves should be judged by their purpose rather than their apparent type effectiveness.
• Endurance and recovery: Heiduo’s earlier comments about accepting defeat are reflected in the battle, where both Pokémon endure heavy damage and continue fighting.
• Unconventional tactics: The chapter highlights the value of unusual moves and abilities, including Metal Burst, Rock Head, and Ice Ball.
• Adaptation and hidden potential: Pokémon with apparent disadvantages can still win through preparation, training, and clever use of their abilities.
• Psychological toughness: Heiduo’s attitude toward competition contrasts with the emotional pressure his harsh methods place on other Trainers.

Character Interactions

• Heiduo and Umbreon discuss the tournament, competitors, and the importance of persevering after defeat.
• Fred, Yuan Hao, and their companion jokingly surprise Heiduo with oversized milk tea before joining him at the arena.
• During the battle, Fred and Yuan Hao question Goromaru’s strange use of a Water-type move, and Heiduo explains the hidden Metal Burst strategy.
• Umbreon cheers loudly during the final collision, while Heiduo mockingly criticizes her apparent disrespect for Ice Ball.
• Heiduo reflects that he would have liked to battle Goromaru’s Aggron himself, especially since Goromaru may have avoided using it in their previous match because of Lucario’s type advantage.