Analysis Before the Battle

Listening to his senior brothers' analysis, Xinhai showed no fear. Instead, a sharp glint flashed in his eyes. He gently stroked Combusken's head beside him, feeling its still-soaring fighting spirit.

"I understand, Senior Brother Yingxiong, Senior Brother Kaito." Xinhai's voice was calm yet powerful. "Some of Combusken's and my trump cards have indeed been seen. But that is precisely an opportunity to test our true strength. Combusken and I will not give up so easily. Our goal is the top eight!"

"Shamo!" Combusken puffed out its chest and let out a low cry, its eyes blazing as though it were saying it was ready to face any challenge.

The senior brothers smiled at the confidence in Xinhai's and Combusken's eyes, then continued watching the battles in the arena, analyzing the strength and styles of other potential opponents.

The first round progressed swiftly. As match after match ended in victory or defeat, the advancing contestants were decided one by one.

The senior brothers Xinhai knew—Yingxiong, Long Yi, Ozaki Kaito, and the others—all easily defeated their respective opponents with the overwhelming strength of their Pokémon and successfully advanced to the round of thirty-two.

The favorites to win that the senior brothers had mentioned earlier likewise displayed crushing strength.

Ishida Shin from Cianwood Gym had a Mienshao whose movements flowed like clouds and running water. It continuously borrowed and redirected its opponent's force, pulling them into its rhythm before finally defeating them with a single strike.

Rex from Unova had an even more powerfully built Conkeldurr, its enormous concrete pillar whistling through the air whenever it swung.

With nothing more than a simple Hammer Arm, it crushed its opponent with devastating force, displaying absolute power suppression.

Other favored contestants, including several traveling Trainers with vastly different styles, also advanced smoothly through their unique