"So strong!"
Lisia gazed at the roaring Hydreigon and spoke from the heart.
She had never imagined that the Pokémon that usually trailed Baimu everywhere, its eyes shining with vacant innocence, could be this powerful.
Was this really the Hydreigon she knew?
Lisia suddenly wondered aloud, "Did he switch to take Gyarados's Waterfall?"
She knew Baimu's battling habits well enough to know he rarely made a move without purpose.
The more she thought about it, the more likely it seemed.
Gyarados's Waterfall might not cover the entire field at once, but given its size, it would take only seconds to sweep across it.
Rather than make an invisible Dragapult scramble to dodge, he had sent in Hydreigon to withstand the attack and strike back!
The results spoke for themselves.
Sending out Hydreigon had been exactly the right choice.
Gyarados's condition had plummeted after Dragon Darts hit. By attacking the instant Waterfall ended, Hydreigon had brought it down with a super-effective Thunder Fang.
"Amazing! That was amazing!"
Lisia couldn't help applauding Hydreigon. Saying what you intended to do and actually pulling it off were two different things. That alone put Baimu ahead of at least ninety-five percent of Trainers.
"..."
Juan nodded, but said nothing.
He merely looked toward Wallace.
As Wallace's teacher, Juan could tell that Baimu and Hydreigon's brilliant performance had affected him. His mood had changed.
That's right, Wallace. He isn't just a challenger anymore!
He's an opponent!
There's no point holding back now!
On the field,
Wallace paused after recalling Gyarados to its Poké Ball. Then he raised his head slightly and slowly breathed out.
"Phew..."
He narrowed his eyes.
How long had it been?
How long since he had battled Steven again?
How long since he had felt this unmistakable rush of blood?
It was a