The matchups for the second round of the Junior Cup were soon announced.
Bai Shi's opponent was none other than Iris, who had defeated Langley to advance.
"My next opponent is Bai Shi?"
Iris looked at the matchups, delight spreading across her face.
She still remembered losing to Bai Shi at the Don George Tournament.
She hoped to even the score in this competition.
Though her newly caught Dragonite was somewhat disobedient, its strength was beyond question.
That gave Iris a tremendous boost of confidence.
"Iris's Dragonite is pretty strong."
"To be safe, I'll use a stronger Pokémon against it."
Bai Shi's expression was grave. He clearly took this match very seriously.
As for Ash and the others, their opponents were all Pokémon Trainers they didn't know.
Barring any surprises, they should advance easily.
Before long, the battle between Bai Shi and Iris officially began.
"Come on out, Dragonite!"
Without hesitation, Iris sent out Dragonite.
"Golurk, I'm counting on you!"
Following his original plan, Bai Shi sent Golurk onto the field.
"Dragonite, use Ice Beam!"
Iris seized the initiative and called out to Dragonite.
But Dragonite ignored her, staring fixedly at Golurk, clearly waiting for its opponent to attack first.
"You've got quite a personality! Golurk, use Shadow Punch!"
Bai Shi didn't hold back as he commanded Golurk.
Golurk raised its enormous fist and swung hard toward Dragonite, launching a massive black fist-shaped shadow.
"Dragonite, dodge!"
Iris's expression changed, and she hurriedly gave the command.
Dragonite ignored Iris's orders and held both arms in front of itself.
It withstood Golurk's Shadow Punch, though the blow forced it back several steps.
Then Dragonite raised its right arm, crackling with electricity, and charged straight at Golurk.
"Dragonite, Golurk is a Ground- and Ghost-type Pokémon!"
"Electric-type moves won't work on it!"
Anxiety spread