"This match will be my comeback!"
Facing Bai Shi, who had defeated him before, Dino could barely contain his excitement.
He hoped to avenge his defeat at the Vertress Conference by beating Bai Shi, making up for his elimination at Bai Shi's hands in Don George's Battle Tournament.
Bai Shi, on the other hand, remained calm.
After all, Dino was just another opponent on his path to the next round.
His ultimate goal was still to win the Vertress Conference.
Along the way, he would give his all, no matter whom he faced.
"Pyroar, I'm counting on you!"
Without hesitation, Bai Shi sent out Pyroar.
For this match, he would field a lineup mainly consisting of his first-team Pokémon.
"Pyroar, huh? Unfezant, go!"
After a moment's thought, Dino sent the Normal- and Flying-type Unfezant onto the field.
He wanted to use its advantage in the air to counter Bai Shi's Pyroar.
Unfortunately, Bai Shi had no intention of letting Dino have his way.
"Pyroar, use Roar!"
The corners of Bai Shi's mouth rose as he called to Pyroar.
This was also Roar's first appearance at the Vertress Conference.
Pyroar opened its mouth and let out a deafening roar.
Under its effects, Unfezant was forced back into its Poké Ball.
Taking its place was the Bug- and Grass-type Leavanny.
"What?"
Dino's eyes widened. He had clearly been caught off guard.
"Looks like my luck's pretty good today! Pyroar, don't let it get away! Use Fire Spin!"
Seizing the opportunity, Bai Shi gave Pyroar its orders.
A torrent of blazing flames erupted from Pyroar's mouth, seeking to surround its opponent.
Thrown into battle without warning, Leavanny was completely unprepared.
Fire Spin struck it, dealing tremendous damage.
To make matters worse, Dino would be unable to recall Leavanny normally for the next few