The next day, the finals of the Vertress Conference arrived right on schedule.
The main stadium buzzed with voices, every seat in the stands filled. Discussions and cheers rang out nonstop, creating a feverish, tense atmosphere.
Kotetsu and the others who had been eliminated earlier sat in the stands alongside Iris and Cilan.
They hoped to witness the moment the champion of the Vertress Conference was crowned.
Under the expectant gazes of the crowd, Bai Shi and Ash entered together and took their places in their respective trainer boxes, ready for the final showdown.
Bai Shi closed his eyes and listened to the roaring waves of noise in the stadium. He felt his blood heating up, stirring boundless fighting spirit within him.
Every ounce of effort he had put in had been for the glory of this day.
Only by winning this match could he do justice to his Pokémon's hard work.
"Sceptile, I choose you!"
Brimming with fighting spirit, Ash sent out his opening Pokémon first.
To improve his chances of winning, he had brought all his strongest Pokémon today.
"Sceptile, huh? Zangoose, I'm counting on you!"
After a moment's thought, Bai Shi chose Zangoose to battle.
Clearly, he intended to take his opponent on at close quarters.
"Sceptile, use Bullet Seed!"
The moment the match began, Ash launched his offensive.
A barrage of round, seed-shaped lights shot from Sceptile's mouth.
"Zangoose, use Swift!"
Bai Shi gave his command calmly, without a trace of panic.
Zangoose opened its mouth and fired a dense stream of yellow, star-shaped rays, easily blocking Sceptile's attack.
"Sceptile, use Quick Attack!"
Ash refused to let up and gave Sceptile another command.
Sceptile became a streak of white light and charged toward Zangoose.
"Zangoose, use Double Fire Punch!"
Bai Shi remained calm as he directed