The Final

"Torterra, use Frenzy Plant!"

Perhaps he wanted to show what he was capable of.

In the semifinal that followed, Paul went all out.

He sent out his Starter Pokémon, Torterra, right from the start.

Brock and Enka were left with no way to fight back.

He stormed into the final in overwhelming fashion.

Even Ash, his teammate, got a taste of what it was like for Dawn to be little more than a spectator.

"Staravia, I'm counting on you!"

Once Bai Shi knew Paul had advanced, he gripped the Poké Ball in his hand and murmured those words from the sidelines.

The Poké Ball shook in reply.

That afternoon, the Double Battle Tournament final arrived as scheduled.

The stadium was packed with spectators.

Their cheers and applause welcomed the tournament's climactic match.

Under the eyes of the crowd, the four contestants took their places in the command zones.

They faced one another across the broad field, waiting for the match to begin.

Enta stood at the edge of the field as the guest referee.

"Elekid, get ready to battle!"

"Chimchar, I choose you!"

Paul and Ash had the first move and sent out their Pokémon before their opponents.

"Elekid again? In that case..."

"Go, Staravia! Show him how strong you are now!"

Bai Shi's eyes narrowed. Without hesitation, he chose Staravia for the match.

Sending out the Normal-type Zangoose against the Electric-type Elekid might have been the better choice.

But Bai Shi refused!

He had entered this tournament so he and Staravia could stand before Paul in the open.

He wanted to face Paul as a rival and settle things with him.

Through his actions, he would prove one thing to Paul.

Giving Staravia to him had been absolutely the right decision.

The Staravia Paul had given up on