"The Sinnoh League's Lily of the Valley Conference is finally reaching its climax! In the first match, Tobias advanced to the finals with an overwhelming victory. Next up is the second semifinal, with Liu Qing facing Zuo Jie!" Amid thunderous cheers from the crowd, Liu Qing and Zuo Jie rose into the arena on lifts. As the announcer spoke, the Grass Field from the previous match descended and retracted to either side, and a Rock Field rose in its place. The announcer continued, "This battle will take place on the Rock Field! Now, a blazing-hot six-on-six full battle is about to begin! Which Pokémon will each trainer send out first?"
"Liu Qing, you got off the hook at the last Friendship Tournament. This time, I'll show you our true strength!" Zuo Jie's voice brimmed with confidence.
"You can't beat me!" Liu Qing said bluntly. "Zuo Jie, to answer your fighting spirit, I'll defeat you with everything I've got!"
"Arrogant!" Zuo Jie's expression stiffened, and he snapped angrily. What he despised most about Liu Qing was his lack of faithfulness to Cynthia, flirting with other women. This time, he had already decided to teach Liu Qing a lesson with Cynthia watching.
"Absol, I'm counting on you!" Liu Qing chuckled without responding and threw his Poké Ball first. As it opened, Absol appeared on the field, let out a roar, and took a battle stance.
Absol, just as I expected! Zuo Jie thought. He took out a Poké Ball and threw it as well. "Go, Zangoose!" As the white light faded, Zangoose stood upright on its hind legs, the claws on its forepaws gleaming coldly.
"A Normal-type Zangoose?" Jun murmured as he watched Zuo Jie's Pokémon emerge.
"Zangoose isn't slow, and it probably knows Fighting-type moves. But since it isn't a Fighting