Wyndon Stadium.
As Red and Li Wei sent out Pikachu and Lucario respectively, the cheers reached a new crescendo.
Earlier, Blue and Leon had already put on a showdown between Charizard at the very highest level.
With a score of 6-4, Blue had been the first to advance to the Top 8.
Leon, meanwhile, had dropped into the 2-1 bracket and would have to wait until Li Wei and Red's match ended for the draw.
Lucario and Pikachu,
without question, were Li Wei's and Red's undisputed aces.
Even after Zeraora joined the team, that had not changed.
But although both were undisputed aces, there was still a gap in their strength.
"Lucario, Aura Sphere!"
"Pikachu, Thunderbolt!"
The azure Aura Sphere shot out with a piercing shriek that tore through the air.
Facing the Aura Sphere that would never miss, Pikachu unleashed golden currents, lightning writhing like a swarm of golden snakes.
"Power-Up Punch!"
Lucario threw punches in rapid succession, deftly adjusting position in midair before landing lightly.
"Iron Tail!"
Pikachu's tail instantly took on a metallic sheen and slashed toward Lucario from an unbelievable angle.
"Bone Rush!"
Lucario formed a bone club, which clashed fiercely with Iron Tail.
Sparks flew as the two Pokémon traded blows, neither able to gain the upper hand.
Even Jason, the announcer, could not help exclaiming, "What an intense battle!"
Unlike the earlier Blue VS Leon match, where the two had constantly rotated their Pokémon with U-turn and Whirlwind, along with Trick Room,
the tone of Li Wei and Red's battle had already been set with Pikachu VS Lucario.
It would be a head-on fight!
"Electro Ball!"
Pikachu formed an enormous Electro Ball. Lucario had no time to dodge and took it head-on!
"Aura Sphere!"
Lucario endured the pain and swiftly formed an Aura Sphere