Manalo Stadium.
The match between Ash and Brandon had begun.
As the match progressed, Ash and Greninja gradually fell into sync, and then Ash-Greninja appeared.
Announcer Ji Qiu shouted excitedly:
"There it is! The unique Bond Phenomenon shared by Ash and Greninja!"
"This isn't Mega Evolution, but a transformation triggered by their bond that goes beyond the known battle systems!"
The entire stadium erupted in deafening cheers.
Mallow and the others even sprang to their feet in excitement.
"Go, Ash!"
"Get them, Greninja!"
Surprise crossed Brandon's face. Only after facing Greninja in person did he understand just how remarkable Ash was.
"So this is your trump card, Ash?"
"Go, Greninja!"
Ash swept his arm down.
"Night Slash!"
Ash-Greninja moved.
A shuriken appeared in Greninja's hand, but rather than throwing it, Greninja let it glow with pitch-black light.
With unpredictable footwork, Greninja was already beside Dusclops.
"Dusclops, Protect!"
But it was too late.
Greninja was faster.
Night Slash struck precisely beneath the single eye.
Bam-
"That move was super effective!"
But Li Wei and the others watching knew full well:
It wasn't just super effective.
That attack had landed a clean critical hit.
A Dark-type move was already super effective.
And on top of that, it had scored a critical hit.
Dusclops swayed a few times before crashing to the ground, unable to battle.
Greninja neatly withdrew the blade.
The referee froze for a second, then raised his flag. "Dusclops is unable to battle! Greninja wins!"
No one could blame the referee for freezing.
The announcer was stunned too.
"A-a one-hit knockout?! Against Mr. Brandon?!"
Announcer Ji Qiu looked utterly incredulous.
Brandon silently recalled Dusclops.
"Thanks for your hard work, Dusclops."
At the cost of Dusclops,
Brandon had learned how much Ash had grown.
Compared with the still somewhat green Ash