Hammerlocke Stadium.
Lillie, Mallow, Lana, Kiawe, and the others were all stunned by Ash, especially Kiawe.
"Greninja is just so cool!"
Lana was already hopelessly captivated by Greninja.
"Hey, that way of battling is seriously ridiculous."
Sophocles calculated the odds of what had just happened.
Less than 1%.
Greninja had needed to seize the only opening.
And Greninja really had seized it.
"Crossing the crest with speed and courage just before the two Surfs collided-what incredible tactical execution!"
Nessa drew a deep breath, her eyes filled with astonishment.
"He factored in the rain, the cover provided by Surf, the speed boost from the bond phenomenon, and his opponent's attention being focused on the collision of the waves..."
Wallace gazed at Ash-Greninja, standing tall with his back to the battlefield.
Then he glanced at Ludicolo, who lay motionless on the ground.
"Absolutely magnificent."
His voice carried through the sound of the rain.
Wallace felt no disappointment, only pure admiration. "This dance upon the water is a victory for you and Greninja. I concede wholeheartedly."
"Hehe."
Ash scratched his head with a sheepish chuckle.
"Thank you, Mr. Wallace."
As for Greninja defeating Ludicolo,
Li Wei and the others watching backstage were not surprised.
After undergoing the bond phenomenon, Greninja was undeniably a champion-tier Pokémon and one of Ash's aces.
More importantly, he was fast.
That made him exactly the kind of Pokémon Ash loved.
Pidgeot's earlier U-turn
had also dealt considerable damage to Ludicolo,
creating an opportunity for Greninja.
While the spectators were still discussing the battle excitedly,
Wallace had already recalled Ludicolo
and taken out his third Poké Ball.
Although Ash now led 2-0, Wallace remained elegant, calm, and utterly focused.
"Your unpredictability is astonishing, Ash."
Wallace's voice carried through the drizzling curtain of rain.
"Take the stage, Starmie!"
Red light