Galar Region, Hammerlocke Stadium.
The fierce knockout rounds were in full swing.
After the Dragon-type showdown between Drake and Drayden,
a clash between Kanto and Johto followed.
Bruno, the Fighting-type Elite Four member from the Kanto Region,
VS Koga, the Poison Gas Elite Four member from Chengdu.
Koga sent out Crobat, Venomoth, and Muk, attempting to keep his opponent at bay with Toxic and Flying-type moves.
But Bruno's Hitmonchan and Hitmonlee displayed unparalleled Close-Quarters Combat, tearing through Koga's defenses with sheer power and speed.
Hitmonchan's Mach Punch struck Crobat again and again,
while Hitmonlee's High Jump Kick knocked Muk out in one blow.
Finally, Bruno brought out Gigantamax Machamp and won with a clean, decisive onslaught.
Two consecutive days of knockout rounds quickly passed.
The top 16 had now been decided.
In this round, Champion-tier competitors such as Lance, Steven, Cynthia, Leon, Wallace, and Diantha
had faced little resistance in the knockout rounds, advancing easily through the overwhelming strength of their ace Pokémon.
Lucian, Caitlin, and the others also made it through steadily.
Meanwhile, the Gym Leader representatives Raihan, Sabrina, and Norman secured places in the top 16 through superior on-the-spot commands and tactical execution, proving their strength.
Raihan's complex, ever-changing weather team in particular gave the impression of tremendous strength.
And that was indeed the case.
In many people's eyes, Raihan would have a chance of becoming a Champion Trainer if he left the Galar Region.
Of course, not in the Kanto Region.
The Elite Four and Champions there were far too broken.
With that, the top 16 was fully settled.
The Kanto Region had four competitors in the top 16:
Lance, Bruno, Lorelei, and Sabrina.
Counting only the Elite Four, every participant had advanced,
since Agatha hadn't entered.
Lt. Surge and Erika
had already been eliminated in the