"Welcome, everyone, to today's Bingzhou Rookie Tournament! We're now at the stage where the top five compete for three spots. Let's welcome our first pair of opponents today: Helin High School and Bingzhou No. 1 High School!"
Thunderous applause erupted from the stands, welcoming the two teams that had made the top five. In the opening Team Competition, Bai Yun sent Monferno out first against a fellow Fire-type, Magby.
For some reason, perhaps because they shared a type, Monferno and this Magby immediately locked eyes.
Why does this punk have such a weird mouth? And those eyes look crossed. The more I look, the more he's asking for a beating.
Perhaps evolution had made Monferno more hot-tempered. Everything about this Magby rubbed him the wrong way.
As luck would have it, his opponent seemed to have a nasty temper too. Seeing a red-bottomed monkey with blue face paint staring at him, Magby gave a provocative little grin. That instantly enraged Monferno.
What the hell are you grinning at?!
Monferno's Rivalry flared up at once, and the flame on his tail burned fiercely with a whoosh.
"Begin!"
"Monferno, use Work Up, then Thunder Punch!" Bai Yun gave the first command, but his opponent seemed no slower.
"Feint Attack!" Magby used Feint Attack and landed the first hit on Monferno. Monferno swiftly countered with Thunder Punch, but Magby raised his hand and unleashed Thunder Punch too. Their fists collided.
Magby flashed a disdainful smile, as though mocking Monferno.
Monferno immediately flew into a rage. He raised his arm to knock Magby's Thunder Punch aside, then lashed out with his left fist. The Mach Punch he had learned after evolving struck Magby squarely on the chin.
Who the hell do you think you are, mocking me?
Magby quickly spat out a cloud of