Shi Pokémon League looked slouchy and utterly unserious as he casually unclipped a Great Ball from his waist and tossed it straight onto the field.
A red light flashed, and a majestic, imposing Luxray appeared.
To counter rainy weather, an Electric-type was actually the best possible choice. Rain strengthened not only Water-types, but Electric-types as well.
"Thunder," Shi Pokémon League said flatly.
Boom!
In an instant, a thunderbolt spanning heaven and earth crashed down and struck Greninja, and a comical doll dropped to the ground.
"Electric Terrain, then use... uh... just use Thunder Fang."
"Meow-roar!"
Luxray unleashed Electric Terrain. Electricity coiled around its black-and-blue fur as it pounced forward like a fierce tiger, lightning blazing across its fangs as it lunged to bite Greninja!
Cheng Tian's pupils trembled. "Oh no! Dodge, quick!"
They could not fight at close quarters. There was no chance of winning that way.
Greninja swiftly retreated, flinging five shuriken at the same time, but they had little effect.
After its first strike failed, currents surged through Luxray's lightning-wreathed fur. It charged straight at Greninja with Wild Charge.
Seeing that it could not dodge in time, Greninja quickly laid a Grass Knot in Luxray's path. The massive Luxray leaped straight over it and lunged at Greninja, fangs bared and claws out.
Greninja bent backward, narrowly avoiding the attack, then turned and slammed an Ice Punch into Luxray's left flank.
For creatures like cats, the abdomen was their most vulnerable spot. With three Swords Dances behind it, Greninja instantly inflicted tremendous damage.
Yet Luxray's willpower was unimaginable. Even after suffering such a grievous blow, it still reacted swiftly, turning to bite with Thunder Fang.
Greninja immediately opened an energy shield at the sight. Thunder Fang slammed down, and the sturdy Protect shield actually began cracking inch by inch.