The real battle?
Not only Bruno, but the contestants and the Elite Four were also pondering what Yong meant.
Only the handful who knew him well understood.
Steven sat up straight, a rare look of anticipation on his face, and said softly to Wallace,
"You think Swampert is strong?"
"Isn't he?"
Wallace looked at Steven in confusion and asked in return.
Steven smiled and shook his head.
"Swampert is strong, but still within reasonable bounds. He isn't Yong's real trump card, though..."
Wallace looked at Yong on the field, even more puzzled.
Drake was another member of the Elite Four who had met Yong early on. He also knew how highly Steven regarded the boy, and said gravely,
"I do know that Swampert wasn't Yong's first Pokémon..."
Steven nodded.
"My Metagross told me that fellow possesses an unbelievable power!"
Metagross?
Wallace's eyes widened. He had actually earned the recognition of Steven's Metagross?
That was a Champion-level Metagross!
Steven said no more, quietly watching the field with a smile.
Behind them, Brawly, Roxanne, and Wattson exchanged smiles. They all knew what was coming next.
"I can't wait to see the looks on these kids' faces when they see that fellow! Hahaha!"
Amid Brawly's laughter, Yong had already returned to his position. He took the Luxury Ball from his waist and said with a smile,
"It's been ages since I let you battle. You must be pretty unhappy with me!"
Watching the Poké Ball shake, Yong said helplessly,
"Don't worry! From now on, you can battle to your heart's content!"
With that, the Pokémon Ball traced a perfect arc through the air and fell onto the field!
Instantly, dazzling light illuminated the entire arena.
"THUD!!!"
A heavy crash rang out as he landed. Immediately afterward, the carefully constructed Rock Field collapsed. Cracks