Facing Ogerpon, who wore the Wellspring Mask and occasionally swung the Ivy Cudgel in its hands while gazing at him expectantly, Raihan could describe his feelings in just two words-
Utter agony!
The more information he gathered on Qingyu, the more he realized how terrifying this Ogerpon's record was.
His original plan had called for a showdown between Terastallized Ogerpon and Gigantamax Duraludon. Whichever mask Qingyu chose, his side should have had a strong chance of winning.
But instead...
His ace, Gigantamax Duraludon, had actually been defeated by Lucario just like that. His remaining two Fire-type Pokémon had precious little chance against Ogerpon, either.
Still, he had no choice but to grit his teeth and press on!
After taking a deep breath, Raihan's stunned expression gradually faded, replaced by the courage to fight for survival against impossible odds. Even his gaze began to burn.
That's right! As a proper Trainer, no matter how bad the situation gets, I have to dare to give it everything and fight for that sliver of a chance to win!
This is the resolve I gained only after battling Leon a hundred times. Its name is-
Tempered Through a Hundred Trials!
Just watch me, Qingyu!
When he noticed the sunlight above the field gradually weakening, Raihan stopped hesitating. He took a powerful step forward, then hurled a Poké Ball toward the center of the field with all his strength.
"Torkoal, I choose you!"
Torkoal, who had already been badly injured by Sylveon, took the field again.
Clearly, Raihan had no protagonist's halo, so switching Pokémon midbattle had not magically granted the effects of Regenerator. Torkoal's shell was still grimy, and its labored breathing made its poor condition obvious.
"Poni-yo?"
Faced with this human's sudden burst of fighting spirit, Ogerpon tilted its head in confusion.
*I