Under everyone's gaze, Ash's final Pokémon appeared at last-his Grovyle!
Both contestants now had only one Pokémon remaining, and the battle had reached its final moments. Whoever won would advance to the next round and enter the Round of 16.
It was impossible not to be nervous. Even Max and the others clenched their fists, rising to their feet to cheer Ash on.
"Ash! You can do it!"
"Don't lose!!"
While their friends cheered for Ash, May quietly asked Xia You, "Xia You, can Ash really make it through?"
It wasn't that she lacked confidence in Ash. At this stage, even the slightest mistake could mean elimination. Until the very last moment, there was no telling who would win.
It felt completely different from watching Xia You battle. Whenever he fought, they never worried about him losing; they only discussed how much of his strength his opponent would force him to use. But in Ash's matches, they worried not only when he was at a disadvantage-even when he had the upper hand, his position never felt entirely secure, as though he might be defeated at any moment.
"Just have faith in him." Xia You wasn't particularly worried and chuckled. "Ash is the kind of contestant who handles pressure better the more critical things get. If he had the advantage all the way through, he wouldn't even know how to fight. It's only when he's drawn into a tough battle like this that he shows his true strength."
Hearing this, May looked toward the Pokémon Trainer's Battle Area. Seeing Ash's serious expression, she thought carefully about his style and nodded gently.
Somehow, perhaps because changing how she addressed him had made her feel closer to him, lately, whenever she heard Xia You's voice, her heart always settled down, no matter how