Just then, Gengar suddenly stuck out its long tongue and licked Abe, covering him in saliva. Startled by the sudden attack, Abe looked at Gengar and stared blankly for a moment. Then he and his Pokémon burst out laughing.
"A strong mind is essential for a ninja, too! Put these people in the Shadow World. We're heading back to the League to turn in our mission!" At his words, Gengar deftly stuffed the captives on the ground into its belly, then took Abe and his party into the darkness.
Several Weedle that had regained consciousness slowly crawled into the ruins. After looking around, they began spinning silk to form cocoons, preparing to settle there.
"At last, the first match of the Masters Eight knockout tournament is beginning! Our two competitors for the opening match are Alain and Leon!"
After the commentator finished speaking, Alain and Leon emerged from the left and right, respectively.
"Alain was the Champion of the last Kalos League tournament, where his Charizard delivered an outstanding performance! This battle is sure to get our blood pumping!"
Cheers rose from the stands, and Alain waved to the spectators.
"Next up is Leon! He's the Champion of Galar! He has never lost a battle! They call him the undefeated Leon!"
Amid the roaring cheers from the stands, Leon tossed aside his cape and struck his Champion pose.
Just then, the referee slowly approached atop an Aegislash and began explaining the rules.
"Each competitor may use three Pokémon. Only one of Mega Evolution, a Z-Move, or Dynamax may be used. Now, both competitors, send out your first Pokémon!"
With that, Alain and Leon each took out a Poké Ball.
"Three, two, one, begin!"
"Go, Chesnaught!"
"Come on out, Rillaboom!"
The referee looked at both sides and declared loudly, "Let the