The semifinals between Ash and Gary drew to a close. Even with Ash giving it his all, Gary still won easily.
As expected, Young Master Mao made the trending headlines again after the match.
The official livestream and tournament forums were practically a showcase of sensationalist headlines.
[Shocking: Young Master Mao showed his hometown friend no mercy in the semifinals!]
[He brought the blade down just like that, without even blinking...]
[The untold love, hate, and grudges between Young Master Mao and the boy from his hometown]
After Gary and Ash's match ended, Brendan also crushed his opponent with an overwhelming advantage, successfully advancing to the finals to meet his esteemed teacher, Gary, on the grand final stage.
After leaving the stadium, Young Master Mao first sent all his Pokémon to the Pokémon Center to recover.
Although Sceptile had only made an appearance, Milotic, Metagross, and Dusknoir had really been worn out.
Thinking of Brendan's star-studded lineup, Young Master Mao decisively chose to switch his team for the next match.
Brendan~ Making the finals in your debut tournament isn't good for your future development. Listen to your teacher: this championship is more than you can handle. Let me bear the burden instead~
Sighing inwardly, Young Master Mao moved even himself. "That's me, all right. Truly a model teacher for the ages..."
After all, Brendan's lineup was one Young Master Mao had practically built with his own hands.
Even if they had not reached the Elite Four level, they were not far off.
So Young Master Mao felt no psychological pressure whatsoever about the upcoming student-beating session.
"Charizard, Arcanine, Salamence, Scizor, plus Venusaur and Tyranitar." After finalizing his roster, Young Master Mao sent it straight to the Tournament Organizing Committee's email address.
*This time, I'll show Brendan what it means