Several of the other Pokémon in Daisuke's possession were at a type disadvantage against a Ghost- and Dark-type opponent like Spiritomb.
When two Pokémon possessed similar overall strength, failing to hold a type advantage—or even suffering a disadvantage—meant beginning the battle one step behind.
That was why Daisuke had decided long ago to use Bellossom against Spiritomb.
The explosion finally subsided.
Because of the thick smoke, Daisuke could not tell what condition Spiritomb was in.
However, after suffering an attack of such tremendous power, it could not possibly have emerged unharmed.
Even so, Daisuke remained vigilant and waited cautiously.
It was not that he did not want to continue attacking and press his advantage.
The enhanced Solar Beam had placed an enormous strain on Bellossom.
It needed a moment to recover its energy.
Otherwise, it would barely be able to move.
Nevertheless, the previous Solar Beam represented the greatest destructive power Bellossom could currently produce.
Daisuke remained extremely confident in its strength.
Even another Elite Four-level Pokémon would suffer considerably after taking that attack directly.
However, if the attack had still failed to defeat Spiritomb, Daisuke would have no choice but to consider another approach.
Ultimately, the time between the announcement of the matchups and the beginning of the battle had been far too short.
He had only been able to prepare a single strategy.
There had been no time to create a Plan B or Plan C.
Just as Daisuke waited, a bizarre figure suddenly charged out of the smoke.
It was Spiritomb!
Moreover, Spiritomb had stretched its body until it became unnaturally long.
It resembled a sinister shadow rapidly closing the distance.
In an instant, it was less than two meters away from Bellossom.
Damn it!
Warning bells rang wildly in Daisuke's mind.
He had never imagined that Spiritomb could launch such a fierce counterattack after enduring Solar Beam.
As expected, none of the competitors who had reached this stage could be underestimated.
"Use Hypnosis!"
Denjiro immediately issued his command.
The next instant, Bellossom collapsed onto the ground and fell asleep.
Hypnosis had landed!
"Bellossom, return!"
How was that possible?
How had Spiritomb done it?
Daisuke froze for a moment.
A chill immediately ran down his back.
In Bellossom's current state, it had become a defenseless target that Spiritomb could attack at will.
He hurriedly raised its Poké Ball and tried to recall it.
"I won't let you succeed! Use Rock Tomb!"
Although Daisuke had immediately taken out the Poké Ball, Denjiro had already anticipated his response.
Rocks rose around Bellossom and sealed off the space surrounding it before the red recall beam could reach its body.
How could Denjiro possibly allow such a valuable opportunity to escape?
In truth, Spiritomb had already charged out of the smoke before Denjiro gave the command.
There was no need to think about it.
This was clearly another strategy that Denjiro and Spiritomb had prepared beforehand.
It appeared that Denjiro had also devoted considerable effort to this battle.
After struggling so hard to reach this stage, neither Trainer wanted to be eliminated now.
"Follow it with Dream Eater!"
Denjiro shouted.
His voice was filled with confidence in his impending victory.
Spiritomb floated beside Bellossom.
A strange purple wave suddenly spread from its body.
The energy passed through Bellossom.
The next moment, an expression of pain appeared on Bellossom's face.
However, it still did not awaken.
"Damn it! Wake up already!"
Daisuke shouted anxiously.
The red light from the Poké Ball still could not reach Bellossom.
"Finish it!"
"Use Dark Pulse!"
Denjiro issued another command.
He could already see victory before him.
Dark energy began gathering near Spiritomb's mouth.
The next instant, a ring-shaped wave of black energy shot forward.
Bellossom remained trapped in its sleep.
It could neither evade nor counterattack.
Dark Pulse struck it directly.
Bellossom's eyes rolled back.
It went directly from being asleep to losing the ability to battle.
The referee immediately declared Bellossom unable to continue.
Daisuke hurried into the arena and recalled Bellossom from the crater.
"Sorry, but I'll be taking the first victory," Denjiro said with a smile.
Daisuke released a cold snort.
His expression was exceptionally grim.
After the tense and exhilarating battle ended, the spectators erupted into enthusiastic cheers and applause.
Both sides had performed exceptionally well.
The fierce exchange between offense and defense had been extremely exciting.
The final reversal, in particular, had kept everyone in suspense.
They had originally believed that Bellossom would win decisively.
No one had expected Spiritomb to suddenly turn the situation around and defeat it.
As expected, now that the tournament had reached this stage, no one could know the final victor until the battle truly ended.
"Your Spiritomb is incredibly troublesome."
"It seems I haven't trained Bellossom enough."
After calming himself, Daisuke spoke in a low voice.
Denjiro merely smiled and nodded without taking offense.
"Judging from your strategy, I think you misunderstood something."
Seeing the questioning look in Daisuke's eyes, Denjiro continued.
"There is one fundamental point you got wrong."
"You know the legend that Spiritomb was sealed within the Odd Keystone, don't you?"
Daisuke nodded in response.
Of course he knew.
Otherwise, he would never have focused his attacks upon the keystone.
"According to the legend, Spiritomb committed countless evil deeds, so its body was bound to the Odd Keystone."
"But that creates an obvious question."
"If the Odd Keystone could be broken so easily, how could it have imprisoned Spiritomb for so long?"
Denjiro smiled as he posed the question.
Daisuke immediately understood.
Ultimately, there had been nothing fundamentally wrong with his strategy.
He had simply misjudged Spiritomb's durability.
The Odd Keystone beneath it was probably even harder and thicker than the shells of Pokémon such as Cloyster.
"I've learned something valuable."
Daisuke nodded and spoke sincerely.
Ultimately, he had lost because he was not strong enough.
Had Bellossom's Solar Beam possessed even greater power, he might have secured the first victory with ease.
It appeared that Bellossom would require even more special training once they returned.
(End of Chapter)
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