"Oh, oh, oh! It's that green Sandshrew!"
"After a month, it's back on the challenge stage!"
"But this time it's not facing an Electabuzz, but a Persian. Without the type advantage, what kind of battle will we see?"
The announcer clearly recognized Sandshrew. Its green-colored body, so unusual, made it very easy to identify.
"It's the same Sandshrew that won back then! I still have engraved in my memory that unstoppable Rollout that crushed everything, even though a month has passed!"
"Come on, come on, take down the ring leader!"
"Do it! Use Rollout and sweep through everything!"
The audience erupted in cheers at the sight of Sandshrew. The contrast with its debut, when it was received with mockery and disdain, could not have been clearer.
It was obvious: Sandshrew had already conquered all the spectators.
"That Sandshrew again? This is going to be a problem..."
Ethan Black's opponent was a ring leader. She had a good look, with an androgynous style that conveyed agility and firmness.
And just as he had predicted, when Sandshrew used the move Rollout, it moved at such speed that Persian couldn't effectively counterattack. It had no choice but to run aimlessly until it exhausted itself and collapsed.
It was clear that Ethan Black had perfectly read Persian's weaknesses and acted decisively, winning quickly and forcefully.
"You've won," said the ring leader, annoyed at having lost so easily.
Throughout the entire battle, she hadn't even managed to touch Sandshrew once. She ended up running all over the field until she collapsed. A humiliating defeat.
At that moment, the stadium fell silent. One could hear a pin drop.
No one expected the battle to end in such a crushing way.
"Congratulations to challenger number 8, who has defeated the ring leader and becomes the new ring leader."
"Next there will be a 10-minute break. Trainers who wish to challenge the new ring leader, please head to the registration desk!"
After recovering from the shock, the announcer enthusiastically delivered the news, although he couldn't hide the surprise that his ring leader had lost in such a shameful manner.
Immediately, the field was filled with movement. Many trainers lined up to register. Everyone wanted to try their luck against the "soft" new ring leader!
"Looks like things are about to get complicated..." murmured Ethan Black as he watched the club staff select from among the applicants.
When there's a new ring leader, the club carefully evaluates the challengers. After all, if someone manages to defend the title in ten consecutive battles, they win a reward of 10,000 Pokédollars, and the club wasn't about to let just anyone step up only to serve as sparring.
"Sha-sha-sha..."
Sandshrew watched in amusement, clearly enjoying the chaos. It had already pocketed its 1,000 Pokédollars, so now it felt like its job was done.
Ethan Black still intended to make it train more, which Sandshrew found a great injustice. What a bad boss!
Very soon the ten minutes passed and the first challenger was chosen, being led to the preparation area.
"We now resume the ring tournament! Let's welcome challenger number one to the stage!"
As soon as the announcer finished speaking, the first challenger hurried onto the ring and threw his Poké Ball, from which a Poliwhirl emerged.
(End of Chapter)