Elf: I have a secret realm of emerald green.

Now that it's basically confirmed that this is a Zoroark illusion, we should naturally use the move that yields the greatest benefit!

……

Zhou Zhuo's logic for making this judgment is very simple.

If Zhijiang Middle School, with its insufficient roster depth, drags the game into the finals, its chances of winning will only be lower.

Therefore, the opponent will inevitably go all out before the match.

Their strongest doubles pairing is known to be Tibbers and Aggron.

Therefore, the three Pokémon they will field in the singles tournament will definitely be the three strongest.

That is, Xia Shen's Luna, Garchomp, and Zoroark.

A Pokémon like Zoroark is best introduced as early as possible, as it makes it harder for the opponent to predict its appearance.

If Xia Shen were to place her after Luna and Garchomp, who else could she transform into?

Do you really think your opponent will believe you when you actually transform into Tebrimon and Goo!

Moreover, the two strongest single-target Pokémon at Shangjing Middle School are the Ghost-type Aegislash and the Fighting-type Sirfetch'd.

Even if it's due to type advantage, Xia Shen will try to put Zoroark in the main battle to see if he can catch these two Pokémon.

The coach of Kamijou Middle School took this into consideration, which is why he replaced the Aegislash Monster with the Washing Machine in the main match.

Pulling himself back to reality, Zhou Zhuo confidently turned his gaze to the field.

I have already given my answer to this question.

Next, it's time to verify our judgment!

……

"So... Garchomp, protect!" Xia Shen's first command reached the field.

Zhou Zhuo frowned. Could it be that this elf really wasn't a Zoroark illusion?

Otherwise, why would Xia Shen shout out the word "suo" in such a way that only serves to cover up the truth?

Given his mental fortitude, it's impossible for him to make such a basic mistake.

Isn't this just like protesting too much?

Was he revealing that this was Zoroark's message in such a pretentious way so that he could continue using the Evil Pulse?

No, Xia Shen must have thought that I would think of this as well, so this is still Zoroark's illusion!

But... if I keep thinking about it, wouldn't Xia Shen have thought that I would think of the previous level?

Then this isn't a Zoroark illusion...

Is it true or not?

……

Zhou Zhuo fell into a state of deep self-doubt.

Even though the evil wave had been blocked by Garchomp, he still couldn't figure out who his opponent was.

"Garuda, Swords Dance!"

Xia Shen's leisurely voice drifted onto the field again, but whether it was a [sword dance] or [meditation] remained an unknown...

Zhou Zhuo gritted his teeth and thought, "Whatever!"

Anyway, I just won't use Electric, Normal, or Ghost moves, right?

"Washing machine, use the water cannon!"

No more saving money! Whether you're Garchomp or Zoroark, take this Water Cannon!

The sunlight was intense, and everything became visible!

Once the water cannon hits, whether it's Zoroark or not will be clear.

However, no sooner had Zhou Zhuo finished speaking than Xia Shen commanded, "Gallopian, dig a hole!"

The water cannon takes a long time to charge up, and the Garchomp digs very quickly.

Before the powerful water cannons could unleash their power, Garchomp had already vanished from the ground.

Zhou Zhuo was bewildered. Digging a hole... Could Zoroark have learned that too?

So, we still can't determine who the opponent is?

"It doesn't matter anymore," Zhou Zhuo steadied himself and shouted, "Washing Machine, use the trick!"

No matter who you are, the washing machine's characteristic is that it floats and is immune to the second stage of damage from digging.

I'll strengthen mine; if you're so capable, then don't show yourself!

"Galaptor, come out too, and keep using Sword Dance!" Xia Shen's calm yet irritating voice reached Zhou Zhuo's ears.

Zhou Zhuo: "......"

Upgrading...it doesn't seem like I'm making any money out of it...

…………

"Garcut, use Flamethrower!"

Zhou Zhuo was pondering his next move after devising his scheme when, unexpectedly, Garchomp finished its upgrades first and launched an attack.

Moreover, it uses a move that both Pokémon can learn.

Zhou Zhuo thought to himself that the speed of his "sword dance" must be due to his unique method of accelerating the execution of his moves.

However, he didn't intend to let the washing machine avoid the jet of flame.

Firstly, the washing machine's scheme hasn't been fully executed yet, and it would be a shame to interrupt it now.

Secondly, the washing machine is fire resistant, so it doesn't matter if it gets burned once.

Most importantly, Zhou Zhuo wanted to determine the true identity of this Pokémon by observing the damage it inflicted with its flamethrower!

The one with higher damage must be Zoroark with even higher Special Attack.

If the damage is low, then it must be Garchomp.

The washing machine seemed completely unaffected by the intense flames engulfing its small body.

Zhou Zhuo smiled. "Finally, I figured it out. It's not Zoroark. Then take this Shadow Ball!"

"Washing machine, use Shadow..." Zhou Zhuo was about to command the washing machine to cast Shadow Ball when he suddenly froze.

Wait, what if Zoroark deliberately spews a low-damage flamethrower to convince himself that this is Garchomp?

Zhou Zhuo was bewildered, staring at the Garchomp that had just unleashed its Flamethrower and charged toward the washing machine, and for a moment he felt a sense of delusion again.

Is this Garchomp or Zoroark?

I can't tell them apart, I really can't tell them apart!

However, there was no time left for him to carefully analyze the situation on the field.

It was too late to charge the water cannon again; by some divine intervention, Zhou Zhuo issued the order.

"Washing machines use electromagnetic waves..."

As soon as he said it, he began to regret it. Why didn't he use Will-o'-the-Wisp or Dark Pulse?

Regardless of who the opponent is, both moves are quite effective.

Why would I use electromagnetic waves...?

Zhou Zhuo felt that he must have been possessed just now, insisting on using the Shadow Sphere or electromagnetic waves to verify the correctness of his judgment.

Why not just use a Dark Pulse?

However, the electromagnetic waves were released so quickly that by the time he realized what was happening, it was too late.

In front of the washing machine, electromagnetic waves composed of weak, bright yellow currents struck the charging Garchomp directly.

And then, that was it...

The Garchomp, which was precisely hit by the electromagnetic wave, was unaffected and sprinted to the washing machine in one stride.

A bright green light shone from its claws.

It is immune to electromagnetic waves, knows Dragon Claw, and its opponent is the Ground-type Garchomp. Identification complete.

Zhou Zhuo smiled bitterly, then with a sense of relief.

…………

Xia Shen's initial intention for this performance was simply to put on a show, a mix of real and fake acts, as a prelude to Zoroark's appearance in the next match.

But the opponent was incredibly stubborn, insisting on verifying Garchomp's true form.

Finally, probably confused by his own thoughts, he actually sent up an electromagnetic wave.

Sure enough, for smart people, you only need to throw one point of doubt at them, and they will fill in all the remaining possibilities according to their own thinking.

Whether this situation actually exists or not...

------

In a duel between masters, one mistake can be the beginning of a collapse.

Due to Zhou Zhuo's misjudgment, the enhanced Garchomp with [Swift Sword Dance] rushed to Washing Machine's side without any pressure.

He then used his powerful dragon claw, which he had already been gathering power for during his run, to strike his opponent hard.

This is a STAB Dragon Claw enhanced with both Swords Dance and Fierce Attack. Even if Rotom-Wash has high physical defense, it can't withstand this kind of damage.

Undoubtedly, washing machines, which have lower durability, have been severely impacted.

By this time, it was too late for Zhou Zhuo to start the battle over again normally.

Garchomp simply took the Rotom-Wash move head-on and fought it head-on. Since the opponent's Electric-type moves were ineffective against it, as long as it was careful not to get hit by its own Hydro Pump, it wouldn't be a big problem.

The water cannon's charging action is too slow, allowing for timely responses whether it's for protection or digging.

And so, the amateur ninth-dan washing machine suffered a humiliating defeat at the hands of Garchomp's claws.

…………