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Infusing a Substitute with elemental energy presents an interesting dilemma—attack classification.
Moves follow strict priority rules.
To date, Li Xiang had never witnessed a Pokémon successfully executing two moves simultaneously. Furthermore, once a move takes form, it can even target the user itself.
This means channeling energy into a Substitute might technically qualify as an attack.
This conclusion stems from move mechanics operating in four phases:
Vital Energy → Elemental Energy → Projection/Containment → Move Completion
Once released, elemental energy becomes a full-fledged move capable of affecting any target.
Therefore, to safely infuse a Substitute, Greninja must act during the brief window after creation but before independence—when the duplicate still shares its creator's life force.
Theory established. Now for execution.
The challenge lies in the transition speed between energy expenditures.
Most moves consume fixed energy amounts. Additional inputs function as charging rather than simultaneous actions.
Every energy release carries inherent recovery frames—even momentary 0.1-second delays create openings.
Like breathing rhythms, this fundamental limitation can't be circumvented.
Ultimately, this technique mirrors the Giant Water Shuriken dilemma—everything hinges on precise timing.
Master the rhythm, and the technique flows naturally, but perfect timing remains the most elusive skill in battle.
Countless trainers falter simply by misjudging critical moments.
As the saying goes—knowledge without execution remains theory.
Li Xiang could only outline the approach. Greninja's success depended entirely on its own dedication.
"Begin."
At his quiet signal, the ninja Pokémon nodded.
Substitute formation occurs in rapid sequence: Elemental energy coalesces as a white aura. The glow detaches carrying a pliable energy mass and within one second, the mass reshapes into a perfect replica
The critical interval?
Between detachment and independent animation.
Greninja must compress Substitute's recovery frames and transfer energy during this fractional pause.
Unsurprisingly, the first attempt failed spectacularly.
The duplicate solidified too quickly. Greninja's delayed energy transfer instead manifested as a Night Slash dagger—fortunately avoiding a self-destructive outcome.
"Confirmed—it's a move transition issue."
Li Xiang analyzed the slowed footage showing Greninja's delayed reaction. The 1-second recovery window simply couldn't accommodate the 0.5-second detachment process.
But identifying the problem meant progress. Now only intensive training could shorten the recovery gap.
With enough refinement, even frame-perfect execution became possible—like a master sculptor shaping clay without hesitation.
"Another marathon technique..."
Li Xiang rubbed his temples. His usual luck abandoned him when facing these mechanical challenges.
No shortcuts existed—only relentless practice.
Yet perhaps this was for the best. After all, true mastery required tangible goals.
.....
Arena Developments.
Despite being confined to B-tier matches, Li Xiang found no shortage of determined opponents.
Unlike their C-tier counterparts who retreated after losses, these challengers returned daily—maxing out his six-battle quota. Even previously avoidant competitors like Luo Dayou joined the fray.
Soon, Li Xiang's arena became the camp's most contested proving ground.
"You've become their benchmark."
Song Jie explained after evening training. "For them, defeat isn't failure—stagnation is."
"Your strength represents an ideal to surpass. The mountain they must climb."
The silver-haired trainer's intense gaze mirrored this philosophy.
Li Xiang finally understood. These were pure battlers—the breed that welcomed any challenge.
A Champion standing before them?
An opportunity, not an obstacle.
Arrogance? Ridicule? Failure?
Irrelevant. Every battle offered lessons. Victory mattered less than evolution.
This mindset—reminiscent of anime protagonists—explained this world's top-tier warriors' overwhelming prowess.
"A living benchmark..."
Li Xiang chuckled ruefully. Their determination deserved respect. At least, it spared Qu Sheng's group from point donations.
With open challenges, Li Xiang's PP (Performance Points) skyrocketed through constant battles.
Occasional losses occurred but were quickly avenged.
Thus November passed productively.
...…
Camp Adjustments.
This month's evaluation saw expanded parameters:
Rewarded trainees: 10 → 14
Penalized trainees: Sub-60 PP → Sub-100 PP
The change stemmed from underutilized arenas like Qu Sheng's.
Xiang Yangwei despised idle competition.
His solution? Pressure lower tiers.
D-tier groans echoed through the assembly. Many had hoarded points for promotions—only to watch their reserves evaporate.
Such was the camp's law.
Growth rewarded. Complacency punished.
Some could only watch helplessly as their scores dwindled to nothing—or worse, negatives.
Meanwhile, Qu Sheng's faction surpassed 500 Points but conserved their reserves for the next tournament cycle.
Once B-tier reached critical mass, they'd advance.
...
December Shifts
The month's tournament concluded with 22 eliminations and
145 remaining trainees
Contrary to expectations, no class consolidations occurred.
Six classes persisted under six instructors and only those investing points in elite coaching saw changes.
Battle results:
Top divisions: Still dominated by Li Xiang's six-member alliance
Lower brackets: Increased volatility. Three new B-tier promotions raised the total to 16
New arenas reduced internal competition.
Qu Sheng's team could resume points donations—if scheduling permitted.
Li Xiang had become B-tier's most coveted opponent. Some willingly risked demotion for a single match.
Newcomers exhibited identical fervor.
He'd essentially become the camp's final boss—the ultimate trial before advancement.
Li Xiang half-suspected a secret coordination network among his challengers. The possibility seemed increasingly likely.
By December's end, the stagnant routine bred restlessness.
Xiang Yangwei's response? A radical new challenge.
Concluding the standard PP lottery, he made an unexpected announcement:
"The calendar resets soon."
His measured tone carried through the auditorium. "Our traditions equate New Year's Day with reunion—red envelopes symbolizing prosperity."
"While you'll miss the festivities, I'm offering an alternative—the performance points Bonus Storm. From January 5-7, each participant receives 10 attempts against five difficulty tiers. Victory claims their PP value. Defeat costs double—plus forfeits all prior winnings. Consider this my holiday gift. But remember—greed invites ruin."
His piercing gaze swept the crowd before dismissal.
The trainees erupted into speculative chatter as they dispersed.