This is where —a term derived from the Japanese for "Bird Cage" and "Trapper"—enters the spotlight.

Because the rush meta is dead, the enemy cannot close the distance quickly enough to interrupt your setup.

note that while the adult visuals may be basic, the game excels in writing, characterization, and narrative pacing. Technical Performance Tips

The "Dead End" feeling in this battle comes from Hop's improved AI which prioritizes Super Effective moves and status effects. To achieve the "Better" outcome, do not treat him as a standard NPC rival; treat him as a competitive player using a Weather/Terrain team. Disable his terrain (Electric Surge from Pincurchin) to stop his MVP plays