When attacking with 6c green Yasuo's ability before showdown, if the opponent reacts with Shen, does Yasuo's ability target the original enemy or does Shen become the new target?
Ruling: Yasuo's ability targets the original enemy unit and cannot be changed once on the chain. Shen's Tank ability does not affect Yasuo's "When I attack" effect because it is not combat damage, but Shen will require damage assignment during the Combat Damage Step.
Sequence:
- Yasuo moves to an enemy-controlled battlefield and a Showdown starts
- Yasuo's "When I attack" effect triggers and goes on the chain, targeting the enemy unit at the battlefield
- The opponent reacts by flipping Shen
- Yasuo's effect resolves with the original target (targets cannot change once on the chain)
- The original target dies to Yasuo's effect
- Both players pass, Showdown ends, Combat Damage Step starts
- Yasuo deals 6 combat damage, some must be assigned to Shen due to Tank (Shen also deals damage to Yasuo)
Nuances:
- Yasuo's "When I attack" effect is not considered combat damage, so Tank does not redirect it
- Tank only applies during the Combat Damage Step