???

Just as Hawlucha, like a missile locked onto its target, was about to slam into Lion King's back with terrifying momentum, it let out a sharp battle cry—

"Kree—! Take this!"

That piercing rush of air and its utterly unrestrained speed made it look nothing like a joke or an act of mercy.

With that kind of posture, it was hard not to wonder whether it had some unknown personal grudge against Lion King...

Lion King was, after all, a seasoned veteran of countless battles. It possessed a beast-like instinct for sneak attacks from above.

It abruptly rolled to the side in an awkward but timely motion, narrowly dodging that underhanded "diving body press."

What the heck, old buddy?

Lion King looked at Hawlucha in shock and fury, its eyes full of question marks. Were you here to help me or screw me over? Why were you attacking me?

Hawlucha's strike missed, yet it showed no embarrassment at all. Instead, it landed smoothly with a stylish flip, then smugly raised a wing toward where Yan Yang was hiding, as though claiming credit.

Hey! Buddy! Was that feint and diversion move cool or what? You said you were bringing your Pokémon here for training, right? I'm here to give you some extra help!

Yan Yang in the grass: "..."

Gee, thanks a lot!

I was in the middle of special training for my stupid lion. Why were you butting in?

Oh no, oh no, it looked like they had noticed him too... The show was going to end early now.

However, while the Pyroar on the battlefield was not particularly bright, its battle instincts were solid.

It keenly seized the opening Lion King had exposed while dodging the sneak attack. With a low growl, it threw its full strength into a