Body Tempering Art

Xinhai nodded thoughtfully. What Brawly had said matched the information he had previously found in the Joy family archives.

The inherited flame was more like a seed. To truly transform, a Pokémon still needed to surpass its own limits.

He lowered his head to look at the Combusken beside him, which had finished lunch and was lying on the ground resting. His fingers gently combed through the soft down around its neck, and the faint regret he had felt over failing to awaken the Fire of Fighting Spirit gradually faded away.

Fire of Belief... Xinhai silently repeated the name of the flame.

Although it was even rarer and the road ahead might require more exploration, it was proof of the bond and belief between him, Combusken, and all their companions. It was a unique power that belonged to them alone.

"No matter what," Xinhai said, lifting his head and giving Brawly a relieved yet fighting-spirited smile, "this flame has already been lit. What we need to do next is make it burn even brighter together with Combusken, so it can light our way forward!"

"Haha, well said!" Brawly clapped Xinhai hard on the shoulder. "Now that's the Xinhai I know! I'm really looking forward to seeing what you and Combusken can do in this afternoon's special training! Don't let my Combusken show you up!"

He pointed at his own Combusken, which was resting nearby. Sensing its Trainer's gaze, it raised its head, battle intent flashing in its eyes as it let out a low, provocative cry at Xinhai's Combusken.

"Shamo!" Xinhai's Combusken glared back without backing down. Though still somewhat tired, the flames in its eyes remained blazing hot.

After lunch and a short rest, the Pokémon eagerly began their afternoon independent training.

Kirlia and Eevee exchanged a glance, then