Martial Arts System

After making their agreement, Xinhai recalled his partners into their Poké Balls, bid Brawly farewell, slung on his Spatial Backpack, and returned to the Pokémon Center beneath the lingering glow of the setting sun.

After watching Xinhai leave, Brawly turned and returned to the crude wooden cabin.

His father, Gym Leader Takeda Gangxian, was still seated cross-legged on a cushion, his eyes slightly closed as though he were performing his evening Calm Mind meditation. His aura was as still and deep as an abyss.

Brawly quietly entered the cabin and sat on the cushion opposite his father without disturbing him immediately.

Only after the faint energy fluctuations around Gym Leader Takeda slowly subsided and he opened his deep eyes did Brawly ask, "Father, there's something I don't understand."

Gym Leader Takeda looked at his son without speaking, merely signaling with his eyes for him to continue.

Brawly gathered his thoughts and said, "Father, since you think so highly of Xinhai, you made exceptions for him with both the Mid-Grade Flying Crystal and that Body Tempering Art. Why... why didn't you simply take him as your disciple? With Xinhai's personality and his desire to grow stronger, I'm sure he wouldn't refuse."

This question had been bottled up inside Brawly for quite some time. He could sense his father's appreciation for Xinhai, an appreciation that had even surpassed the scope of a mere investment target.

Gym Leader Takeda looked at Brawly and slowly shook his head. His voice was calm, yet carried an unquestionable weight. "He isn't suited to us."

"Not suited?" Brawly frowned slightly, his face showing even deeper confusion. "What do you mean, not suited? Because he doesn't specialize in Fighting types?"

Seeing his son trying hard to think but still missing the point, Gym Leader Takeda sighed helplessly, straightened