After confirming that Grovyle had shown proper restraint and that Meditite's injuries were not serious, the last trace of worry in Xinhai's heart finally faded.
Although Grovyle had cut down quite a few Pokémon and had a firm grasp on how hard to strike, Xinhai still habitually checked the injuries whenever he saw it hurt an opponent.
It was not that he did not trust Grovyle. It was simply a habit.
"Grov." Grovyle lowered its head to glance at the blood-stained leaf blades on its arms, then looked up at Xinhai, a hint of inquiry in its golden eyes.
"It's fine. You did very well." Xinhai got to his feet and patted its shoulder, a faint smile on his lips. "Your strike was precise, and you judged the force perfectly."
"Grov." Grovyle nodded, a smile curling across its lips as satisfaction at receiving its Trainer's approval flashed through its golden eyes.
Xinhai smiled at it, then raised his head and looked across the field toward Yuma Kamiya on the other side.
Yuma Kamiya was crouching beside Meditite, gently stroking its back with one hand as he murmured something softly.
Meditite's wound had already received basic treatment from the medical staff and was wrapped in a layer of white bandages. Though its black eyes were still somewhat dull, they had regained their clarity.
As if sensing Xinhai's gaze, Yuma Kamiya looked up, and their eyes met in midair for an instant.
Xinhai gave him a slight nod, then smiled and withdrew his gaze, patting Grovyle on the shoulder. "Come on. Let's go back and rest for a while."
Yuma Kamiya nodded as well, then looked away and returned the bandaged Meditite to its Poké Ball.
Inside the lounge, Xinhai had barely pushed the door open and stepped inside when Ryosuke