This was a rectangular battle room, a little smaller than the one he used at the training center, but its facilities were more professional.
A standard battle field lay at the center. Clear white boundary lines were painted across the dark gray flooring, and the metal pillars at the four corners were thicker than those at the training center. Dark blue energy circuits were embedded in their surfaces, gleaming with an icy luster beneath the lights.
The referee was already standing at the center of the field, dressed in a black-and-white uniform. He held a small red flag in his left hand and a green one in his right, standing straight with an expressionless face.
Around the field, near the walls, sat more than a dozen men and women in Mossdeep Gym uniforms.
They ranged from their teens to their twenties. Some held notebooks, while others cradled Pokémon in their arms. Their gazes all rested on Xinhai, filled with curiosity and scrutiny.
Gym trainees.
Xinhai's gaze swept over those trainees before quickly withdrawing.
The young man walked to the command area on the other side of the field and took his position. Then he turned to look at Xinhai.
"Let me introduce myself first." His voice was bright yet steady. "I am Gym Leader Shindou Rachel's second disciple, Yano Keisuke. I'll be your opponent for this Gym battle."
Xinhai walked to the command area opposite him, gently lifted Eevee from his shoulder, and set it down by his feet. Then he raised his head and met Yano Keisuke's gaze.
"Xinhai Bai Mu. Please advise me."
"Likewise." Yano Keisuke nodded faintly, a slight smile on his lips. The gentleness in his eyes gradually gave way to focus.
The referee's gaze swept over both sides. After confirming that they were in position,