Recaps

Xinhai considered Dewford Gym’s investment offer and received support from Joy Luo and Roxanne, leaving formal negotiations to the three investors. After inspecting the battle attire and cloak his father had given him, he ended the day by reviewing Combusken’s Gym Battle and recording areas for improvement.

• Brawly offered Xinhai Dewford Gym’s investment, including battle attire, a custom weapon, and guidance, and Xinhai asked for time to consult the Joy family and Rustboro Gym.
• Xinhai messaged Joy Luo and Roxanne, who both supported the investment and said representatives would negotiate its terms with Dewford Gym.
• Xinhai examined the black battle attire and hooded cloak from his father, finding that both had unusual qualities, while Kirlia and Eevee inspected them too.
• Xinhai prepared dinner for his Pokémon and ate his own Nutritious Meal with them.
• Xinhai reviewed the Dewford Gym Battle in his notebook, noting Combusken’s strengths and the need to improve striking, skill transitions, and the fusion of Flying-type and Fighting-type energy.

Xinhai researched Meridians and Dantian, registered for Dewford Town’s Youth Martial Arts Tournament, and ended the day by telling his Pokémon a story about the Super Beast Warriors. The story inspired his companions to reflect on strength, protection, and their own desire to grow stronger.

• Xinhai reviewed the Joy family database’s entries on Meridians, Dantian, and energy circulation, then recorded the information and his own conjectures in his notebook.
• Xinhai registered online for the 46th Youth Martial Arts Tournament and downloaded its schedule to his Pokédex.
• Eevee prompted Xinhai to stop studying, and he gathered his Pokémon to continue telling them about Huo Linfei and the Super Beast Warriors.
• Combusken resolved to become strong enough to protect its companions, while Kirlia grew curious about power and the nature of the world.
• Eevee, Sandile, Zigzagoon, and Feebas reacted with fascination to the story, and Mightyena silently resolved to train harder to protect the group.

Xinhai put his Pokémon to bed, then led them through morning training and discussed problems revealed in the Dewford Gym battle. He explained how Kirlia, Combusken, and Eevee could improve their moves by applying the principle of uniting body and spirit to concentrate power.

• Xinhai settled Eevee, Combusken, Kirlia, Mightyena, Sandile, Zigzagoon, and Feebas for the night.
• Xinhai woke early, ate breakfast with his Pokémon, and took them for their usual jog and warm-up.
• Xinhai returned with his team to the training facility and asked Mightyena to guide Sandile and Zigzagoon through obstacle-based Quick Attack practice.
• Xinhai identified Kirlia's poor stamina in sustained battles and proposed adding ordinary Steel type balls to her Go training to improve precise energy control.
• Xinhai explained that Kirlia's Shadow Ball, Combusken's Hurricane Rock Smash Kick, and Eevee's move learning needed the unity of form and spirit and the concentration of power on one point.

Xinhai assigned training and coached Combusken on improving her attacks and transitions between moves. He proposed combining Tai Chi’s Softness Technique with Focus Energy, leaving Combusken eager to try the method.

• Xinhai assigned Kirlia, Combusken, and Eevee exercises based on coordinating their form, spirit, and energy.
• Xinhai showed Combusken how to aim beyond an opponent’s current position so her attacks could still land if they retreated.
• Xinhai explained that brief pauses between Combusken’s linked moves gave opponents openings to counterattack.
• Xinhai taught Combusken that Tai Chi’s Softness Technique could help energy flow smoothly and reduce pauses between moves.
• Xinhai suggested that Combusken combine Softness Technique with Focus Energy to make her attacks flow smoothly while increasing their power and Presence.

Xinhai and his Pokémon made strong progress during a day of focused training, then headed to Dewford Gym to sign the finalized investment contract. Brawly welcomed him and brought him to meet his father, who was waiting inside the Gym.

• Xinhai directed Combusken to practice shifting its attacks’ target focal point while he trained and coached his other Pokémon.
• The Pokémon improved their Shadow Ball, Quick Attack, and Hurricane Rock Smash Kick techniques through sustained practice.
• Joy Luo, Roxanne, and Brawly confirmed that the contract with Dewford Gym was settled, and Xinhai arranged to sign it immediately.
• Xinhai explained to Brawly that signing promptly would let his Pokémon train at the Gym while he competed in the Martial Arts Tournament.
• Brawly led Xinhai into a reception room, where he introduced him to his father, the Gym Leader of Dewford Gym.

The chapter listed the levels, abilities, types, and moves of the Trainer’s six Pokémon, then explained the author’s model of how training and battles helped Pokémon grow stronger. It ended with the author promising not to abandon the book and thanking readers for their support.

• The chapter recorded Combusken at level 32, Kirlia at 27, Eevee at 28, Sandile at 13, Mightyena at 39, and Zigzagoon at 23, along with their abilities and moves.
• The author explained that using moves during training and battle helped Pokémon master them and increase their speed and power.
• The author argued that intense activity accelerated energy use, allowing Pokémon to eat and absorb more energy than they would while resting.
• The author said training and combat also developed reactions, fitness, battle awareness, judgment, and danger instincts, while missed opportunities could limit a Pokémon’s potential.
• The author promised to keep writing the book and thanked readers for supporting it.

Xinhai met Dewford Gym Leader Takeda Gangxian, who praised his achievements and encouraged him to compete in the Martial Arts Tournament. While reviewing his Level Two Investment agreement, Xinhai learned the Gym had no available high-potential Fighting-type Pokémon with three Egg Moves and understood why such Pokémon were scarce.

• Brawly introduced Xinhai to his father, Gym Leader Takeda Gangxian, who praised Xinhai's training record and encouraged him to give his all in the Martial Arts Tournament.
• Brawly took Xinhai to review and sign the investment agreement, which listed support and subsidies but postponed the Pokémon selection plan.
• Brawly explained that Xinhai had earned Level Two Investment treatment, entitling him to choose a high-potential Fighting-type Pokémon with three Egg Moves, but none were currently available.
• Xinhai considered Fighting-type Pokémon's gender imbalances, breeding habits, and focus on training, and concluded that their scarcity explained the delay.

Xinhai negotiated with Brawly to exchange his right to choose a high-potential Fighting-type Pokémon for two custom weapons and a Premium Fire Stone. After signing the revised contract, he sketched designs for his weapons and reviewed Dewford Gym’s combat suits.

• Xinhai explained that another Fighting-type Pokémon would overlap with Combusken and might not suit his team, then proposed exchanging the selection right for two custom weapons and a Premium Fire Stone.
• Brawly accepted the exchange after warning Xinhai that he could not later reclaim the Pokémon opportunity, and they signed the revised contract.
• Xinhai sketched a spear, a round shield designed to guide attacks toward its center, and an adjustable compound bow.
• Brawly showed Xinhai standard Grade Two combat suit designs and described their energy resistance and their limited protection against certain Psychic- and Ghost-type moves.

Xinhai finalized weapon and battle suit designs with Brawly, received a Premium Fire Stone for Combusken, and prepared his Pokémon for the Martial Arts Tournament. The next morning, he and his partners headed to Dewford Gym.

• Xinhai showed Brawly his weapon and three-layer battle suit designs, and Brawly recorded the specifications for the Gym’s craftsmen.
• Brawly gave Xinhai a 92%-purity Premium Fire Stone, which Xinhai saved for Combusken’s future evolution.
• Xinhai showed the stone to his Pokémon and promised Combusken it would help him reach his full potential when he evolved.
• Xinhai reviewed the tournament schedule, created training plans with ample rest, and trained Combusken and Kirlia in boxing techniques.
• The next morning, Xinhai and his Pokémon went to Dewford Gym.

Xinhai left his other Pokémon with Brawly and headed to the Dewford Town Martial Arts Tournament with Combusken. He learned that the preliminaries required trainers to fight alongside their Pokémon and entered the competitor rest area eager for the contest to begin.

• Xinhai entrusted Eevee, Mightyena, Sandile, and Zigzagoon to Brawly, who agreed to oversee their training with Kirlia.
• Xinhai arrived at the tournament venue and met Senior Brother Yingxiong and Senior Brother Long Yi in the competitor passage.
• Yingxiong explained that competitors first had to score at least 300 on a power test, then defend an arena championship for ten matches.
• Long Yi and Yingxiong revealed that trainers fought alongside their Pokémon, and could keep competing even after their Pokémon lost by defeating the opposing trainer and Pokémon themselves.
• Xinhai grew excited about the martial arts matches and went with Yingxiong and Long Yi to prepare for the power test.

Xinhai and Combusken passed the preliminary strength test with an average score of 601.7 and advanced to the ring matches. After watching Matsumoto Da Xiang win his fourth battle, Xinhai accepted Combusken’s eager challenge and stepped forward to face him.

• Long Yi left for his preliminary match, and Xinhai received a summons to the east district strength-testing station.
• Xinhai and Combusken took the strength test, scoring 589, 601, and 615 across their three attempts.
• The staff announced Xinhai and Combusken’s average score of 601.7, passed them to the next round, and directed them to an arena.
• Xinhai watched Matsumoto Da Xiang and Poliwrath defeat a dojo Trainer and claim their fourth consecutive victory.
• Combusken urged Xinhai to challenge Matsumoto Da Xiang, and Xinhai called out that he would face him.

Xinhai and Combusken began their arena match against Matsumoto Da Xiang and Poliwrath, with both Trainer and Pokémon quickly demonstrating their fighting skill. After Combusken injured Poliwrath’s leg and Matsumoto rushed Xinhai, Xinhai countered his close-range assault and charged forward as Matsumoto staggered.

• Xinhai ordered Combusken to use Quick Attack, then Low Sweep, injuring Poliwrath’s left leg and disrupting its balance.
• Matsumoto ordered Poliwrath to fire Vacuum Waves and rushed Xinhai, aiming to defeat the Trainer directly.
• Xinhai evaded Matsumoto’s kick and blocked his successive punches with precise movements.
• When Matsumoto left an opening, Xinhai landed a short punch to his chest, making him stagger back in pain.
• Ozaki Kaito recognized Xinhai’s exceptional combat instincts as Xinhai charged at Matsumoto before he could recover.

Xinhai and Combusken defeated Matsumoto Da Xiang and Poliwrath, taking over as arena champions. After the victory, spectators recognized Xinhai as the traveling trainer who had challenged Dewford Town dojos.

• Xinhai defended against Matsumoto Da Xiang’s desperate punches while Combusken overwhelmed the injured Poliwrath.
• Combusken countered Poliwrath’s Cross Chop and knocked it out with a powerful kick to the chest.
• Distracted by Poliwrath’s defeat, Matsumoto Da Xiang lost his balance when Xinhai swept his leg and pushed him down.
• Matsumoto Da Xiang surrendered, and the referee declared Xinhai Bai Mu and Combusken the new arena champions with one defense.
• Spectators recognized Xinhai as the trainer who had challenged Dewford Town dojos for over ten days, and regarded him and Combusken more seriously.

Xinhai and Combusken defended the arena against Sato Ken and Hitmonchan, ending the battle with a relentless combination of powerful attacks. Hitmonchan collapsed against the energy Barrier, unable to continue fighting.

• Sato Ken challenged Xinhai after dismissing Combusken’s previous victory as a result of his opponent’s exhaustion.
• Xinhai ordered Combusken to use Quick Attack, but Combusken combined its momentum with Jump Kick to strike Hitmonchan’s guard and send him flying.
• Combusken pursued Hitmonchan and drove an axe kick down onto his injured arms, forcing him to one knee.
• Hitmonchan pushed Combusken’s leg upward, but Combusken countered with an upward kick to his chin.
• Xinhai called the battle over as Combusken struck Hitmonchan in the chest with a final powered punch, leaving him unable to fight.

Xinhai Bai Mu and Combusken defeated challenger after challenger in the second arena, winning eight consecutive battles. A confident young Trainer stepped forward with an Infernape, setting up a formidable new challenge.

• Sato Ken conceded after Combusken defeated Hitmonchan, and Xinhai praised Combusken for controlling the battle's rhythm.
• When no one volunteered to challenge, the referee selected Kobayashi Hayato, whose Hitmonlee quickly fell to Combusken.
• Combusken won successive forced challenges as its Speed Boost raised its speed and its Moxie training steadily increased its attack power.
• Ozaki Kaito recognized Combusken's combination of abilities as Xinhai and Combusken reached eight consecutive wins.
• A confident young Trainer volunteered to challenge with a powerful-looking Infernape, drawing Xinhai's attention.

Flint of Veilstone City and his Infernape challenged Xinhai and Combusken in a fierce battle. After both Pokémon unleashed their strongest attacks, their Focus Punch and Jump Kick collided, cracking the arena floor and leaving the outcome unresolved.

• Flint introduced himself and challenged Xinhai to battle with Infernape.
• Infernape's Sonic Flame Punch clashed with Combusken's Spinning Rock Smash Kick, and Combusken sent Infernape flying.
• Flint had Infernape use a reversed Flame Wheel to retreat and gain distance from Combusken.
• Infernape built up a powerful Focus Punch as Combusken surpassed its limits and fused its Fighting and Normal type energies.
• Infernape's Focus Punch collided with Combusken's Jump Kick, and the impact sent cracks spreading across the arena floor.

Xinhai Bai Mu and Combusken defeated Flint and Infernape in a brutal clash, then won their tenth consecutive match with a single Jump Kick. They stood one victory away from qualifying for the main tournament, while Combusken’s injury proved to have little effect on its speed.

• Combusken struck Infernape with a Vacuum Wave as both Pokémon were thrown back by their clash, leaving Infernape unable to continue.
• Flint conceded, praised Xinhai Bai Mu and Combusken, and left after they promised to battle again.
• The referee declared Xinhai Bai Mu and Combusken the winners of their ninth consecutive match and drew another challenger.
• Combusken used Quick Attack and Jump Kick to knock out the challenger’s Hitmonchan instantly, earning its tenth consecutive victory.

After advancing to the Martial Arts Tournament's main event, Xinhai planned Combusken's evolution and visited Dewford Gym, where Brawly showed him its expansive Gravity training system. Brawly explained that Dewford Town generated power from the surrounding sea.

• Combusken defeated Hitmonchan, earning Xinhai Bai Mu and Combusken ten consecutive victories and a place in the main tournament.
• Xinhai learned that Combusken had reached level 33 and planned to evolve it at level 39 using a Premium Fire Stone and its awakened Type source power.
• Nurse Joy returned Combusken's Poké Ball after treating it, and Xinhai messaged Brawly that he was coming to Dewford Gym.
• Xinhai arrived at Dewford Gym and found Brawly and the disciples training under a sectional Gravity field that ranged up to 5x.
• Brawly explained that Dewford Town's power facilities generated electricity using the surrounding sea.

Xinhai learned how Dewford Town’s ocean-based power system supported its advanced training facilities, then visited his Pokémon in specialized rooms and met Xiao Duo, a Porygon2 that monitored and planned their training. The chapter ended as Xinhai watched Eevee, Kirlia, and Sandile train while Brawly praised Xiao Duo’s analytical abilities.

• Brawly explained how Dewford Town generated and distributed electricity using ocean currents and tidal power.
• Brawly took Xinhai to three specialized training rooms, where Zigzagoon and Mightyena greeted Xinhai happily.
• Brawly introduced Xiao Duo, a Porygon2 that reported the Pokémon’s training progress and stable condition.
• Xiao Duo showed Xinhai live feeds of Eevee practicing evasion, Sandile training Rock- and Ground-type moves, and Kirlia refining its Inner Focus control.
• Brawly described how Xiao Duo monitored Pokémon and developed precise training plans using its analytical and computing abilities.

Xinhai and Brawly discussed how intelligent Pokémon such as Xiao Duo could improve training without replacing the trust and companionship between Trainers and Pokémon. After Xiao Duo reported that Eevee, Kirlia, and Sandile had finished training, the three Pokémon reunited joyfully with Xinhai.

• Xinhai told Brawly that data and simulations could assist training, but personal guidance and bonds remained essential.
• Brawly predicted that Pokémon like Xiao Duo might eventually replace traditional Breeders, and Xinhai said they should be treated as partners rather than tools.
• Porygon2 briefly swayed faster and showed flickering, disordered data in its eyes before returning to normal unnoticed.
• Brawly agreed with Xinhai that Trainers should recognize artificial Pokémon like Xiao Duo as living partners.
• Xiao Duo announced that Eevee, Kirlia, and Sandile had completed their training, and they rushed out to greet Xinhai.

After advancing to the main tournament with Combusken, Xinhai celebrated with his Pokémon and prepared lunch at the training room. Brawly brought over his powerful partners to eat, and the two trainers helped serve their Pokémon together.

• Xinhai told his Pokémon that he and Combusken had advanced to the main tournament, and they celebrated with him.
• When Eevee’s stomach rumbled, Xinhai began preparing lunch and invited Brawly’s Pokémon to join them.
• Xinhai fed his Pokémon, including giving Feebas Water type Pokéblocks, while Combusken waited nearby.
• Brawly returned with ten Fighting type Pokémon, whose presence made Xinhai’s smaller Pokémon tense, though Quagsire kept eating without concern.
• Brawly introduced Xinhai to his Pokémon, explained that they would see him often, and helped Xinhai serve their specialized meals.

Xinhai ate a hearty meal at the Dewford Gym cafeteria with Brawly, then returned to the training room to massage his Pokémon as they recovered from lunch. Brawly’s Pokémon asked for massages too, so he began working through them one by one.

• Brawly praised Xinhai’s cooking and invited him to eat at the Dewford Gym cafeteria.
• Brawly explained how the gym had improved its nutritional meals to make them both nourishing and delicious, and Xinhai ate a second helping.
• Xinhai and Brawly returned to the training room after thanking the head chef.
• Xinhai began massaging Eevee and his other Pokémon while they rested.
• Brawly’s Pokémon watched enviously, prompting Brawly to offer them massages, starting with Combusken.
• Porygon2, Xiao Duo, watched the training room scene on the screen.

After a day of training with Brawly, Xinhai devised a Great Spear training method to build Combusken’s arm strength. He asked Brawly where to find bamboo and revealed his plan, leaving Brawly baffled by the idea of Combusken training with a weapon.

• Xinhai and Brawly supervised their Pokémon’s training at Dewford Gym, then Xinhai thanked Brawly and returned to the Pokémon Center.
• Xinhai led Kirlia and Combusken through boxing forms before Combusken practiced the Eagle Claw Technique with an iron jar.
• Xinhai decided Combusken needed broader upper-body training and planned to use a weighted bamboo pole for Great Spear exercises.
• Xinhai asked Brawly where to find long, flexible bamboo, and Brawly pointed him to a bamboo forest on Dewford Island’s back mountain.
• Xinhai told Brawly the bamboo was for Combusken’s arm-strength training, and Brawly questioned whether Xinhai intended to teach Combusken staff tricks.

Xinhai arranged for Brawly to provide a flexible five-meter pole for training and reviewed his Pokémon’s progress. Convinced that balanced Essence, Qi, and Spirit training was their strongest path, he resolved to handle their cultivation independently and keep their distinctive data secret.

• Xinhai explained his pole-training method to Brawly, who offered to bring him a suitable five-meter bamboo pole for their next training session.
• Xinhai assessed Kirlia’s progress with Copycat and expected it to soon learn the move well enough to begin systematic physical training.
• Xinhai confirmed that coordinated Essence, Qi, and Spirit training improved his Pokémon faster and more comprehensively than training only one or two aspects.
• Xinhai considered the dangers of leaked cultivation data and the risks posed by his Pokémon’s unusual development path.
• Xinhai decided to pursue complete independence in Pokémon cultivation and stop sending data from Essence, Qi, and Spirit training to collaborating Presence.

Xinhai spent the evening studying advanced Pokémon breeding materials, caring for his partners, and preparing for the Martial Arts Tournament’s main round. The next morning, he left his Pokémon with Brawly and Kirlia for training and headed to the tournament venue with Combusken.

• Xinhai studied the Joy family's breeding resources, comparing advanced theories with his own ideas and his partners’ data.
• Xinhai prepared dinner suited to each Pokémon’s training, then massaged his partners and helped them settle in for the night.
• Xinhai reviewed advanced breeding courses before saving his work and going to sleep, determined to face the main round the next day.
• Xinhai and his partners woke refreshed, ate breakfast, and left the Pokémon Center for Dewford Gym.
• Xinhai gave Brawly the Poké Balls for Eevee, Mightyena, Sandile, and Zigzagoon, along with a training plan, and entrusted their practice to Brawly and Kirlia.
• Xinhai set off for the Martial Arts Tournament venue with Combusken.