Recaps

Xinhai arrived at the main tournament venue, learned about the leading competitors, and drew his first-round opponent. The draw left him set to face Ueno Daisuke and his Hitmonlee in Match 7.

• Xinhai joined Yingxiong, Long Yi, Kaito, and other senior brothers in the competitors' lounge.
• Yingxiong identified Ishida Shin, Rex, and Flint as formidable opponents, while Long Yi noted that the traveling trainers were also strong.
• Xinhai drew number seven in the main tournament draw.
• The match list paired Xinhai Bai Mu and Combusken against Ueno Daisuke and Hitmonlee in Match 7.
• The staff announced that the main tournament would begin in ten minutes.

Xinhai learned that reaching the tournament’s top eight would earn a Fighting Crystal, which could strengthen Combusken’s Fighting-type potential, and resolved to pursue the prize. After watching several main-event matches, he entered the ring for his first battle against Ueno Daisuke of Slateport City.

• The host announced the tournament prizes, including a Fighting Crystal for every contestant who reached the top eight.
• Xinhai realized the crystal could balance Combusken’s Fire- and Fighting-type potential after its evolution and decided he had to reach the top eight.
• Xinhai watched Yingxiong’s Medicham win with precise Confusion control and Long Yi’s Blaziken overwhelm its opponent.
• The host called Xinhai Bai Mu and Ueno Daisuke to the ring for match seven, and local spectators cheered for Xinhai.
• Xinhai and Daisuke composed themselves and focused on each other as their battle was about to begin.

Xinhai and Combusken battled Ueno Daisuke and Hitmonlee, gaining an early advantage with a precise counterattack before the match escalated into a clash of doubles. The chapter ended as Combusken launched a combined Flying- and Fighting-type Hurricane Rock Smash Kick at Hitmonlee’s copies.

• Ueno Daisuke sent out Hitmonlee, and Xinhai sent out Combusken to begin the match.
• Ueno Daisuke ordered Hitmonlee to attack with Quick Attack and Brick Break, but Combusken dodged with Bounce and struck Hitmonlee with two Vacuum Waves.
• Xinhai and Ueno Daisuke had their Pokémon use Focus Energy, and Combusken kicked apart Hitmonlee’s Vacuum Waves with Double Kick.
• Ueno Daisuke had Hitmonlee use Double Team, and Xinhai responded by having Combusken create its own copies.
• Ueno Daisuke used Detect to locate the real Combusken, but Xinhai ordered Hurricane Rock Smash Kick, sending a combined-energy whirlwind toward Hitmonlee’s doubles.

Xinhai and Combusken defeated Ueno Daisuke and Hitmonlee with a chained Triple Rock Smash Kick, advancing to the next round. After the match, Xinhai's seniors warned that future opponents would prepare for Combusken's signature tactics.

• Combusken used a chaotic energy storm to destroy Hitmonlee's clones and expose its true body.
• Combusken chained three Rock Smash Kicks, breaking through Hitmonlee's defenses and knocking it down.
• Daisuke conceded, and the referee declared Xinhai Bai Mu and Combusken the winners advancing to the next round.
• Daisuke congratulated Xinhai and recalled Hitmonlee, while Xinhai praised Combusken for its performance.
• Yingxiong, Kaito, and Long Yi warned Xinhai that tournament opponents would study and counter Combusken's chained kicks and speed.

Xinhai and Combusken drew Nakano Takashi and Hitmontop for the second round, while Nakano studied their strengths and planned to counter them with a steady defensive approach. Their battle began with Xinhai's Flame Charge meeting Hitmontop's spinning defensive barrier.

• Xinhai declared that he and Combusken would keep fighting for a place in the top eight as the first round's remaining matches concluded.
• Yingxiong, Long Yi, Ozaki Kaito, Ishida Shin, Rex, and the other favorites advanced to the round of thirty-two.
• Xinhai drew number eleven and learned he would face Nakano Takashi and his Hitmontop.
• Nakano analyzed Combusken's speed, linked kick combinations, and coordination with Xinhai, then planned to use Hitmontop's strength and stamina to force a defensive battle.
• Xinhai and Nakano entered the arena for their second-round match, and Xinhai opened with Flame Charge.
• Nakano ordered Hitmontop to use Triple Rapid Spin Kick to block Combusken's charge.

Xinhai’s Combusken battled Aaron’s Hitmontop in a fast-paced exchange of attacks and counters. After Hitmontop struck Combusken and pressed its advantage, Combusken unleashed Charged Flame Kick, but Hitmontop’s Brick Break forced it skimming across the arena.

• Combusken and Hitmontop clashed with Rock Smash Kick and Triple Rapid Spin Kick, then exchanged Swift attacks.
• Hitmontop charged through Combusken’s Flamethrower and destroyed its Vacuum Waves with Triple Strike, as Xinhai confirmed it had Technician.
• Combusken rushed Hitmontop with a powerful energy-compressed punch, but Hitmontop dodged and countered with its tail, striking Combusken’s abdomen and sending it crashing to the arena floor.
• Hitmontop fired repeated Vacuum Waves and followed with Quick Attack, but Combusken rolled aside and avoided them.
• Hitmontop attacked the recovering Combusken with Brick Break, and Combusken answered with Charged Flame Kick, but Hitmontop’s descending kick overpowered it and sent it skimming along the ground.

Xinhai and Combusken defeated Aaron and Hitmontop after Combusken unleashed the dangerous Explosive Combustion branch of the Flame Drive Technique. Xinhai advanced to the top sixteen, while both Pokémon collapsed from their injuries after the battle.

• Combusken survived Hitmontop's Brick Break and revealed an intense blaze that Long Yi identified as Explosive Combustion, a Flame Drive branch that traded endurance for explosive power.
• Aaron ordered Hitmontop to use Swift and stall, but Xinhai sent Combusken charging through the stars with an empowered Flamethrower.
• Aaron countered Combusken's Flame Jump Kick with Hitmontop's all-out Dynamic Punch, and the two attacks collided in a devastating blast.
• Combusken remained standing while Hitmontop lost the ability to battle, and the referee declared Xinhai the winner and advanced him to the top sixteen.
• Xinhai checked on Combusken, which fainted from exhaustion, while Aaron recalled Hitmontop and congratulated Xinhai before leaving the arena.

Xinhai had Combusken treated after its taxing battle, then returned to the competitors’ viewing area and prepared for the next day’s match. The second round ended with sixteen contestants advancing to compete for places in the top eight.

• Nurse Joy and Chansey treated Combusken’s exhaustion and minor injuries, restoring it to full health.
• Xinhai returned to the viewing area and reassured Yingxiong, Long Yi, Ozaki Kaito, and the other disciples that Combusken had recovered.
• Yingxiong and Ozaki Kaito warned Xinhai that Explosive Combustion strained Combusken, while Long Yi advised improving its control.
• Xinhai accepted their advice and said he and Combusken would prepare for the decisive match, with the Fighting Crystal at stake.
• The second round ended around 3:40 in the afternoon, leaving sixteen contestants to compete for the top eight spots the next day.

After Combusken advanced to the top sixteen, Xinhai returned to Dewford Gym to reunite with his training partners and begin testing a bamboo pole for strength training. The chapter ended as Combusken started lifting the pole with a ten-jin weight attached.

• Xinhai watched the remaining tournament battles, studied the top contenders, and left the arena after the matches ended.
• Xinhai returned to Training Room Number One, where Mightyena, Sandile, Zigzagoon, Eevee, and Kirlia welcomed him and Porygon2 Xiao Duo reported their training progress.
• Brawly congratulated Xinhai on reaching the top sixteen and showed him the five-meter flexible bamboo pole he had prepared.
• Xinhai tied a ten-jin weighted block to the pole and instructed Combusken to grip its end and slowly lift it.

Xinhai guided Combusken through a new bamboo-pole strength and control exercise, while Brawly praised the method. Brawly then asked to purchase exclusive usage rights to Xinhai’s compound bow blueprint, leaving Xinhai surprised by the proposal.

• Xinhai had Combusken use a weighted five-meter bamboo pole to strike a distant target and coached it to control its strength and breathing.
• Combusken’s right arm quickly tired and its aim faltered, but it slowed down and began striking the target more accurately.
• Brawly praised the exercise for developing strength, coordination, body control, and patience, while Xinhai massaged Combusken’s aching arm and planned regular training.
• Brawly told Xinhai that his father and a master craftsman admired the compound bow blueprint and that the Gym wanted to buy its exclusive usage rights.
• Xinhai was surprised by Brawly’s offer.

Xinhai learned that Dewford Gym’s compound bow could pierce thick alloy armor and agreed to transfer its usage rights and technical details to the Gym. He and Brawly headed to the reception room to negotiate the contract.

• Brawly showed Xinhai a video of Takeda Gangxian firing five arrows through a five-centimeter-thick alloy steel plate with the compound bow.
• Brawly explained that the bow’s power could improve further with better materials and that Dewford Gym wanted to control the technology responsibly.
• Xinhai recognized the risks of keeping such a powerful weapon design to himself and agreed to transfer its usage rights and technical details to Dewford Gym.
• Xinhai left his Pokémon to continue training, then followed Brawly to the reception room to discuss the contract.

Xinhai negotiated and signed a generous technology-transfer contract with Brawly and Dewford Gym, adding protections against using the bow designs to attack innocent Trainers. He then browsed the Gym’s resource catalog and found mid-grade Fighting Crystals for Combusken’s evolution.

• Brawly presented Xinhai with a contract offering fifty million League Coins, royalties, upgraded equipment, and Level Three resource access in exchange for exclusive use of his compound bow designs.
• Xinhai requested a clause barring Dewford Gym and its members from proactively attacking non-evil Trainers and their Pokémon with weapons made from the designs.
• Brawly added the restriction, and he and Xinhai signed the agreement.
• Brawly gave Xinhai access to Dewford Gym’s resource catalog, and Xinhai searched it for Type Crystals.
• Xinhai found two mid-grade Fighting Crystals in stock and focused on them as the resource Combusken needed to evolve.

Xinhai selected resources from Dewford Gym’s vault to strengthen his Pokémon and support their growth and evolution. After choosing items for his partners and several Aptitude Enhancement Potions, he returned the tablet to Brawly, who saw how much care Xinhai had put into the selections.

• Xinhai chose a medium-grade Fighting Crystal to balance Combusken’s Types during its evolution.
• Xinhai selected a high-grade Twisted Spoon for Kirlia, an Eviolite for Eevee, a high-grade Hard Stone for Sandile, and a Soothe Bell for Zigzagoon.
• Xinhai chose high-grade Black Glasses for Mightyena and both high-grade Mystic Water and a premium Water Stone for Feebas.
• Xinhai selected suitable Aptitude Enhancement Potions for Combusken, Zigzagoon, Mightyena, and Feebas, but found no recommended potions for Eevee, Kirlia, or Sandile.
• Xinhai returned the tablet to Brawly with his selections, and Brawly examined the list and recognized his care for his Pokémon.

Xinhai finalized Dewford Gym’s support deal and received most of the selected training items for his Pokémon. He distributed their gifts in the training room, then began showing Zigzagoon its Soothe Bell.

• Brawly told Xinhai that the selected resources cost 52.5 million League Coins, promised to transfer the remaining funds by noon the next day, and said the Aptitude Potion would arrive before the Martial Arts Tournament ended.
• Xinhai returned to the training room, told his Pokémon about the partnership with Dewford Gym, and asked them to wait while Brawly fetched their gifts.
• Brawly brought Xinhai a box of supplies, and Xinhai showed Combusken a Mid-grade Fighting Crystal, urging it to fight for a top-eight finish in the tournament.
• Xinhai gave Kirlia a Twisted Spoon and Eevee an Eviolite, which strengthened their Psychic training and Eevee’s defenses.
• Xinhai gave Mightyena Black Glasses that boosted its Dark-type energy, then opened Zigzagoon’s Soothe Bell.

Xinhai gave Zigzagoon, Sandile, and Feebas gifts suited to them, then finished training with his Pokémon and prepared for tomorrow’s match. Back at the Pokémon Center, he received two packages from Roxanne and learned his partners were in good condition.

• Xinhai gave Zigzagoon a Soothe Bell and Sandile a Hard Stone, which Sandile swallowed and absorbed.
• Xinhai placed a Mystic Water in Feebas’s basin and kept a Premium Water Stone for its future evolution.
• Brawly left the Gym, and Xinhai and his Pokémon continued training until Porygon2 Xiao Duo called time.
• Xinhai ended training, helped his partners relax, and left Dewford Gym with Kirlia and Eevee.
• Nurse Joy gave Xinhai two packages from Roxanne and checked his other Pokémon, confirming they would recover in time for tomorrow’s match.

Back in his Pokémon Center room, Xinhai unpacked Roxanne’s gifts, cared for his Pokémon, and prepared for the next day’s round-of-sixteen match. After analyzing potential opponents and studying training materials, he went to sleep beside his companions.

• Xinhai opened Roxanne’s packages, revealing Dawn Stones for Combusken, Kirlia, and Eevee, supplies for Sandile, and food for the coming week.
• Xinhai prepared dinner for his Pokémon, then practiced martial arts with Combusken and Kirlia while the others trained or relaxed.
• Xinhai analyzed the strengths and tactics of potential opponents, including Yingxiong, Long Yi, and Rex, and wrote preliminary battle strategies.
• Xinhai studied advanced Pokémon training materials through the Joy family’s resource database until late at night.
• Xinhai tucked in Combusken, settled beside his sleeping Pokémon, and fell asleep while holding Kirlia’s hand.

Xinhai watched Rex defeat Machoke to advance to the top eight, then began his round-of-sixteen battle against senior dojo student Yu Yamashita. The chapter ended with Hitmonchan grabbing Combusken’s ankle after countering her Double Rock Smash Kick.

• Rex’s Conkeldurr endured Machoke’s Dynamic Punch, seized Machoke with Circle Throw, and followed with Vacuum Wave to win the match.
• Xinhai studied Rex’s tactics and prepared for his own battle against Yu Yamashita of Dewford Town’s Kyokushin Karate Dojo.
• Xinhai and Yu sent out Combusken and Hitmonchan, and the referee started their match.
• Yu ordered Sonic Power-Up Punch, but Combusken dodged with Quick Attack and launched a Double Rock Smash Kick.
• Hitmonchan used Detect to block Combusken’s first kick and countered the second before grabbing her left ankle.

Combusken used Double Team and a carefully timed Rock Smash Kick to counter Hitmonchan’s attacks and strike its injured side. Hitmonchan managed to stand again, and Xinhai ordered Combusken to pursue it with Vacuum Wave and Quick Attack.

• Hitmonchan grabbed Combusken’s leg, threw it toward the arena’s edge, and fired Vacuum Waves, but Combusken adjusted in midair and landed safely.
• Yu Yamashita had Hitmonchan use Focus Energy, while Xinhai sent Combusken’s Double Team copies in to attack with Vacuum Waves.
• Hitmonchan used Detect and High-Speed Rolling Kick to clear Combusken’s clones, then tried to finish the real Combusken with a knee strike.
• Combusken deflected Hitmonchan’s knee with Rock Smash Kick and struck its side with a second kick as it landed, sending it crashing to the floor.
• Yu Yamashita urged the injured Hitmonchan to stand, and Xinhai ordered Combusken to fire Vacuum Waves before rushing in with Quick Attack.

Xinhai and Combusken defeated Yu Yamashita and Hitmonchan to advance to the quarterfinals of the 46th Youth Martial Arts Tournament. The draw paired them against Long Yi and Blaziken, a tournament favorite, setting up their next battle.

• Combusken dodged Hitmonchan's Sonic Power-Up Punch with Feint, swept its leg with Low Sweep, and finished it with Brick Break.
• The referee declared Xinhai and Combusken the winners, and Yu Yamashita congratulated Xinhai before recalling Hitmonchan.
• Xinhai's senior brothers praised his tactics and warned him that the quarterfinal opponents would be stronger.
• The tournament announced its eight quarterfinalists and drew the matchups, pairing Xinhai with Long Yi and Blaziken.
• Combusken met Blaziken's confident gaze, while Yingxiong urged Xinhai to give the favorite a challenging fight.

Xinhai and Combusken faced Long Yi and Blaziken in the quarterfinals, where Blaziken’s speed, precision, and unexpected duplicate overwhelmed their tactics. The fight left Combusken and an energy clone airborne as two sweeping Vacuum Waves closed in on them.

• Yingxiong’s Medicham defeated A-Feng’s Poliwrath with a powerful High Jump Kick in the quarterfinals’ opening match.
• Xinhai and Long Yi began their quarterfinal battle, and Blaziken’s Quick Attack and Charged Flame Kick pressured Combusken despite its evasive maneuvers.
• Combusken used Double Team and Rock Smash Kick, but Blaziken identified the real Combusken and countered; Combusken then damaged Blaziken’s fist with Crush Claw.
• Xinhai sent Combusken in with Vacuum Wave and Double Team, but Blaziken countered the incoming attacks with its own Vacuum Wave and revealed an identical duplicate.
• Xinhai ordered Jump Kick, and Combusken and its energy clone leaped as the two Blaziken swept Vacuum Waves toward them from both sides.

Xinhai and Combusken battled Long Yi and Blaziken, overcoming their hesitation to unleash a powerful final attack. Combusken fainted with a serious leg injury after their attacks collided, and Long Yi advanced to the semifinals.

• Blaziken's Flame Rock Smash Kick defeated Combusken's Energy Clone and injured Combusken's right leg.
• Brawly arrived with Xinhai's companions, whose support renewed Xinhai and Combusken's resolve.
• Xinhai ordered Flame Charge, and Combusken charged at Blaziken as Long Yi commanded Flare Blitz.
• Combusken and Blaziken leaped into the air and collided with Jump Kicks powered by fused Fire- and Fighting-type energy.
• The referee's Gallade confirmed Combusken had fainted with a fracture and energy backlash, then used Heal Pulse to stabilize it.
• The referee declared Long Yi and Blaziken the winners, advancing Long Yi to the semifinals.

After losing to Long Yi, Xinhai rushed Combusken to the Pokémon Center for treatment. Combusken’s injuries were repaired, and Xinhai prepared to take it back to the Gym to recover while celebrating his advance to the quarterfinals.

• Long Yi praised Xinhai’s battle after his Blaziken defeated Combusken, and Xinhai promised to challenge him again.
• Xinhai and Brawly hurried to the Pokémon Center, where Nurse Joy sent Combusken for examination and treatment.
• Xinhai’s Pokémon comforted him while he waited, and Nurse Joy reassured him that Combusken’s injuries had not damaged its foundation.
• Nurse Joy returned Combusken’s Poké Ball after treating its fracture, strained muscles and meridians, and energy-backlash Burns, and advised three days of rest.
• Brawly told Xinhai that he had advanced to the quarterfinals and would receive a Fighting Crystal.

After celebrating Xinhai and Combusken’s tournament success with a feast, Brawly told him to rest while Combusken recovered before the month-long special training began. Xinhai returned to the Pokémon Center with his companions, let them relax, and began reviewing the tournament to prepare for training.

• Brawly treated Xinhai and his Pokémon to a feast and said his father would begin their month-long special training once Combusken had mostly recovered.
• Xinhai congratulated Combusken on reaching the top eight and obtaining the Fighting Crystal, and Brawly wished them success in training.
• Xinhai chose to take his companions back to the Pokémon Center so they could rest before the special training began.
• Xinhai collected his belongings, thanked Porygon2 Xiao Duo, and left Dewford Gym with his Pokémon.
• At the Pokémon Center, Xinhai settled Combusken and let his other Pokémon rest before writing notes on the tournament and their training outlook.

Xinhai reviewed his partners’ progress and planned Combusken’s future development, deciding to use three different Type energies during its evolution. He then calculated that he had invested more than seventy million in raising Pokémon.

• Xinhai finished taking notes and affectionately petted the sleeping Eevee and the waking Kirlia.
• Xinhai summarized Combusken’s exceptional speed, strong physical power, improving reactions, and developing control over several Types.
• Xinhai imagined combining Combusken’s Fire, Fighting, and Flying abilities into a single combat style.
• Xinhai told Combusken he planned to use a Premium Fire Stone, a Fighting Crystal, and a Flying Crystal during its evolution, and Combusken agreed.
• Xinhai calculated his remaining funds and realized he had invested more than seventy million in raising Pokémon.

Xinhai cared for Combusken’s injured leg, collected Xiao Luo’s delivery of Pokémon food, and bought Feebas a Mid-grade Water Stone. The chapter ended with him placing the new stone in Feebas’s basin beside the nearly depleted one.

• Xinhai changed Combusken’s medicine, massaged her injured leg, and urged her to rest while she recovered.
• Xinhai collected two boxes of Pokémon food and nutritional ingredients from the Pokémon Center front desk after receiving a package notification.
• Xinhai sorted the delivered supplies into his Spatial Backpack, then headed to Dewford Town’s department store to buy items and snacks.
• Xinhai returned to the room and placed a newly purchased Mid-grade Water Stone in Feebas’s basin beside its depleted Water Stone.