Recaps

The challenge tournament announced its four semifinalists and matchups while Xinhai, Yingnan, and Shali went out to eat with their Pokémon. At the restaurant, Shali revealed that tournament placers would receive focused training after school began, and the group’s meal arrived.

• The host announced that Kato, Panshijian, Ruri, and Suzuki had advanced, then drew Panshijian against Ruri and Suzuki against Kato for the semifinals.
• Xinhai, Yingnan, and Shali met outside the department store and headed to Delicious Pokémon Theme Restaurant to celebrate their Pokémon’s battles.
• Xinhai booked private Room Seven, and the three ordered food for themselves and their Pokémon.
• Shali told Yingnan that Trainer School students who placed in the tournament would receive focused training after school started, prompting Yingnan to celebrate the opportunity.
• Xinhai advised Yingnan to work hard in academic classes to qualify for a high-potential Pokémon, leaving Yingnan frustrated about exams.
• A server brought their meal, and Eevee eagerly stared at the food on the table.

After a meal with Yingnan and Shali, Xinhai returned to the Pokémon Center and helped Torchic recover from its battle defeat. He massaged Torchic and Ralts, leaving both Pokémon resting comfortably.

• Xinhai encouraged Torchic to eat after its defeat, and Torchic regained its fighting spirit as everyone shared a meal.
• Xinhai, Yingnan, and Shali left Delicious Duo, and Yingnan looked forward to Trainer School starting the day after tomorrow.
• Xinhai and Yingnan agreed to battle after Xinhai competed in the Ever Grande Conference.
• Xinhai returned to the Pokémon Center and massaged Torchic's sore legs with ointment and the steps Joy Luo had sent him.
• Xinhai gave Ralts a gentle massage while Torchic rested on a cushion.

Xinhai met with Joy Ya and learned that the Joy family wanted to invest in promising Trainers, offering him resources or a Pokémon with three Egg Moves. He chose the second option, leaving him poised to select a talented Pokémon.

• Xinhai worried that he needed more Pokémon but lacked the money to raise them.
• Joy Luo summoned Xinhai to meet her aunt, Joy Ya, at the Pokémon Center.
• Joy Ya used Whismur's Soundproof Ability to keep their conversation private, then explained why families invested in promising direct-line Trainers.
• Joy Ya told Xinhai that the Joy family had investigated him and wanted to invest in him because of his background, Devon Challenge performance, and talented Ralts.
• Joy Ya offered either twenty million League Coins' worth of resources or fifteen million worth of resources plus a Pokémon with three Egg Moves, and Xinhai chose the second option.

Xinhai signed a resource contract with Joy Ya, choosing an Anticipation Eevee, two Evolution Stones, and three million League Coins. He and Joy Luo planned costly weekly supplies for Ability training, and the chapter ended with Ralts asking Xinhai to teach it to read.

• Xinhai requested an Anticipation Eevee, a Fire Stone, a Dawn Stone, and three million League Coins, then signed the contract Joy Luo had prepared.
• Joy Ya assigned Joy Luo to manage Xinhai’s resources, and Xinhai explained that Ralts’s Skill Swap could help train the Eevee’s Ability.
• Xinhai and Joy Luo planned weekly Pokémon food, Beedrill Honey, human meals, Berries, potions, and other supplies costing about 1.5 million League Coins.
• Xinhai returned to his room and told Torchic and Ralts that Joy Luo had visited him.
• Ralts asked Xinhai to teach it to read so it could understand messages he left behind.

Xinhai prepared Torchic and Ralts for the arrival of a new companion, Eevee, while teaching them to read and promising Torchic a gift after it evolved. Joy Luo delivered Eevee and resources, and Xinhai welcomed Eevee into the team as Torchic and Ralts greeted their new younger sibling.

• Xinhai promised to teach Ralts and Torchic to read, then told them a new companion would arrive in two days.
• Ralts eagerly wondered if it would become a big sister, while Torchic tried to evolve early; Xinhai persuaded Torchic to wait and promised it a gift.
• Xinhai trained and cared for Torchic and Ralts over the next two days, including teaching them to read.
• Joy Luo messaged Xinhai that Eevee and the resources had arrived, then brought Eevee to his room.
• Xinhai welcomed Eevee and introduced it to Torchic and Ralts, who warmly accepted it as their younger sibling.

Joy Luo delivered evolution stones, supplies, and move training for Xinhai's Pokémon, then recommended Devon Corporation's Pokémon Battle Building. Xinhai gave Torchic, Ralts, and Eevee their gifts and planned to take them to the Battle Building the next day, where Torchic would evolve before their training began.

• Joy Luo gave Xinhai a Fire Stone, a Dawn Stone, a Soothe Bell, supplies, and Eevee's Egg Moves, and told him about its Anticipation training.
• Joy Luo recommended Devon Corporation's Pokémon Battle Building before leaving.
• Xinhai gave Torchic the Fire Stone and planned to help it evolve at the Battle Building the next day.
• Xinhai gave Ralts the Dawn Stone and tied the Soothe Bell around Eevee's neck.
• Xinhai gathered the three Pokémon and told them they would begin training together after Torchic evolved.

Xinhai took his eager Pokémon to the Devon Battle Tower, where Torchic began evolving after touching a Fire Stone. The chapter ended as dazzling white light enveloped her.

• Xinhai admired Eevee's extensive moveset and went to sleep excited about Torchic's anticipated evolution.
• Torchic woke Xinhai at dawn, and he helped all three Pokémon wash and eat breakfast.
• Xinhai packed the Fire Stone and Dawn Stone, then took his Pokémon to the Devon Battle Tower.
• Xinhai rented Training Room 306 for three hours and released Torchic, Ralts, and Eevee.
• Xinhai placed the Fire Stone before Torchic, who touched it with her foot as bright light burst from her body.

Xinhai watched Torchic evolve into Combusken, then tested its new moves and checked the Pokémon’s data alongside Ralts’s. He began planning their training and assigned Combusken to wait while he took Ralts and Eevee with him.

• Torchic evolved into a 1.2-meter Combusken after the Fire Stone’s flames surrounded it.
• Combusken demonstrated Flamethrower, Flame Burst, Rock Smash, and Double Kick for Xinhai.
• Xinhai checked Combusken’s Pokédex data and found its abilities, moves, and development were exceptional.
• Xinhai checked Ralts’s data, encouraged her, and noted her strong start despite being only half a month old.
• Xinhai began the day’s training by assigning Combusken to wait while he took Ralts and Eevee with him.

Xinhai trained Ralts and Eevee to dodge Training Balls while exchanging Abilities, then began testing Combusken’s speed after evolution. Combusken started running with Flame Charge on the treadmill as Xinhai raised its speed.

• Xinhai explained the Training Ball launcher and asked Ralts to maintain Skill Swap with Eevee during the exercise.
• Ralts and Eevee activated Skill Swap, gaining Anticipation and Telepathy respectively, but struggled to dodge the barrage of Training Balls.
• Xinhai watched them adjust to their new Abilities and considered how Anticipation and Telepathy could develop alongside Future Sight.
• Xinhai told Combusken that its training would focus on speed and strength, then brought it to the treadmill to test its post-evolution speed limit.
• Combusken ran smoothly as Xinhai increased the treadmill’s speed, then Xinhai told it to use Flame Charge and raised the speed further.

Xinhai tested Combusken’s speed after its evolution, finding that Flame Charge raised its top speed to 263 km/h, then began measuring the power of its close-range moves. Combusken improved its Rock Smash score from 57 to 68 after Xinhai taught it to use its whole body when striking.

• Xinhai had Combusken use Flame Charge on a treadmill, where its speed rose to 150 km/h.
• Xinhai increased the treadmill speed and found that Combusken reached a top speed of 263 km/h before he told it to slow down.
• Xinhai praised Combusken, gave it an Energy Cube and a Body-Enhancing Potion, and advised it to coordinate its breathing and steps.
• Xinhai demonstrated the Devon Corporation Power Tester, then had Combusken test Rock Smash and score 57.
• Xinhai instructed Combusken to twist its waist and throw its whole body into the strike, raising its Rock Smash score to 68.

Xinhai tested Combusken’s kicking attacks and taught it to use Rock Smash with its leg. Combusken discovered how to release Fighting-type energy through its kicks and continued practicing, steadily improving its power.

• Combusken scored 42 and 49 with Double Kick, then raised Blaze Kick’s power from 112 to 137 by blending in Flame Charge.
• Xinhai told Combusken to build a strong foundation and encouraged it to adapt Rock Smash to different body parts and battle situations.
• Combusken’s first leg-powered Rock Smash scored only 21, so Xinhai had it compare the technique with its hand strikes.
• After practicing hand strikes and studying the energy release, Combusken figured out how to trigger Rock Smash through its leg and scored 71.
• Combusken refined its leg technique, raised its score to 75, and kept practicing faster, smoother kicks.

Xinhai coached Combusken on controlling the power of its attacks, then fed Ralts and Eevee and helped them understand how to handle difficult training that combined their senses. He left the two Pokémon to discuss their experiences and think about his advice.

• Combusken practiced Rock Smash kicks and began trying to match each attack to a chosen power target.
• Xinhai brought Ralts and Eevee Pokéblocks and Nutritional Potions during their break from training.
• Ralts and Eevee ate and described how the flood of warnings and thoughts had made it hard to dodge Training Balls.
• Xinhai advised Ralts to focus on the most urgent danger signals and Eevee to quiet its thoughts and trust its instincts.
• Xinhai encouraged them to share their experiences, then left them alone to talk and reflect.

Ralts and Eevee improved their dodging by trusting their instincts during another round of Training Ball practice. Xinhai then helped Combusken apply Double Kick’s rhythm to Rock Smash, but Combusken lost its balance after the first powerful strike and fell before it could land a second.

• Ralts explained that they should rely on bodily instincts and sensed danger to dodge, and Eevee eagerly embraced the idea.
• Ralts and Eevee trained through another barrage of Training Balls, dodging more smoothly despite occasional hits.
• Xinhai observed that the two Pokémon’s hits had dropped by nearly thirty percent and went to check on Combusken.
• Xinhai suggested that Combusken practice chaining Rock Smash strikes with the rhythm of Double Kick.
• Combusken landed a powerful Rock Smash, but its recoil disrupted its balance and caused it to fall before it could deliver a second kick.

Xinhai taught Combusken Tai Chi’s force-unloading technique to help it manage Rock Smash’s recoil and chain attacks. Combusken began studying how to apply the technique to make its strikes stronger and more controlled.

• Combusken reduced the Fighting-type energy in its Rock Smash and managed to land two consecutive kicks, though both were weaker and it still fell over.
• Xinhai explained that lowering the energy also reduced Rock Smash’s chance of triggering its defense-lowering effect, so Combusken needed a special technique.
• Xinhai demonstrated Tai Chi by guiding Combusken’s punch aside and explained how force unloading redirects an opponent’s strength.
• Xinhai demonstrated Tai Chi’s techniques against Combusken’s repeated attacks and told it to use them to neutralize Rock Smash’s recoil or turn that force into a stronger strike.

Xinhai helped Combusken practice chaining kicks by borrowing the recoil from its first strike, then returned to the Pokémon Center and cared for his three young Pokémon. The chapter ended with Combusken, Eevee, and Ralts eating the nutritious meal Xinhai prepared.

• Combusken used Tai Chi principles to redirect the recoil from its first kick and landed a second kick on the target, though it fell over afterward.
• Xinhai encouraged Combusken to keep practicing the follow-up kick and returned with it to the Pokémon Center after their training-room rental ended.
• Xinhai reflected on his limited martial arts practice and resolved to train harder so he could guide Combusken as it grew stronger.
• Xinhai collected his treated Pokémon, massaged them, and arranged training suited to each of the three young Pokémon.
• Xinhai prepared a nutritious meal, and Combusken, Eevee, and Ralts eagerly ate together.

Xinhai forced himself to finish a terrible-tasting martial artist's Nutritious Meal, then felt its energy strengthen his body as he practiced Tai Chi. He taught Combusken and Ralts the movements and urged them to adapt the techniques to their own paths before the Pokémon began afternoon training.

• Xinhai endured the Nutritious Meal's awful taste and ate both lunchboxes while Eevee, Combusken, and Ralts finished their food.
• A warm current from the meal spread through Xinhai's body, prompting him to practice Tai Chi until the energy dispersed and left him feeling invigorated.
• Combusken asked Xinhai to teach him Tai Chi, and Xinhai agreed while explaining that Combusken's main martial arts should be more aggressive.
• Xinhai taught Combusken and Ralts Tai Chi movements, corrected their forms, and invited Eevee to listen to the techniques.
• Xinhai told the Pokémon to apply the principles to their own skills rather than imitate the movements blindly, then sent them to individual afternoon training.

Xinhai booked a lesson for Ralts to learn Mirror Move and supervised his Pokémon’s training at the Battle Building. Combusken began landing a more powerful, controlled Double Rock Smash Kick, while Ralts and Eevee continued improving their dodging skills.

• Xinhai booked a Mirror Move teaching session for three days later and rented a training room for eight hours.
• Combusken practiced Double Rock Smash Kick while Ralts and Eevee trained with the Training Ball launcher.
• After three hours, Xinhai made Combusken rest, fed it, and massaged its trembling legs before it resumed training more calmly.
• Ralts and Eevee dodged nearly all the Training Balls, prompting Xinhai to decide they needed faster training equipment.
• Combusken performed Double Rock Smash Kick with improved coordination, striking the target for 75 power with its right leg and 69 with its left.

Xinhai watched Combusken master a smoother Double Rock Smash Kick, then gave the three Pokémon lunch, massages, and weighted gear for afternoon training. Combusken began testing its new move under fifty pounds of weight, but the added load disrupted its balance and weakened its second strike.

• Combusken refined its Double Rock Smash Kick until its two strikes nearly reached its usual Rock Smash Kick power, and Xinhai praised its progress.
• Xinhai fed himself, Ralts, Eevee, and Combusken lunch after their long morning training session.
• Xinhai practiced Tai Chi while the Pokémon rested, then massaged them to ease their fatigue.
• Xinhai praised Ralts and Eevee's improved perception and told all three Pokémon to continue training in weighted gear.
• Combusken tested its Double Rock Smash Kick while wearing fifty pounds of weights, hit the target with a 62 and then a 25, and prepared to try again.

Xinhai put Combusken, Ralts, and Eevee through a demanding afternoon of weighted training, then brought them back to the Pokémon Center to recover and rest. After dinner and massages, the three Pokémon fell asleep while Xinhai continued soothing Eevee.

• Xinhai watched Ralts and Eevee train in ten-jin weighted vests before joining Combusken in an afternoon of practice.
• Combusken improved its Double Rock Smash Kick balance, while Ralts and Eevee completed their final evasion drills with only one and zero hits, respectively.
• Xinhai ended the training session, checked that his Pokémon were uninjured, and took them to Nurse Joy for recovery.
• After the Pokémon recovered, Xinhai returned with them to his room, where they washed up and ate dinner.
• Xinhai massaged the three Pokémon until they fell asleep, then gently rubbed Eevee's belly by his pillow.

Xinhai planned move training for Combusken and Eevee, then went to bed after considering a battle to test Combusken's Double Rock Smash Kick. In the morning, he woke the Pokémon, but Ralts and Eevee were still too sleepy to get up.

• Xinhai reviewed Combusken's move list and prioritized Protect, Thunder Punch, Vacuum Wave, and Aerial Ace, with Mirror Move as a key long-term goal.
• Xinhai chose Calm Mind, Agility, Helping Hand, Shadow Ball, Double Kick, and Qi Weather Ball as promising moves for Eevee.
• Xinhai decided to seek a real battle the next day to test Combusken's Double Rock Smash Kick, while leaving young Ralts more time to grow.
• Xinhai studied Eevee's move list until late, then went to sleep after checking on his sleeping Pokémon.
• Xinhai woke early and began his morning routine, but Ralts lay back down and Eevee stayed curled under its blanket when he tried to wake them.

Xinhai took Eevee and Ralts to an advanced reaction training room at the Devon Battle Tower, then went to the Intermediate arena with Combusken to test its Double Rock Smash Kick. The chapter ended as Xingtian was called to battle Flying Bird, who had won four matches in a row.

• Xinhai prepared breakfast for Eevee, Ralts, and Combusken, then took them to the Devon Battle Tower for training.
• Xinhai set Eevee and Ralts up in the laser training room and promised to return with treats while they practiced.
• Xinhai left to bring Combusken to the battle area and test its Double Rock Smash Kick.
• Xinhai paid the entry fee for the Intermediate king-of-the-hill arena and waited for his match.
• The loudspeaker announced Xingtian's match against Flying Bird, who had four consecutive victories.

Xinhai, battling under the nickname Xingtian, faced Flying Bird’s Swellow in a practical battle test. He defeated the exhausted Swellow with Combusken and left the spectators wondering about his unusual combined move.

• Xinhai entered the arena to challenge Flying Bird, whose Swellow had won four consecutive battles.
• Flying Bird ordered Swellow to attack with Quick Attack, but Combusken dodged and answered with Rock Tomb.
• Xinhai had Combusken charge with Quick Attack, counter Swellow’s Air Slash with Fire Spin, and leap through the fading flames.
• Combusken struck Swellow with a two-part Rock Smash Kick, hitting its flank and knocking it out of the air.
• The host declared Xinhai the winner, while the spectators speculated that his finishing move combined Double Kick and Rock Smash.

Xinhai’s Combusken defeated Iron Fist’s Hitmonchan with its astonishingly fast Double Kick, earning Xingtian a sixth consecutive win. Meanwhile, Ralts and Eevee continued training and waited for Xinhai to return.

• Ralts and Eevee dodged the laser barrage in the training room, with Ralts using Confusion to help Eevee avoid a beam.
• Ralts persevered despite its dwindling mental energy, while exhausted Eevee rested and the two waited for Xinhai.
• Combusken faced Iron Fist’s Hitmonchan and dodged its Vacuum Wave and Mach Punch before countering with Double Rock Smash Kick.
• Combusken’s second kick struck Hitmonchan’s chest and shattered its armor, knocking it out of the battle.
• Xinhai praised Combusken, suggested it use its fists if an opponent watched its legs, and gave it Pokéblocks to recover.

Xinhai's Combusken defeated Pangolin's Sandslash with a devastating physical kick, earning Xingtian a seventh consecutive victory. As Combusken recovered, the eighth challenger, Boxing, entered the arena with Breloom.

• Pangolin sent out Sandslash and ordered it to attack Combusken with Rollout.
• Xinhai had Combusken dodge with Quick Attack and strike Sandslash with Flame Burst, then close in with another Quick Attack.
• Combusken used a powerful side kick without a Pokémon move, sending Sandslash into the barrier and knocking it out.
• The host announced Xingtian's seventh consecutive victory, and Pangolin recalled Sandslash and left the arena.
• Xinhai gave Combusken a Pokéblock and massaged its trembling leg while warning it not to exceed its limits.
• Boxing entered as the eighth challenger and sent out Breloom.

Xinhai’s Combusken defeated Breloom and Graveler to reach nine consecutive wins, then faced Primeape for the tenth victory. After their opening clash, Combusken regained its balance and kicked toward Primeape’s chest.

• Combusken overcame Breloom’s attacks and defeated it with a small Flamethrower, earning Xinhai his eighth consecutive win.
• Combusken interrupted Graveler’s Defense Curl with a side kick and knocked it out with Rock Smash Kick, securing the ninth win.
• Primeape charged Combusken with Cross Chop, and Combusken met it head-on with a full-power Rock Smash Kick.
• The collision pushed Primeape backward and left it unbalanced, so Combusken stepped in and kicked toward its chest.