Riolu

Biodata

Power Progression

Background / History

Professor Oak sent Riolu to Chi Hong shortly after it hatched. Riolu rejected Chi Hong’s offered food and agreed to a one-on-one fight instead. Chi Hong defeated it using the Ice Empress’s defensive skills; Riolu accepted his strength and became his partner after hearing that it would have frequent opportunities to battle 27 28.

Chi Hong then used the battle royale selection match to help Riolu gain experience. Charizard and Greninja weakened opponents for it, before Chi Hong fought beside Riolu against Dai Huabin and the Hell White Tiger fusion. Riolu ended the match exhausted but eager to fight again 28 29 30 31.

Appearance

Riolu is a small, upright, blue-and-black Pokémon. After evolving, Lucario is taller, with longer limbs and a more imposing build 27 38.

• Riolu — black mask-like facial markings and red eyes 27.
• Lucario — tall, erect ears; a longer muzzle; and short spikes on its chest and the backs of its hands 38.

Personality

Riolu is proud and intensely eager to fight. Its Inner Focus keeps it from being intimidated, but it still recognizes when Charizard and Greninja are too strong to challenge recklessly. Battle opportunities quickly turn its initial hostility toward Chi Hong into trust 27 28.

It enjoys both difficult contests and decisive victories. Even after exhausting itself in the battle royale, it looks ready for another round; later, its one-hit wins against Yun Luo delight it as much as they delight Chi Hong 31 38.

Abilities & Skills

Aura

Riolu can use Aura to perceive others and understand Chi Hong. Its power awakens more fully when it evolves into Lucario 27 38.

• Tracks Greninja’s movements through Smokescreen 28.
• Forms an Aura link with Chi Hong, allowing precise coordination in battle 41.
• As Lucario, uses Aura Sphere for a powerful ranged attack 41.

Close Combat and Defense

• Inner Focus prevents flinching and makes Riolu immune to Intimidate 27.
• Quick Guard blocks Dai Huabin’s charge; Metal Claw wounds him in the counterattack 29.
• Endure lets Riolu survive an otherwise fatal lightning attack, while Counter turns that force back on its opponents 30.
• Swords Dance raises its attack power. Paired with Drain Punch, it lets Riolu defeat Yun Luo fighters in single blows and heal its injuries 37 38.
• As Lucario, it uses Extreme Speed, Power-Up Punch and Close Combat in tournament battles 41 48.

Equipment / Items

• Life Orb — borrowed from Greninja for the Yun Luo match to strengthen Riolu’s attacks 37.
• Drain Punch and Aura Sphere TMs — given by Chi Hong after Professor Oak sent them 37.
• Full Restore — used by Chi Hong to heal Riolu after the battle royale 31.

Relationships

• Chi Hong — trainer and battle partner. Riolu accepts him after losing their first fight; their growing friendship leads to its evolution 28 38.
• Charizard — stronger teammate and rival. Riolu aims to catch up with it, and the two briefly align when Greninja’s progress worries them 28 31 33.
• Greninja — teammate who helps Riolu gain experience, combines attacks with it, and lends it the Life Orb 28 30 37.

Story Role / Major Arcs

• Battle royale selection — rises from roughly a hundred years of power to 6,500 and helps Chi Hong win the match 28 29 30 31.
• Yun Luo Academy match — sweeps the opposing team and evolves into Lucario 37 38.
• Tournament final — helps defeat Sun Moon Imperial Academy, including Ma Rulong and Xiao Hongchen and Meng Hongchen’s fusion 45 47 48.
• Star Dou Forest journey — trains alongside Chi Hong’s other Pokémon while the group travels toward the forest’s core 64.