Old Friends Reunited

"Bai Shi, I'm back!!"

After months of traveling, Ishimaru had finally returned to Twinleaf Town.

As soon as he arrived, he headed straight for Bai Shi's Manor to see him.

Bai Shi had received a call from Ishimaru a few days earlier.

So Ishimaru's return hadn't come as much of a surprise.

Still, Bai Shi was delighted to see his old friend again.

Once they were together, the two swapped stories about their travels.

Ishimaru told him he'd spent the past few months as an apprentice at the Veilstone Gym.

During that time, Gym Leader Maylene had given him pointers, and he'd even battled her a few times.

"Thanks to Leader Maylene's guidance, I've made some serious progress!"

"Bai Shi, how about a battle right now?"

Convinced he'd grown much stronger, Ishimaru challenged Bai Shi.

"Just what I was hoping for. Bring it on!"

Bai Shi had been looking for someone to help test the results of his special training, so he had no reason to refuse.

They quickly agreed on a three-on-three battle.

"Electrike, I'm counting on you!"

At an open space near the Manor, Bai Shi immediately sent out his Pokémon.

"Machoke, come on out!"

Ishimaru wasted no time either, sending out his newly evolved Machoke.

"Electrike, use Thunderbolt!"

As soon as the battle began, Bai Shi struck first.

A powerful blue current shot toward Machoke.

"Bai Shi, let me show you a move I learned from Leader Maylene!"

"Machoke, use Detect!"

Ishimaru shouted to Machoke, fired up.

A sharp gleam flashed through Machoke's eyes as he caught the current's trajectory.

With a slight turn of his body, he dodged Electrike's Thunderbolt.

"That's an interesting move!"

Bai Shi raised an eyebrow, intrigued.

"Machoke, use Bulk Up!"

Ishimaru seized the chance and gave Machoke his next command.

Machoke tensed