They clamored to be allowed to fight!
"You two, stop fooling around," Hu Bin said sternly. "You could die out there. If you aren't strong enough to handle them, death is all that awaits you!"
Hearing Hu Bin's words and seeing his stern expression, Riolu felt so hurt that tears threatened to spill. This was the first time Riolu had ever seen him so strict!
Froakie knew Hu Bin had their best interests at heart, but still refused to give up!
Zhu Yan and Professor Sycamore, who had finally emptied their stomachs, froze when they heard what Hu Bin said!
Both men fell silent!
It was a harsh subject. Without enough strength to fight the Ultra Beasts, they really would be marching to their deaths. No wonder Hu Bin was being so strict!
Riolu and Froakie lowered their heads, clenching their fists tightly. They hated having to accept this!
Seeing them like that pained Hu Bin, too, but he had no choice. He couldn't bear to watch his Pokémon suffer such serious injuries over this-or even die!
Just then, Zeraora stepped forward, draped an arm around Riolu's and Froakie's shoulders, and spoke to Hu Bin!
"Meow, meow, meow!" Let them fight. I'll protect them!
Hu Bin looked into Zeraora's eyes, then at the determination in Riolu's and Froakie's eyes. He sighed. "All right. Zeraora, make sure you protect them when the time comes!"
With Zeraora's strength, protecting the two of them would be more than manageable. Hu Bin could rest easy!
Once Hu Bin agreed, Froakie and Riolu finally cheered up. They were deeply grateful to Zeraora for helping them and offering to protect them!
This also gave Riolu and Froakie renewed confidence in their ability to keep growing stronger!
*We have to train hard and get stronger from now