Infernape stood at the hotel window, recalling the earlier battle.
That Machamp had been truly strong. Its four arms had guarded all the vital points on its body, making its defense almost flawless.
Ye Qing lay on the bed, rubbing his faintly aching abdomen as he recalled what the Gym Leader had said.
At the Fighting type Gym.
The Gym Leader, Lion, stood in his bedroom, on a video call with a beautiful woman.
"How was it?"
Lion looked disappointed at the question. "This young man is outstanding compared to his peers, but he still has many shortcomings."
"Did that Infernape evolve during the battle?"
Lion nodded. "It seemed about to evolve at the very end, but there were too many people there. To keep it from being exposed, I had Machamp stop him."
The woman spoke again. "I see. So Ye Qing and Infernape have already gained an initial grasp of this power of evolution?
"It looks like this really is a new path of evolution."
After a long pause, she continued, "The Pokémon League wants you to help him fully explore this evolutionary path.
"But you must make sure no one else finds out. Otherwise, there's no guarantee those organizations won't try something underhanded."
Lion felt somewhat uncomfortable with her commanding tone. "Don't worry, Zhang Sisi. I'm not an idiot."
Ignoring Lion's displeasure, Zhang Sisi stroked her hair and continued explaining, "Right. The only problem now is how to guide him without making it obvious.
"If he discovers that the Pokémon League deliberately directed you to teach him, he's bound to become suspicious."
Lion couldn't help looking surprised. "Isn't getting pointers from me a good thing? Countless Trainers would beg for that opportunity and still never get it!
"What, would this kid actually refuse?"
Zhang Sisi rolled her