"What's the story with those two Froakie?"
As he spoke, Chen Shi pointed at the two Froakie who seemed so out of place among their companions, his eyes full of curiosity.
Unlike their companions, the two Froakie weren't playing to their hearts' content. Instead, they were off to one side, diligently training on their own.
They launched moves at a large rock in the distance over and over again, their little figures leaping across the grass and swinging their arms. Their movements were still somewhat clumsy, but they were filled with determination and persistence.
Even when they were panting with exhaustion, they showed no intention of stopping. They gritted their teeth and kept going, their refusal to give up enough to move anyone who watched.
Professor Sycamore looked in the direction Chen Shi was pointing.
When his gaze fell on the two Froakie, a complicated expression flickered in his eyes, something between pity and admiration.
"Those two Froakie were returned by traveling Pokémon Trainers. They've been living at the lab for a long time now."
"Perhaps because they were returned, they've been working hard to train themselves ever since, hoping to become strong enough to prove they're no worse than the others of their kind."
Professor Sycamore spoke slowly, a hint of helplessness in his voice.
"Why were they returned?" Cynthia couldn't help asking as she watched the two Froakie, her eyes full of curiosity and confusion.
"Yes, why were those two Froakie returned?" Steven's interest was piqued as well. He frowned slightly, studying them closely.
On the surface, the two Froakie looked to be in excellent spirits, with a spark of cleverness in their eyes.
Their bodies were well developed, with sleek muscle definition. One look was enough to tell that they were in excellent physical condition, and their