Cress looked genuinely delighted as he spoke of Xia You's strength, without the slightest tension or caution over the possibility that his opponent might surpass him.
From the looks of it, he really was an open-minded man.
Compared with the last surfing enthusiast Gym Leader Xia You had met, he was far more pure in every respect.
"Come on, I'll take you to the Battle Field!" Cress tossed his towel to the staff member and beckoned to Xia You. "Let's not just stand around here."
Xia You nodded and followed him through the Gym's back door.
Just as he had expected, the Battle Field was set on the sea behind the small building.
A long wooden bridge connected the Gym's back door to the Open-Air Battle Field, though calling it a Battle Field was something of a stretch. It was really just a square patch of sea enclosed by thick ropes and logs.
The sea was calm, and several wild Goldeen could clearly be seen swimming leisurely underwater.
Xia You stepped onto the Pokémon Trainer's platform on the left and looked around.
The sea breeze blew, and sunlight sparkled across the water.
In the distance, he could see Humilau City's coastline and just make out the boats moored at the pier.
Several Wingull flew overhead, giving clear cries.
There was no denying that battling on the sea felt special, especially with the ocean all around him.
It reminded him of the time he had battled in the sea with underwater breathing equipment.
Thinking back now, that really had been a long, long time ago.
Was that back in Johto?
Misty hadn't been my teammate yet, had she?
It was so long ago. I really can't quite remember.
"Well?" Cress stood on the opposite platform, spread his arms, and took a