At that moment, a pretty young referee walked to the center of the field, holding flags, and was about to announce the rules.
"Wait." Before she could speak, however, Elesa raised a hand to stop her.
The referee froze, her flag hanging in midair. Even the clamor in the stands briefly fell silent as everyone looked at Elesa.
Elesa turned toward Xia You, her bright eyes holding a serious gleam that brooked no refusal.
"Xia You, I want a six-on-six battle with you!"
A tremendous uproar erupted in the stands.
Was Elesa going to go all out today?!
Six-on-six-that was the format used at the Pokémon League Conference!
It was the most formal kind of all-out battle between Pokémon Trainers!
Almost no Gym Leader would do this in an ordinary Gym battle. To think Elesa would actually ask for a six-on-six today!
They were in for a treat!
"I know this isn't standard procedure." Elesa looked at Xia You, her voice quiet but exceptionally firm. "But a three-on-three battle is too short for me. I want to see your full strength."
For Xia You, six-on-six Gym battles had already become the norm.
Anyone who knew something about him and still aspired to battle and improve would generally ask him for a six-on-six battle. Only those who had lost their drive to improve would go through the motions and get it over with.
Elesa was naturally not someone who would let public opinion or personal feelings interfere with her.
Not only did she thrive in both her careers, but she also had an intense interest in and focus on battling.
That was precisely why, when facing a rare opponent like Xia You, she put away the effortlessly assured smile she usually wore onstage and revealed the true seriousness and edge of