The round little Cherubi never managed to put any distance between itself and Froakie. Even with the type advantage, it could not hold out for long and ultimately fell to Froakie's pair of froggy claws.
Just like the countless Pokémon Trainers who had battled Xia You before, once this man had seen through all its weaknesses in this battle, a sudden change of pace was all it took. Before Gardenia could even work out what was happening, and before her Cherubi could adapt, it had been defeated in bewilderment.
It was like a river bursting its banks-there was simply no stopping it.
After a moment of dazed confusion, she truly realized that not only was this Water-type Pokémon formidable, but the man across from her had equally outstanding command and intellect!
"What an incredible ability to seize an opening!" Gardenia praised him sincerely. "My Cherubi had barely shown a weakness, and you already caught it. You're clearly really good!"
Winning over someone who had known nothing about him by beating them in battle-honestly, no matter how many times it happened, the feeling was still captivating.
Outwardly, however, Xia You showed no smugness. He merely smiled. "Your Cherubi is actually very good too. Its speed is excellent, and its moves are powerful. It took me a lot of effort to find that opening. It really wasn't easy!"
But although Gardenia dressed rather like a tomboy, she was actually very perceptive and did not buy it at all.
"Come on, spare me the consolation." She waved a hand unconcernedly. "You barely took any damage despite the type disadvantage, and you still defeated my Cherubi. I can recognize that gap in strength."
He had to admit that while one could say these Gym Leaders held back in battle, one absolutely could not call