Squirtle had not eaten a meal, and by Squirtle's logic, snacks did not count as a meal.
Vigoroth, meanwhile, had been eating just moments ago, and even had traces of grease on his hands.
In Squirtle's eyes, that was a provocation shoved right in his face.
After the Rocket Headbutt, a torrent of water suddenly enveloped Squirtle's body. Riding the momentum of his headbutt, he slammed into Vigoroth once again.
"Meow... (He's really holding a grudge. He even used Wave Crash.)"
Everyone had their own preferences. Torracat disliked licking others with moves like Lick, while Squirtle disliked moves that dealt recoil damage.
He had already spent energy attacking his opponent, only to be hurt by his own move as well. That was plainly more trouble than it was worth.
It was only because he was so resentful right now that he had launched straight into this combination.
Vigoroth's level was not high; he was the Gym Leader's opening probe. With the rain boosting Water-type moves, Vigoroth took two attacks in succession and was the first to faint.
"Nia?"
Sylveon, beside the trainer's platform, was astonished. She had never imagined that this Squirtle, who normally spent his days eating, drinking, and sleeping in the Backyard, would fight so fiercely. Of course, if Sylveon could read minds, Squirtle's impressive image would have shattered immediately.
On the surface, Squirtle stood gallantly in the rain with his arms folded, seemingly unconcerned with his victory in the previous round, as though it were utterly trivial.
In reality, Squirtle was debating whether to rub his head.
Wave Crash's recoil depended on the damage he dealt. The more damage his opponent took, the greater the damage reflected back at him.
If an opponent was too weak, a recoil move could even accidentally knock its own user out.