"So, um, Kaim Jun is your assistant, isn't he?"
"Yes. He's very well suited to it."
"Kaim Jun is also your student, I believe. In battle studies and archaeology, too."
"That's right. He still has a long way to go, but he's a student I'm proud of."
"Indeed! The only way to become a Gym Leader is to become Miss Shirona's disciple. And to be capable of becoming Miss Tougan's successor."
"In terms of physical strength, I think that energetic gentleman still has the edge. But Kaim is as hard as steel, with a strong heart that refuses to yield to adversity. I hope that one day he'll become a Trainer who can support the team." "Yes. The Trainers of the Sinnoh Region. Yes."
"You really are a Trainer, hehe. I wish I'd met you while I was still active."
Kaim's abilities were naturally a far cry from Bertha's. However, ability alone did not determine the outcome of a battle. Never give up, and keep going until you find a path to turn things around. That was the strength he had discovered after his rigorous training. With that strength, Shirona believed he could put up a fight against Bertha.
Bertha accepted the tea offered to her. She opened it, drank some, then turned to Cynthia.
"So?"
"Hm?"
"Kaim Jun, you and he are dating, aren't you? How is it going?"
"!"
She had yet to tell Bertha about their relationship. Even so, Bertha had realized what they were to each other. Surprise briefly crossed Cynthia's face, but her usual expression soon returned.
"Who told you that?"
"No one. But I wonder, doesn't that happen when you spend so much time with someone of the opposite sex? Besides, you've grown stronger since getting an assistant, and prettier, too. Haven't you noticed