Early morning.
Nanjō City Beach.
"Sorry, little Cynthia, for dragging you into this quarrel between siblings."
Ishana spoke to Cynthia while toying with the Poké Ball containing her Pokémon.
"It's all right. I'm curious to see a battle between you two."
Kaim wore his usual expressionless look, but facing his sister, who could be called the very symbol of the power within him, his face showed a trace of tension.
"Wait, you're a Gym Leader, aren't you? You never get nervous dealing with me."
"...Ah."
"Unlike before, it seems there's no need to hold back, is there?"
"Of course."
"Then are you ready?"
At Cynthia's words, Kaim and Ishana nodded and faced each other with their Poké Balls.
"Miss Ishana currently has two Pokémon, so this will be a two-on-two match. No items may be used. There is no time limit."
"All right."
"Yeah."
"Then let the match begin!"
Kaim threw his ball first, releasing Black.
"I'm still very much active."
"Hey, if you're going to say that, then don't hesitate. Let's go, Oranguru! It's been ages since we battled!"
The Pokémon Ishana sent out was Oranguru. It was a Grass-type Pokémon, while Kaim's Pokémon for this battle were Little Black and Blaziken. Basamo had a terrible type matchup, so having Oranguru face Blackie was a reasonable decision.
"Oranguru, change!"
"Stop it with Confusion."
Little Black stopped the descending fist.
However, Little Black's Special Attack wasn't high. Having been trained for defense from the start, his moves lacked power unless they matched his type. The level difference contributed some damage, but even that was negligible.
"Break through!"
At Ishana's command, Oranguru roared and broke through Confusion.
"Drum Beating!"
"Three steps to the left."
Kaim's precise instructions allowed Little Black to dodge the Gorlander's attack, and his foot slammed hard into