Kaim put Blackie back in his ball and released Blaziken from another.
Sharpedo was a Water/Dark type. Since Blaziken was a Fire/Fighting type, they could both strike at the other's weaknesses.
"Oh, you're going to put yourself at a type disadvantage?"
"A disadvantage? We can both strike at each other's weaknesses."
"Isn't sending a physical fighter like Blaziken against Sharpedo's Rough Skin a bad move?"
"Maybe."
"I was too full of myself. Then let's go! Sharpedo, Aqua Jet!"
Sharpedo likewise sprayed water and charged at Blaziken.
Facing the charge head-on, Blaziken dodged with precision, seized Sharpedo's dorsal fin, and slammed Sharpedo hard into the ground. Since this wasn't an established move, it did little damage, but it was enough to throw Sharpedo off balance.
"Mach Punch!"
Blaziken's fist struck Sharpedo directly. Fighting-type moves were super effective against Sharpedo, so the blow dealt heavy damage.
At the same time, however, Rough Skin tore into the fist that had struck Sharpedo, injuring it. At the instant of impact, Sharpedo shifted, slightly amplifying the effect of Rough Skin beyond its usual strength.
"You're not just high-level. You use your body well."
"I conquered the Gyms in three months and came here. Your basic fighting skills are a good deal better than Oranguru's, but that fist can't work properly anymore, can it?"
Just as Ishana said, Blaziken's fist was scraped raw and looked unfit for normal use. That was how Sharpedo used that body to hurt Blaziken.
"Maybe. Blaziken, Nitro Charge."
"Water Break!"
Blaziken, cloaked in flames, collided with Sharpedo, cloaked in water. Because of the type matchup, however, Water Rest overcame Blaziken.
Despite the gap in their levels, a super-effective attack still dealt considerable damage.
"I'll chase you down. Taki!"
"This is bad. Blaziken, don't take it head-on. Run, then kick."
Blaziken touched