That was what Ishana thought as she watched Blaziken continue dealing with Shark Hudaal while keeping the damage to a minimum.
In that instant, at Kaim's shout, Blaziken swung a fist down at Sharpedo, stopping the movement.
"Water Pulse!"
"In battle."
The moment Sharpedo released Water Pulse, Blaziken broke through it and rained down punches. Fighting-type moves were extremely effective against the Evil-type Hadal. Already battered, Sharpedo could not withstand them at all and was blasted away, sinking beneath the water.
"Sharpedo can no longer move. Kaim wins this battle."
"Ah, I lost~"
Ishana sat on the beach with a cheerful smile on her face. Then she patted the fallen Sharpedo's head. Sharpedo regained consciousness afterward, letting out a relieved breath. Blaziken had also reached the end of his strength, so he sat where he was, looking exhausted.
"I've gotten this strong."
"I'm just a Gym Leader."
"You're much stronger than last time. No, I don't think I could win anymore. I'm surprised."
Ishana had not cut corners; she had fought Kaim with everything she had. Even so, she had lost terribly, so badly that she gritted her teeth. Now, no matter how many times she tried, she could not defeat Kaim.
"You're saying that? Did you really retire from battling? Elite Trainer level is perfectly normal."
"Uh, is it?"
"No, it isn't. Ms. Ishana's Pokémon and her commands are far beyond those of an ordinary Trainer."
"If the Champion says so, then I suppose it's true."
With a wry smile, Ishana treated Shark Hadal and Oranguru. Her practiced skill rivaled that of someone who made a living from battle-
"You're used to treating them, aren't you?"
"Isn't this perfectly normal?"
"What my sister calls normal is astounding to most people."
"Maybe so. Oh, bring Little Black and Blaziken over