"So, you're the junior challenger Miss Dazuro told me about?"
Kogomi crossed the field and came up to Kaim.
Then he stared at Kaim.
"Hee-ho!"
Kogomi finally leaned his face close to Kaim's. Shirona's body twitched at that moment, and Steven broke into a cold sweat at the sight.
"How should I put this? You feel pretty weak. Are you sure you can fight me?"
It sounded rather frightening, but in fact, Xiaochi's abilities were already at the level of the Elite Four. From that perspective, most Trainers looked weak, so it was hardly an unreasonable assessment.
Kaim was not so narrow-minded that he would get angry just hearing that. In fact, his abilities were still relatively low among Gym Leaders. However, Kaim was not the sort of person who merely talked a good game.
"Come on, then. You'll understand once we fight."
At those words, Kogumi's eyes widened, but he immediately gave a fearless smile.
"Uh, say no more, brother. Being a Gym Leader doesn't seem so great. What's your name?"
"Kaim."
"Mr. Kaim."
Kogumi gently poked the tip of Kaim's nose with a finger, then returned to his designated position.
He took the ball from his waist and spoke while holding it out toward Kaim.
"Come on! Ignite my fighting spirit! Referee, begin!"
"Victory in the team battle! Begin!"
As the referee shouted, he threw out his ball at the same time.
"Go, Lucario!"
"Let's go, Heracross!"
Kaim used Lucario, while Xiaogemi used Heracross.
Heracross was part Bug type, so Fighting-type attacks dealt half damage. On the other hand, Lucario was a Steel-type, making Fighting-type attacks highly effective against Lucario. It was an unfavorable matchup.
"Lucario versus Heracross! Let the battle begin!"
The instant the referee shouted, Kogumi moved.
"Brick Break!"
"Dragon Pulse!"
Heracross's fist swung down and