At Sunyshore Gym, the Gym battle Young Master Mao had promised Flint was about to begin.
"Luxray, go." With a light flick of his right hand, Volkner activated his Poké Ball. Pressing one hand to his forehead, he said calmly, "I hope you're the Pokémon Trainer who reminds me how much fun battling can be."
Young Master Mao's hand paused around his Poké Ball. Come on, man... you're even better at showing off than I am...
No wonder the Pokémon League's description of Volkner read: "The shining star who leaves people paralyzed..."
Young Master Mao's gaze turned solemn. "In that case, I'll have to crush you. This Pokémon League isn't big enough for a man who shows off more than me!
"Dance through the skies, Gabite!"
"Gabi!" The young, blue-skinned shark made an imposing entrance! In Sinnoh, this species came with a bonus to intimidation!
"Oh? So Young Master Mao has a Gabite too!" Lucian immediately sat up with interest.
"But Volkner's Luxray is no ordinary powerhouse," Flint remarked, rubbing his chin.
Young Master Mao looked relaxed. Ever since being caught, Gabite had been training hard and had barely battled.
Dragonite, Salamence, Rayquaza! The Dragon-type heavyweights back home had taken turns putting Gabite through its paces.
Nidoking, Rhyperior, and Tyranitar had taught by word and example, and Gary had held nothing back when teaching Earth's Ultimate Technique either.
On top of that, Eevee-chan had given Gabite a beating whenever there was nothing else to do, training its ability to take hits!
All Gabite needed now was an opportunity, and it would become a blade drawn from its sheath!
"Gabite first, then?" Volkner's expression remained unchanged as he looked at Gabite. A type disadvantage hardly counted as a test for him.
"I wonder how much of Miss Cynthia's flair you have."