"Xatu, use Teleport to dodge!"
Yuzuki shouted hysterically, desperate to keep Xatu from being crushed in one hit.
Teleport takes five seconds to charge.
Five seconds is enough time for a lot to happen.
And his opponent was Li Xuan.
Not to mention, this was a battle where strength overwhelmingly favored one side!
So…
The outcome was obvious!
"No use! Infernape, use Focus Punch!"
Li Xuan commanded loudly.
"Prime!"
Infernape's fist shed its icy frost, giving Xatu a brief moment of relief.
But in the next instant, a deeper, eerie glow erupted from its fist!
The energy was like nightfall, nullifying even the most broken Psychic-type abilities!
Infernape swung its heavy fist, landing squarely on Xatu!
Xatu's pupils shrank, the force overwhelming it, making it forget to even use Teleport!
The explosive impact surged through its body, sending it flying!
Bang!!!
Xatu hurtled toward Yuzuki, so fast he didn't even have time to grab his Ultra Ball before they both crashed into the wall!
Dust billowed, and the crowd fell silent.
A second later, thunderous applause erupted.
"Li Xuan! Li Xuan! Li Xuan!"
"Infernape! Infernape! Infernape!"
The crowd cheered wildly.
Despite the type disadvantage, Li Xuan had crushed his opponent in under three minutes!
Truly, there was a gap even among special guests.
And trainers like Yuzuki were clearly outclassed.
"Cough, cough…"
Yuzuki coughed, staggering out of the dust with the help of a Hypno.
He glared venomously at Li Xuan, ready to storm out of the club.
"Hold it."
Li Xuan stepped forward, stopping Yuzuki and extending a hand. "The money. And an apology."
"What apology?"
Yuzuki paused, staring at Li Xuan. A flash of malice crossed his eyes but was quickly masked.
"Apologize to it. Sincerely."
Li Xuan pointed to the Ralts in his arms.
"…"
Yuzuki squinted in silence. "You want me to apologize to that piece of trash—"
Smack!
A crisp slap rang out.
Yuzuki's left cheek swelled up like a Tepig's.
"Watch your mouth."
Li Xuan's voice was cold. "Apologize or not?"
"You!"
Yuzuki trembled with rage, pointing at Li Xuan's nose but not daring to escalate.
The slap hurt too much.
His cheek burned, and a few teeth nearly flew out.
"What's that? Not satisfied with losing?"
Li Xuan mimicked Yuzuki's squint, grinning. "I know a thing or two about martial arts. If you want a spar, I'm game."
"Damn it, I'm sorry!"
Yuzuki bowed, his tone reluctant.
"Too quiet. I can't hear you! Louder!"
Li Xuan pointed to his ear, stifling a laugh.
"I'M SORRY!!!"
Yuzuki roared, his voice so sincere it nearly broke.
"Ralts, feel better now?"
Li Xuan didn't respond immediately, instead asking Ralts.
"Ralts."
Ralts nodded softly, its voice gentle.
Seeing Ralts' reaction, Li Xuan let it slide. "Don't forget the 40,000 bucks."
"…"
Yuzuki gritted his teeth, tearing off a check and scribbling the details. "Cash it yourself."
Check in hand, Li Xuan chuckled, satisfied. "Heh."
"Li Xuan, aren't you worried Yuzuki will retaliate? With his petty personality, he'll probably come back twice as hard…"
Nelly approached, her face full of concern.
Li Xuan's actions today were a public slap in the face. Knowing Yuzuki's vindictive nature, he'd likely seek revenge.
"Not worried. If I can't even stand up for a bullied Pokémon, what's the point of being a trainer?"
Li Xuan shrugged, petting Ralts' head.
This time, Ralts didn't shy away, clearly enjoying it.
His stand had clearly won Ralts over.
"I see…"
Nelly paused, struck by Li Xuan's words.
"Alright, I made some cash today, so no need to schedule me for sparring. If the boss asks, tell him I'm handling dojo business and don't have time."
Li Xuan waved, asking Nelly for a small favor.
"Got it! Next time you're free, treat me to dinner~"
Nelly grinned, sidling up to Li Xuan and linking arms, whispering, "I hear Yuzuki's backer is tied to that organization. Be careful."
"I know. But how do you know so much?"
Li Xuan raised an eyebrow, keeping his tone casual.
"The front desk is the best place for gossip. Don't underestimate me!"
Nelly puffed up proudly, letting go of his arm and striking a pose with hands on hips.
"Alright, alright, you're the best."
Li Xuan patted her head, said goodbye to some club friends, and headed back to the dojo.
At the club's entrance:
"Li Xuan, long time no see."
A scruffy young man in a black suit called out, holding several bags and shoving them into Li Xuan's hands. "Take these."
"No reward without merit. Why the sudden gifts?"
Li Xuan eyed the bags—filled with Berries and Moomoo Milk. His mouth said no, but his hands eagerly accepted.
The scruffy man smirked, patting Li Xuan's shoulder meaningfully. "I saw Yuzuki earlier. His face was swollen like a Tepig's."
"Boss, stop beating around the bush. Spill it."
Li Xuan shook his head, uninterested in small talk, urging the man to get to the point.
"I like your straightforwardness. It's in the bag—check it when you're back. I'm waiting for good news."
The man patted Li Xuan's shoulder again, his eyes carrying a heavy implication.
"Alright, it's getting late. I'm heading to the dojo."
Li Xuan left with the bags.
Fighting Dojo.
"I'm back~"
Li Xuan called out habitually, closing the door and rummaging through the bags.
He was curious what secret message the club boss had for him.
"Your energy's fluctuating… Did you fight someone?"
Sabrina suddenly teleported beside Li Xuan, her nose twitching slightly.
"You can sense that?"
Li Xuan was surprised but nodded. "Ran into the jerk who abandoned this little guy at the club. Dealt with him."
"Ralts!"
Ralts nodded, backing up Li Xuan's story.
Sabrina said nothing, her gaze shifting to the bag.
She reached out, and with a surge of psychic energy, a piece of paper floated out.
Written on it: Saturday, Team Rocket, S.S. Anne.