He knows Pokémon better than me.

The next day, at the training ground in the backyard.

"Headscarf thug, kick him down with a powerful kick!"

Following Mary's command, the hooded thug slid out, his movements shimmering like ink paintings, knocking down the sandbags in front of him.

"Then, the powerful flying knee kick!"

After a while, the hooded thug got up, pushed off the ground and leaped high into the air, bending his knees and kicking upwards hard.

Since the target is the sky, there is no risk of injury from a flying knee kick, but the two moves seem a bit abrupt.

"How's it going, Ash?"

After some practice, Mary looked expectantly at Ash beside her.

At this moment, she and the bandana thug are doing targeted training for their battle against Qibana's ace Aluminum Steel Dragon.

Powerful and combat-oriented moves can deal enough damage!

"The strength is good."

Xiao Zhi stroked his chin and commented that whether it's a kick to the ground or a flying knee kick, it's incredibly effective against heavy, clumsy opponents.

"However, after each use of the powerful move, your actions will be delayed, so you must be sure of the right time to use the move, or create distance as soon as you use it."

He earnestly reminded him.

The same principle applies to using moves like Ultimate Impact and Crazy Plants.

On the other side of the training field, Mary's Iron Claw Lobster raised its pincers, causing countless snow blocks to collapse in front of it.

"Evil claw!"

It then crawled out, its claws gathering icy power, and slammed into the sandbag, freezing it into an ice sculpture.

"Wow, your iron claw lobster has improved a lot!"

Ash was somewhat surprised by this, as Crawdill already knew the move Avalanche.

However, "Frozen Fist" seems to be a move not listed in its racial skill list.
"Hmm, thanks to your mastery of the Seed, you forcibly mastered the Freezing Fist."

Mary said with a hint of gratitude.

Water-type moves are similar to Ice-type moves, and with the move list from Hyde and Ash's Master Seed, Crawdeck was able to successfully use this move.

Ice-type moves are used to deal with Raihana's other Dragon-type Pokémon, plus she has her strongest Grimmsnarl as a backup.
That should be enough!
However, Mari wasn't in a hurry to go and challenge them, since the Galar League Tournament was still some time away.

Armor Island is undoubtedly an excellent training ground, and she will be staying here for the rest of the time.

more importantly.
Here, you might even be eligible to get a bear apprentice!
"Haha, then I wish you a speedy success in gaining Master Ma's approval and winning over that new bear apprentice!"

Ash smiled brightly, but he wouldn't have time to give Mary special training after that.

In the backyard of the martial arts school, the air suddenly turned cold, perhaps because of the iron claw lobster.

"Well, we still have to separate."

Marnie murmured softly, a hint of sadness in her expression, knowing that Ash was about to leave the Isle of Armor.

The two didn't continue their special training. Marnie let the bandana thug and the Crawdeck stay there to practice, while she followed Ash on one last tour of the Isle of Armor.

I haven't been to the circular bay in the southwest yet; it's adjacent to the rest stop where we first arrived on the island.

It is almost an inland bay with only a few narrow outlets to the sea. Like Ya Ya Lake, there is also a small island in the center of the bay, from which a clear beam of purplish-red light can be seen shooting into the sky.

The two strolled along the soft sandy beach, occasionally spotting some familiar martial arts students training there.

In the distance, the water tower on the adjacent beach can still be faintly seen.

Mary slowed her pace, appearing somewhat distracted.

"How's it going? Is your luggage all packed?"

She broke the silence and couldn't help but speak. Xiao Zhi, habitually resting his hands behind his head, casually replied:

"Everything's packed, actually I don't have much luggage~"

Most of the loot came from defeating Pokémon dens, and he also had a set of Master Ma's martial arts school uniform, which he planned to take back as a souvenir.

He had changed back into his original clothes.

"Messi~?"

Little Duolong poked his head out from the collar. He hadn't shown his face for so many days not because he had been forgotten, but because he was indifferent to the martial arts school uniform and had been sleeping soundly in his old clothes.

As a quasi-god cub, it's common for it to sleep for a whole week at a time.

"Then I wish you good luck in the World Championships, and hope you quickly advance to the advanced level!"

Mary stopped, tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, and turned to look at the sea.

Hmm. But now that Ash has Ursaring and Ursaring, two monster bears in his arsenal, he can basically take down any Mega Ball class kid with a single punch.

Even at the advanced ball level, that's just two punches?
As she thought this, a very faint smile involuntarily appeared on her lips.

"Oh, by the way, remember to come and watch when I challenge Mr. Cibana."

After hesitating for a moment, Mary still extended the invitation.

"The Punch Gate Arena? I'll go."

Xiao Zhi agreed without hesitation.

He hasn't been to Motogakure City yet, so he can save it for that time and explore the city properly!
Then the two wandered around to the southeast side of the Fitness Sea, returning to the shore near the martial arts school. They smiled at each other and turned back, no longer wandering aimlessly.

Finally, after having dinner at the martial arts gym, Ash packed his luggage and said goodbye to Mastedt, Honey, and the others.

Even Clara and Saiboli wanted to come over and give him a big hug—

Although the two of them were quick, they started arguing again about who should hug first.

Ash smiled helplessly. He had seen this situation countless times before. He could only go with Mary to the entrance of the martial arts gym, where the night was rising like the tide.

"See you next time, Ash!"

Mary waved her hand, her voice very soft.

"Then you should train hard on Armor Isle, and remember to be careful!"

After giving a final reminder, Ash put Dragapult and Pikachu on his shoulders and then released Corviknight.

"Gah—!!"

Upon its appearance, Corviknight let out a long howl, seemingly still under the influence of Max Soup, appearing exceptionally excited.

Seeing Corviknight take flight, Ash skillfully grabbed Corviknight's ankle and quickly soared into the sky.

Before long, the Steelraven's black and blue steel feathers had completely blended into the night and disappeared into the distance.

"."

Mary stood there for a long time, then stretched, patted her cheeks, and cheered herself up.

Okay, even if you're alone, you still need to train hard!
At the same moment, high in the sky, the clouds whistled past Xiaozhi's ears.

The island below rapidly shrank, gradually becoming a blurry dot on the sea surface.

Xiao Zhi also stopped looking down and turned to look ahead.

Facing the biting sea breeze, the outline of the Galar continent slowly emerged at the horizon.

Next, it's time to go home! (End of Chapter)