Chapter 480: Truce
Yuga didn't underestimate this petite Ribombee because he could tell at first glance that this Ribombee was stronger than the nine starters that had appeared before.
However, Ribombee showed no intention of attacking Yuga and Roserade. Even though the battle prompt had already sounded in the battle room, Ribombee remained unfazed.
Ribombee flew over to Roserade's head and landed there, squatting for a moment before dramatically falling to the ground.
"Ribombee!"
Ah, I can't battle!
Yuga deduced this meaning from the sound when Ribombee collapsed.
Yuga watched Ribombee lying motionless on the ground, occasionally peeking at him and Roserade through half-closed eyes.
What's going on? Yuga's face displayed a big "confused."
After about three minutes, a notification sounded in the room.
"Congratulations on passing the level. Please proceed to the next one."
Generally, if a guarding Pokémon lay on the ground without moving for three minutes, it would be automatically considered a defeat.
(_) What's happening?
Yuga was happy that he didn't have to battle to advance to the next level, but why? Winning a match without a clear reason left him puzzled.
Not only was Yuga baffled, but the judges closely observing him in the first-floor hall were also perplexed.
Lorelei: "What's going on? Why didn't that Ribombee want to battle?"
"I don't know."
Other judges shook their heads, except for Professor Carolina, who looked at Yuga and Ribombee on the screen with a pensive expression.
"Ribombee is a Pokémon that can sense the emotions of Trainers and other Pokémon."
"You mean that Ribombee is unwilling to fight Shimizu Yuga and Roserade because it sensed their moods?"
Dreydan asked in surprise.
Professor Carolina thought for a moment and said, "What if Shimizu Yuga has a special ability, similar to Mr. Kuni'o's power?"
Lorelei: "You mean something like the Viridian Power?"
Professor Carolina nodded.
"Yes, this ability enhances a Trainer's affinity. If this Shimizu Yuga has the same ability as Mr. Kuni'o, then Ribombee's behavior makes sense."
Mr. Kuni'o's unique abilities had been known for quite some time, and it wasn't a well-kept secret. Although people didn't have a deep understanding of this ability, some of its effects were known.
All four master-level trainers possessed special abilities. The Elder of the Dragon Clan had the power to control dragons, the Elder of Celestica People possessed extraordinary strength, and the Village of Dragons Matriarch had the power of dragons within her. These abilities were well-known among the privileged and influential.
In comparison, Mr. Kuni'o's relatively unknown, his special ability was perhaps the most mysterious among the four masters.
Drayden: "No wonder this young man was taken as a disciple by Mr. Kuni'o. It's not just natural talent; there's an inheritance of abilities involved."
Drayden was an experienced Trainer from Village of Dragons, despite serving as a Gym Leader in Opelucid City. He understood the concept of abilities very well.
Others displayed knowing expressions, including Phoebe.
Although Phoebe was one of the Elite Four of the Hoenn Region, besides knowing in advance that Yuga was Mr. Kuni'o's disciple, she didn't possess more information than the others. Therefore, after Professor Carolina revealed the reason, she was greatly surprised.
Phoebe: "Professor Carolina, you truly deserve your reputation. You are far ahead of us juniors."
Professor Carolina shook her head modestly.
"Just lived a few decades more, that's all. When you reach my age, you'll naturally gain more knowledge."
Everyone knew this was just Professor Carolina's humble way of speaking. Except for her, the rest were all Trainers, and unlike Professor Carolina, they didn't have extensive research into various Pokémon. They specialized in their respective fields, and age didn't matter; "professor" was not an empty title.
Speaking of age, Gym Leader Siebold was only slightly younger than Professor Carolina, and Gym Leader Pryce was even older than Professor Carolina. None of them had expected the unique nature of Ribombee.
Yuga still didn't realize that his background was almost completely exposed to these knowledgeable judges.
Despite hearing the success prompt for clearing the level, Yuga didn't rush to leave the current battle room and head to the next level. Instead, he crouched down and stared at Ribombee lying on the ground.
Feeling Yuga's intense gaze, Ribombee couldn't stay down any longer and suddenly leaped into the air.
"Ribombee!"
Why aren't you leaving yet? Lying down is so uncomfortable!
Ribombee flapped its transparent wings, put its hands on its hips, and sulkily exclaimed to Yuga.
"Sorry about that."
Yuga smiled and apologized to Ribombee.
"Ribombee!"
Oh my, you can understand me?
Ribombee was startled to hear Yuga's words.
Yuga: "Yes, I can understand."
"Ribombee."
You scared me.
Ribombee patted its chest with a small hand, taking a long sigh of relief.
"Why didn't you battle me and just surrendered?"
Yuga asked in confusion.
"Ribombee."
Of course, because you're a good person!
Ribombee quickly fluttered its wings and danced joyfully around Yuga's head.
"I'm a good person?" Yuga was amused by Ribombee's antics. "How do you know I'm a good person?"
"Ribombee, Ribombee."
I just know!
Ribombee stopped on top of Yuga's head, raised its chin high, and had the expression of "I know everything."
Although Yuga couldn't see Ribombee's face, he could guess its current expression from its tone.
"Just because you think I'm a good person, you let me pass. Aren't you afraid of punishment after the competition ends?"
"Ah... Ribombee..."
No... no way...
Ribombee looked horrified after hearing Yuga's words, as if it was about to cry.
"Alright, I won't ask you anymore. I'm going to the next level. You stay here and be good. Anyway, thank you."
Yuga turned and headed towards the stairs after saying this.
"Ribombee, Ribombee."
Don't go, don't go! Let's have a battle first before you go!
Ribombee shouted after Yuga.
"But just now, you were already declared defeated. Even if we battle now, it won't change anything."
Yuga turned back and said helplessly to Ribombee.
"Ribombee, Ribombee."
Then what should I do? I don't want to be punished.
Ribombee's antennae drooped, and it looked dejected.
Yuga shrugged and said, "I don't know either."
Glancing at Yuga, Ribombee made up its mind and flew straight to the top of Yuga's head, sitting down.
"Ribombee, Ribombee."
I don't care anymore. I'm following you now. You have to take responsibility; I didn't battle because of you.
Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone