The current situation is a bit delicate.
Especially after Ash Ketchum and Xiaoguang did a high-five with such mutual understanding.
With a crisp clap.
He excitedly chatted with his old partners.
Hitron and the others were bewildered, while Sarina stared intently at Xiaoguang, who was holding a delighted Pikachu, tightly clenching her fists and biting her lip unconsciously.
"What's going on?"
Hoopa, sensitive to the atmosphere, scratched its head.
Someone's definitely getting jealous.
Baimu chuckled to himself; honestly, he hadn't expected the reunion to turn out this weird.
It's fair to say Ash Ketchum and Xiaoguang can easily lead to misunderstandings, especially with their unspoken harmony right from the start.
Even if they believe they share a friendship built on diamond-like indestructible memories, akin to pearls.
In the eyes of outsiders, especially Sarina's, the two seemed to have formed a barrier keeping others at bay. Pikachu's unusual behavior also left her feeling confused and a bit envious.
No doubt about it.
The sense of crisis had her feeling jealous of Xiaoguang.
On top of Dedenne, Youx Lijia couldn't suppress her curiosity, first happily greeting Hoopa, then slipping over to Baimu and whispering:
"Brother Baimu, who are they?"
The other people's gazes instantly turned toward him.
Apart from Hitron and other companions traveling with Ash Ketchum, present were also Sarina's starting companions, the round Tieryu, the twin-tailed, brown-skinned girl Shana, and the photo-loving Doroba.
Shouta, who was defeated in the original four-player match, was nowhere to be seen. Presumably sulking in some corner of the stadium, his hopes dashed just one step from victory.
Baimu smiled at her and said, "Instead of asking me, why not ask them directly? Hey, Ash Ketchum! Aren't you going to introduce everyone?"
The three of them, lost in emotion, quickly snapped back to reality.
Xiaogang was the first to react, apologetically saying, "I'm really sorry, everyone, I go by the name Xiaogang, and I traveled with Ash Ketchum in the past."
Xiaoguang smiled and said, "I'm Xiaoguang, just like Xiaogang! And this kid is Piplup~"
"Piplup~!"
Piplup energetically raised its little wings.
Hitron and Youx Lijia leaned in upon hearing this. The former chuckled, "So that's it, you must be Xiaogang. I'm Hitron. During the journey, Ash Ketchum often mentioned your name, praising your cooking skills."
"Hahaha, I've heard about you from Baimu, nice to meet you."
The two support members smiled warmly.
"Hello, Sister Xiaoguang~ Is this kid Piplup? So cute~"
As expected, Youx Lijia's main focus was on Pokémon. She blinked her adorable big eyes and asked, "Can I hold it?"
Xiaoguang looked down and exchanged a glance with Piplup, who immediately let out a "Piplup" and hopped over.
"Hahaha—"
Though small, Youx Lijia had surprising strength, hugging Piplup and spinning it around before stopping to rub cheeks with it and laughing, "So cool and refreshing~ so comfortable~"
Tieryu and the others also gathered around.
However, Sarina seemed a bit hesitant, not because she disliked Xiaoguang, but simply because she didn't know how to approach a girl who seemed so close to Ash Ketchum.
"Don't make unnecessary enemies, just go talk to her and you'll see."
Baimu whispered in her ear.
Surprised, Sarina turned her head to look at him. After a moment's thought, she nodded earnestly, took a deep breath, and walked towards Xiaoguang.
To be fair.
Many anime fans consider the relationship between Xiaoguang and Ash Ketchum to be "more than friends, but not quite lovers." But regardless of whether it's true, in a situation where even a log can become a huge obstacle in a relationship–
What are the chances of two logs developing feelings beyond friendship?
The answer is—
Surely not as high as Sarina, who is clearly shooting straight for the heart.
But who knows what the future holds?
Back then, there weren't many female characters around Ash Ketchum. The reappearances of Xiaoguang and Sarina didn't turn up much romantic tension either.
Of course, Baimu wasn't particularly invested in who Ash Ketchum would end up marrying in the end. He was just amused by the entertaining situation he happened upon.
When he saw Sarina's face gradually lighting up with a bright smile as she chatted with Xiaoguang, he sighed deeply.
Ah, youth...
Suddenly.
He walked over to the door and flung it open.
"Ah!"
"What's that, Meowth!"
Amidst chaotic cries, two people dressed as reporters and a peculiar-looking being fell into the room.
Everyone looked at them in confusion, and someone asked, "You are..."
"We're reporters, reporters~"
"Sorry for disturbing you~"
"Exactly, Meowth."
The red-haired reporter hurriedly explained, the blue-haired reporter sheepishly apologized, and the peculiar being laughed it off.
The three of them were planning to slip out of the room just like that.
Then.
They caught sight of Baimu by the door, smiling warmly. Instantly, they froze, a look of deep despair crossing their faces.
"...Wobbuffet?"
The concealed Wobbuffet let out a puzzled cry.
"You all chat, I'll take these guys outside for a talk."
Baimu wrapped his left arm around Musashi, his right arm around James, and exchanged a knowing glance with the sweating Meowth, as he waved a smile at everyone and walked out.
Everyone exchanged baffled looks.
"Is Baimu quite familiar with those two reporters?"
"Uh... no idea."
Outside the door.
In the empty corridor.
James, Musashi, Meowth, and Wobbuffet sat obediently kneeling, not daring to breathe in front of Baimu.
"Didn't I tell you guys not to let me catch you again?"
The eerie voice was like a whisper from the Sanzu River, sending shivers down the spines of the two people and two Pokémon.