The crowd's cheers greatly pleased Steelix.
"Roar!"
It threw its head back and roared, proudly displaying its mountain-like towering figure, wildly drawing attention.
This guy!
Baimu looked at Steelix with a smile that was a mix of amusement and helplessness, but made no move to stop it, simply saying to the returning Porygon II, "Great job!"
"Pi-li~"
Porygon II wore a bright smile.
The original intention of having it appear consecutively was to promote this magical Pokémon, Porygon, but it was obvious that at the moment, the audience was more intrigued by the Mega Steelix.
Promotion failure?
Of course not.
He was well aware that the media and competitors who came to watch would certainly not overlook the contributions made by Porygon II.
The two double battles had perfectly showcased Porygon II's support capabilities.
Whether it was the decisive Magic Space or thwarting Blizzard and trapping opponents with the Electric Grid, all played crucial roles.
The three remaining rounds would be time to demonstrate its offensive capabilities.
Baimu, with a face full of admiration, shook hands amicably with Red, took out a Pokeball to recall Steelix, but was met with the latter's refusal.
"Roar~"
Steelix's enormous head retracted, then looked back longingly at the crowd that adored it.
You really enjoy being popular, huh...
Baimu sighed helplessly and beckoned, "Alright, lower your head, I'll ride you back."
Steelix was momentarily stunned upon hearing this, then showed a joyful expression, lowered its head for the trainer to step on, and once he was stable, strutted towards the edge of the field.
In no time.
Many people noisily followed Steelix as it moved out, Liuqia and the others couldn't even get close.
The pathway out of the arena was completely blocked by the crowd, Steelix leisurely moved forward, and Baimu on top responded with a forced smile to the calls around, feeling inexplicably like an animal in a zoo.
The bustling scene attracted curious glances from other passersby.
"Such a large Steelix! What's going on here? A public parade?"
"Who's that trainer on top?"
Amidst the lively discussions.
It wasn't until officials from the event management came to clear the path and persuade Steelix and Baimu to stop the public parade that the lively crowd finally dispersed.
Steelix was still somewhat unsatisfied, but it no longer pleaded and obediently returned to the Pokeball.
Baimu showed a quirky expression, "Got used to being flattered in Pyrite Town and got addicted, huh?"
Before the journey, Steelix was simply fond of digging holes everywhere, and now, months later, it's become a show-off.
Time and environment do indeed transform both people and Pokémon.
Nothing wrong with that.
Most of the Pokémon in his team asked for nothing more than to keep moving forward with him until they reach the pinnacle for trainers.
Especially Aggron, which originally had a small hobby of nurturing plants, but now, influenced by his travels, has completely thrown that aside.
Every day it's like a monk, either watching the sunrise and sunset on the balcony or admiring the tide on the coast.
Clearly still a young Pokémon.
Baimu couldn't say he wasn't a bit guilty, but he had to go out and see the world because staying in one place wouldn't reach the top.
He just hoped that once back in Ore, Aggron would rekindle its desire for building its territory.
"Baimu!"
Liuqia and the others approached, drenched in sweat, nearly crushed by the throng.
Baimu replied with slight embarrassment, "Sorry, got a bit carried away. Shall we go back and have lunch together?"
Alice had her second round match before him and also won with no suspense, crushing her opponent with the overwhelming advantage of a King battling a Golden level.
——
Due to fifteen fields being used simultaneously for matches.
The afternoon.
Baimu and Alice faced the final third round.
With fewer than seventy contestants remaining, the probability of encountering participants regarded as potential victors was significantly increased.
As it happens, his opponent was one such slightly famous trainer.
"Li Si..."
Baimu saw that his opponent looked no more than thirteen or fourteen years old, recalling the information he read at noon, thinking to himself that it was finally not a trainer from the Sinnoh Region.
The Hoenn tournament should certainly have more Hoenn people!
According to Porygon II, Li Si's prowess was well-regarded online, and his first three matches were very impressive, resembling when Tetsuya participated in the tournament.
It was unfortunate that his luck wasn't as good as Tetsuya's; would suffering an early defeat create a psychological shadow in the top sixty-four?
After all, to him, a contestant being somewhat famous and widely known was the same.
Without the Four Heavenly Kings Level strength, they could only lose.
While he was thinking.
Li Si was also observing Baimu, who could be said to be the strongest opponent he has faced since becoming a trainer.
He had watched all three of Baimu's tournament matches, and even deliberately watched the Gorgeous Competition's gorgeous battle segments.
Honestly, quite intimidating.
He felt that the Four Heavenly Kings of Hoenn were just about the same.
Strength, tactics, command, and the crucial ability to inspire Pokémon morale—Baimu lacked nothing, so this is what a seasoned trainer is!
Li Si didn't want to let himself fall into pessimism, but witnessing Baimu in person still made his heart pound.
What followed was excitement.
That's correct.
Li Si clearly felt that the surging emotion in his heart at this moment was excitement, which made him realize he'd never feared battling this formidable opponent.
If so, then victory is possible!
He believed that as long as his spirits weren't crushed, his Pokémon would naturally inherit his momentum to defeat any enemy.