"No matter what, it's too strong."
Xiaosheng sighed, lifting his Pokeball to recall the defeated Ferrothorn.
The applause from the surrounding audience left him feeling restless.
If facing Porygon II and Corsola, he felt he still had a fighting chance, the Hydreigon made him feel that even with Gardevoir and Banette, it would be difficult to hold on for a few rounds.
He couldn't help but recall the Pyramid Pharaoh Shendai who Ash Ketchum had once challenged, especially the mastery of Legendary Pokémon.
Baimu might not be at that level yet, but he was surely not far off.
This is what a genius is like, right?
Xiaosheng looked at Baimu and the approaching Hydreigon with a hint of admiration, "I always thought my progress was significant enough, but I didn't expect to be so far behind Brother Baimu. Hydreigon is too strong!"
"Gibberish!"
The praised Hydreigon held its head high, proudly looking at Xiaosheng with an appreciative gaze.
This kid is quite perceptive!
Baimu pressed down on its head, which instantly lost all pretense and resembled a silly puppy, praising:
"Not at all, your Pokémon are very impressive; they completely showcase your growth in all aspects. Honestly, I'm quite surprised."
"Yeah, Xiaosheng, Dad would definitely be proud of your current strength too!"
Xiaoyao chimed in from the side.
This is definitely not empty flattery; although simulated scenes can be quite abstract, over time it's enough to recognize what level the White Talent belongs to.
And what level those who achieve good results as Blue Talent are.
Xiaosheng's growth rate would be at least a Blue Talent in simulations, which means his base achievement would be within the top eight. All of this is thanks to the knowledge he learned before his travels and the experience he's accumulated while taking care of the Pokémon at Petalburg Gym.
Compared to the initially clueless Ash Ketchum, he's only stronger.
As for whether he can ultimately win the championship...
That depends on luck.
As they say, the world is full of surprises; times change, and the frequent exchanges between regions bring an unusual lineup to the league conferences, making the appearance of monsters rather unsurprising.
It's no longer the local league it used to be.
Baimu even saw news online recently that the Padia Alliance had a six-year-old Celestial King, which is absurd.
Though the Celestial King is a recommended system, those without strength can hardly hold the position, and certainly can't win people's support.
He came back to his senses, looking at Xiaosheng again, patted his shoulder, and said directly:
"I'm looking forward to your performance at the Huiyuan Conference, the rising star trainer with four badges!"
"Don't worry! I won't let you down, Brother Baimu!"
Xiaosheng's confidence was reignited, and he nodded firmly.
Then.
He turned to Xiaoyao, eagerly saying, "Sister! It's your turn!"
"Me? Oh… alright, bring it on."
Xiaoyao instinctively glanced at Baimu, forcing a smile. To be honest, she was a bit frightened by Hydreigon's earlier display.
Besides, if it's a Gorgeous Competition battle she still has confidence, but for a regular battle...
But she'd already agreed.
Her partners may not be defeated too badly!
"Is a one-on-one alright?" Xiaoyao asked, her bunny-ear-like headband swinging in the wind.
"Of course."
Baimu nodded.
The surrounding crowd was about to disperse but noticed Baimu about to battle with the girl again, gathering back once more.
Street battles are usually weak exchanges, but exciting battles with grand spectacles like this are rare.
On the other hand, some of the Coordinator Trainers in the crowd had already recognized Baimu through Hydreigon and matched faces.
A street battle of the new star of the Gorgeous Competition!
It's a great opportunity to gather intel!
Many took out their phones to secretly record, not knowing that in the digital world, semi-enclosed windows representing their phone systems appeared before Porygon II.
The security was as simple as a latch on a wooden door, easily accessible even with closed eyes.
"Beep…"
Porygon II moved its body slightly, ready for action.
——
Baimu and Xiaoyao each moved to opposite sides, maintaining a proper distance.
As they walked.
He tried to recall Hydreigon with the Pokeball, but it dodged the recall beam while shaking its three heads.
"Gibberish!"
"You've participated in a battle, time to give other partners a chance, come on back."
Baimu said again.
Yet Hydreigon moved further away and boldly cried with three raspy voices, "Gibberish! Gibberish!"
It wasn't trying to hijack its companions' battle opportunities but rather strongly protesting the fact that Dragapult and the Dragapult Siblings could stay by his side, while it had to return to the Pokeball to rest!
Not hurt! Not going back in the Pokeball!
Refuse!
"... You..." Baimu was a bit helpless, so far the "Independent Combat" initiative has been attempted for some time, but progress could be said to be basically nil.
It remained attached despite attempts to reduce it, even sticking even more excessively lately.
Even with his patience, continuing seemed mutually torturous, so he decided to let it be.
After all, no matter how "independent," the opportunities to leave his side are few and Hydreigon's true age is still young, why not take it step by step?
As for clinging too much leading to uneven sharing of time with other Pokémon...
That's his problem as a trainer.
"Fine, you win."
Baimu put down the Pokeball, and the nearby Hydreigon immediately brightened up, happily fluttering and flying around him.