Mikoli Cup Day.
The already not very wide street was completely occupied by the bustling crowds and stalls selling various items. Competitors, tourists, and vendors mixed together, making everything look crowded and overwhelming.
Even the usually quiet water channels were filled with boats and canoes of all sizes, with some people even riding on Blastoise or other large Water-type Pokémon.
"It's so lively, I really love this kind of scene the most!"
Liuqia and Altaria popped their heads out from the yacht's cabin, their eyes sparkling with excitement, with no awareness of possibly being late.
Baimu twitched the corner of his mouth, his gaze suddenly falling on a few figures among the crowd slowly moving while holding Lavaridge Immortal Shells, eating as they went.
Without a doubt, it was Xiaoguang, Xiaoyao, and their group.
Originally, Ash Ketchum's position in the four-person group was replaced by Xiaoguang, and it didn't seem out of place at all... truly worthy of being called the female version of Ash Ketchum.
As if he had noticed Baimu's gaze, Xiaogang, who was walking at the back, turned his head accordingly.
"Ah! Baimu!"
"Brother Baimu? Where, where?" Xiaosheng's eyes lit up, shielding his eyes with one hand against the sun as he scanned back and forth.
Since becoming a Trainer, this little ghost has become more and more like Ash—the kind of battle maniac—despite having complained about him before.
The powerful Baimu naturally became his idol and someone he wanted to catch up with.
Xiaoyao and Xiaoguang also looked over. The former, seeing Xiaogang pointing at the yacht, exclaimed softly.
"Isn't that the..."
"That's right! Mr. Adam's vehicle from Glazed Gym!" Xiaosheng said excitedly. They had the honor of riding it when Ash challenged the Hoenn Region's Gyms.
He even has Adam's autograph in his room.
Xiaoguang was amazed, "Wow... Baimu really lives in the Gym~"
Over on the yacht.
Liuqia looked curiously at Xiaoyao and Xiaoguang. She certainly knew these two were renowned figures in the Coordinator Trainer Realm.
Especially the former, the reputation of the 'Hoenn Dancer' was known long before Liuqia even started her activities, essentially making her a senior.
"My dear student, why didn't you tell me you knew so many outstanding Coordinator Trainers?" she turned to ask Baimu, who was waving towards the shore.
"You never asked."
He replied confidently, then reached out to stop Altaria from pouncing towards him.
This guy was like a free-range big goose, who self-proclaimed as Liuqia's Flower Guardian and would occasionally nibble at Baimu with its sharp beak.
He couldn't help but wonder if all lively Dragon-type Pokémon were like this?
Hydreigon, Brother Dragapult, and Altaria... energetic ones seemed to have a tendency towards being a bit neurotic.
Liuqia waved to the people on the shore and asked the old butler piloting the boat, "Grandpa Sebastian! Can I invite them on board?"
"Of course, miss, I'll try to dock right away."
The old butler chuckled.
However, the yacht was surrounded by boats on all sides, and something had happened up ahead, blocking the way and making it inconvenient to move over there.
Baimu took out his phone, saying, "I'll handle it."
For such a short distance, Porygon II was sufficient, though more importantly, it depended on whether Xiaoguang and the others wanted to come up.
The answer was a resounding yes.
The yacht's cabin was spacious enough, not to mention accommodating four people and their Pokémon; it could handle even double that number.
In this situation, why wouldn't Xiaoguang and the others choose the available transportation instead of squeezing through the crowd with all the other pedestrians?
They weren't out of their minds.
"We're saved! Thank you so much, Baimu!"
Xiaoyao said happily, turning to support Xiaoguang, who wasn't quite accustomed to Instant Movement and the swaying of the boat, "Are you okay?"
"No problem, no problem."
Xiaoguang chuckled, curiously observing the luxurious yacht with Piplup by her side.
Xiaosheng and Xiaogang, on the other hand, wore expressions of nostalgia, reminiscing about the past.
"Yahoo~"
Liuqia appeared suddenly, greeting the four of them with a playful smile:
"Shiny~ Spin around~ Good morning, everyone! I'm the Gorgeous Competition idol from the Hoenn Region, the miraculous Liuqia☆!"
"Coo~"
Altaria squeezed in with her Trainer, striking a pose together.
Why do some people talk with sparkles?
Baimu stood behind her, silently critiquing. The way Aidoru operated was truly overwhelming, but since Liuqia enjoyed it herself, there was nothing more to say.
Interestingly, Xiaoguang and the others didn't react much to this sudden introduction.
Perhaps they were used to Rocket Team's trio suddenly going, "Since you earnestly inquired..."
Even Xiaoyao quickly rushed up, grabbing Liuqia's hands and shaking them, saying, "You're Liuqia! I'm a fan of your morning drama!"
"Fan?"
A startled Liuqia instinctively struck a business pose, "Thank you for your love~ Please continue to support Liuqia's works..."
"Of course! I definitely will!"
Drama-obsessed Xiaoyao was thrilled, but then realized, "Wait, didn't you announce you were retiring from acting? Are you making a comeback!?"
She incredulously covered her mouth, her eyes brimming with excited tears.
"A comeback? Huh? No——"
Liuqia was momentarily flustered.
Are fan and idol meetings always this interesting?
"Hahaha..."
Baimu chuckled mischievously, inviting the others into the cabin, leaving Xiaoyao and Liuqia to continue their conversation outside.
This little misunderstanding would clear up in a few words, giving them a chance to get their heads straight.