Giovanni left, slinking away in disgrace.
That made Sato breathe a sigh of relief, but also feel somewhat disappointed.
If Giovanni had been unable to resist taking action, then Sato and Shiping might truly have been able to keep him here by joining forces.
Unfortunately, they had only gained a little advantage in words. Seeing that the situation was hopeless, Giovanni had decisively retreated.
"Alright, the person already left. What are you still standing around for?"
Shiping suddenly appeared behind Sato and gave him a light pat, wearing an expression that seemed to ask whether the kid had really been scared silly.
Sato's body jolted. He turned around helplessly and called out weakly, "Shiping, you should've said something if you were here already. Was it fun hiding off to the side and watching the excitement?"
Shiping laughed. "Of course it was! All these twists and turns were much more interesting than a simple fight."
Sato tugged at the corner of his mouth and decided not to argue with Shiping.
Still, he could clearly tell that Shiping's travels over the past half-year had been effective. At the very least, he had never seen him laugh so... boldly before.
"Alright, lie low properly. It would be best if you stayed hidden until you become a Champion before coming back out. This old man can't protect you forever."
After the joke, Shiping gave him a very serious warning. However, he knew it would not be very useful.
Before the Elite Four Tournament, Sato had already kept a low profile for far too long—so long that many Trainers of the new generation had nearly forgotten him.
Sure enough, seeing Sato's hesitant expression, Shiping merely waved his hand impatiently.
"Decide for yourself!"
Leaving those words behind, Shiping quickly disappeared under Froslass's power and left.
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