Whoosh—!!
Seeing the tide of Pokémon recede.
The residents of Jubilife Village immediately erupted in cheers.
Everyone's gaze occasionally swept toward the young man wearing a gentle smile, dressed differently from them.
No one harbored any doubts about Xia Yan, this outsider, anymore.
No matter where he had come from or whether his identity was important, his willingness to step forward when Jubilife Village faced danger, his composure in commanding the fighters on the central road, his decisiveness in saving Irida, captain of the Pearl Clan, and his tactical display against the Alpha Kricketune had all earned Xia Yan the recognition of Jubilife Village.
Having fought side by side was enough to wipe away many unnecessary suspicions.
Cyllene led a group of captains, vice-captains, and squad leaders over to Xia Yan.
As the captain of the Survey Corps, Cyllene's attitude toward Xia Yan had changed somewhat as well.
Though she still wore a stern expression, Xia Yan could clearly sense that her gaze held less scrutiny and more approval.
Of course.
Cyllene was not about to trust Xia Yan as completely as the ordinary residents did. She remained rather rational.
It was simply that she no longer rejected the idea of accepting Xia Yan as a member of Jubilife Village.
"Xia Yan, thank you."
Before Cyllene could speak, Irida, captain of the Pearl Clan beside her, smiled and expressed her gratitude first.
Her sapphire-like eyes blinked brightly, filled with intense curiosity.
Holding Zorua, Xia Yan merely smiled and silently shook his head.
"Although I still cannot trust you completely, once Captain Kamado returns, I will truthfully report everything you have done and hope that he agrees to let you remain in the village."
Compared to Irida's words, Cyllene's sounded much more rigid and formal.
Yet her way of laying everything