Return to the Cavern

The sea was blue, and the sky was clear.

Baimu leaned against the ship's rail, watching the bustle not far away. For a moment, he fell into thought.

How did I end up on this ship?

His mind went back to the New Aqua Gang Research Institute yesterday afternoon.

"Why not let the New Aqua Gang help you?"

Shelly's suggestion caught him by surprise.

"...Sorry, Miss A-Quan, but I really can't join the New Aqua Gang. I already belong to another organization." Baimu thought she was still trying to recruit him.

But Shelly smiled.

"I understand. First, we're going back to those waters anyway. Until we can confirm Lugia has truly left, the exploration won't end. The data in the Black Box will also help speed up our next mission, so bringing you along is no trouble. Second, this is a good chance to change how the world sees the New Aqua Gang."

"Uh, how?"

"Are you looking for a sponsor?"

As Shelly said it, her eyes curved into a smile as sly as a Nickit's.

After that, Baimu spoke with Shan Ren, who then spoke with Shelly. In the end, they agreed that the New Aqua Gang would sponsor Baimu's upcoming Pokémon Contest career.

In return, he had to add the New Aqua Gang's logo to the chest of his tailored suit. If he won a ribbon and gave an acceptance speech, he would also have to say, "Thank you to the New Aqua Gang for their generous support."

If no scandal involving the New Aqua Gang surfaced in the future, it was a good deal. They certainly weren't stingy with the money.

Even Shan Ren was tempted. He practically wanted to take Baimu's place as the sponsored contestant.

Where does the New Aqua Gang get all this money?