Slateport Contest

They said they were just taking a stroll, but they did not dare wander too far.

There were far too many tourists in Slateport City. The moment they heard a Pokémon Contest was being held here, crowds immediately flooded over.

In an instant.

The area around the Pokémon Contest venue was packed solid.

Among them were not only spectators, but also a great many contestants. Groups of Pokémon of every kind occupied the lawns, pools, and walkways.

It was both lively and noisy.

"Registration used to close at ten, but now it closes at nine. The competition has also been moved from one in the afternoon to ten in the morning..."

Baimu clicked his tongue as he looked at the notice on his phone.

Pokémon Contests in different cities had different registration rules and starting times. Contests in major cities always began especially early. There was no particular reason for it—there were simply too many people.

As he looked and counted, there were at least two hundred contestants.

If each person were given a minute and a half for their Pokémon's performance, then with the time needed for transitions and intermission, the second round of judging probably would not begin until three or four in the afternoon.

Fortunately, only eight to four contestants usually advanced to the second round, and each battle lasted only five minutes. The competition would definitely end before nightfall.

"I'm—I'm back!"

Dawn and Piplup pushed through the crowded throng and arrived beside him, panting. With their heads hanging low, they said, "They're sold out..."

"Pip-lup..."

She had spotted a temporary stall selling cute hair clips earlier, so she and Piplup had rushed over to grab one. When Baimu had asked whether she needed help, she had replied, "No problem."

Naturally, she had lost the race.

"Did