High-Five Pact

Perhaps there were simply enough contestants that quite a few had outstanding scores.

A total of eight contestants advanced to the second round of judging this time.

For Baimu, that meant one more battle than at the previous Rustboro Conference, along with greater uncertainty.

On the screen.

Eight portraits began to spin, determining the upcoming opponents and match order through a shuffling process.

Dawn grew unusually serious. Hugging Piplup, she stared intently at the giant screen. Piplup, too, was unusually not constantly glancing toward Mawile. Clearly, compared to beauty, the Pokémon Contest Ribbon Medal was slightly more important.

After all, this was the dream she, Piplup, and their other Pokémon companions shared.

They should not let their guard down, nor could they compromise in any way.

Beep.

A soft sound rang out.

The match order and opponents had all been assigned.

Dawn had not been matched against Baimu. They were not even on the same side of the bracket; if they wanted to battle, they would likely have to wait until the finals. Meanwhile, the trainer using Milotic was highly likely to become Baimu's opponent after his first match.

Dawn was up first.

"Looks like I'm heading out first." She set down Piplup, lifted her skirt, and said confidently to Baimu, "Let's meet in the finals. After all these days of practice, it feels like we've never fought down to the very last second."

"Piplup!"

Piplup's eyes were likewise filled with fighting spirit.

"Then I'll look forward to it."

Baimu returned her smile casually. Seeing her raise her right hand, he froze for a moment before smiling and slapping his hand against hers. "See you in the finals!"

Slap~

A high-five as a vow, symbolizing friendship.

"See you in the finals!"

Dawn strode toward the contestants' passage.

The two of