When word spread that Baimu's performance was about to begin,
nearly half the contestants left the preparation room, making it feel suddenly spacious.
There was no doubt about it.
They had all gone to watch in person.
"You can only truly appreciate his performance when you're there"—that opinion had spread online and become common wisdom among Pokémon Contest fans.
"Wow, that's a bit much."
Wally couldn't help complaining. "May didn't get this treatment when she performed!"
Some people had gone to watch May too, but nothing like the crowd that had practically emptied half the preparation room for Baimu.
"That just shows everyone recognizes Baimu's talent!"
Brock nodded earnestly.
When none of his companions were competing in Pokémon Contests, he rarely followed them. Even so, he often heard other Coordinators mention Baimu.
That alone showed how famous Baimu had become.
The others were a little awestruck too.
"My dear student, why don't we form a Pokémon Contest idol duo?" Lisia urged Baimu for what felt like the hundredth time.
I'll have to pass on Phoenix Legend...
Baimu said helplessly, "The people of Hoenn are just being generous to me."
It wasn't entirely wrong.
Although Team Aqua, Team Magma, Shan Ren, and others promoted him online, Miss Bei Lingyin, who headed the Mawile Fan Club, said its core members were mostly concentrated in Hoenn.
It couldn't be helped.
He had debuted in Hoenn, so naturally its people identified with him. Most performers were much the same, with fan bases that tended to have a local bent.
Even someone as famous worldwide as Wallace still had more Hoenn natives than anyone else in his fan club.
"Anyway, we're heading out to watch! Good luck, idol!"
Dawn grinned and pulled May and Lisia away. The others followed, some offering encouragement, others nodding as