"Cough, cough..."
Baimu coughed twice.
When Pokémon fired their biggest moves at each other, one thing was certain: there would be a lot of smoke. Even the protective barriers couldn't keep it out.
Then again, perhaps the barriers hadn't considered the dust a threat and had shut down once the shock waves faded.
It wasn't a serious problem. The place just looked a little like a construction site.
And if things got this messy at a tournament, battles against the immensely powerful Elite Four and Champions would probably be even more frightening.
The thought worried him.
He hoped he could find a way to cut down on the smoke and dust someday.
As Baimu watched the smoke drift across the Battle Arena, he felt that Z-Moves were every bit as powerful as he'd imagined. Better still, they weren't restricted to one region.
Perhaps he should follow Ash's example and take on the Island Challenge to collect different Z-Crystals.
Then, in a major event like the Pokémon World Championships, he'd have another way to hit hard when he faced a powerful opponent.
But was there an entry requirement for the Island Challenge?
There probably wasn't. In a previous simulation, hadn't Apothecary passed the trial and received a Z-Ring from Hala, the Island King?
Though he might be a little older than the usual participant.
He'd ask about it when he got the chance.
A short while later.
The smoke around the Battle Arena gradually cleared. The stands grew noisy again, bubbling with excitement as spectators rose to their feet and craned their necks for a look.
In the broadcast booth.
The commentator held his microphone but said nothing. He, too, was waiting to see which Pokémon had won the clash.
"..."
At last, the final wisps of haze dispersed.
The crowd