The Champion League's closing ceremony was solemn and grand.
Beneath the Sacred Torch,
Thousands of spectators rose to their feet and applauded.
Steven stood at the highest point of the arena, a spotless white Champion's Cloak draped over his shoulders. He held the gleaming gold trophy high, a warm smile on his handsome face.
Every little gesture drew a chorus of cheers from the people of Hoenn.
His signature Pokémon, Shiny Metagross, stood beside him. Its massive body was an imposing sight, its silver finish and gold crossbars gleaming in the sunlight and setting off Steven's silver-blue hair.
Well, now I've seen the whole Champion League from start to finish.
Baimu gave an almost imperceptible nod. Taking Captain Drake's ship back to Orre had been a spur-of-the-moment decision, but since he was here, he intended to learn something from how Hoenn ran its Champion League.
He also wanted to see the Elite Four and Champion Steven battle, so he could pin down what he himself still lacked.
Fortunately, he had gained something on both counts.
However,
Shan Ren seemed more interested in the Galar Region's system of first- and second-division Pokémon Gym battles followed by the Champion Cup. He had little interest in the traditional League Conference or the tiered competition leading up to the Champion League.
In short, he did not want to establish an Elite Four. Instead, the various Gym Leaders would be the main challengers to the Regional Champion.
Compared with a Champion League that ran throughout the year, a Champion Cup held at most twice a year would put far less pressure on Baimu.
He could travel the world and would not have to return to the region regularly to compete.
It would give him more freedom.
Leon was much the same. Apart from the two