Street battles are usually one-on-one...
Baimu wanted to tell Zhengyi that, but a three-on-three match showed a trainer's skill better than a one-on-one. He was happy to oblige.
"Three-on-three, then."
Some passersby noticed they were about to battle and gathered around with interest.
The stall owner from earlier stood among them, phone raised toward the two trainers, excitement written all over his face.
This was Baimu!
City hall had spent two straight days celebrating his League Conference victory. He had brought glory to Orre and drawn crowds of visitors to the region. He was the strongest trainer of the younger generation!
Silicon Beryllium Central Plaza played clips from the Ever Grande Conference's Victory Tournament every afternoon, when the plaza was usually at its busiest.
But...
Had no one recognized him?
The stall owner looked around. Everyone was talking about Zhengyi, unaware that the young trainer facing him was Baimu.
Granted, he hadn't recognized Baimu at first either. That didn't stop him from wanting to speak up for him now.
Were they all blind?
This was the man Mayor Dinis had praised as "an uncut gem"!
"..."
He opened his mouth but decided against announcing it. He worried he might disrupt the battle or cause the two trainers unnecessary trouble.
In the battle area,
Baimu had no idea how close he had come to being mobbed like Batlthas. He held up his chosen Poké Ball and looked at Zhengyi, who was already eager to send out his Pokémon.
"Go! Show him what you can do!"
Pop!
White light flashed.
Cacturne appeared on one knee, looking like a cross between a scarecrow and a cactus.
It slowly straightened. Golden pupils in its black eyes fixed on Baimu, giving it an eerie, unsettling air.
This Pokémon... might have drawn blood.
Baimu frowned slightly.