For the next several days.
Baimu visited the Alolan Meowth every day.
Perhaps he was worried it would run away, but more than that, he wondered whether it could adapt to its new surroundings.
Fortunately, the Alolan Meowth adapted very well to communal living. Within two days, it had become just as lazy as the other companions—and Nanu.
Acting cute, being affectionate, and playing around.
After only a few days, there was no trace left of the Meowth that had toyed with the Team Rocket trio. All that remained was its carefree ease and freedom.
Occasionally, it would play little tricks, then pit its wits against the other equally clever Meowth.
When it won, it laughed loudly. When it lost, it pulled a sour face.
What saddened him was that the Alolan Meowth seemed to have developed some sort of grievance against him. Though he had greeted it proactively several times, it had never responded, treating him as a stranger.
Did it hate him?
Baimu had no idea. Alongside his sadness, he also secretly felt relieved.
It was certainly gratifying when a Pokémon couldn't forget him, but when he thought about how he couldn't give it an answer, it became difficult to feel happy without reservation.
In the end, the Alolan Meowth had merely stayed at his home for one night. They had only known each other for twenty-four hours.
He left without a sound.
"I'll come again."
That sounded too much like visiting someone in prison, so he didn't say it.
The seaside cabin.
A familiar guest came calling.
"Alola~ Long time no see!"
The wheat-skinned young man with pink hair and peach-blossom eyes smiled, an adorable Eevee perched on his shoulder.
Ilima.
Baimu's opponent in the quarterfinals of the Ever Grande Conference Victory Tournament, and also the