Ch. 1141Unova's Elite Four
Chapter Summary: Elite Four of Unova
Key Plot Points and Events
- In Castelia City, Baimu and Hydreigon wait for a subway train while eating the city’s specialty flying ice cream. Baimu decides to try the Battle Subway, where Pokémon battles take place aboard specially reinforced train cars.
- The Subway restricts competitors to registered Pokémon below level 50. Since Baimu’s own Pokémon are too powerful or unsuitable, he asks Rainbow Team for help.
- Ayana lends him three Pokémon—Starmie, Corsola, and Kingler—all just under level 50 and capable of traveling on land. Baimu feeds and reassures them before registering for the battle.
- Hydreigon is returned to its Poké Ball because its size makes movement in the train difficult. It is displeased, while Galarian Corsola continues to intimidate the borrowed Corsola.
- Baimu encounters Unova Elite Four members Grimsley and Shauntal. Shauntal wants to gather material for a novel about him, while Grimsley is traveling toward Dragon Village to gamble on its battle tournament.
- Both Elite Four members agree to watch Baimu’s Subway match. Although the staff initially worries about their presence, they remain spectators.
- Ingo, one of the Battle Subway bosses, personally takes over the match after recognizing Baimu as a Champion.
- Baimu battles Ingo under the Subway’s three-Pokémon single-battle rules. He sends out Kingler against Ingo’s Klinklang.
- Kingler uses Protect and High Horsepower to counter repeated Volt Switch attacks. After Klinklang is recalled, Baimu predicts the timing of Ingo’s next Pokémon and orders Kingler to attack through the smoke.
- Kingler catches Garbodor with Crabhammer, repeatedly slamming it into the train car. Despite being covered in poison, Kingler continues fighting on Baimu’s precise commands.
Character Developments
- Baimu demonstrates adaptability by finding a way around the Subway’s level restrictions and learning to command unfamiliar Pokémon in detail. His battle instincts are sharp enough to predict Ingo’s actions even when visibility is poor.
- Hydreigon remains attached to Baimu and frustrated by being left out of the battle, though it gains a small amount of respect for Ogerpon after Ogerpon deliberately gives it time alone with Baimu.
- Galarian Corsola continues its unsettling, intimidating behavior, terrifying the borrowed Corsola simply through its ghostly appearance.
- Ayana shows her growing competence and generosity. While preparing to become a Gym Leader, she still takes time to support Baimu by lending him Pokémon.
- Shauntal is revealed as enthusiastic, excitable, and intensely dedicated to writing about powerful Trainers. She views Baimu as excellent material for her next novel.
- Grimsley remains enigmatic and amused by unusual people and situations, immediately finding Baimu’s concealed movement techniques interesting.
- Ingo acts as a courteous professional who personally accepts the honor of battling a Champion. He is also shown to be a capable and observant strategist.
Significant Themes
- Adaptability and resourcefulness: Baimu succeeds despite lacking suitable Pokémon by using allies, borrowed resources, and careful preparation.
- Trust between Trainer and Pokémon: Because Kingler is unfamiliar with him, Baimu must give unusually specific commands and earn its cooperation through food and reassurance.
- Reputation and recognition: Baimu’s status as Champion changes how staff, Elite Four members, and Subway officials respond to him.
- Professionalism and competition: The Battle Subway’s strict rules and Ingo’s formal conduct highlight Pokémon battles as an organized, regulated sport.
- Humor through contrast: The serious battle setting is undercut by Hydreigon’s jealousy, Galarian Corsola’s frightening presence, Shauntal’s overwhelming enthusiasm, and Baimu’s irreverent observations.
Character Interactions
- Baimu and Hydreigon share a close but comedic relationship, with Hydreigon unhappy about being recalled and jealous of Baimu’s attention.
- Baimu works with Ayana through the Porygon Phone, establishing Rainbow Team as a reliable support network.
- Galarian Corsola silently intimidates the borrowed Corsola, creating one of the chapter’s major comic interactions.
- Shauntal eagerly approaches Baimu for help with her novel, while Baimu accepts partly because he hopes this will make it easier to ask favors of her later.
- Grimsley and Shauntal accompany Baimu as spectators, both intrigued by his personality and abilities.
- Baimu and Ingo exchange polite introductions before engaging in a tense tactical battle, with Baimu relying on detailed commands and rapid battlefield judgment to keep Kingler competitive.