"Shirataro, battling you has left me satisfied once again."
"You've taken the right steps. As long as you keep moving forward without giving up, you'll achieve something sooner or later."
"I look forward to facing you next on the stage of the Champion League."
After the battle ended, Alder approached Bai Shi and offered him some encouragement.
"Thank you, Mr. Alder. I'll keep working hard!"
Bai Shi bowed slightly to thank Alder.
This defeat would undoubtedly become valuable experience, pushing him to grow stronger.
He firmly believed that he would eventually become a Pokémon Trainer as powerful as Alder.
"Mr. Alder hasn't lost any of his old brilliance!"
After watching Alder defeat the formidable Bai Shi, Trip's eyes shone with longing and admiration.
He would keep working hard, with Alder as his goal.
Until one day, he could stand proudly before Alder, just as Bai Shi had, and challenge him.
The upcoming Pokémon League tournament was the perfect opportunity.
To avoid a repeat of what had happened today, he had to become stronger.
"Bai Shi seems to have gotten even stronger!"
Ash clenched his fists, excitement written across his face.
Although Bai Shi had lost to Alder, their fierce battle still set his blood pumping.
The dejection he had felt after losing his own match vanished at that moment.
There were still nearly two months until the Pokémon League tournament began.
With his current strength, he would probably struggle to hold his own against Bai Shi.
When the time came, perhaps he could consider bringing in the Pokémon he had left in Oak's backyard.
"Bai Shi is moving toward his goal. I can't fall behind him."
Dawn, too, had been inspired by their battle.
She decided to head to the Johto Region as soon as possible to prepare for the