After spending some time training in the wilderness, Bai Shi had nearly exhausted his supplies.
So Bai Shi suspended his training and returned to Lacunosa Town to restock.
Who would have thought that, on the way, he would run into a boy wearing a red headband, an orange short-sleeved shirt, and light blue shorts, with a Riolu at his side?
"Huh, you're Bai Shi, the Junior Cup champion, right?"
"How about it? Want to battle me?"
A flicker of delight crossed the headband-wearing boy's eyes when he saw Bai Shi, and he eagerly challenged him.
"Uh... who are you?"
Although Bai Shi recognized him, he pretended not to and deliberately asked.
"My name's Kotetsu. I was going to enter the Junior Cup too."
"Unfortunately, I got the date wrong and missed it."
"Otherwise, I would've been the one battling Mr. Alder."
"Since you won the Junior Cup, all I have to do is beat you, and I'll be the new champion."
Kotetsu spoke to Bai Shi with absolute confidence.
He was a powerful Pokémon Trainer with eight Gym Badges now. Beating a Junior Cup champion would be a piece of cake.
"Is that so? Then you've got your wish!"
Bai Shi agreed without giving it much thought.
He wanted to see what gave Kotetsu the confidence to make such bold claims.
After discussing the details, the two headed to a nearby Battle Club for a four-on-four match.
The reason it was four-on-four was simple: Kotetsu had only brought four Pokémon.
Bai Shi had originally planned to make Kotetsu face reality through a Full Battle.
But Kotetsu hadn't brought enough Pokémon, so he had to compromise.
"Pyroar, I'm counting on you!"
As soon as he stepped into the Trainer's box, Bai Shi sent out his first Pokémon.
In the anime, Kotetsu