"Although this wasn't a Full Battle, Kotetsu still sent out a core Pokémon like Hydreigon."
"For me, it was certainly a valuable point of reference."
"I reckon Kotetsu currently has seventy to eighty percent of the strength he had during the Vertress Conference."
"Even with half my main lineup held in reserve, I still beat him four to two."
"That's enough to prove that my current strength already surpasses his."
"In the original storyline, Kotetsu lost in the semifinals to Virgil, who went on to win the Vertress Conference."
"While Virgil is stronger than Kotetsu, the gap isn't overwhelming."
"If I faced Virgil now, I'd conservatively put my chances at fifty-fifty."
After battling Kotetsu, Bai Shi had a clearer understanding of his own strength.
He believed his strength would definitely allow him to come out on top at the Vertress Conference.
But despite his confidence, Bai Shi didn't grow complacent in the slightest.
Instead, he stayed in Lacunosa Town and continued training his Pokémon.
Unlike his previous intensive training, Bai Shi devoted more of his energy this time to raising his new Pokémon.
He hoped to get more Pokémon battle-ready before the Vertress Conference began.
After all, every entrant in the Vertress Conference was a capable Trainer who had collected at least eight Badges.
To avoid an upset, the more viable options he had at his disposal, the better.
"Zorua and Cubchoo were only recently caught, so they still need to solidify their foundations."
"It'll be difficult to get them battle-ready in such a short time."
"As for Alomomola, its body structure means it can only fight in water."
"Unless it's a water battlefield, I can't count on it."
"The only Pokémon I can get battle-ready in the short term seem to be Whimsicott and Palpitoad."
"The former can learn