"Bai Shi seems to have gotten even stronger!"
Watching the fierce clash between the two, Crispin's blood boiled, and he couldn't help blurting it out.
"He has. His strength has reached a whole new level."
Lacey nodded, a smile tugging at her lips.
Beside her, Drayton cast a meaningful glance at the dejected Kieran.
Ever since Kieran became the Blueberry League champion, he had put himself under tremendous pressure, constantly pushing himself forward.
Drayton hoped this loss would free Kieran from that tension and help him rediscover the joy of battling.
"I... I lost!"
After the match ended, Kieran stood frozen for a moment before accepting that he had been defeated.
"Kieran, are you okay?"
Carmine stepped forward and asked him with concern.
"I'm fine. I just hate losing like that."
Kieran forced a smile in response to Carmine's concern.
After so much hard work, he had finally become the Blueberry League champion, only to lose to Bai Shi, who had happened to visit the academy.
How could he come to terms with such a sudden setback so quickly?
"Kieran..."
Worry crossed Carmine's face.
Her younger brother wasn't as strong as he looked.
In the past, he had been a timid, reserved Pokémon Trainer who always hid behind her.
It wasn't until the summer camp in Kitakami that he had seemed to become a new person, making enormous strides in both confidence and ability.
She was afraid this loss would send her brother back to the way he had been.
"That was an exciting battle. I gave it everything I had!"
"Your strength is impressive. Let's battle again if we get the chance!"
After briefly celebrating his victory with his Pokémon, Bai Shi walked up to Kieran and extended a hand.
"Next time, I won't lose!"
Kieran's expression softened. He