Some time had quietly passed since Fujino and Chinatsu had successfully caught their Spinarak and become Pokémon Trainers.
Both felt a powerful urge to see the wonders of the outside world for themselves.
To assess how well the two had been getting along with their Pokémon lately, Bai Shi decided to hold a special one-versus-two battle against them.
In this match, Fujino and Chinatsu could work together, sending out their respective Spinarak to face one of Bai Shi's Pokémon.
"Chinatsu, even if Bai Shi has won a tournament championship, we still have to give it everything we've got and aim to win. We can't let him underestimate us!"
Before the battle began, Fujino was raring to go, his face brimming with barely contained excitement.
Rather than being intimidated by his powerful opponent, he was even more fired up.
"Right, I'll do my best not to hold you back!"
Chinatsu nodded slightly, doing her best to settle her nerves and anxiety as she silently encouraged herself.
"The main purpose of this battle is to assess them."
"And since they're beginners, I'll send out one of my weaker Pokémon!"
"Linoone, I'm counting on you!"
After a moment's thought, Bai Shi chose Linoone, his "Rototiller specialist," for the battle.
Aside from his two support Pokémon, Alomomola and Pyukumuku, Linoone was a strong contender for the weakest member of his team.
As long as the opposing Pokémon worked well together, they should still stand a fighting chance.
"Go, Spinarak! (Spinarak, show us everything you've got!)"
Fujino and Chinatsu sent out their respective Spinarak at almost the same moment.
"In that case, I'll let you attack first!"
Bai Shi smiled confidently and willingly gave them the first move.
"Go, Spinarak, use Poison Sting!"
At Bai Shi's words, Fujino wasted no time, eagerly launching his attack.