A Deal with Tobias

After a simple breakfast at the campsite, Mingyou decided to check on the streets after the earthquake and look for Ash and the others while he was at it. The matches had been postponed, and he could already imagine Ash complaining about it.

"Come on, let's go find them."

He was invested in Ash's match. After all, he needed Ash to help spread the word, so he had helped him study his opponents and discuss which Pokémon to send into battle.

There was little point in studying the other contestants anymore. Tobias was the one who mattered. Ash had avoided him in the quarterfinals, but they were bound to meet in the semifinals or finals.

So far, Mingyou had only figured out Darkrai and Tobias's tactics. Tobias's remaining Pokémon were still a mystery.

But when he returned to the wrecked street with Ogerpon and the others, he ran straight into Tobias coming the other way...

Tobias was taking advantage of the rare chance to walk around without being bothered by reporters or fans. Unlike the other contestants, he wasn't using every last moment to improve.

Of course, he had other reasons too...

He's certainly taking it easy...

Mingyou glanced at him. Tobias didn't seem like he was here to compete. He seemed more like someone who had reached the endgame, remembered an early side quest, and come back to clear it before collecting his victory and leaving.

Mingyou had spent plenty of time studying his strength, but they barely knew each other. Still, he waved in greeting. "Morning. Last night was a disaster, wasn't it? Good thing it wasn't too serious. Shame I won't get to watch you battle today, though."

"You can still watch in three days."

Tobias stopped and looked at Mingyou. "There were several explosions over by