That evening.
After classes ended at Naranja Academy, students and tourists from far away flocked to Sun Plaza in central Mesagoza, packing its surroundings as they waited for the upcoming match.
Strictly speaking, Sun Plaza was not an official battle venue but a public space. Still, Naranja Academy held both its school tournaments and graduation exams there.
Paldea was different from other regions. Even Gym Challenges took place in public, with no secrecy or shady dealings. Passersby could watch and learn from start to finish. This was the unique atmosphere surrounding Pokémon battles in Paldea.
Geeta had arranged this match, leaving Rose no chance to interfere. After all, Geeta was not just Paldea's Top Champion but also its League chairwoman. Naturally, she would handle a match held in Paldea—or rather, that was how an open tournament was supposed to work.
"'Ello, 'ello, hola! Ciao and bonjour!"
Iono's voice rang out from the crowd. Since Sun Plaza lacked dedicated broadcasting equipment, she had been brought in to livestream this open tournament... though she would have turned up uninvited anyway. To her, Mingyou was a walking source of views.
Just then, the students made way for Poppy. Wearing her schoolbag and an innocent smile, she skipped out onto the battlefield. A slightly more mature female voice called out from the crowd.
"Don't lose, okay? Your opponent's pretty strong this time!"
"Don't worry, Rika~"
Poppy looked toward her fellow Elite Four member, Rika. The teachers from Naranja Academy had come too, including Hassel, another member of the Elite Four.
But the last member was nowhere to be seen. Pouting slightly, she planted her little hands on her hips and complained, "Uncle Larry didn't come to watch me battle again. Did he kick the bucket?"
"..."
The crowd fell silent. This little girl, whom