"Okay, let me tell everyone what I'm thinking about this competition."
"First, there are three elimination rounds. After that, there are seven round-robin matches."
Xu Mu watched the Pokémon listening intently. Even Hoopa and Ralts, who weren't going to compete, were paying close attention.
He felt immensely gratified.
Now that was more like it!
They were all family, right, Charizard?
"So, in the three elimination rounds, we should hold back some of our strength while giving the little ones a chance to train."
"But during the round-robin matches, there won't be enough time to rest. I'd rather not send the little ones out. That's when I'll need the rest of you to give it everything you've got!"
It was obvious which little ones Xu Mu meant.
They were the few whose strength had yet to receive the system bug's boost.
"Ivysaur and Snorlax, you two will go out in the first elimination match."
"Charizard, you'll go third. I'm not asking much—just make up whatever ground the two little ones lose."
A smile spread across Xu Mu's face as he spoke.
"In the second match, Ivysaur and Lugia will go first."
"Lugia should be able to show what he can do at this level now. It shouldn't be much of a problem. He might not crush his opponent, but he can certainly put up a fight."
"Charizard, you'll go third again. Finish up for Ivysaur and take some pressure off whoever comes after you."
"Now, for the third match, Snorlax will be paired with Arceus."
"Same arrangement: Charizard goes third. Same expectations."
Greninja couldn't hold back a laugh when Xu Mu finished.
Holy crap. That's perfect. Xu 'Never Lets a Grudge Go' Mu, all right!
That's my Trainer. Flawless!
Charizard stared blankly at Xu Mu, helplessness showing in his beady eyes.