"Fifteen minutes should be enough, right?" Steven had meant it as a joke. He hadn't expected Lin Hao to take only eight.
Petalburg Gym's Leader was Norman. He specialized in Normal-types, with a hard-hitting, straightforward battle style.
Then three Thunder Shocks from Pikachu left his Slaking unable to stand. Norman recalled his Pokémon and fell silent for a long moment. "Your Pikachu... its current density isn't right."
"Hm?"
"A normal Pikachu's Thunderbolt puts out around fifty thousand joules." Norman folded his arms. "Judging by yours, its output is at least three hundred thousand."
"Maybe it's been eating well lately."
Norman stared at him, but Lin Hao's expression remained perfectly calm. Norman sighed and handed over the badge. "Do you know what's going on outside right now?"
Lin Hao glanced toward the entrance. At least two hundred people had gathered outside the gym.
People holding phones to livestream and carrying cameras crowded around, while staff in League uniforms struggled to maintain order. "...When did they get here?"
"During your first round against me." Norman gave a rueful smile. "Now all of Hoenn is watching the livestream."
Steven waited for him at the entrance. "Take the side door."
"There's a side door?"
"Every gym has one." Steven pushed open a small, inconspicuous door. "A private passage for Gym Leaders to avoid reporters."
They slipped out through an alley and got into the car. Lin Hao checked his phone. The livestream had 4.7 million viewers. "Isn't that Hoenn's entire population?"
"Hoenn has over ten million people." Steven started the car. "Almost half."
On his phone, voice messages from May arrived one after another. "Verdanturf's Gym Leader just tweeted that he's waiting for you!"
"Slateport's Gym Leader says he's ready!"
"Fortree's Gym Leader wants to know what time you'll arrive this afternoon!"
Lin Hao