The next day.
Dinner had ended very late the night before, so Li Wei only introduced Akin to everyone over breakfast.
Unfortunately,
despite having once been a protagonist,
and calling himself a celebrity Trainer...
Akin wasn't particularly well known among the public.
Dayou, Mizuki, Shiyin...
Not a single one of them recognized him.
The main reason was that Akin hadn't won any prestigious championships in official events. His only championship was in the all-around competition.
But that wasn't an official event. It ranked even below Dayou's Pokémon World Martial Arts Tournament.
"What the heck! None of you recognize talent when you see it!"
Was comparing himself to merchandise really a good idea?
After breakfast, Li Wei asked, "Could you do me a favor?"
Akin swept back his flowing bangs.
"Just say the word."
Li Wei pointed toward the Turtwig habitat. "Help me check on my Turtwig, Piplup, and Eevee."
Akin paused at that. "That's all? No problem."
There was no need to have Akin help out around the Breeding Center, but having him look over the Pokémon they were breeding was perfectly reasonable.
After all, Professor Oak had bestowed the title of [Hatcher] on him.
Pokémon hatched by Akin would have better potential than they originally possessed, as though they had been blessed from head to toe.
That was his gift.
One that others envied but could never acquire.
Li Wei was quite envious of Akin's gift himself.
The competition hadn't brought the Jubilife Breeding Center any fame yet, but it would certainly give them a boost starting with the round of sixteen.
"Will it be broadcast live in three days?"
"Can we go watch in person?"
"What's the atmosphere like there?"
Comrade Leon, Elder Uncle, Dayou, and the others crowded together, firing off questions.
Li Wei thought back.