March 22, Sunday. The sky was clear.
The first Great Ball-tier tournament of the year was about to open in grand fashion at the Pokémon Dome in Goldenrod City.
As a result, every seat in the Pokémon Dome was already filled early that morning.
After all, this was a top-class Great Ball-tier event. Most spectators were locals from Kanto and the Johto Region, but plenty were devoted fans from other regions who had traveled there specifically to cheer for their own competitors.
Before the tournament began, beneath a huge, gleaming Poké Ball emblem, the stadium's big screen cycled through the tournament's star competitors.
Most were Psychic-type Gym Leaders from various regions, along with a few highly renowned Ace Trainers.
"Ten-year Sabrina fan, reporting for duty!"
"When it comes to strength, our Kalos Region's Olympia is no slouch either. Even Psychics have their pecking order!"
"It's hard to believe, but Teacher Yu seemed like the most normal person in the promotional video..."
In the rotating footage, most of the other Trainers struck wildly theatrical poses for the camera, showing off their carefully designed signature looks. Qingyu alone looked no different from usual.
Yet that same confident smile made the viewers who knew him feel all the more at home.
"Teacher Yu smiled exactly like that when he took our challenges in Paldea. Now that's the stuff!"
"Go, Teacher Yu! Show everyone what Paldea can do!"
"To be fair, haven't you guys forgotten... our Paldea's actual Psychic-type Gym Leader, Tulip, is competing in this Masters Tournament too?"
"..."
In a sense, Qingyu's immense popularity really did make people unconsciously overlook plenty of other excellent Trainers.
Once reminded, however, these viewers from Paldea quickly caught on and began cheering for both Tulip and Qingyu.
Meanwhile, in an inconspicuous corner of the Pokémon Dome,