Cynthia and Caitlin had reached an agreement and were about to set off immediately for the other side of the city to catch up with Xia You.
But they had barely taken a few steps when a middle-aged man in a smart suit, a conspicuous badge pinned to his chest, came jogging over from the direction of the Hollywood Administration Building with two assistants, stopping right in front of them.
"Please wait! Please wait a moment, both of you!"
The middle-aged man caught his breath, his face brimming with a warm, respectful smile. "May I ask if you are Miss Cynthia, Champion of the Sinnoh League, and Miss Caitlin of the Unova League's Elite Four?"
Although he phrased it as a question, his tone was quite certain. He had clearly recognized them already.
Cynthia and Caitlin exchanged a look, both somewhat surprised.
Maintaining basic courtesy, Cynthia nodded slightly. "We are. And you are?"
"Wonderful! I've finally found you both!"
Looking relieved, the man hurriedly took two finely crafted invitations from an assistant and presented them with both hands.
"Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Ishihara, and I'm an executive director of the Preparatory Committee for the Pokémon World Championships Junior Cup. We just learned through internal League channels that you had both arrived in Virbank City. This is truly a heaven-sent opportunity!"
He spoke rapidly, but clearly. "Our committee is working hard to prepare for the upcoming Junior Cup in Lacunosa Town in East Unova. It's an important stage for young Pokémon Trainers from the Unova Region and even neighboring regions, intended to discover and nurture the battle stars of tomorrow. To increase the event's reach and appeal, we've arranged a special centerpiece-a high-level public exhibition match."
At this point, Director Ishihara's tone grew even more eager, his