Monday afternoon, April 15...
The Pokémon P1 Cup Fighting Masters Invitational officially began.
After getting ready at the hotel, Young Master Mao met up with Eevee-chan and the others, and they headed toward the venue together.
The afternoon sunshine was bright, and the temperature was just right, making everyone feel warm and drowsy.
With Eevee-chan perched on his shoulder, Gary strolled along carrying two boxes of Rage Candy Bars.
There was no helping it. His two little Fighting-type cuties were both big eaters. What if they got hungry during the opening ceremony and he had no snacks ready?
When they reached the outskirts of Olivine City, the spacious World's No. 1 Martial Arts Tournament battlefield was already complete.
A row of single-story buildings had also been thoughtfully built behind the battlefield to serve as lounges for the referees and contestants.
All sorts of stalls had set up around the battlefield, their vendors' cries mingling with the crowds in a lively bustle.
Beyond that, muscular men with restrained auras could be seen everywhere, gathered near the battlefield with all kinds of Pokémon partners.
"Tsk, tsk. A masters-level tournament really does draw a crowd~" Gary marveled.
"Mashta!" Little Sugar Bean waved from the crowd, her shout muffled by the skewer of dumplings stuffed in her mouth.
Behind her, Maylene also held a skewer of three-colored dumplings, carefully savoring the delicious treat.
"You've already started eating, huh~" Gary walked over with a smile and took the Poké Balls containing Wartortle and the other little ones.
"Mashta, here's your contestant pass. You can use it for lodging and meals over the next few days," Bea explained earnestly.
"Got it. Thanks for the hard work, Little Sugar Bean." Taking the pass, Gary casually ruffled Bea's hair.
Seeing Maylene standing beside them with a faint blush