The Grand Festival came to a close after its final, moving fireworks show.
With ten days left until the Hoenn League, Young Master Mao set off again, ready to head to Ever Grande City.
At Slateport City's harbor, Gary leaned against a railing with Eevee-chan, drinking coffee.
Ash and his group were traveling together with him today.
"Seriously, May's so slow..." Ash kicked idly at the pebbles on the ground.
"Can't be helped. Brendan's coming today too." Brock wore a fond, knowing smile.
"Everyone, I'm here!" Soon, Brendan and May appeared before them in matching outfits.
May's clothing style had always gone well with Brendan's, and today she had deliberately chosen a green bandanna and green-toned clothes to match him.
"Wow~ You two really look so perfectly matched that you don't care about anyone else~" Max couldn't help remarking.
"Max, don't just say things for the sake of it." May blushed at his comment.
"Hehe~" Brendan scratched his head, walked over to Young Master Mao, and bowed. "Teacher, I'll be competing in the Hoenn League too. Please go easy on me."
Young Master Mao nodded approvingly. "Give it your best. I won't be holding back."
Brendan's mouth twitched. "Well... you could hold back a little..."
"All right, let's board. It's still over a day's voyage from here to Ever Grande City." Beckoning everyone aboard, Young Master Mao stepped onto the deck first.
Ding... Major quest series updated: Shine in Hoenn. Advance through the Hoenn League's Ever Grande Conference with consecutive victories. The more consecutive wins you accumulate, the more valuable the rewards. Reward for winning the championship undefeated: [Technical Disk: Judgment (Limited)]. Judgment (Limited): Only Pokémon possessing the energy origins of every type can learn this move.
Gary looked down at Eevee-chan in his arms. Ever since absorbing