The afternoon battles have concluded.
Xiaosheng's attitude towards Baimu has transformed from admiration to reverence.
Both are newly embarked trainers, yet the latter is significantly more powerful, whether in practical experience or endurance consideration.
During dinner.
He called Baimu "big brother" with great fondness, a level of warmth he never showed to Ash Ketchum back in the day.
The hands-on experience of raising Pokémon made him realize it's not as simple as just talking, and traveling alone taught him the importance of kindness towards others.
However, Xiaosheng's advantage lies in his knowledge far surpassing others of his age. Coupled with his past travel experience, his Pokémon knowledge is extensive, some of which Baimu was unaware of.
This aspect is certainly worth praising.
"So Ash is also one of your idols?"
Baimu slowly sipped his grape juice.
"Yes, my wish is to become a steadfast trainer like Ash Ketchum!" Xiaosheng nodded enthusiastically.
Though he couldn't say these words to Ash directly, Xiaosheng holds Ash in high esteem behind his back because he's witnessed everything Ash has achieved.
Despite not excelling at tournaments, Advanced Generation's Ash dominated the Battlefront Zone!
Even two Second-level Gods fell to him, and his battle with Articuno propelled Charizard's popularity to new heights.
"Heh..."
Baimu remained noncommittal.
At the age of ten, Xiaosheng is naive and childlike, but since establishing a trusting relationship with Baimu, he's willing to share everything, including his admiration for Ash Ketchum, who holds a significant place in his life.
"Someday, I'll have a Pokémon battle with Ash Ketchum!"
Xiaosheng declared confidently, then smiled, "But before that, I need to get stronger. The way I am now, I can't possibly be a match for Ash."
"Indeed."
Baimu nodded.
Though XY's Ash lost the final match at the tournament, his capabilities are extraordinary, and his exclusive Greninja is not just hype.
The Milotic has already set sail, heading towards its next destination, with the fishing tournament soon to commence.
Upon learning Baimu participated in the fishing tournament, Xiaosheng hurriedly signed up as well.
"They say the fishing contest is judged and only one Pokémon can be captured for the evaluation. Baimu brother, should we buy a better fishing rod?"
"I bought one long ago."
Baimu showed the fishing rod, float, and hook he purchased while shopping with Mawile earlier; like in games, the pricier the item, the better the quality.
The standard fishing rod suggested by the organizers is barely better than a worn-out one in games, with a distinct impression of breaking if it hooks anything over twenty pounds.
"You can't catch a wolf if you don't sacrifice your child," Baimu spent lavishly for new Pokémon.
Despite his comfortable family environment, Qianli didn't give Xiaosheng much pocket money, so he only bought a slightly better quality one.
"Great! I must capture a super strong Water-type Pokémon!"
Despite his loud declarations of three-on-three and six-on-six battles earlier, he only had two Pokémon—Kirlia and Shuppet.
Both Pokémon were ones he befriended during his travels with Ash Ketchum, aside from them he had a few more, but couldn't find them despite searching high and low.
He believes if there's destiny, they'll meet again someday.
——
Three days passed swiftly.
For Baimu, who has fully embraced the future, life aboard the Milotic fulfills his initial impression of the Pokémon World.
Beautiful surroundings—botanical gardens, Pokémon everywhere, fiery yet not deadly Pokémon battles, and mostly kind-hearted people around.
If he didn't know Hoenn is even cozier, Baimu might have considered staying aboard the ship.
Since he frequently appeared in the Battle Area and possessed quite strong Pokémon, winning more than losing, his name gradually spread across the ship, and he even made numerous trainer friends.
Soon enough.
The Milotic stopped less than ten nautical miles from Lantier Region.
Though Lantier Region, a sanctuary for many Pokémon ecology researchers, strictly prohibits external trainers from capturing Pokémon on the island, offshore areas fall outside the restricted zones.
The fishing tournament took place as scheduled, whether participating or not, most passengers flocked to join the excitement, with those familiar with Baimu and Xiaosheng cheering them on.
Baimu held his fishing rod, pondering which Ghost-type Pokémon could be hooked.
Jellicent, perhaps?
This species of jellyfish isn't easy to catch; they might not even bite.
Dhelmise? Without a Sinking Ship nearby, it's unlikely conditions would breed Dhelmise, unless it swam from other seas.
Surely not Basculegion?
This is a Hisui period Pokémon, presumably extinct in modern times... well, maybe not, since the Tree of World Origin contains living fossil Pokémon, so perhaps two Basculegions could appear?
In the animated world, everything is possible.
What about Dreepy? As I recall, it roamed ancient seas as a Pokémon, reborn as a Ghost-type Pokémon, it would wander places it once inhabited.
As he was dreaming, the energetic voice of the host came from afar.
"The latest fishing tournament is about to begin! Our rules remain unchanged, capturing only one Pokémon per entry, and unless you release the previously caught one, you may not capture another.
"After the competition, professional judges will rate the Pokémon, and the winner will receive a luxurious surprise gift pack!"
"No time to waste, the fish are coming!"
With the host's shout, a large shadowy mass emerged beneath the cruise ship, unmistakably Water-type Pokémon.
Just about everyone tossed their bait, Xiaosheng eagerly and clumsily cast his line, while Baimu remained leisurely.
After all, he's not aiming for victory in the fishing tournament, as long as he captures his desired Pokémon.
However.
As he cast his line, someone nearby already made a catch.
"It's a Lumineon!"
Someone shouted.
Baimu turned his head and saw a beautiful blue fish-like Pokémon with navy bodies and light blue ring patterns, resembling butterfly wings.
Unfortunately, it's daytime now, but if it were night, Lumineon's fins would shine like the starry sky, with a group resembling a flowing galaxy.
Soon, someone else made a catch, still a Lumineon.
Several trainers uninterested in Lumineon chose to pull in their lines, realizing that the current school was Lumineon, finding it unnecessary to waste time.
Baimu didn't reel in his line, concerned about lacking fishing experience, he feared that he might miss the encounter with his destined Pokémon, using the opportunity to practice his reeling skills.
Xiaosheng beside him was enjoying the fun; even if slapped around by leaping Lumineon, he didn't mind, laughing heartily alongside the audience.