There is quite a difference in character design between Qianli in the animation and the special episodes.
Qianli in the special episodes is powerful and enigmatic, exuding a vibe that discourages strangers, concealing all intense emotions within, with a resilient and strict personality, appearing very commanding.
In contrast, Qianli in the animation is much more gentle, with a voice that is full of vigor and quite dignified, yet he's somewhat more approachable, even going out of his way to surprise his wife, making him more empathetic in certain aspects.
It's hard to say which is better.
But in terms of approachability, the latter is certainly easier to approach, and perhaps that's why he has a city full of devoted fans.
Baimu's arrival was undoubtedly warmly welcomed by Qianli and his wife. During a video call with them, Xiaosheng specifically mentioned this friend he made after leaving home.
Xiaosheng's mother—Mitsuko insisted on making food for him, and could not be stopped.
At the dining table.
"Mitsuko Auntie is too enthusiastic."
He said to Qianli, half laughing, half crying.
"Hahaha, it's only right, you've come a long way, how can we not entertain you well? Otherwise, Xiaosheng would blame us too."
Qianli laughed heartily and added, "And besides, only when you're full can you perform at your best, right?"
"That's indeed the case."
Baimu couldn't help but agree.
In the Pokémon animation world, one key trait of top-notch experts is their easy-going nature and confidence, whether facing a ten-year-old child or an arrogant Trainer, they can always take on the appropriate stance.
"Freshly baked fragrant bread, you can enjoy to your heart's content."
Mitsuko placed two plates of bread in front of the two of them.
Fortunately, there wasn't too much of it, so Baimu, who had just finished breakfast not long ago, breathed a sigh of relief. Upon closer inspection, a rich wheat fragrance hit him, traveling from his nostrils straight into his mind.
In an instant, golden waves formed illusions, rolling continuously.
"Smells great!"
He couldn't help but say.
He wasn't intentionally complimenting Mitsuko; it was truly because the bread's wheat aroma was so rich it made him hallucinate.
Was it the raw materials?
"If you like it, I will make more. You can take some on the road," Mitsuko chuckled, and Qianli also said not to be formal.
Baimu nodded, quickly asking about the source of the flour.
Mitsuko said it was a brand from Verdanturf Town, which is quite well-known in the Hoenn Region, although not as famous as the Lavaridge Immortal Shell.
"Verdanturf Town…"
He vaguely remembered it as a good place for recovery.
Good mountains and good waters produce good grains. With the flour from Verdanturf Town, perhaps his glowing cuisine could reach a higher level.
After all, in terms of dish quality, the raw material is very crucial.
Had a satisfying feast.
Baimu saw the satisfied expression on Qianli's face and knew the Gym Battle was finally about to begin.
——
In the basic battle arena.
Baimu and Qianli each stood at their designated positions.
The latter said, "Is this your first time challenging a Gym?"
"Yes."
"But choosing the Petalburg Gym as your first challenge might not be the best choice because I won't be holding back."
"It's my honor."
"Incidentally, my basic requirement is three on three, no matter how many badges you have. Are you prepared with enough Pokémon?"
Hearing Baimu's "Yes," Qianli smiled, "If so, then let's begin. Jin Zhi, please assist today as well."
"Alright, Master!"
Jin Zhi, holding a green-red dual flag, shouted loudly, "Now, to start the Gym Challenge, each side will use three Pokémon, and the battle ends when the Pokémon of either the Gym Leader or the challenger loses all ability to fight.
"Additionally, only the challenger can freely switch Pokémon during the match."
During a Gym Challenge, challengers often have more advantages, whether it's freely exchanging Pokémon or other aspects.
Qianli said aloud, "Baimu, winning or losing in a Gym Challenge doesn't really matter that much. If you can let the Gym Leader see the harmony between you and your Pokémon, your will, even if you lose, you can still earn a badge.
"Of course, I still hope you can advance with the goal of winning, understand?"
"Understood!"
"Then I declare, the match begins!"
Qianli was the first to take out a Pokeball and throw it, "My first Pokémon is—Spinda! I'm counting on you!"
Bang!
A flash of white light.
A red-spotted teddy bear Pokémon, taller than a person, dropped to the ground.
Its eyes replaced by spiral swirls, with chunky ears, wobbling and swaying on the spot, as if ready to use the Eighteen Falls of Clothing.
Baimu took out an Illustrated Guide to scan it, not that he didn't recognize it, but only after scanning would it register this kind of Pokémon; otherwise, it would always be a ??? symbol.
Although he wasn't clear on the opponent's trait, he had already devised a strategy for dealing with Pokémon of the General Attribute.
"Go."
He threw a Pokeball.
Bang.
The white light flashed.
Aggron landed, its significant weight caused the ground to tremble slightly.
"Roar!"
The Big Monster roared with vigor, feeling it had not been in action for a while, it was time to make an appearance.
"Cannon Light Cannon!" Baimu initiated the attack without hesitation.
Qianli waved his hand composedly, "Shaking Dance!"
"Roar!"
Aggron opened its mouth, quickly gathering a dazzling silver light, forming a thick silver beam that shot towards Spinda!
Buzz!
But just as the beam was about to hit Spinda, its wobbling and swaying allowed it to unexpectedly avoid it by leaning back.
The timing was neither more nor less than perfect.
Then the boneless Spinda quickly lifted its head, twisting and turning all over, its two arms flapping like seaweeds, seemingly performing some mysterious dance.
Baimu frowned, indeed his memory wasn't wrong.
Some of Qianli's Pokémon mastered a special swaying rhythm, able to dodge and counter regardless of whether their opponent uses a close-range attack or a ranged one.
Ash Ketchum encountered a Slakoth, whereas he faced a Spinda.
"Digging!"
Hearing the command, Aggron pounced forward, successfully diving underground before being affected by the Shaking Dance.
"Keep using Shaking Dance, don't stop!"
Qianli swiftly responded, his eyes scanning various parts of the field, then suddenly shouted, "Roll to the right!"
The wobbling Spinda suddenly tumbled to the right, rolling out like a ragged doll.
The next moment.
Boom!
The ground where it originally stood rose significantly, a silver giant beast abruptly burst out!
"Roar!"
Aggron returned to the surface, surprised that it missed its target again, inevitably showing disbelief.
Qianli quickly seized this opportunity, "Absorption Fist!"
"Surf!" Baimu followed immediately.
"Ciloo~"
The Spinda swung its small fist, cloaked in a brown spiral, hitting Aggron's abdomen with a thud. The latter's expression remained unchanged, and the whirlpool of blue gathered in its claw followed, smashing into Spinda's body.
Bam!
The water mass exploded just as Spinda was about to dodge by tilting its head, waves crashing over it endlessly.
It uncontrollably rolled back and forth in the water, only able to support its body after the water dispersed, catching sight of the lightning-fast tail that came rushing.
"Dodge quickly!"
Qianli issued a command, but unfortunately, Spinda truly couldn't react in time, getting knocked out directly.
Plunk.
The fallen Spinda's body twitched outside the field, but it couldn't stand again.
"Spinda has lost its ability to fight, Aggron wins!" Jin Zhi shouted, waving the flag.
Qianli was a bit surprised, "This Aggron's level is quite high…"