Because I was playing with Deino all the time.
Baimu didn't really eavesdrop on the conversation between Shunsuke and Qianli. Seeing the two of them walking out one after the other, he asked, "Did you figure something out?"
"Yes!"
Shunsuke nodded vigorously, saying in his curious gaze, "I've decided to close the Gym!"
"—What?"
Baimu was stunned, involuntarily looking at the calm and collected Qianli, then looked back and said, "What's going on?"
Logically, Shunsuke should have been greatly inspired during this conversation, from then on undergoing a transformation, becoming unstoppable as a Gym Leader, right?
How did it turn into directly shutting down the Gym!
"The talk with Master Qianli made me realize that my current strength is far from enough. If I become strong enough, fame will follow naturally, and challengers will want to come challenge me just from hearing my name. By then, I won't have to worry about these things at all."
Shunsuke said confidently.
It seems that Qianli had passed on his success story to him.
Although making oneself stronger to enhance one's fame and thereby support the Gym seems quite reliable, with Qianli's case as an example right in front of us.
But it may not necessarily suit Shunsuke, and whether it can be replicated is another question.
But since he's willing, what can Baimu as a bystander say? He can't possibly make decisions on his behalf.
"So?"
"So I plan to participate in various competitions, challenge all sorts of strong Trainers, and capture more powerful Pokémon to improve myself." Shunsuke said confidently, "I'll keep training until I'm as famous in Hoenn as Master Qianli!"
As he spoke, he couldn't contain his excitement, thanked the two, and eagerly walked out of the Gym.
Baimu didn't know what to say for a moment, so he turned to ask Qianli, "Qianli-san, did you mention anything about the Gym having heavy imitation traces?"
"I did mention it... but it's obvious he didn't quite take it in."
Qianli smiled wryly, then said, "However, as long as he continues to get stronger, strong enough that no one can ignore him, I believe even if there's an element of imitation, Shunsuke will still attract challengers specifically seeking him out, don't you think?"
"...That's true."
Baimu couldn't help but agree.
Due to Pokémon battles being popular worldwide, personal idolization in the Pokémon World is very serious. From Regional Champions to Gym Leaders, which one isn't surrounded by admirers?
Not just Pokémon battles, but the Gorgeous Competition, Pokémon breeding, and anything related to Pokémon will have standouts who are highly admired, theoretically akin to celebrities and idols.
In this context, Shunsuke enhancing his fame through becoming stronger is considered a royal road.
This includes his own future, which, with the operations of Shanren, will also make him a focus due to his strength.
"I hope he can get what he wishes for."
He sincerely blessed Shunsuke.
"As long as he keeps striving, it's natural he'll achieve his wishes." Qianli always seemed full of confidence.
Outside the Gym.
Baimu suddenly realized Shunsuke hadn't left yet and was waiting by the car.
"Got something else?"
"Ahahaha... almost forgot, this is for you." Shunsuke awkwardly scratched his head and handed over a box.
He took it and opened it to find a shiny, beautiful scale that transitioned from blue on the outer ring to pink on the inner ring, "A Beautiful Scale?"
"Thank you for your help. I don't have much to repay you, so I'll give you my Lucky Scale."
Shunsuke laughed and said, "Take it, trust me, it really brings good luck."
"...Thank you."
Baimu originally thought about returning it, but seeing the situation, he nodded, regardless of whether the Beautiful Scale actually had such an effect, this was indeed Shunsuke's gesture of gratitude, "Then I'll respectfully accept it."
"Yes!"
"By the way, when you go out traveling, remember to take your brother with you. He's full of tricks, and who knows what he'll get up to if you don't watch over him."
"Got it."
When it came to Shuji, Shunsuke suddenly became much more mature and stable.
All of a sudden, Baimu seemed to remember something and said, "Also, I heard there's a big Azumarill on Route 102. If you're interested, you can try to capture it; a large Pokémon won't disappoint you."
"Azumarill... sounds like a good Pokémon."
Shunsuke showed an interested expression and then said: "Speaking of which, I've known you for so long and haven't battled you yet, wanna have one?"
"I'd be fine with a light match."
Baimu didn't refuse. He understood well that becoming stronger comes from accumulating through one battle after another.
Moreover, the simulator's cooldown requires him to actively battle.
——
The two found a spacious area outside the Petalburg Gym.
Each stood at the Trainer's position, but instead of releasing their Pokémon immediately for battle, they started chatting casually.
"I heard from your brother that you like using General Attribute Pokémon?"
"Not really like, mainly to learn from Master Qianli."
"You don't need to have the same Attribute to learn from him. If you don't particularly like it, why not switch back to the Attribute you like to establish your Gym? It'll be easier for others to remember you that way."
Baimu took out a Pokeball, "How about Fairy Attribute? Of course, it's just a suggestion; you make your own decision."
"Fairy Attribute..."
Shunsuke thought for a moment and said, "Perhaps it could work!"
As he spoke, he took the initiative to throw a Pokeball.
Bang!
A flash of white light.
A cream-colored cat with purple ears and a draped body landed, gracefully raising its head and licking its paw.
Baimu's Illustrated Guide chimed in.
'Delcatty, the Prim Pokémon, prefers living free and easy, won't fight if its nest is taken, rather finding another place to sleep.'
"Sorry for taking too much of your time, let's do a one-on-one." Shunsuke said with a smile.
"Sure."
Baimu unhesitatingly released the long-awaited Mawile.
"Chitter!"
Mawile appeared, confidently crossing its arms.
Due to this fellow throwing a fit last night for not being able to get on stage, Baimu had to promise it would get a chance next time—more troublesome than handling Steelix. Steelix only wanted to be on stage when challenging the Gym, while it wanted to be on stage all the time.
There was no Referee.
They tacitly used the techniques as the signal to start.
"Attract!"
"Taunt!"
The two Pokémon both used transformation techniques as their opening move.
Delcatty lifted its paw to its mouth, flirtatiously winking its right eye at Mawile, its alluring posture even made Baimu shiver.
A series of pink heart-shaped light waves flew out.
Mawile, however, was completely unfazed, even showing a 'what's wrong with you' expression, then slightly raised its head, showing an extremely disdainful expression.
A wave-like black energy surged up from its body, clashing with the pink heart-shaped light waves and offsetting—
No!
Mawile's Taunt completely suppressed Attract, with the black wave successfully enveloping Delcatty, making it feel even angrier.
"Huh? Isn't your Mawile female?"
Shunsuke seemed unbelieving that Attract didn't work, "Resisted it?"
"Your Delcatty is male?" Baimu was also surprised. Who knew that such a charming Delcatty was actually male!
As for why Mawile, obviously female, wasn't affected at all...
If you took out a cute pillow, it might just fall for it. A mere beautiful temptress isn't worthy of getting close to it!