They said to take a stroll, but in reality, they didn't dare go too far.
There are too many tourists in Kaina City, and when they heard that the Gorgeous Competition was being held here, crowds rushed over.
In an instant.
The area near the Gorgeous Competition venue was surrounded and impenetrable.
Among these people were not only spectators but also numerous contestants, with various Pokémon gathered on the lawns, pools, and roads,
making the scene lively but noisy.
"Previously, registration used to close at ten, but now it stops at nine, and the competition time has been moved from one in the afternoon to ten in the morning..."
Baimu looked at the notification on his phone, clicking his tongue.
The Gorgeous Competitions in different cities have different registration rules and start times, and the ones in big cities always start a bit earlier, for no particular reason other than sheer numbers.
He counted while looking on, and there were at least two hundred people.
Exaggerating a bit, if each contestant is given a minute and a half for their Pokémon performance, factoring in rotation time and intermission, the second round of evaluation might not be until three or four in the afternoon.
Fortunately, the second round evaluation usually sees only eight to four advancing, and each battle only lasts five minutes, so it should finish before dark.
"I! I'm back!"
Xiaoguang and Piplup squeezed through the crowd, panting as they approached him, looking dejected, "Sold out..."
"Puu-gurgle…"
She had just spotted a temporary stall selling cute hair clips and rushed in with Piplup to grab them. Baimu asked if she needed help, and she replied, "No problem."
The outcome, naturally, was that she lost out.
"Did you get the stall owner's phone number?"
Baimu asked.
"Why would I want their phone number?"
"To ask when they're restocking, of course! Get them to hold one for you. You don't think they won't come back after making a profit this time, do you?"
"Ah! This sounds doable!"
Xiaoguang suddenly realized and quickly turned to find the stall owner, but they were already gone, leaving her even more disappointed, "They've already left."
"Don't worry, you can buy it after the competition. They'll definitely still be around."
Baimu reassured her and said, "The competition is about to start. Let's get ready to enter."
Xiaoguang perked up and nodded.
——
"Sea breeze, sunshine, golden sandy beach."
"Excitement, exhilaration, a glamorous venue!"
An elegant brown-haired woman holding a microphone spoke in a soft voice, "Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for waiting, welcome to Kaina City!
"I am Vivian, the host of today's competition, and I hereby announce the official start of the Pokémon Gorgeous Competition Kaina Tournament!"
Cheers and applause rang out together, as countless spectators sat eagerly, anticipating the upcoming spectacular performances.
Vivian smiled lightly and came to the judges' table, introducing, "This is Mr. Patistan, the deputy director of the tournament's bureau, who will be conducting strict and considerate evaluations for the contestants."
Gray-haired Mr. Patistan stood and gave a slight bow to the audience, beaming.
"Mr. Liu Lai from the Pokémon Fan Club!"
The dashing Mr. Liu Lai nodded in acknowledgment.
"And Miss Joy from Kaina City. These three judges will be reviewing the upcoming participants."
Miss Joy smiled and greeted.
Vivian looked up, as a giant silver screen above the venue displayed a green ribbon.
"The winning Coordinator Trainer and Pokémon of this tournament will receive the Kaina Ribbon Medal. Those who obtain five Gorgeous Competition Ribbon Medals have the opportunity to participate in the Pokémon Gorgeous Competition Festival!"
Thunderous applause followed.
"Then, let's begin the first evaluation! Please welcome our first contestant!"
The spotlight on Vivian shifted, illuminating the first contestant to take the stage.
In the prep room.
Xiaoguang changed into her princess dress, a light blue and white gown paired with long flowing hair, star-like ornaments dangling on both sides of her hair, deep blue gloves complemented by pretty low-heeled shoes, looking both cute and beautiful.
An overwhelming girlish charm exuded.
She glanced around and quickly found Baimu, dressed in a crisp suit, projecting an unusual aura of intimidation, hesitated for a moment before approaching, "Baimu?"
"It's me, can't recognize me with the outfit change?" the latter remarked with a smile.
"No no no, I just now realized you're so tall, I have to look up to talk to you!" Xiaoguang moved in front of Baimu, comparing their heights.
Finding her forehead only reached his chest.
"I'm older than you, so it's normal to be taller."
Baimu spread his hands helplessly.
Before, when interacting with Xiaoguang, he always maintained a distance so she wouldn't have to strain to look up to him or feel uncomfortable being too close to the opposite gender.
"Hehe."
Miss No Problem showcased a smiling face again, observing his suit from various angles, couldn't help but praise, "This outfit really suits you, feels like you've transformed. If I'd seen this side of you earlier, I definitely wouldn't have dared speak much."
Baimu replied, "No worries, as long as Piplup dares, it's fine. Plus, if you wore that dress out, I wouldn't dare talk to you, thinking it's a princess on parade."
The two mutually complimenting individuals chuckled.
Speaking of princesses, there really is one in the Jewel Drill saga who looks exactly like Xiaoguang, except with a different hairstyle, outfit, and voice.
Remembered as Princess Salubia.
Xiaoguang's Togekiss was a gift from this princess, hoping she could participate in the Grand Festival.
Unfortunately, Xiaoguang ultimately didn't surpass Xiaowang to become a top Coordinator Trainer.
On another note.
When Baimu donned this combat suit, many recognized him immediately, with several staring and quietly discussing him as if considering him the fierce rival to face.
As glances shifted, Xiaoguang's princess-like presence also caught their eyes. Undoubtedly, having won various Gorgeous Competitions, her reputation was similarly not much smaller compared to Baimu's, who gained popularity through videos.
Momentarily, numerous gazes felt like sharp swords, forcing the two to move elsewhere.
"Having a great reputation doesn't seem all that good."
Xiaoguang laughed.
"True enough."
Baimu wholeheartedly agreed, glancing at the television at the front of the prep room, "Wow, time flies fast; after about ten people, it's your turn."
"A little lady bids farewell for now."
Upon hearing that, she intentionally changed her tone, slightly raising her princess dress to make a curtsey.
Probably learned from Princess Salubia.
Baimu watched her leave, his gaze then settled on the television, assessing whether there were any particularly threatening Coordinator Trainers.
It must be said.
The Kaina Tournament featured quite a few talented individuals; in this short span, two already scored 28 points, and five achieved 27, with competition fierce beyond sight.
It's even tougher than Gym challenges.
Lucky for it that only five ribbons are needed to enter the Grand Festival; if it required eight like with Gyms, the number able to compete in the festival surely wouldn't be notably high.