Chapter 1454

Team Rocket's disguise skills were as outstanding as ever.

Or rather, the anime protagonists' groups were characteristically oblivious, only able to recognize their old friends of many years by their distinctive pure white Team Rocket uniforms.

This exclusive interview was undoubtedly arranged by Shanran.

As the Champion of the Ore region, he ought by rights to first accept interviews from local media reporters of this region before dealing with others.

"World's strongest Champion Baimu, may I ask..."

"Here I want to thank..."

Baimu answered the pre-set questions without changing expression, while Shanran beside him smiled broadly, looking even happier than he, the victor.

After the Team Rocket trio finished their interview and exchanged greetings with friends and family, the media people from all walks of life swarmed in, one act following another.

"Champion sir—"

"May I ask Queen Leiguanwang—"

Countless questions were thrown out one by one, flashing lights large and small flickering non-stop, stimulating Houweiba into considerable discomfort.

Fortunately Baimu noticed its abnormality in time and, without turning his head, recalled it with a Poké Ball.

Successfully protecting the reporters who nearly suffered a "Boomburst" impact.

The reporters were baffled by this and vied to inquire about Houweiba's condition; the Eight Masters finals had too many explosive points — just the copy introducing Baimu's family Pokémon was enough to garner countless views; today was undoubtedly a day to drive the whole world crazy!

A short while later.

Shanran led the Ore teams to forcibly cut off the interviews.

"For further questions, please continue to follow Baimu's private interview!" He naturally couldn't let Bairu lay out everything in a short time.

The real show starts when we return to Ore.

At this moment Shanran was like a proud Dodrio, especially when Baimu had Big-Mouthed Baby hand the World Championship trophy to him — the pride in his eyes nearly overflowed — caressing it lovingly, unable to let go.

"After follow-up matters are settled, may I keep this at the Association building on display for a few days?" He pleaded with his friend, then reluctantly handed it back.

Baimu naturally wouldn't refuse; he and Bossgodora also cherished the trophy, but not to the extent of wanting it inseparable from themselves.

Essentially, the greatest gain the Eight Masters Battle gave him was the fulfillment of a long-cherished wish.

— A battle with wholehearted Xiaozhi!

In the lounge, numerous big shots gathered.

Champions from every region were present; even though they had already congratulated him once, seeing Baimu return holding the trophy, they couldn't help but congratulate him again.

Dan Di was not here; as Galar Association Chairman he had many matters to handle, and would soon have more to be busy with.

"Want to touch it?"

Baimu smiled and handed the Champion trophy to Liu Liu Qiya and the others, "Experience this heavy weight!"

"You're showing off, right? Hehe~"

Liu Liu Qiya teased him, then gently brushed over the trophy's patterns with great care, before passing it to the eager Nimo.

Nimo nearly failed to catch it, "So heavy! Is this the weight of the World King?"

Still an athlete's appearance with a scholar's core — Mudan's hands were steadier than hers — but that didn't stop her eyes full of envy, "So nice~ World King~"

"If interested, just participate in the World Championships next time."

Baimu chuckled.

He wouldn't participate next time; perfect for Nimo to fill the spot.

What?

Dan Di, Xiaozhi, Zhulan and them want revenge?

Keep dreaming!

Baimu had already decided to enjoy a good win then retire.

At most continue serving as Ore Champion for a few years, until one among Manchong, Shanran, Batlas, and Long Ren can shoulder this great banner.

Zhulan and Kaloni, these two mature ladies, were quite reserved and didn't join the bustle of those young ladies and young men.

They merely said: "Watching makes me want to have another match."

"Me too."

The two looked at each other and surprisingly hit it off, preparing to find a place for a battle, so as not to waste such a good opportunity today.

Dawu had no intention of joining the fun; what he still focused on was "the stone."

Whenever Baimu had a moment, he started researching Tarubagos and the Tera Orb again, while sincerely exclaiming: "Truly a magnificent, beautiful stone."

The runaway Champion's heart and eyes were full of colorful, dreamy Terastallization, wearing an expression of being completely captivated.

Remember last time, it was seeing the Z-Crystal.

One thinks before long Dawu will have to go to the Paldea region for a 365-day assignment, and might even be invited by the Naranja Academy Director — who is also the Top Champion Cici — to become an Academy teacher.

Forming a stark contrast with a certain someone harmed by a damaging friend.

However, Dawu probably wouldn't agree.

Being a teacher wastes so much time!

Even Baimu's Ore Academy, he only agrees to teach one Gem Appraisal class per year, and that was after much pleading.

The lounge was exceptionally lively, this atmosphere continuing into the evening banquet.

Jointly hosted by the Maloco Group, Galar Association, and Ore Association, widely inviting guests; attendees likely exceeding a thousand.

What pleased Baimu most was that he basically knew everyone who accepted the invitation.

"So what was your battle result?"

Facing his question, Zhulan and Kaloni had no intention of revealing it, countering: "Who do you think would win?"

"..."

Why does this sound like a trap?

Fortunately, the well-behaved and sensible adopted daughter revealed the result: "Uncle! The winner is—Bamboo—"

"Anxin'er~!"

Karuni covered her obedient daughter's mouth with one hand, and resentfully pinched her soft, round face: "What love potion did Baimu give you to make you so fond of him? Huh?"

Anxin'er wailed, unable to respond.

Baimu looked toward Zhulan, who smiled and said: "Next term won't let you advance so easily."

She had already regarded him as a remarkable person deeply connected to Arceus, and through communication with her grandmother, learned that in ancient times, a divine sovereign of Sinnoh had sent humanoid emissaries to help humans and Pokémon overcome countless hardships.

It seems not much different from Baimu.

But this does not hinder her desire to defeat such a person.

The people of Shenxie fear no hardship or obstacle.

Baimu couldn't fathom what Zhulan was thinking, only feeling her gaze suddenly turn aggressive, and he awkwardly chuckled twice before leaving.

The situation is too high-end; I need to go to the low-end tier!

For example—

Ash's Card Purgatory!

Baimu approached Ash's group with light steps; he and Pikachu were sitting together with Misty, May, Dawn, Iris, Serena, and Bonnie, plus Brock, Victory, Citron, and Eureka, forming a nostalgic small group.

It is worth noting that the vast majority of female leads harbor some vague affection for Ash.

This affection may be obscured by friendship, stem from gentle, enduring bonds, or arise from shared life-and-death experiences, but none can surpass the most obvious admiration and longing.

Ash didn't notice, but the female companions like Misty could keenly detect this from Serena's gaze toward him.

Thus, for this group of girls, Serena is nothing short of a straight shooter!

The conversation atmosphere inexplicably turned somewhat strange.

Baimu observed with restrained breath and a cheerful smile, until the multifunction phone reminded him that Shanjin was calling him over.

"Calling me?"

"Exactly."

The multifunction phone gave an affirmative reply.

Baimu could only helplessly put away his spectator mindset and followed its guidance to the banquet hall's balcony.

There stood Champion Dan Di, Olivia, and Shanjin.

"You finally came."

Seeing him, Shanjin breathed a sigh of relief and was about to explain the reason when Olivia raised her hand to interrupt: "Please allow me to explain myself."

The current female CEO of the Malokomon Group sincerely bowed and said: "I am preparing to step down from my position as CEO of the Malokomon Group."

Baimu: "?"

Then just resign already—why call me over?

Am I some kind of emperor?

Do I have to give my consent for this?

He was somewhat confused by Olivia's intent: "What do you mean? You're stepping down as CEO of the Malokomon Group, and then handing it to me?"

Otherwise, he couldn't understand why resigning a position would require seeking his approval.

Upon hearing this, Champion Dan Di chuckled and said: "If you're willing to accept, I fully support it."

Not my buddy……

"I haven't even worked a single day." Baimu had no idea how to deal with these people.

Shanjin coughed twice: "Miss Olivia, please get to the point."

Olivia straightened her back and spoke plainly: "I am preparing to apply for the position of prison guard at Ore Prison, and Shanjin said this matter requires your consent."

Baimu: "……"

He fell silent.

He began to think.

He gradually gave up thinking.

"You, surely not? For Luoze?" Baimu could barely tolerate this Luoze-obsessed girl before him.

But recalling how, in the game, she traversed mountains and rivers to reach the Crown Snowfields in search of Luoze, even creating a terrifying cemetery rumor in the process, he suddenly understood.

Olivia said: "I cannot do without the chairperson."

It's not that the chairperson cannot do without me; it's that I cannot do without the chairperson.

Baimu couldn't help but turn his head to look at Serena and Ash in the banquet hall, then back at Olivia, raising his thumb: "Go for it!"

"You agreed?"

A hint of joy appeared in Olivia's otherwise bland expression.

Baimu said: "If you pass the interview, go ahead—oh, if you cause trouble, don't blame me for not showing mercy."

He could roughly guess why Shanjin had called him over.

After all, Luoze was caught by him, and Olivia, to some extent, is also an accomplice—only Luoze bore all the blame, giving her a clouded verdict, just like Ailan.

Champion Dan Di wryly smiled: "That statement is already quite merciless."

Olivia didn't care; she only wanted to see Luoze, even if it meant working as a cleaner in prison.

Meanwhile.

Luoze, imprisoned in Ore Prison, sneezed, drawing concern from a guard: "Mr. Luoze, are you feeling unwell?"

"No, no, probably just dust." Luoze chuckled.

His strong personal charm had successfully earned the entire prison's attention, even before Shanjin came to find him.

Luoze actually hadn't done much; he had no intention of imitating Andy to escape this "Shawshank," but simply communicated normally with people.

But today, he couldn't shake the feeling that something was off.

Back at the banquet venue.

Baimu looked at Olivia and Champion Dan Di. "So who's the next president of the Macro Cosmos Group?"

This was crucial; the Macro Cosmos Group was a colossus spanning every industry in the Galar region, and a single order from its president would determine the future direction of the entire region.

Champion Dan Di said, "I'll take over for the time being."

"The capable bear more labor."

Baimu patted Champion Dan Di's shoulder pityingly. "It's good for a young person to carry a bit more burden."

Champion Dan Di blinked.

Only Shanian understood, gritting his teeth secretly.

Olivia prepared to announce her intentions publicly next week, and transferring the presidency was more tedious than imagined, so she left her seat soon after.

After she left, Shanian said with no small regret, "If only we could get her to join the Ore Alliance, how good would that be?"

"Talk like that and Zouwu will be heartbroken. Don't forget she's still working overtime at Ore." Baimu gave him a sidelong glance.

Zouwu was a talent Shanian had cultivated by copying Olivia's methods.

And this little miss herself had great administrative talent, handling the trivial matters Shanian assigned in an orderly fashion.

Who would have thought she was once captured by Baimu and forced to beg him for mercy?

Champion Dan Di didn't understand the content of their exchange, merely looking at the tallest building in Circhester, the Rose Tower, in the distance.

He already had the idea of remodeling it into a Battle Tower in his heart.

Widely inviting guests to come and challenge!

Only through continuous trials could he have the day he defeats Baimu!

The three turned and returned to the banquet hall. The crowd was clamoring for some reason. Shanian asked a nearby waiter and learned that a "VIP" had arrived.

"Old Champion!"

In the Galar region, only one person could be honored as the Old Champion—

The legendary figure who held the Champion throne for eighteen consecutive years, Master Ma, Ma Sida, who settled on Armor Island and opened a dojo!

He brought his wife and son, as well as a crowd of disciples, to the banquet as promised, cheerfully greeting all familiar faces.

When his gaze met Baimu's, Ma Sida's smile deepened.

He called out, "Little Bai Bai! This old man's here to fulfill the promise!"

Promise?

A memory immediately surfaced from the depths of Baimu's brain—

"If you can make this old man regret it, I'll present you with a grand gift!" In the Armor Island night, Ma Sida had said so.

Grand gift!

Baimu's gaze immediately swept over the area behind him, which he turned sideways to reveal, but discovered nothing.

Ma Sida seemed to notice too. Seeing the empty space beneath him, he scratched his head. "Oh dear, this is troublesome."

The grand gift ran away!

Under the puzzled gazes of the many guests, Ma Sida's disciples searched frantically in all directions.

Ma Sida's son analyzed calmly, "Maybe it's not used to places with too many people? It went outside to find other Pokemon!"

"Makes sense."

Ma Sida nodded. "That little guy likes peace and quiet."

He then said to Baimu, "So that's how it is. The 'gift' is missing for now, so you can't blame this old man."

"How could I."

Baimu naturally wouldn't blame Ma Sida, and also more or less guessed what it was.

The Rotom Phone received a message: "Found it. It's indeed together with the Aggron and the others."

Because the banquet hall was small and there were far too many people, everyone's Pokemon were basically arranged outside. Pikachu was also running around, sometimes indoors, sometimes outdoors.

The Rotom Phone projected the footage shot by its duplicate onto the screen. Baimu shockingly saw a figure as small as a toy standing before the Aggron, hammering away at its belly.

The Aggron's face was full of helplessness, as if encountering a brat.

Mhm.

Indeed a brat.

How could a brat disciple not count as a brat?