Chapter 638: Each Goes Their Own Way

Iridium Street.

The place where Baimu grew up.

There, the area was cramped, with shacks, broken tile houses, and tin sheds everywhere.

The environment was filthy, cluttered, and poor, and even the water wasn't clean.

Everyone had to work themselves to the bone and cling together for warmth just to barely survive, and daily they suffered exploitation from the Sandflow Team's upper and lower ranks—it was hard to imagine how they endured.

Later, he narrowly escaped being hunted down in an abandoned mine shaft by connected elites thanks to Mi Ke Li's help, then survived the Charity Escape, earning Master Liu Ge's recognition and promotion to squad leader.

Only then did the people of Iridium Street escape their fate of exploitation.

And as Baimu grew stronger step by step, life in Iridium Street improved step by step; he didn't even need to give extra aid—the residents, no longer robbed or oppressed by demons and goblins, naturally no longer suffered hardship.

During the Liberation War.

Most people joined the Rescue Organization; Iridium Street was destroyed by Dark Pokémon and bombs, leaving only endless rubble and ruins.

Yet the "home" was not lost.

On the contrary, with the complete victory of the Liberation War, they truly gained their own home, earning the right to a happy and peaceful life like any other region.

To this day.

Shacks and broken tile houses have become row after row of brand-new terraced houses; the water flowing from the taps is no longer murky yellow, but clear tap water.

Outside, one can now see greenery and countless Pokémon.

The elderly are cared for; the young are raised.

All of this Baimu witnessed firsthand before leaving on his journey, and later came to know through photos taken afterward by Shan Ren, Cheng Hong, and others.

And while deeply grateful to the Rescue Organization,

the people of Iridium Street have never forgotten the child whom they fed bit by bit, saving every scrap of food from their own mouths, and who later led them step by step toward the light.

When he left on his journey, even though they no longer needed his protection, they still always wondered when he would return.

Back to Huang Tie Town, back to Iridium Street—the home they all share.

"We're all waiting for you!"

Cheng Hong whispered, and the others nodded along.

Uncontrollable tears and pair after pair of hopeful eyes struck Baimu hard as he held his familiar comrades close.

He said in a low voice: "I will return. But… not yet."

"Why? I heard the mayor say that after the Caiyou Conference comes the Hoenn Champion League… Baimu, let's go back to Orre. Everyone will accept you as Orre's Champion—don't become Hoenn's Champion, okay?"

Da Zhuang wiped his tears and pleaded.

This guy seemed never to have considered that Baimu might not be able to defeat Hoenn's Four Guardians and Champion Dawu—as if, just by wanting it, he could surely accomplish it.

After all, in Da Zhuang's mind, Baimu had always prevailed in the end against every enemy, except once when he lost to Shan Ren.

"Idiot! I have other things to do!"

He lightly tapped the man's head, steadying his surging emotions, and said: "I can't join the Champion League—I still have some final matters to wrap up."

He had once thought of joining the Champion League only to fight the Four Guardians, not the Champion.

Because whether he won or lost, it would harm his and Shan Ren's upcoming "Orre Version of Champion Dan Di" plan.

But later, by chance, he moved into the Liuli Gym and asked Mi Ke Li, who had firsthand experience with the Champion League, and realized his idea was far too self-important.

Leaving aside whether he could even break through the Four Guardians,

abandoning the Champion defense match meant that after defeating the Four Guardians, he'd have to withdraw—and without a convincing reason, how could the Hoenn League allow him to fight when he wanted and quit when he wanted?

Moreover,

the Champion League doesn't serve only the tournament winner—it also serves the Four Guardians.

They too hunger for the Champion throne, striving year after year to defeat the Champion and ascend to regional supremacy; whether or not they can beat the Champion, defeating them and then quitting at will would be seen as disrespectful.

One misstep,

and Baimu's reputation would suffer severe damage.

After answering all this, Mi Ke Li spent the afternoon's training using all his main Pokémon to battle him, then afterward said that if Baimu's goal in joining the Champion League was merely to gain fame,

he might as well hold a public match against him.

Defeating the Master of the Super Contest, former Champion Mi Ke Li, would make him famous too!

After being "crushed," Baimu promptly admitted his mistake and gave up joining the Champion League.

He knew Mi Ke Li's objection wasn't about his "greed for fame," but about the sanctity of the Champion League itself.

How could Hoenn's thousands of Trainers' dreamland be treated like his personal playground?

Either enter and fight fairly—win or lose.

Or don't enter at all!

If you give up,

you must be ready to abandon everything!

As someone who had voluntarily stepped down from the Champion title, Mi Ke Li knew very well that wanting both is impossible to sustain.

Thus, when he stepped down, he voluntarily fought a world-announced Champion transition battle against Dawu—and suffered a crushing defeat!

Baimu slowly came back to himself, pulled out several envelopes, and handed them to Da Zhuang and the others: "During these days while I wrap things up, wander around Hoenn however you like—catch new Pokémon if you want, buy whatever you want, and have a good time.

"If you run out of money, come ask me for more. When I'm done, I'll come find you and we'll return to Orre. Understood?"

The group took the yellow envelopes and answered in unison, excited: "Understood!"

To hear Baimu giving them orders again after so long was deeply nostalgic.

As for going with him?

Rainbow Team has no rule of defying the boss!

Clearly.

Ou Lei's liberation was too recent; even though their living conditions had changed drastically, many people's minds had not yet fully adjusted.

The idea that gang rules outweighed heaven was deeply etched into their hearts.

Even Huang Tie Town's mayor, Shan Ren, was, in their subconscious, merely a leader with greater power.

"... Enough. Have you eaten? Let's find somewhere to have a meal."

Baimu also noticed this, his expression stiffening slightly.

The appearance of these guys not only stirred his memories, but also brought back his old habit of giving orders in Huang Tie Town.

The power of habit is terrifying.

Da Zhuang and the others naturally didn't refuse, clustering around him, laughing and chattering nonstop.

In fact.

Baimu had just finished celebrating his victory, and during a call with Shan Ren, learned that Da Zhuang and the others had arrived in Caiyou City long ago, but had refrained from disturbing him for fear of affecting his competition performance.

Only then had he hastily hung up and contacted these unreliable guys.

——

Late at night.

In the hotel room.

Baimu leaned lazily against the pillow; the once-spacious bedroom was now filled with Pokémon of all sizes.

The Shiny Milotic, beside the window where Bonsly gazed at the moon, sang softly.

"Miiro~ Mii~"

The left head of the Salamence held a Galarian Sunsteel Spike, the right head played and wrestled with Dracovish, and the middle head watched Baimu.

Each of the three heads had its own thoughts, busy indeed.

By the window.

Happiny, with the quiet Dracovish on her head, squeezed with Gulpin on a long sofa piled high with plush toys; the invisible Drapion participated in an odd posture.

The Shiny Gengar leaned against a fluffy pillow, utterly immersed in the game console Baimu bought for it, occasionally letting out a cackling "Hehehe."

Only the Gigantamax Steelix coiled outside in the living room, a small portion of its tail extending onto the balcony, eyes closed, emitting a deep, steady snore, its breath calm and deep in sleep.

On the night of the victory.

Aside from Steelix, who maintained good sleep habits, all other Pokémon were mostly unable to sleep.

Baimu did not interfere with them, instead discussing with the Pokémon Center's Porygon2 the final tasks to complete before returning to Ou Lei.

Everything requires prioritization.

The most urgent matter was undoubtedly Porygon-Z Unit Zero.

This thing, in pursuit of its spaceflight dream, stole vast sums of untraceable funds to purchase aerospace materials, and repeatedly came knocking, attempting to corrupt Porygon2.

It was time to strike back hard!

After that, the second stop was the Liuli Gym; he would bid farewell to Adam, Mi Ke Li, and the old butler Sebastian.

The third stop was Meteor Village.

His Key Stone came from a trial given by the elder; now that the tournament was over and he had free time, he ought to return to visit, especially since Miss Xijiana had helped him so much.

The fourth and final stop—Genesis Valley.

Barza had said his grandfather wished to meet him; he could not miss this appointment.

This miraculous figure, who had sealed the demon Hu Pa a century ago, might have sensed some special condition within him.

Cross-reality?

Divine Heart?

Whatever it was, it didn't matter.

Baimu never feared his origins being uncovered; the Pokémon world had become a multiverse since the Sun and Moon versions, even earlier in the Ruby Remake versions.

Arceus himself had once caused a cross-reality event.

He had nothing to hide; having done nothing wrong, he had no fear of meeting Barza's grandfather.

After the journey to Genesis Valley ended,

the rest were matters less urgent.

For instance, exploring the ancient tomb where Regi-skill resided, or using the simulator reward that granted clues to Legendary Pokémon.

He set up a schedule.

Baimu put down his phone and turned off the bedside lamp.

The moment he fell asleep, the Pokémon, whether playing, watching TV, or gaming, immediately fell silent, dropped what they held or chewed, and sought places to sleep.

The Sunsteel Spike landed on the bed, shooting a disgruntled glance at Salamence.

"Grrr…"

Bonsly, seeing Milotic wrap itself around him to sleep, helplessly carried it to the bathroom's full bathtub, then circled past Steelix in the living room and stepped onto the balcony.

Huh…

It looked up at the moon, its heart calm and peaceful, then sank into deep sleep.

A night without dreams.

The next day.

Baimu woke early and joined the group to buy souvenirs from Caiyou City.

Among them, Xiao Gang bought the most.

"It's been a long time since I went home—I must bring back enough gifts!" he said, struggling under a pile of bags, his face beaming with joy.

As someone with nine younger brothers and sisters, every gift-buying trip home felt like fleeing with an entire family.

Space backpack?

Every single one! They've been packed full already!

Baimu tugged at the corner of his mouth and asked, "Did you buy some for Joy and Junsa from the Kanto region too?"

"Oh? How did you know, Baimu? Have you finally realized the charm of big sisters? Then I'll have to—"

Brock's narrow eyes lit up, about to say something, but his gaze settled on Baimu's strikingly handsome face.

He immediately deflated. "Obviously, with your looks, you don't need my advice."

"Relax, I won't steal your big sister. Keep going, Brock!"

Baimu patted his shoulder reassuringly.

The others burst into laughter.

Celadon City Pier.

Several large ships, bound for different cities and regions, were moored here; departing tourists lined up orderly.

He had explained to everyone that he wouldn't be joining the Champion League, and they had understood.

Iris especially agreed.

She intended to become Champion of the Unova region, to make Xia Ka and Dragon Grandma proud; becoming Champion of Hoenn might work too, but this wasn't her homeland.

Unlike someone like Ash, who aimed solely to become a Pokémon Master and didn't care which region's Champion he became.

Thus.

Baimu was about to part ways with his companions.

Brock would return to Kanto to visit his parents and younger siblings, and continue his journey as a Pokémon Doctor.

Dawn planned to return to Sinnoh for a period of rest before heading to Unova to challenge its Super Contests.

Iris had received intelligence that Latios had appeared near Duskwater Town, and she intended to go see it—she had not forgotten her primary purpose for coming to Hoenn.

Max planned to return to the Johto region to compete in this year's Champion League.

Everyone had learned this news at yesterday's celebration, and had even planned to attend as spectators.

Max had shyly refused.

Finally, Miss Liuqi would continue her career as a Super Contest idol; long absences from public appearances made it easy for the world to forget her.

Everyone had their own thoughts, their own futures.

"Thank you all for your support and help along the way. Until we meet again!"

Baimu raised his hand and lightly slapped palms with them.

"Come visit the Slateport Gym sometime!"

"Take care, everyone~"

"Bojiajia!"

"Next time, I won't lose to you!"

"Baimu, I'm coming to Orre—you wait for me!"

"Remember to visit the Gym. Uncle and the others will still be there. I'll be there too."

"Chouru~"

They exchanged different words, dispelling the sadness of parting; though their time together hadn't been long, friendship wasn't measured in duration.

Soon after.

Brock and the others boarded the ferry bound for their respective destinations, waving down at Baimu on the pier.

Piplup cried hard.

It knew its love would once again vanish into the wind, ending in vain.

This time together hadn't allowed it to successfully win over either a Magikarp or a Shiny Milotic—they were still just friends.

"Goodbye! Piplup! Dawn!"

Baimu smiled brightly.

That indecisive little penguin still dreaming of winning love? What nonsense!

Wu—

The steam whistle blew long and loud.

The great ship set sail toward the horizon's end, until it vanished completely.

He gazed at the glittering sea, squinting slightly.

"Alone again."

Traveling alone and traveling with others tasted different; both were interesting, and he deeply cherished everything he'd experienced.

Suddenly.

His phone vibrated—an unknown caller.

Baimu answered, "Hello?"

"Hello, may I speak with Mr. Baimu? I'm Olive, secretary to Professor Lotz of the Galar Pokémon League."

A calm female voice came from the other end.

Olive?

He paused, surprised that such a familiar figure would call him.

"What's this about?"

"On behalf of Chairman Lotz, I sincerely invite you to join the Galar Pokémon League as a Gym Leader. After you've competed in the Champion League, would you have time to visit Celadon City in Galar for further discussion?"

Well, well!

Was Lotz trying to recruit him as a Gym Leader?

Shan Renn's "Orre Champion Dan Di" plan had not yet been made public—it was still in its initial phase of boosting his fame.

Baimu replied without hesitation: "I'm sorry, Young Lady Olivia, please convey my thanks to Chairman Lotz for his recognition, but I have no intention of becoming a Gym Leader of the Galar Alliance."

"Please wait—you may not yet understand the weight of the Galar Alliance. That's fine. Take your time to consider it, and give me your answer after the Champion League."

Olivia's voice remained calm; she knew well that Baimu was now at the height of his glory, brimming with pride.

Naturally, he would not so easily accept the offer to become a Gym Leader.

But after the Champion League, once Baimu understood the limits of his own strength, he would surely recognize how precious this invitation was.

But she had not anticipated—

"No need. Young Lady Olivia, I will not participate in the Hoenn Champion League, nor do I have any intention of becoming a Gym Leader of the Galar region."

Baimu let out a light laugh. "I will become Champion—the strongest Champion of the Orre region! Please convey my greetings to Champion Dan Di."

Click.

He hung up the phone.

1:00 p. m.

A news item about the Orre region launching its first Pokémon Tournament quietly appeared at the bottom of the trending list.

Then, it shot straight to the top!