Chapter 218: Uncle Qianli

There are considerable differences in Qianli's character design between the anime and the special.

The Qianli of the special is powerful and unfathomably mysterious, carrying an aura that warns strangers to keep their distance, hiding all his intense emotions deep within his heart, with a tough and stern personality that looks extremely domineering.

The Qianli of the anime is comparatively much gentler, his voice still full of resonance and quite dignified, but comparatively speaking he leans more toward the approachable side, and even specially prepares surprises for his wife; in some ways he is more considerate.

There is no way to judge which is better.

But in terms of approachability, the latter is definitely easier to approach. Perhaps that is also why he can have a city full of fangirl and fanboy fans.

And Baimu's arrival was undoubtedly given a warm welcome by Qianli and his wife; the small victory was that when they were on a video call, he had specially mentioned Baimu, the first friend he had made after leaving home.

Which led Qianli's wife—Mitsuko—to insist on making something for him to eat, and no one could stop her.

At the dining table.

"Aunt Mitsuko is way too enthusiastic."

He said to Qianli, caught between laughter and tears.

"Hahaha, this is only right. You've come all this way, how could we not give you a proper welcome? If we didn't, little Sheng would blame us when he found out."

Qianli laughed heartily, then added: "Besides, only when you're full will you have the strength to bring out your full power. Wouldn't you say so?"

"That's true."

Baimu could not help but agree.

Being easygoing and confident is one of the defining traits of top-tier powerhouses in the Pokémon anime world; whether you are a ten-year-old child or an arrogant Trainer, they can all adopt the appropriate bearing to deal with you.

"Fragrant bread, fresh out of the oven—please help yourselves."

Mitsuko placed two plates of bread in front of the two of them.

Fortunately the portions were not large, which let Baimu, who had only just finished breakfast not long ago, breathe a sigh of relief; but when he looked more closely, a rich wheat fragrance rushed at him, surging from his nostrils all the way into his mind.

In an instant, golden waves formed an illusion, rolling and surging without end.

"So fragrant!"

He could not help but say.

It was not deliberate flattery toward Mitsuko—the wheat fragrance of this bread was truly so rich it gave him hallucinations.

A matter of ingredients?

"If you like it, I'll make some more, and you can take it with you for the road." Mitsuko said with a chuckle, and Qianli also said not to stand on ceremony.

Baimu nodded, then hurriedly asked about the source of the flour.

Mitsuko said it was a brand from Verdant Town, quite famous in the Hoenn region, just not as famous as the Lavaridge Senbei.

"Verdant Town, huh…"

He vaguely remembered that it was a good place to recuperate.

Fine mountains and waters produce fine grain; with Verdant Town's flour, his Shining Cuisine might just be able to level up.

After all, when it comes to the quality of a dish, the ingredients are extremely important.

He had a proper "full meal."

Seeing Qianli reveal a satisfied expression, Baimu knew the Gym battle was finally about to begin.

——

Inside the basic battle field.

Baimu and Qianli each stood in 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, after all I won't be going easy on you."

"That is my honor."

"By the way, my basic requirement is three-on-three, no matter how many Badges you have. Have you prepared enough Pokémon?"

Hearing Baimu's "yes," Qianli smiled and said, "In that case, let's begin. Kanji, sorry to trouble you again today."

"Yes, Master!"

Kanji, holding the green and red flags, said loudly: "The Gym Challenge now begins. Three Pokémon are to be used. When all the Pokémon of either the Gym Leader or the Challenger are unable to battle, the match is considered over.

"At the same time, only the Challenger may freely switch Pokémon during the match."

Gym Challenges tend to give the Challenger more of an advantage, whether it be freely switching Pokémon or in other respects.

Qianli said in a clear voice: "Baimu, winning or losing in a Gym Challenge isn't actually that important. If you can show the Gym Leader the tacit coordination between you and your Pokémon, show them your will, then even if you lose in the end you can still receive the Badge."