Chapter 1312: Xiao Zhi! Du! Xiluona! Champion Candidate and Champion

After all, during the campaign to destroy the original world government, Bai Hu Zi played an overwhelmingly huge role.

One could even say that without Bai Hu Zi, the current new world government might not exist at all.

If it weren't for Bai Hu Zi's lack of desire for power and his sole focus on his children,

he would have been qualified to challenge Doraage for the position of world government leader.

And he would have had a very strong chance of winning.

Therefore, Doraage periodically sends envoys to visit the Whitebeard Pirates.

Whether from a national standpoint or personal friendship, this is necessary.

"I understand!"

Sabo's body stiffened, then he gave Doraage a serious nod and left the office, closing the door behind him.

Mengqi Lage: "Old Man Whitebeard.

I'm sending Sabo to you! Be sure to tell Fire Fist Ace this good news."

Bai Hu Zi: "Is that so? I understand.

I'll tell little Ace! Let little Ace welcome the world government's envoy... Gura-lala! He'll be thrilled when he hears this news."

Fallen Angel Twelve-Winged Black Cat Clan: "My Lord Demon King! Just give me a moment."

Su Xiao Xiao: "...... Then, see you in half an hour!"

Xiao Zhi: "Alright! I'll get ready too.

In half an hour, I'll treat you to breakfast!"

Stretching lazily, Su Han's body instantly transformed into lightning.

In the space of a single breath, Su Han had dressed, washed up, and then cultivated his Qi for a while...

Time slipped away minute by minute; when Su Han sensed half an hour had passed, he directly activated the play mode and traveled to the Pokémon world.

...... Pokémon World.

Pokémon Quartz Competition contestants' dining area.

At this moment, silence was shattered, and a clamor erupted.

"Wait a minute—is that guy... the one who cleared the entire competition, the so-called predetermined champion, Xiao Zhi?"

"Yes... that's him— even yesterday in the runner-up match, he crushed his opponent with overwhelming dominance.

He defeated all three of the opponent's Pokémon using only one Pikachu! Dubbed the strongest rookie—Xiao Zhi."

"I'm so damn jealous! They say this is his first-ever League competition! And he's only around ten years old, just left his hometown!"

"Exactly! So young and already at the peak of life.

Damn! The more I think about it, the angrier I get.

How can the gap between people be this huge?"

The surrounding voices—some envious, some reverent, some jealous—each one filtered into Xiao Zhi's ears through Kenbunshoku.

But Xiao Zhi showed no emotional reaction; perhaps at first, when hearing such praise, he'd felt excitement and pride, but now, he was long accustomed to others' gossip.

Brock and Misty also fetched their meals and stood beside Xiao Zhi, listening to the murmurs from all sides, their expressions equally complex.

"Time flies... I never thought that guy, who struggled so hard through every Gym battle... is now about to become champion.

I almost thought I was dreaming!"

Brock glanced around, as if nostalgic, softly sighing.

He recalled the journey—the memories of every Gym battle... finally, he remembered Xiao Zhi rolling up his sleeves to battle Gym Pokémon and Gym Trainers... his cheeks twitched.

Indeed, that was the most unforgettable thing.

"Yeah! Even now, thinking back,

it still feels surreal... truly miraculous, almost legendary."

Misty also sighed deeply.

That... seemingly clueless, dim-witted Xiao Zhi, actually becoming champion? Should one say Xiao Zhi hid his true strength too well, or that the Pokémon Trainers competing in the Quartz Competition were just that pathetic? Misty herself was now unsure.

Xiao Zhi: "......"

What the hell are you two implying? Xiao Zhi thought silently.

If you want to look down on me, I don't mind—but can't you do it behind my back? Doing it right to my face makes this really awkward... He picked a random table and sat down, but after eating only a short while with Misty and Brock, another wave of clamor erupted.

"...... What happened now?"

Brock frowned, lifting his gaze toward the distance, then his expression froze.

"...... What's wrong? Why such a shocked look?"

Misty, puzzled, followed Brock's gaze—and in the next instant, her expression froze too.

The spoon in her hand helplessly dropped into her bowl.

Lance and Cynthia stood perfectly upright, walking slowly toward this place, triggering a wave of commotion.

Along their path, every Pokémon Trainer spontaneously stepped aside; some even bowed slightly in greeting.

Xiao Zhi may have nearly cleared the Quartz Competition and been dubbed the predetermined champion, but ultimately, he has not yet been officially crowned champion.

But the two before them—Lance and Cynthia—are already true champions, the pinnacle of the Pokémon League's combat strength.

Calling them high-ranking and powerful is absolutely not an exaggeration.

"I hope you don't mind if I sit here."

Cynthia's voice was calm; she placed her meal on the table and sat down, gentle and elegant.

"Not at all! Not in the slightest!"

Brock's eyes sparkled with hearts.

Misty watched this scene, expressionless, then suddenly drove her elbow straight into Brock's abdomen.

Xiao Gang thudded onto the table, his body convulsing.