Pokémon: Did you play Pokémon today?

Chapter 276 Pokémon All-Round Competition - Officially Opens!

Bai Zhou will still pull some tricks.

This tactic of "shifting the blame" and "celebrity influence" has proven remarkably effective.

The Pokémon Company's promotional efforts achieved an astonishing level of success.

He even saw many audience members in the front row eagerly taking out their phones and immediately searching for and ordering game cartridges and Pokémon card packs.

"Cough cough."

Bai Zhou cleared his throat, a perfectly timed "mysterious" expression appearing on his face, as if he had just remembered something, and said into the microphone, "I think I just vaguely heard a friend asking about—news about the new Pokémon game?"

His question, asked with feigned nonchalance, instantly silenced the entire venue.

Countless eyes once again focused on him, filled with curiosity and anticipation, waiting for what would happen next.

"Hmm—since everyone's so interested, I'll just reveal a little inside information—"

Bai Zhou lowered his voice, adopting a posture of sharing a secret.

"As far as I know, the second generation of Pokémon games has indeed been completed and will be officially announced and released soon."

"However—"

He deliberately left a hook, then changed the subject with a sly smile that said, "You know what I mean."

"Hey, do you know why The Pokémon Company went to such lengths to become the exclusive title sponsor of this year's Pokémon All-Around Championship?"

He paused, as if choosing his words carefully, then said in a tone that said, "Actually, the reason is very simple! I'll tell you in secret—"

"The game map for the second generation of Pokémon is this very land beneath our feet, the Johto region!"

"And the specific game title is rumored to be—Pokémon HeartGold/SoulSilver!"

After he uttered these keywords in a mysterious manner, his expression suddenly changed, as if he had just realized something.

He looked nervous, as if he had let something slip, and waved his hands repeatedly.

"Uh! I think I signed a confidentiality agreement, and these things shouldn't be revealed in advance—I didn't say anything! And you didn't hear anything!"

Bai Zhou's Oscar-worthy "self-destruction" and "repentance" instantly ignited the entire audience!

The audience went absolutely wild!

It's worth noting that nearly 80% of the audience attending the opening ceremony were loyal Pokémon players—whether casual or hardcore—who wouldn't be excited to hear this shocking news that was officially (or perhaps just a hoax) "spoiler"?

The venue, which had just quieted down, was instantly engulfed by a deafening roar of cheers, excited shouts, and incredulous screams!

"Holy crap! Holy crap! Holy crap! It's really true! The second generation of Pokémon is really finished! And it's even based on the Johto region! Aww! That's awesome!!!"

"Dawn has broken! Dawn has broken! The world has suffered too long under Pokémon FireRed/LeafGreen! Now it's the era of Pokémon HeartGold/SoulSilver! It's the era of our Johto region!"

"HeartGold/SoulSilver? Are they related to the game's protagonist or some legend? Are there any particularly powerful legendary trainers or Pokémon in our Johto region that could be named after them?"

"Could the protagonist of this generation's story be based on me? Sigh! Oh well, I never thought that my talent, which I've kept hidden for so long, would finally be discovered by The Pokémon Company."

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"Don't laugh at the challenge? Then congratulations, I give up."

It wasn't just the audience members who went wild.

Even some of the masters and kings from the Johto region sitting on the stage couldn't help but feel excited and eager to make their move!

Xiaochun reacted the most strongly.

When she heard "the second generation game is finished," her heart started racing uncontrollably.

The moment Shirazuki confirmed that the game map was indeed the Johto region.

Her pupils suddenly contracted, her breath hitched, and her whole body trembled slightly from extreme excitement and joy!

"City, City Capital—is the map really of the City Capital region?!"

Just moments ago, she was envious of the Kanto guild leaders who became famous worldwide through the game, and she fantasized that one day Johto could also become a game stage.

Unexpectedly, this dream came true so quickly and dramatically!

How could she not be excited?!

The map is confirmed to be set in Johto, which means that as the Gym Leader of Smoky City in the Johto region, she will inevitably become like her idolized cousin, Lance.

Step onto the stage of Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver!

Then, she will use the absolute strength of her Dragon Legion to prove herself to countless players who come to challenge her! Xiaochun! As a Dragon Messenger, she is never weaker than anyone else!

In this way, with the release of Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver and the inevitable global craze, her fame will be just like that of the Kanto Gym Leaders!

Riding this wave, its voice will resound throughout the world!

In contrast, Uncle Liu, sitting quietly in his wheelchair, appeared much calmer.

He remained as calm and composed as ever, his aged fingers idly stroking the soft, curly fur of the little wild boar in his arms.

He seemed oblivious to the clamor of the outside world.

However, upon closer inspection, one can discover that during this period...

His gaze would always unconsciously drift toward the focal point of the stage—Bai Zhou, his deep eyes revealing undisguised admiration and approval.

As for Xiaoxi, who was standing behind him pushing the wheelchair, her mood was obviously much more complicated, with a hint of panic.

Although she was genuinely happy that the Johto region could become the setting for the new work, deep down she harbored a sense of unease and self-doubt.

As recognized by the Jodo region—

Uh, this gym leader, who's a "experience pack" type, is actually one of the weaker gym leaders—

If she were to become a Gym Leader that players must challenge in HeartGold/SoulSilver, she would surely be easily defeated, right?

Will she embarrass the Johto region? Will players ridicule her as the "weakest gym leader"?

"Am I really capable of doing this?"

Xiaoxi lowered her head, murmuring softly, her fingers nervously twisting together.

"Hahahaha!"

A hearty, cheerful laugh rang out beside her, startling Xiaoqian, who was lost in her own world.

Ah Si strode over to her, patted her shoulder forcefully, and encouraged her in his booming voice, "Don't be afraid! Xiao Qian! Believe in yourself! You are the legitimate Normal-type Gym Leader of our Johto region! Show your spirit!"

Xiaoxi was infected by this energetic voice and looked up.

Looking at Ah Si's sunny and confident smile, the tension and gloom in my heart seemed to be dispelled a lot.

She took a deep breath, her eyes hardened again, and nodded firmly.

"Yes, Mr. Si, I understand! I will try my best!"

Let's look at the line of Heavenly Kings at the very front.

The four Heavenly Kings of the Johto region—Ichiki, Rika, Aki, and Shiba—maintained relative composure and showed little emotional fluctuation.

The tree and the pear blossoms exchanged a tacit glance, conveying a knowing look to each other.

They maintained the mysterious and composed demeanor befitting superpowered individuals and experts in dark-type abilities, remaining silent.

But they both saw in each other's eyes the burning passion and anticipation hidden beneath their calm exteriors.

Become world-famous? That sounds pretty good.

As for the Poison-type Elite Four member, A-Ju, I didn't really feel a strong sense of reality.

He was originally the Kanto Poison-type Gym Leader in Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen, and in the upcoming new game, he has simply changed his role from Gym Leader to one of the Elite Four of the Johto region.

For him, fame was nothing more than an external thing.

The way of the ninja lies in self-cultivation and inner strength; external fame is meaningless.

In contrast, there's Anzu standing in the line of Kanto region museum owners.

Looking at her father's calm back, she felt like she was going to grind her teeth to dust, and screamed wildly in her heart.

Damn it! Why does all this "get-rich-quick" good fortune fall on Dad's head?!

One time with FireRed/LeafGreen wasn't enough, now HeartGold/SoulSilver is going to do it again?!

Can't you just give her one chance?! She's the Poison-type Gym Leader of the Kanto region right now!

The more she thought about it, the angrier she became. Ah Xing's gaze as she looked at her father's back was filled with deep resentment.

This intense "resentment" made Ah Ju in front of him shiver inexplicably, instantly becoming alert and scanning his surroundings with sharp eyes.

Hmm?! That familiar feeling of being spied on...

Is it murderous intent? No, it's more like—resentment?

Who is it?! Who on earth is watching me from the shadows?!

Similar to A-Ju, Shiba, who is the Kanto & Johto double fighting champion, is also not very interested in these "empty titles".

He was now focused on only one thing—a thrilling real-life duel with Bai Zhou!

He had been brewing this idea for a long time!

Back when Bai Zhou was live streaming, he used Chansey to defeat him in the game's data simulation using what could be described as an "unorthodox" tactic.

Shiba had already developed a strong interest in this "game producer" who could come up with such a "unique" tactic, and was determined to challenge him in the future!

Previously, Bai Zhou didn't have any Pokémon, so he couldn't easily issue a challenge face-to-face—but now, the situation is completely different!

Not only does Shiraishu have his own bond Pokémon, but more importantly, he no longer deliberately hides himself like he used to!

Shiba could clearly sense the underlying tension beneath Bai Zhou's seemingly frail body.

He possesses a near-perfect, strong physique, the aura of a fighter honed to the extreme, and an overwhelming presence that occasionally emanates from him!

This was the perfect opponent he had ever dreamed of in his life!

"Achoo!"

Bai Zhou on the stage suddenly sneezed without warning, and a chill inexplicably rose from his back.

He looked around suspiciously.

Strange—why do I feel like I'm being targeted by some troublesome guy?

He temporarily suppressed his doubts and waited for the commotion in the audience caused by the "shocking revelation" to gradually subside before regaining control of the venue.

His face regained its usual calm smile, ready to bring a perfect end to this opening speech that far exceeded expectations.

"Alright, everyone! Let's put aside our anticipation for the new game for now and get back to the main topic of this event!"

His voice gradually rose, carrying an inspiring power that could ignite passion, and clearly resounded throughout the entire venue.

"Pokémon All-Around Competitions—it showcases much more than just a simple contest of strength and speed!"

"It is more than just a song; it is a symphony of wisdom, courage, trust, and love!"

"It's the purest and most powerful bond between trainers and Pokémon, a bond that transcends language and racial barriers!"

His gaze, like a spotlight sweeping across the stage, swept over countless pairs of eyes sparkling with excitement.

He glanced at the other owners and superstars standing nearby, each with their own unique style and poised for action.

Finally, the spotlight fell on the two legends who had always stood by his side—Crimson and Azure.

"Just like crimson and turquoise, the legendary path they traversed, the awe-inspiring heights they reached."

Bai Zhou's voice was incredibly captivating.

"The root of this lies not only in their exceptional talent and tireless hard work day and night."

"More importantly, it stems from the unbreakable and unwavering trust between them and their Pokémon partners."

"And that deep, inseparable, and sincere emotion!"

The one called out subconsciously lowered the brim of his hat, seemingly a little embarrassed, but his eyes remained firm.

Qinglu was also slightly moved, and she toned down her usual arrogance, her eyes becoming more composed.

"And today! Here! On this stage where everyone is focused!"

Bai Zhou's voice went straight to the heart, filled with a passionate declaration.

"What we will have the privilege of witnessing firsthand is precisely the most direct and spectacular demonstration of this power of connection!"

"Whether it's the upcoming celebrity exhibition match or all the subsequent official competitive events, I firmly believe..."

"Every participant will use their sweat, wisdom, and passion to vividly demonstrate to us all what it means to be—"

"Together with Pokémon, push the limits and create endless possibilities!"

He paused briefly, allowing the stirring emotions to resonate and ferment in the hearts of the entire audience.

Then, drawing his breath into his dantian, he delivered a final summary filled with blessings and expectations.

"Now, I declare—"

—

He raised his right arm high, and his voice carried through the microphone to every corner of the venue.

It even penetrated the stadium's dome and reached the azure sky!

"The Pokémon All-Around Competition - Officially Opens!"

boom-

Almost at the same instant his words fell!

Dozens of cannons, already prepared, roared in unison around the venue!

A dazzling array of energy beams shot into the sky, exploding into a magnificent and beautiful rain of light against the azure backdrop!

The stirring and magnificent prelude to the competition's theme song suddenly resounded through the sky!

Colorful ribbons and glittering confetti filled the air, like celebratory snowflakes, turning the entire main venue into a dreamlike ocean!

In the stands, pent-up enthusiasm burst forth like a flood, transforming into deafening, frenzied cheers and shouts.

"Oh oh oh oh oh"

"It's starting! It's finally starting!!"

"Crimson Legend! Azure Legend! Dr. Shirafuru! Look this way! Cheese!"

"Super strength! For our bond! Charge!!!"

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