Chapter 228: Strengthening Bonds

The battlefield where Cain and his team were stationed was the first to finish their fight.

Since Cain had already shown his strength in public, those participants without an organized plan didn't dare to face Cain's Slowpoke directly.

Additionally, Cain was fortunate to be paired with Jin as his teammate. The two strongest fighters agreed not to face each other, avoiding many issues. It was just about quickly eliminating the weaker opponents.

However, other fields weren't as lucky. On one of the fields, the two strongest fighters clashed from the start, and both ended up injured, allowing others to seize the opportunity.

Regardless, it wasn't too much of an issue. As long as they had enough strength, even in the losers' bracket, they could become one of the sixteen finalists; it would just be a bit more complicated.

When all the battles on the fields concluded, the sixteen finalists were temporarily established. In total, the process took only about two hours, which meant that Cain and Jin waited for over an hour.

Perhaps due to good prior preparation, there were no cases of severely injured Pokémon. And since treatment was free, everyone fought with all their strength.

There were many incidents involving bleeding.

The trainers of the Pokémon that Cain's Slowpoke had thrown out of the field were ultimately grateful that their Pokémon hadn't suffered any injuries. They had only been startled when they were tossed out of the arena.

Compared to those Pokémon still in the treatment room, they were much luckier. Receiving those five thousand Pokédollars was quite satisfying.

Some trainers even began to feel grateful toward Cain, as without comparison, there would be no resentment.

Meanwhile, those who had looked at Jin with hostility also started to calm down, accepting the situation in which their Pokémon were hurt, as they were surrounded by others in similar situations.

In short, thanks to the orderly and quick treatment, the participants' Pokémon recovered quickly.

At that moment, the head referee announced that the sixteen finalist trainers had been decided. In the afternoon, the losers' bracket would be held, where four trainers would be chosen to have a chance to challenge the sixteen finalists.

This led many who were defeated in the strong matchups to prepare to reclaim their spots.

On the other hand, those who had reached the sixteen finalists through luck couldn't help but wipe the sweat from their brows, well aware of their situation.

The good news was that, even if they were eliminated, they'd earn twenty thousand Pokédollars, far more than the five thousand earned by others.

When Cain learned the result, he returned to his room with his Slowpoke. Jin wanted to accompany him, but was blocked by a psychic barrier created by Slowpoke five meters away. Eventually, he abandoned the idea with a look of disappointment.

He only thought that Cain still didn't know him well enough and that he'd need to be even friendlier in the future.

Cain didn't know what Jin was thinking, but if he had, he would probably feel quite uncomfortable. People who got too close too quickly were the ones who made him most uneasy.

Besides, Jin had no ill intentions. Cain wasn't the type to eliminate someone simply because they annoyed him; he only eliminated those who tried to harm him or damage his interests.

Even if he were to eliminate Jin, it wouldn't bring Cain many benefits and could cause him problems.

It's not easy to eliminate a member of the League's main faction, especially in such a crowded place.

Of course, Cain had no plans to kill him. Jin's warmth was uncomfortable, so in the future, whenever Jin got close, he'd just have Slowpoke create a psychic barrier.

On the way back to his room, Cain passed by the ship's dining area and saw a familiar figure.

After hesitating a bit, he decided to approach.

That familiar figure was the old man who had warned him yesterday. Although he hadn't managed to persuade Cain, his intentions were good.

Upon getting closer, he saw that the old man was wearing the same worn clothes. In one hand, he held a cup of tea, and in the other, a newspaper, with a calm expression.

On the S.S. Anne, dressing like that was quite unusual. Many people passing by looked at him with disdain. If not for the Pokéballs on his belt, someone probably would have insulted him by now.

But the old man didn't seem to pay attention; he simply enjoyed his tea and newspaper as if nothing around him mattered.

Even when Cain approached, the old man showed no reaction until he was very close.

The old man lowered his newspaper, adjusted his glasses, and upon seeing Cain, smiled.

"Ah, it's you! Do you need something, young man?" he asked. His voice was clear and strong now that he didn't have to speak softly.

Cain smiled and said:

"I just wanted to thank you, sir, for your warning yesterday."

Hearing this, the old man waved his hand.

"Yesterday, as an old man, I worried unnecessarily. I saw such a well-trained Pokémon and feared that those rich kids would take it from you. I didn't think that someone capable of raising such an excellent Pokémon would also have great combat skills."

Saying this, he looked a bit embarrassed. Yesterday had indeed been unnecessary; the trainer possessed extraordinary skill and didn't need to worry about being defeated.

"Anyway, sir, I want to thank you. Thanks to you, I won yesterday's battle. Allow me to treat you to lunch. It's almost lunchtime."

The old man looked at Cain in surprise, then glanced at the Slowpoke at his side. He seemed to understand something and, laughing, responded:

"Hahaha! Very well, I'll accept your invitation."

Then he carefully folded his newspaper and placed it in his pocket. He finished his tea in one gulp and called the waiter:

"Waiter, bring me the menu!"

He didn't seem the least bit concerned about being the guest. When the waiter brought the menu, he opened it directly to the end and ordered all the most expensive dishes.

The waiter looked at him with doubt, wondering if he could pay, but the old man smiled and pointed at Cain.

"Don't look at me; this young man will pay."

Cain didn't flinch, nodded at the waiter, and handed him a bank card.

"Please, bring the dishes quickly," he said.

The waiter nodded repeatedly, eagerly taking the menu and card.

He could only think of two words: a generous customer!

The old man had ordered food totaling thirty thousand Pokédollars.

Cain smiled and refilled the old man's teacup, then sat obediently to the side.

The old man, pleased with Cain's attitude, nodded in satisfaction and then asked:

"Tell me, what do you need?"

(End of chapter)