As Baimu suspected, that Nosepass had the rare Power of Sand trait.
Normally, if given the chance, it should have set off Sandstorm weather to maximize its battle power, but unfortunately, Mawile didn't give Du Juan that opportunity.
It was defeated in an instant.
"Mawile's explosive power amazes me, and its mastery of Electromagnetic Levitation is truly remarkable."
Du Juan handed the Rock Badge to Baimu, "Congratulations! This badge is well-deserved!"
"Thank you!"
Baimu accepted it and admired it for a moment.
Unlike the Petalburg Gym's Libra Badge, which looks like a dumbbell and features patterns from Rayquaza, the Rock Badge resembles two interlocking triangular rocks.
In games before the fourth generation, badges could enhance a Pokémon's ability value, but I wonder if that's true in the animation...
Probably not.
Du Juan was still marveling at Mawile's explosive power. Clearly, that ghostly burst ability had left a deep impression on her.
In reality, Mawile's "Explosive Rebound Strike" requires specific terrain, and the rocky floor of Kanaz Gym happens to provide the perfect platform for agile movement—not using it would be a pity.
Suddenly.
Du Juan asked, "Are you free tomorrow?"
"Uh, sorry, tomorrow I need to prepare for the Gorgeous Competition." Although Baimu didn't know what she wanted, he still declined.
Du Juan showed a regretful expression, "I was hoping to invite you as an assistant to help teach a Pokémon size difference class. But if you're preparing for the Gorgeous Competition, then it's a no-go."
"Truly sorry."
"No worries, I'm the one inconveniencing you. I wish you success in the Gorgeous Competition."
Du Juan nodded in acknowledgment.
Baimu also bowed slightly in thanks.
The two then went to the Gym's main hall, where they admired some of Du Juan's collections.
It's undeniable that as a stone enthusiast, Du Juan has a complete fossil collection—from Kanto Region's Kabuto and Omanyte Fossils to Galar's Fossil Fish, Bird, Dragon, and Marine Beasts.
I wonder how many Fossil Pokémon she has...
Maybe all of them?
Baimu suddenly felt a bit curious about Du Juan's Pokémon Eco Park, wondering what it might look like inside.
But this thought was fleeting, not to mention Du Juan seemed busy, and Mawile couldn't wait to try out various special moves for the Gorgeous Competition.
——
Leaving the Pokémon Center.
After confirming that his two battle Pokémon had no hidden injuries or anomalies, Baimu bid farewell to Steelix and returned to the hotel to calm the excited Mawile.
"Keep cool; we haven't even finalized our theme yet, and there's also the matter of outfits."
The Gorgeous Competition doesn't require participants to wear formal and extravagant outfits but aims to ensure everyone is visually pleasing. Many trainers wear suits or featured clothing, or even makeup to enhance their presence.
Like Xiaoyao's dancer costume, or Xiaoguang's princess dress, for example.
While Baimu doesn't plan on anything flamboyant, he needs at least a suit for formal occasions.
"Tidodo~"
Mawile stood by the floor-to-ceiling window, evaluating its look from left to right, and the Calming Bell at the back of its head chimed pleasantly, making it nod with satisfaction.
Perfect, no additional attire needed!
"You're perfect, but I'm not. Am I really supposed to wear this travel outfit on stage? I wouldn't mind," Baimu said, poking its forehead.
Mawile covered its bangs, looking somewhat displeased at its trainer.
Baimu continued, "Alright, come with me to shop for clothes, or would you prefer to stay at the hotel watching videos while I go alone?"
"Tidodo!"
Of course, I'm going!
Mawile quickly responded, needing to keep an eye on the trainer to prevent him from choosing strange outfits... Though the trainer is usually reliable, you never know.
It recalled some of the bizarre outfits worn by trainers in videos, feeling a bit uneasy.
Half an hour later.
Baimu returned with Mawile, a hint of distress lingering on his face, "High-end truly is terrifying; a single set cost five hundred thousand!"
In the Pokémon World, suits also vary in grade; high-end brands and popular brands differ greatly in price. Adhering to the principle of purchasing quality since he was buying anyway, he went to a supposedly high-end bespoke suit shop, and with shoes included, the total was so expensive it almost made him cry.
Initially, he intended to turn to the next-door affordable custom suit store, but Mawile insisted otherwise.
Seeing its expression of approval for this shop, Baimu had no choice but to grittingly purchase two sets, one for the competition and the other just in case.
"Theme, theme! Even if we don't win the ribbon this time, we should make a grand impression!"
He sternly said to Mawile, who nodded with equal seriousness.
The core element of the first review in the Gorgeous Competition is—
How will you showcase your Pokémon's shining points?
Mawile's shining points...
First is undoubtedly its appearance—smooth, shiny fur, cute big eyes, a sweet voice, and a girl-like posture all highlight its adorableness. It even received praise from Liuqia; Baimu believes its spiritual appearance is undoubtedly top-notch, maintaining a high visual score.
Next, in terms of personality, as a delicate lady who loves sweets and is aggressive, it excels in etiquette without much teaching from Baimu; it knows various pleasant greetings and farewells.
It's also considered compassionate and sympathetic, never bullying any team Pokémon, and would comfort the downhearted Liuqia.
Lastly, as for special skills, consuming an entire cake in a day?
Alright, speaking of skills, Mawile's explosive power certainly counts, as well as using Electromagnetic Levitation to fly and barely passable fighting skills... and dancing?
To learn the Sword Dance move, Mawile, under Baimu's guidance, mastered various peculiar dances.
"How about a Sword Dance?"
He turned to Mawile.
"Tidodo?" The latter seemed slightly confused, not understanding his intent.
"Though it sounds intriguing, I don't know how to sword dance, nor can I get a custom Han Sword now...." Baimu thought for a moment, deciding to delay this promising theme.
After much consideration, spinning seems more reliable.
By making the scene grand and magnificent, passing the first review shouldn't be a problem.
"How about using Fairy Wind and Electromagnetic Levitation as the core, what do you think?"
Baimu showed Mawile a pre-recorded Fairy Wind demo video, "Break these Wind Blades into Warm Winds, combined with Electromagnetic Levitation and Flame Fang, then you perform a Spinning Dance, forming a Demon Wind Flame Dance. How about that?"
"Tidodo..."
Mawile hesitated a bit, struggling to grasp the trainer's thought process, finding it hard to imagine.