Encountering a Pokémon that entirely counters you and is equally strong is indeed a frustrating situation. Resonance, after all, is a rare occurrence, closely related to mental state, remaining stamina, Pokémon's will, and the trainer's passion.
Even with all the prerequisites, it might not happen.
He never counted on forcibly triggering resonance to defeat an opponent, as that's no different from gambling. What a trainer should truly rely on are the physical strength, will, and experience honed over the years.
"Genji!"
Qing Liu's call made him turn his head to look.
The other party's face was full of concern, "Is your body all right?"
"Of course."
Genji responded calmly, acknowledging that as one ages, the decline in physical function is natural, but he is far from being unable to stand after a battle.
Qing Liu observed his still straight posture, quietly sighed in relief, and said with a smile, "How about it, how is one of the top young dragon tamers among our Meteor People?"
"Very excellent, he already possesses the ability to realize his dream. The battle with him was very enjoyable. Ahem."
Genji did not hesitate to praise Baimu, as he was someone who enjoyed supporting juniors and would always give encouragement and support to those he appreciated.
And the right to chase dreams and the ability to realize dreams are two different concepts.
He chose the latter wording, which was enough to show his optimism about Baimu's future.
"Hahaha!"
Qing Liu couldn't stop laughing, the strength of the junior made the elder feel proud, as Genji was the existence that suppressed the dragon tamers of their generation.
The relationship between Genji and the older dragon tamers among the Meteor People is akin to Gary Oak and Ash Ketchum.
Initially, the two did not get along well, often arguing vehemently. As Gary matured, he gradually began to recognize Ash's strength and frequently praised him, and later even mocked Xiaohao as unworthy to accompany Ash on his journey.
The recognition process of the Meteor People towards Genji was not that exaggerated.
After Qing Liu finished laughing, he suddenly sighed, "It's a pity if your body—"
"I don't like to put the blame of a defeat on excuses. A loss is a loss, even if you look for the cause of defeat, it's for not repeating the same mistakes next time, not to persuade yourself. Ahem."
Genji interrupted Qing Liu, stating solemnly, "Moreover, what truly allowed Baimu to win the match was not my physical condition. It was because he abandoned distractions from start to finish, concentrated on the battle, carefully observed everything, maintained his own rhythm, and such a trainer's victory is well-deserved!"
In contrast, it was only natural for him to lose focus midway.
Of course.
Human beings are not machines, making small mistakes after significant energy loss is also very normal, if he never made a mistake, he would've already been a regional champion.
The usually cranky Qing Liu from the village was scolded but didn't get angry, just raised his hand awkwardly, "Alright, alright, I get it! Always so stern with others, how do you expect young people to dare approach you?"
Genji's stern face stiffened.
The naturally stern-faced Dragon Celestial King was often complained about by friends for having an intimidating expression, often scaring those timid youngsters, so even with respect, not many children dared to approach him.
Clearly, he is tender-hearted beneath his fierce appearance.
While the two were having a lively chat.
Baimu and Mawile walked over, and the young ones who were originally gathered around, as Qing Liu said, felt intimidated by Genji and did not dare to come closer.
"Thank you for your guidance. The battle with you taught me a lot, especially about resonance."
He originally intended to bow slightly out of respect, but Genji unexpectedly extended his hand first, leading to a handshake.
Thin, rough but strong and firm.
No wonder he's a man who can still conquer the seas at his age!
Genji was also quite satisfied with Baimu's solid arm, saying, "Ahem. Not bad physique, if I had met you a few years earlier, I would have definitely invited you on my ship."
"It would be my honor, your ship has always been a place many trainers yearn for."
He replied politely.
There's always been a rumor on the internet that the Four Heavenly Kings Drake loves nurturing juniors, and it's believed that all the crew on his ship are trainers he recognizes.
In fact, the trainers who came off Genji's ship do tend to be stronger than average.
His number one disciple, Liang Guang, once replaced Xiaogang's commentary duties during the Advanced Generation, enthusiastically praising Genji's battles with Ash Ketchum.
Now he's a well-known veteran trainer in the Hoenn Region, frequently participating in various medium to large competitions, reputed to be in the reserve lineup for the Four Heavenly Kings.
"My ship can't accommodate you now."
Genji, in a good mood, even made a little joke, mainly discovering that the young man in front of him, though polite, showed not a shred of fear, suggesting, "But sending you to Ore is still possible."
"Eh?"
Baimu was slightly stunned, instinctively looking towards Qing Liu, who gave a slight nod, and he said, "Then—then I graciously accept, it's just that a few of my companions aren't here yet..."
"No matter, preparing before setting sail is an important part of conquering the sea, waiting for your companions is no issue," Genji said in a gentle tone.
So kind.
Even Baimu, who was mentally prepared, couldn't help but secretly poke fun at the vast difference between this Celestial King's character and appearance.
Meanwhile.
Everyone chatted while heading towards the small clinic in Meteor Village, which, like the Valley of Creation, does not have a Pokémon Center, but does have the capability to treat Pokémon.
Otherwise, the dragon tamers wouldn't dare to battle casually.
Regarding boarding Genji's ship, the reason for agreeing was undoubtedly in hopes of battling him again, as fighting a strong opponent is beneficial for the growth of oneself and their Pokémon.
Qing Liu also recognized this point, hence advised him to accept the offer.
During the treatment, Genji's occasional coughing caught Baimu's attention, and after learning the reason from Qing Liu, he couldn't help but feel guilty, urging him to get it checked out.
Facing an elder worthy of respect in battle and inadvertently causing him to fall ill made it difficult to treat the situation lightly.
Genji himself was quite dissatisfied with Qing Liu's unnecessary explanations and stated that it was just a minor issue in order to prove he was right, agreeing to a check-up at the clinic.
As he said, it was merely respiratory discomfort caused by inhaling too many dust particles, and drinking more water would solve the issue.
However.
Genji later also explained that the battle with Baimu had significantly drained him, leading to a lack of concentration.
Subsequently, Qing Liu remarked that in the entire Hoenn Region, there were less than a handful of trainers who could deplete Genji's energy so much.
"I don't find that a cause for celebration."
Genji's tone was somewhat melancholy.
He has been searching for a successor all these years. Although becoming one of the Four Heavenly Kings is an invitation-based process, any new member must be agreed upon by the other three.
How to gain approval?
It would surely be through battles.
"Isn't Hall Master Qianli of Petalburg City up to it?" Baimu recalled that Qianli was often hailed as the next in line for the Four Heavenly Kings, so his succession shouldn't be an issue.
Genji shook his head, "That man refused the Four Heavenly Kings invitation two years ago."
"Refused!?"
"Yes, he said he wasn't ready to assume the strongest position among the Four Heavenly Kings in Hoenn, asking for more time," Genji said softly.
Baimu: "..."
As expected, whether in the Special Edition manga or the anime, Qianli is always an impressive figure.
Makes a claim to be the strongest of the Four Heavenly Kings in Hoenn, how do Bonnie, Furong, and Huayue feel about that? Xiaoyao, Xiaosheng, do you know your dad's so defiant?
Baimu then asked, "What about your primary disciple?"
"He's far from it!"
Genji replied without hesitation, in a voice that only someone knowledgeable about their student could use, causing one to feel a sense of worry for Liang Guang.
The old man's gaze fell on him, saying, "If your goal is not to be the Ore Champion, I believe you are very suitable, even possibly in the future transitioning to the Champion position like Lance."
"Ah hahaha..."
Baimu laughed awkwardly.
Hoenn is too lacking in talent!
Ever since he arrived in the Hoenn Region, it seemed like the entire trainer realm was looking for successors. Not to mention Da Wu and Mikoli, both Adam and Genji—one a Gym Leader and the other one of the Four Heavenly Kings—can't find successors.
"The industry is doomed!"