The words Yoshihiko left for the professional wrestler were "World's Best".
Originally intending to write something about the wetland, it was at the latter's strong request that it was changed to this phrase. After receiving the satisfactory words, Yoshihiko couldn't help but praise the calligrapher's Smeargle for its distinctiveness, finding its battle style very interesting.
This burly man, who was perpetually shirtless, despised the traditional fighting style, and Smeargle's painting battle tactics were right up his alley.
The praised Smeargle, upon hearing this, promptly created an oil painting of the Great Wetland and gifted it to Yoshihiko.
Both parties were very satisfied.
The calligrapher's journey continued, and by this time she already possessed seven badges, just one short of qualifying for the conference.
[You arrived in Marine City, but instead of rushing to challenge the Gym, you went to your villa located in Marine City]
Once an extremely outstanding Trainer, by this stage, the calligrapher had already exhausted much of her previous resources, with only Smeargle standing out exceptionally.
Facing the strongest among the Sinnoh Gym Leaders, whose strength rivals even the Four Heavenly Kings, Denji, even though he would not reveal his full potential in a Gym Battle, she had no choice but to undergo special training for her Pokémon.
This is where the [Affluent Background] talent comes into play.
While those like Miniskirt and the chef certainly had good family backgrounds, they were still trying to figure out their own ways of special training.
The calligrapher, on the other hand, leveraged her family's connections to engage in battles with one formidable Trainer after another and learn moves from various skill masters, in addition to acquiring knowledge from tactical experts on how to better train her Pokémon.
The [Unyielding] talent also ensured she did not replace any current team members but continued determinedly with her journey.
Quality food, professional massage techniques, and comprehensive logistics support surrounded Smeargle and other Pokémon in a paradise.
The bond with the Trainer was significantly strengthened.
In the end
After an extremely costly training, let alone the calligrapher's already decent Trainer talent, even a novice with mediocre talent could practically transform into a seasoned veteran by now.
Baimu watched over the screen as the calligrapher kept changing opponents, feeling envious beyond measure.
It's good to have money.
While for a regular person, challenging these Trainers might not face rejection, but having Trainers come over to train at home was different from journeying miles away to find them, wasn't it?
The trainer profession is surprisingly both a money-saver and a money-spender.
Scenes flew by quickly.
The special training concluded shortly after.
The calligrapher, along with her Pokémon, arrived at the Marine Gym.
The Gym Leader Denji was someone seeking excitement and novelty in battles, and Smeargle unquestionably met his needs.
After a thrilling battle, the calligrapher successfully claimed the eighth badge.
[You defeated the Marine Gym Leader Denji and earned the Beacon Badge]
At this point, her Gym challenge journey could be considered successfully closed. After gifting Denji, who had no interest in its calligraphy but was fascinated by her personally, the phrase "Thunderstorm," she departed from this port city that harnessed endless solar energy.
Her deepest impression of Marine City was simply the word "lighthouse"; that night, the lighthouse seemingly illuminating the entire Sinnoh Region was truly awe-inspiring.
The scene shifts.
The calligrapher returned to her castle-like house on the outskirts of Hearthome City.
She had to start considering the theme for the winter Calligraphy Academy exhibition. As the annual grand event in the calligraphy world, she hoped to showcase the fruits of her labor over the past few months.
Both in terms of calligraphy and inner growth.
Initially, she tried composing poetry praising ancient legends, and she specifically visited the Three Great Lakes for this purpose.
But as she wrote, she discovered that what impressed her most wasn't just the Three Great Lakes but also the natural wilderness she had seen along the way, the unique urban landscapes, the Gym Leaders she encountered, and the little details living with Pokémon in the wild.
Focusing solely on the Three Great Lakes couldn't satisfy her.
After much deliberation.
She set aside her original drafts.
[You've decided to document your journey's insights and use them as a theme]
[You've named it "Observing the Mysterious Divine Land"]
"Is this... a new self-expression?"
Baimu saw that the calligrapher's writing had become increasingly confident and realized she genuinely took a step towards "home."
Originally, she was by no means at this level.
And Smeargle also seemed to sense what its Trainer was thinking, beginning to create its work on a massive canvas.
Wherever the Trainer wrote, Smeargle painted.
Once both were exhausted and sat collapsed on the ground, their works were finally complete.
[You look at the results you and Smeargle achieved, realizing that while the exhibition rating is important, it is not. It's important because you need to show those anticipating you what you've accomplished, and it's not important because you have already proven yourself]
[You've overcome the towering walls of "boredom" and "mediocrity"]
The calligrapher submitted her work to the Calligraphy Academy and Smeargle's work to the Painting Academy, then resumed Pokémon special training.
Having decided to be like her peers, participating in the conference was naturally included.
The calligrapher was a very focused person; otherwise, she wouldn't have decisively abandoned the Trainer profession after being discovered with a calligraphy talent during her childhood.
Now, picking up the Trainer role once again, she refused to let herself blend in aimlessly.
She must strive for the top always!
This was her motto.
Fortunately, the Calligraphy Academy exhibition took place after the Lily Conference, allowing her to showcase her abilities as a Trainer without restraint.
——
The Lily Conference commenced on time.
All contestants understood that only by winning the Lily Conference could they challenge the Sinnoh Champion Alliance, the Four Heavenly Kings, and that most beautiful and powerful lady.
As an enthusiast of ancient literature and a fan of Zhulan, the calligrapher was equally eager to meet her at the Champion Alliance.
So despite the multitude of strong foes this edition, the calligrapher still set her sights on winning.
The preliminaries.
To the calligrapher, there was hardly any difficulty, as she conquered opponent after opponent, with her Divine Brush Ma Liang Smeargle making her nearly unbeatable.
The initial rounds proceeded as expected.
The calligrapher's other Pokémon also displayed their abilities accordingly.
The architectural genius Mr. Mime, performing mime acts while constructing transparent houses; the perceptive Luxray, easily discerning and countering enemy tactics with thunderous attacks; the gifted Altaria with exceptional vocal skills;
The Sudowoodo, still mimicking trees and still capable of fighting; the ever-dancing Bellossom performing spinning dances.
Paired with the ace Pokémon Divine Brush Ma Liang Smeargle, the numerous vibrant Pokémon made Baimu think they were at least bound for the semi-finals.
As for the Champion...
Hard to say.