The Mercedes Arena was buzzing with excitement.
Even the draw ceremony had attracted thousands of spectators, a testament to the tournament's popularity.
On the guest panel, Takuya, with his slicked-back hair and sharp suit, scanned the arena.
Mato, the Electric-type Gym Leader from Saga City, grumbled, "Does your neck hurt?"
"I'm just wondering why Natsume hasn't shown up yet."
"The guy who beat your son."
"..." Mato's face turned pale.
The memory of Ryosuke being utterly defeated in the Piplup Cup was still fresh in his mind.
But times had changed. The son of a Gym Leader couldn't stay behind forever!
"Hmph!" Mato snorted and fell silent.
Takuya's expression was odd.
Lately, he'd been under a lot of pressure from Gengar constantly challenging his Gym...
He must've accidentally spoken his mind!
Just then, a commotion erupted from the contestant entrance.
The flash of cameras flickered intensely.
As if a superstar had arrived, the audience erupted into thunderous applause.
"Raihan, I love you!!"
"That's Lance, you fake fan!"
Natsume, who had just arrived from the company, was completely baffled.
It's just a draw ceremony. Why all the fuss?
"Mr. Natsume, I'm from Tokyo Evening News!"
A male reporter shouted, "Can you share your goals for the tournament?!"
Natsume glanced at the sea of reporters and replied sheepishly, "I'll do my best."
The reporter's eyes lit up as he scribbled in his notebook: [Pre-tournament! Humility breeds growth, says the championship favorite...]
The online buzz had made Natsume one of the most talked-about contestants.
After all, Natsume's looks alone drew attention.
Coupled with his undefeated record...
Handsome and strong, Natsume had earned the nickname "Little Steven."
The gazes of many contestants fell on Natsume.
Some were filled with envy, others with hostility, and a few with admiration...
Among them was Ayano, from a martial arts family.
She wore a sleeveless black tank top, her hair tied in a ponytail, revealing her tanned, muscular arms.
She averted her gaze, a faint blush on her face.
"Big sis, do you like him?"
"Don't be ridiculous!"
Ayano snapped, but her eyes lingered on Gengar, who was grinning mischievously.
"He's just... kind of cute."
The Top 32 matches of the Regional Tournament were still 2V2 single battles.
Contestants stepped forward one by one to draw lots, with the host announcing the final groupings.
"Seasoned Trainer Haruki versus Ryosuke from Saga Gym!"
On the guest panel, Mato asked, "Who's this Haruki?"
Takuya replied, "He made it to the Top 32 in the Kanto Conference."
"Top 32? That's nothing to worry about." Mato sighed in relief. "My son has the makings of a Champion!"
The host's voice rose sharply: "Contestant Natsume—"
As the host drew out the words, the crowd held its breath.
"Versus Ayano from the Fist of Qi Fighting Gym!"
Establishing a martial arts school under one's family name was a great honor.
Ayano's father was a renowned martial arts master in the Touran League, having won the P1 Heavyweight Championship Belt.
His daughter had inherited the family's legacy and planned to compete in the Touran Conference after the Regional Tournament.
As for Natsume... despite being the MVP of the Intercollegiate League, he only had six months of experience.
Even with solid strategic skills, his practical battle experience was sorely lacking!
"Seriously? Isn't he just a game streamer?"
"Ayano's practically a professional martial artist! How's a second-year student supposed to win?"
On the guest panel, Mato remarked pointedly, "Some people rise fast, but they fall just as quickly."
Takuya's expression was strange.
Please stop jinxing it!
Your son's face is turning green!
After the draw ceremony,
Ayano found Natsume in the contestant hallway and extended her hand. "Looking forward to our match."
Natsume glanced at Ayano's tanned muscles and let out a low whistle.
She's the real deal...
If I lose, at least I can explain it to Gym Leader Takuya!
Returning to the contestant bench,
Natsume and Gengar each grabbed a bucket of popcorn and a soda, settling in to watch the Group A matches.
The first match featured Ryosuke from Saga Gym,
Versus the seasoned Trainer Haruki.
Haruki was a mild-mannered uncle who nodded at Ryosuke before tossing his Poké Ball.
A sandstorm swept through the arena, drawing gasps from the audience.
"How is anyone supposed to beat that?!"
Amid the swirling sand,
The green-armored Tyranitar raised its ferocious head and roared, "Tyranitar—!!"
A drop of sweat rolled down Ryosuke's forehead.
He threw his Poké Ball, revealing a Magnezone in its final form. But even that seemed inadequate against Tyranitar.
Takuya turned to Mato. "Leader Mato, does your son have a trump card?"
With Champion potential... surely he wouldn't get knocked out before the Top 8, right?
Mato's expression was strained as he replied, "O-Of course!"
So Ryosuke's nervousness was just an act!
Ryosuke left the field, utterly defeated by Tyranitar.
Takuya and Mato exchanged glances, momentarily speechless.
Mato: "It was an accident."
Takuya: "Yeah... understandable."
"Hmph, Natsume's up next... I doubt he'll fare any better!"
Mato's neck turned red as he waved his hand dismissively.
Takuya frowned but couldn't help nodding.
Natsume was strong... but he had a habit of underestimating his opponents.
If he didn't use his main team, Ayano might actually pose a threat...
When the Group B matches began, the atmosphere reached a fever pitch.
"Please welcome the contestants!"
Natsume patted Gengar's head. "Let's go, it's our turn!"
Ayano, now wearing a karate gi with a black belt, tossed her Poké Ball. "Go, Hitmonchan!"
The brown-armored Hitmonchan emerged, its red boxing gloves gleaming.
Its eyes were provocative, and its fists moved with practiced precision.
Natsume thought for a moment before throwing a Luxury Ball.
The red light flickered as Growlithe leaped out, baring its fangs.
"Wow, a Growlithe in a Luxury Ball? That's some serious cash!"
"Wait... is he really using a starter form?"
The audience murmured among themselves.
But for a martial artist, Intimidate was a significant hurdle.
Ayano frowned. "Hitmonchan, Mach Punch!"
Hitmonchan charged forward, its arm extending suddenly, its fist striking Growlithe's face with lightning speed.
Growlithe shook its head, bared its teeth, and gathered a Flamethrower in its mouth.
Hitmonchan crossed its arms, blocking the fiery blast, and countered with a heavy punch.
The punches came so fast they were almost invisible, landing repeatedly on Growlithe.
But Growlithe let out a few exaggerated yelps and even wagged its tail.
"??? Why does Growlithe look completely fine?!"
"How is it so tanky?!"
Ayano frowned, looking at Hitmonchan, who was panting heavily, its gloves charred—
When did that happen...
Suddenly, Ayano's heart skipped a beat as she recalled the move blocked by "Detect."
That power... it didn't feel like Flamethrower. More like... Will-O-Wisp?
With the burn, Hitmonchan's relentless attacks had backfired.
But... I've figured it out!
Ayano stared at Natsume, her eyes sharp, and commanded, "Hitmonchan, Facade!"
The exhausted Hitmonchan suddenly surged with energy, its fist glowing white as it aimed a devastating punch.
The green barrier of Protect shattered, and Growlithe used the momentum to retreat two meters.
"Flamethrower," Natsume said calmly.
"It's no use!" Ayano shouted. "Facade!"
Hitmonchan's fist tore through the flames, gritting its teeth as it swung another powerful punch.
But Ayano's eyes widened in shock.
"Did it use Dig to dodge?"
"Body Slam," Natsume said nonchalantly.
Under the blinding sunlight, a chubby Growlithe leaped into the air!
It slammed down on Hitmonchan with full force!
Dust flew, and the front row collectively gulped.
"Did I just see a Snorlax?"
"It's practically a one-sided beatdown!"
On the guest panel, Takuya glanced at Mato.
Mato coughed. "T-There's still her next Pokémon!"
"From what I hear, that's her ace!"
Ayano recalled the defeated Hitmonchan and took a deep breath.
She felt like she wasn't facing a student...
But an immovable mountain!
Even when she trained at Chuck's Gym, she'd never felt this kind of pressure...
Ayano pursed her lips and threw her Poké Ball. "Go, Swampert!"
A powerhouse capable of lifting a one-ton boulder with one hand and pushing multi-ton trucks with ease.
Swampert's blue arms bulged with muscle, its cheek spikes flaring as it prepared for battle.
The sheer pressure silenced the audience momentarily.
With Intimidate already triggered, Natsume recalled Growlithe and tossed another Luxury Ball.
The Squirtle, wearing sunglasses, drew gasps from the crowd.
"Is Natsume-sensei really sticking to the 'No Evolution League'?"
"Wait... this isn't the Intercollegiate League, and the type matchup isn't in his favor!"
Mato snorted. "See? He's scrambling now!"
Takuya's expression was strange.
If I remember correctly...
Isn't this Squirtle Natsume's ace?
"Squirtle?" Ayano frowned and commanded, "Swampert, Ice Punch!!"
A massive ice crystal formed around Swampert's fist, ice shards scattering in the air.
The chilling cold made several Gym Leaders on the guest panel sit up straight.
But when Natsume's command rang out, everyone's jaws dropped.
"Squirtle, Ice Punch."
You're using Ice Punch too?!
Squirtle, going toe-to-toe with Swampert??
This is practically suicide!
In the freezing wind,
Squirtle held its breath, its aura locking onto Swampert.
Squirtle took off its sunglasses.
The clash of Ice Punches sent shockwaves through the arena.
The battlefield froze over, then suddenly caved in.
A massive crater formed, shrouded in white mist. Everyone held their breath.
Mato's face turned beet red.
A small figure stood calmly in the center.
The audience was speechless.
Squirtle stepped over the ice shards, picked up its sunglasses, and put them back on, nodding slightly at Natsume.
Mission accomplished.
The audience erupted in cheers.
"Did Squirtle just one-shot Swampert?!"
"This isn't the script I was expecting!"
Ayano looked utterly stunned.
A Squirtle... how could it...
Suddenly, Ayano's eyes widened as she stared at Squirtle's back.
Natsume's expression was equally complicated.
It one-shotted Swampert?
I had five backup strategies ready...
And you just went and ended it?
"You never disappoint, Squirtle," Natsume murmured.
Squirtle nodded slightly, glancing at its back with a hint of concern.
It's going to take at least a hundred Mega Potions to recover!
With a dominating performance, Natsume advanced to the Top 8.
Kenji, the former principal of Kyoto University, called to congratulate him, laughing heartily. "Kid, your Squirtle reminds me of my younger self!"
Squirtle's Ice Punch had been taught by Kenji, the runner-up of the Touran Conference.
This left Natsume feeling somewhat helpless.
Looking down at the bill in his hand,
And Squirtle, happily carrying a bag full of Full Restores,
Natsume was filled with mixed emotions.
Winning the battle... but losing at life...
Isn't that just how it goes?
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