October 28th, Wednesday.
A bright morning, with the crispness of autumn in the air.
A melodious song reached Natsume's ears.
Opening his eyes, Natsume saw the snow-white Sylveon standing by the window, gazing at the distant sunrise.
"Were you singing just now?"
"Sylveon~~" Sylveon puffed out its chest and swayed its pink ribbon, acknowledging the question.
Natsume smiled, got out of bed, and said, "Let's go! After breakfast, it's time for the Finals!"
After preparing a hearty breakfast,
Natsume nibbled on a piece of toast while pondering today's team composition.
"Last time, Sylveon battled, so let's give it a rest this time..."
"Growlithe? Just to fill the team? Sure, bring it along!"
Once everyone was ready,
Gengar adjusted the straps of the air-pack containing the Pokémon egg on its back.
The group, wearing sunglasses and looking fierce, headed to the Finals venue.
The arena was buzzing with excitement.
Drones flew back and forth, and fireworks exploded above the arena.
The Sacred Flame of Moltres burned brightly in a silver basin.
The commentator's passionate voice rang out: "Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the Tokaido Region Finals!!"
The entire arena erupted in cheers.
"Go, Natsume-sensei!"
"Natsume-sensei, crush them!!"
On the guest panel, President Kazama of the Tokaido Region Tournament Committee couldn't help but admire, "Natsume is really a popular contestant."
Shoya from the Tokyo Association nodded with a smile. "After all, he's a well-known Trainer online."
"Who do you think has the upper hand in this match?"
"Both are veterans who've competed in several tournaments," Shoya pondered. "But Natsume is still relatively inexperienced, and with his recent re-breeding... his chances of winning aren't great."
"That's hard to say," Kazama said, gazing at the arena. "Let's see what this so-called Strategy Master can do!"
When the two contestants took the field, the atmosphere reached another peak.
Haruki shook hands with Natsume and said with a smile, "I envy your popularity."
"Just fans of my looks, nothing to brag about," Natsume replied modestly.
Haruki was momentarily stunned, then coughed. "Anyway... good luck in the match!"
Both returned to their command positions.
The audience held their breath, their eyes locked on the center of the arena.
This match had drawn the attention of all the prestigious schools in Tokaido.
Natsume, who had dominated the Intercollegiate League with a one-versus-five sweep,
Faced the unbeatable Tyranitar. Could he create another miracle?
The referee blew the whistle and raised a hand.
The members of the Tokyo Metropolitan University School team felt their hearts pounding.
Let the battle begin!
The backpacker uncle with a thick beard and a kind smile suddenly looked sharp.
"Haruki's first Pokémon is a debutant!" the commentator exclaimed. "The Steel type's impressive resistance gives it a strong advantage against both Poison and Fairy types!"
The transparent metal wings buzzed as the red-armored Scizor raised its large pincers, which gleamed coldly.
Haruki smiled, but his eyes were locked on Natsume.
This guy is definitely going to lead with Sylveon to counter my Tyranitar.
But he won't see this coming!
"Contestant Natsume has sent out Gengar!" the commentator shouted.
Looking at the grinning, red-eyed Gengar,
Haruki was momentarily stunned.
Did he predict my prediction?
But Scizor is immune to Poison-type moves.
I still have the type advantage!
Haruki's command was cut short.
Because the moment Scizor crossed its pincers to begin its dance,
Gengar grinned and beckoned with a finger.
"Gengar's Taunt hit!"
The commentator was amazed. "Is this a coincidence? In the very first turn, Contestant Natsume has already outmaneuvered his opponent's strategy!"
Amid the cheers, Natsume's expression was odd.
Why is this such a big deal?
Excluding luck, isn't this as easy as battling a little student?
Haruki didn't realize that, in Natsume-sensei's mind, his rating had gone from "baby" to "little student."
Time to go on the offensive! Haruki barked, "Bullet Punch!"
Scizor's fists moved at blinding speed, its red pincers slamming toward Gengar.
Gengar's eyes glowed with a faint blue light, but it was sent flying by Bullet Punch, spinning 180 degrees in the air.
Gengar was immediately recalled into its Poké Ball.
The audience was bewildered.
"What just happened?"
"Natsume-sensei's ace got taken out in one hit?"
Haruki was also stunned.
That doesn't make sense!
Natsume immediately sent out his next Pokémon.
The majestic Growlithe, its fur flowing in the wind, glared at Scizor with mischief in its eyes.
"Scizor is quadruple weak to Fire!"
The commentator gulped. "This is a huge disadvantage!"
Haruki's face darkened.
This doesn't make sense?
I researched Natsume before the match. Growlithe is his weakest Pokémon.
Plus, I'm running a Sandstorm team, and Scizor hasn't been revealed... Why would he bring Growlithe?
Haruki looked at Natsume, trying to find any clues on his face.
But Natsume's acting skills were top-notch, his expression serious.
Haruki gritted his teeth and pulled out a Poké Ball. "Return, Scizor."
At that moment, Natsume snapped his fingers. "Flamethrower!"
Growlithe opened its mouth, and a pillar of fire shot toward Scizor.
Thankfully, Scizor was recalled in time!
Haruki breathed a sigh of relief, but his eyes widened.
The red beam couldn't return Scizor to its Poké Ball.
A shadowy hand reached out from the ground, gripping Scizor's ankle tightly.
"What's this...?" Even the commentator was stunned.
The move Gengar used just before being knocked out!
Natsume adjusted his sunglasses, nodding in satisfaction.
Looks like the little details I prepared before the match are coming in handy.
"Using subtle movements and tacit agreement with his Pokémon to execute commands."
On the guest panel, Kazama said in amazement, "He's really a Trainer with ideas!"
The Flamethrower engulfed Scizor.
Quadruple damage caused Scizor to let out a painful screech, its armor glowing red from the heat.
Thud! Scizor fell to its knees.
"This was all part of Natsume-sensei's plan, bringing out Growlithe!"
"A one-shot in the Finals? That's so cool!"
Amid the enthusiastic cheers, Haruki took another look at the young man before him.
Unfathomable... truly unfathomable.
How can a second-year student be so seasoned?
Haruki frowned and sent out his next Pokémon. "Go, Tyranitar!"
The absolute ace, the core of the Sandstorm team.
The monstrous Tyranitar!
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