The long-awaited finals of the Piplup Cup were set to begin today.
This year's tournament had generated more buzz than any previous edition.
The two competitors were a study in contrasts. One was a prodigy from Osaka University's Battle Department, who had already earned the admiration of several Gym Leaders at a young age.
The other was a complete unknown, a rookie from the Finance Department with no specialized training in battling!
This stark contrast had driven the competition's popularity to new heights.
Surprisingly, on social media, Natsume's support was overwhelming!
"Wait, Natsume-sensei is this young?"
"Grinding in a rookie tournament? Natsume-sensei is seriously shameless!"
"Bullying newbies? You're the definition of talent without morals!"
Though it might seem beneath him, given Natsume-sensei's notorious audacity, no one doubted he'd stoop to entering a rookie tournament for the prize money.
"Strongly suggest disqualifying Natsume-sensei from competing!"
"Isn't Natsume-sensei at Master Level? How did the organizers even let him participate?"
"Don't overthink it! Natsume-sensei's age fits the criteria, and what's wrong with grabbing some prize money?"
"Let him have it, let him have it!"
Facing the online rumors, Takuya, the Tokyo Gym Leader and guest commentator, smiled and said, "While his command skills are impressive... calling him a Master is a bit of a stretch, don't you think?"
Beside him, Shoya, the President of the Tokyo Pokémon Association, with his graying hair, hesitated before speaking. "Masters under twenty aren't unheard of. The current World Champion won the league title at just eleven years old. But... if Natsume really were a Master, would he be competing in a rookie tournament? Who does that?!"
"Maybe... he's had some unique opportunities," Shoya muttered vaguely.
Next to them sat a burly man with a thick beard, who nodded and said, "I've seen his videos. They're impressive... but that's just in games. Using weaker Pokémon, no matter how skilled your commands are, can't make up for the gap in raw strength."
The man narrowed his eyes. "Trying to use Ryosuke to train his Pokémon? Hmph, he's being too naive."
Takuya glanced at the man, Mato, the Electric-type Gym Leader of Saga City and Ryosuke's father. He was here as a guest commentator, but also to support his son.
While the guests wouldn't influence the outcome, witnessing his child's victory firsthand held great significance for him.
"Let's hope so," Shoya said with a dry laugh.
At the finals venue, Mercedes Arena, the stands were packed to capacity.
The battlefield was surrounded by massive banners from Piplup Inc., and Magnemite, doubling as a camera drone, hovered overhead. With its Sturdy ability, Magnemite could withstand the aftermath of powerful moves, making it the perfect tool for the job!
"Go, Natsume-sensei!!"
Reina, one of the tournament's semifinalists and a devoted fan, had organized a professional cheer squad.
Another semifinalist, Kazuki, was also cheering loudly from the sidelines.
Watching from the competitor's entrance, Natsume wiped his brow. These days, even trying to make a quick buck wasn't easy without being recognized!
"Haunter!" Haunter looked eager and ready.
The small Dusk Stone had been completely licked clean by Haunter the night before.
Despite being a stone, it tasted almost like candy.
After finishing the Dusk Stone, Haunter had gazed at Natsume with longing, its expression almost shy.
"Really, that's all I've got," Natsume said, spreading his hands.
"Do well tomorrow, and maybe we can exchange for another one in a couple of days."
Ryosuke stepped onto the battlefield, looking nervous.
Facing the handsome young man smiling at him, Ryosuke said sternly, "Don't talk to me. I won't listen to anything you say."
"Huh?" Natsume blinked. "Not even a greeting?"
"No! You're just trying to mess with my focus!"
"Alright... have you eaten yet?"
"Uh... not yet. I was planning to grab something after the match."
The commentator exclaimed, "Are the competitors trash-talking already? The tension is palpable!"
"I know a great place for Ichigo Daifuku. I can recommend it to you later."
"Really? I'm not a big fan of sweet things, so Ichigo Daifuku isn't really my..."
The commentator shouted, "The match has begun! This is going to be a historic finals!"
Red lights flickered.
Magneton and a sinisterly grinning Haunter appeared on the field simultaneously.
Ryosuke's nerves eased slightly.
This Trainer... seems pretty easygoing...
I just need to focus on commanding well!
Ryosuke's eyes sharpened, but before he could issue a command, Magneton was already slammed into the ground.
"Incredible speed! That's Haunter's Shadow Punch!"
Kazuki, watching from the stands, couldn't help but frown.
Even as a Master, he's resorting to cheap shots?
"That's Natsume-sensei for you..." Kazuki muttered.
The strategy seemed ingrained in Natsume's DNA, and even he couldn't help but blush when he realized what had happened.
Pure coincidence, I swear!
Haunter, you're too much, charging in like that without waiting for a command!
With a sinister grin, Haunter retracted its fist and, in an instant, flickered in front of Magneton, its eyes glowing with the eerie blue light of Hypnosis!
"Electric Terrain!" Ryosuke shouted.
The reflexes of a Gym Leader's heir were on full display.
Crackling electricity surged from Magneton, forming an electromagnetic field that enveloped the area.
[Electric Terrain] prevented Pokémon within its range from falling asleep and boosted the power of Electric-type moves!
On the guest panel, Takuya glanced at Mato.
The Electric-type Gym of Saga City had some impressive training methods!
Haunter's Hypnosis failed.
In the next moment, six bolts of electricity shot out from Magneton's magnets, converging into a massive Thunderbolt!
Just as the tide seemed to turn, gasps erupted from the audience.
Behind Magneton, another sinisterly grinning Haunter had appeared!
Haunter's Substitute was shattered by the Thunderbolt.
But the real Haunter had already circled behind Magneton, its fingertip igniting a Will-O-Wisp that began to burn along Magneton's screws.
"Haunter dodged the Thunderbolt!" the commentator roared.
"Will-O-Wisp hits at close range! Magneton is now burned!"
Using Electric Terrain to counter Hypnosis was predictable, but the main goal of inflicting a burn had been achieved.
Natsume rubbed his chin.
Haunter's speed advantage meant Ryosuke's priority would be ensuring his moves' accuracy.
Magneton's status moves... Thunder Wave or Supersonic. With Electric Terrain boosting it, Thunder Wave was the obvious choice!
"Magneton, Thunder Wave!"
The burn continued to chip away at Magneton's HP.
And now, Hex would deal double damage!
A wave of black mist engulfed Magneton, which let out a pained cry as it crashed to the ground, its HP nearly depleted.
Mato, the Gym Leader of Saga City, slammed his fist on the table, unable to contain his frustration.
What kind of judgment is this... to predict Ryosuke's move in an instant?!
Just how strong is this Natsume?!
"There's still a chance," Takuya said, narrowing his eyes. "If the paralysis lands..."
Natsume had opted for a strong Hex attack instead of a Protect stall strategy.
But Magneton wasn't knocked out yet.
If Thunder Wave hit, and luck wasn't on Natsume's side, this could come back to haunt him!
The Thunder Wave crackled and struck Haunter, causing it to stiffen.
Haunter was paralyzed!
Ryosuke's eyes widened.
"Haunter, finish it with Hex," Natsume said calmly.
Haunter grinned sinisterly, its tongue flicking out to reveal a Cheri Berry, which it promptly chewed and swallowed.
In front of thousands of spectators, Haunter shamelessly cured its paralysis, letting out a mischievous laugh.
The paralysis was gone!
With a flick of its finger, Haunter sent another wave of black mist surging toward Magneton.
The sound of corroding metal filled the air as the referee raised his flag.
"Winner: Natsume from Tokyo Metropolitan University!"
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