Opening Ceremony Day
As the promotional photos from John, Magnus, and the other six Masters were released one after another, global attention immediately began focusing on the Masters Tournament.
Countless fans had already begun anticipating the fierce battles between the Masters Eight.
As the venue for the opening ceremony, Sky Island had become unexpectedly lively over the past few days. Media outlets from countries around the world arrived in waves, practically filling the entire island to capacity.
Especially on the morning of the opening ceremony itself, John stood on his balcony and could see massive crowds of reporters outside.
When one reporter suddenly noticed him and excitedly raised a camera, John quickly turned around and shut the door.
Otherwise, he'd definitely end up trending on social media.
However, John didn't realize that by evening, he'd still ended up on hot search lists across multiple countries anyway.
"Draconia's Shiny Champion Prepares for Battle at Sky Island"
After some investigation, John quickly discovered that people were calling him the "Shiny Champion" not just because he owned many shiny Pokemon, though that was one aspect. More importantly, it expressed his uniqueness.
John among ordinary humans was like a shiny Pokemon among regular Pokemon.
Before John, the youngest Master had been thirty-five years old or older.
"It's almost time! We need to go!" Emerald called from downstairs.
John descended the stairs.
On the first floor, Emerald wore a sharp professional outfit and was already prepared. Greninja, Blaziken, Gengar... all of John's main Pokemon were also standing at the Sky Island entrance, waiting.
Through the transparent crystal viewing panel, John could see the specific situation in the stadium.
Packed seating, crowds pressed together, and Derek was already conducting the opening ceremony on the arena floor.
Knock knock...
A knock sounded at the waiting room door.
A staff member pushed the door open and reminded him, "Sir, you need to prepare for your entrance."
"On my way," John replied with a smile. Perfect timing.
Following the staff member's guidance, John arrived at the stadium entrance. For this Masters Tournament opening ceremony, the World Tournament League had renovated the arena, creating approximately eight entrance corridors. So simultaneously, seven other people were also standing at different entrances.
"Sir, when Mr. Derek announces your name and signals for your entrance, you should enter then..." Since it wasn't John's turn yet, the staff member began continuously explaining various matters John should pay attention to.
Not just the entrance timing, but also what to do after the official start, and the warm-up exhibition match that would begin after the ceremony concluded.
Derek was extremely skilled at stirring up audience emotions, subsequently introducing each Masters Tournament competitor one by one.
John waited for quite a while until finally, it was his turn to enter.
"Now, let us invite the final participant of the Masters Eight, and also the youngest trainer to take the stage!"
"Let us loudly shout his name!"
"JOHN!" The audience followed Derek's lead, erupting in earth-shaking cheers.
"Draconia's youngest Champion!"
"World-class Master Breeder!"
"Discoverer of Mega Greninja!"
"The trainer who holds the most shiny Pokemon in the world!"
The introductions started off reasonable enough, but as they continued, they became increasingly excessive.
Why was "The trainer who holds the most shiny Pokemon in the world" even a title?!
John remained silent.
The stadium's applause in the opening ceremony continued endlessly.
Just when there seemed to be a lull, Derek added another line.
"Let's also welcome all eight Masters!"
In the main stadium, the eight Master-level trainers exchanged awkward glances. The situation was embarrassing, but still within acceptable parameters. After all, they only needed to receive applause, and the audience seemed willing to clap for a very long time.
Just as the audience's applause was gradually dying down, Derek suddenly added another line.
The audience had no choice but to enthusiastically applaud again, their hands turning red from clapping.
Under the audience's murderous glares, Derek hurriedly moved things along.
"The Masters Tournament opening ceremony will now proceed to its final content!"
"Let us invite Master John and Master Lance to present us with a warm-up exhibition match!"