Compared to before, Natsui and Misty waited for a significantly longer time.
How long?
Long enough for Natsui to spot another kid entering the park, challenge him to a battle, crush him effortlessly, and send the boy packing with tears in his eyes.
This not only provided valuable experience for Milotic but also likely left a permanent psychological scar on the poor kid.
It truly lived up to Misty's earlier teasing—the Champion was indeed bullying toddlers.
I, Natsui, am invincible!
Jokes aside, although it was a bit unsportsmanlike, the results were undeniable. Through these matches, Milotic had completely adapted to its new body and was beginning to move with fluidity and grace.
If this progress continued, it would soon catch up to Eevee and Combusken. By then, Natsui's team depth would be significantly bolstered.
It wasn't until noon, after Natsui and Misty had finished a lunch of hot dogs and coffee from a park vendor, that Kinta finally returned.
Accompanying him, besides the two younger boys from before, was a teenage girl.
Even from a distance, Natsui could feel the sheer energy radiating from her.
She was about the same age as Misty—beautiful, vibrant, and undeniably cute. She had striking teal hair with long side-locks framing her face, and a high ponytail sticking up like a lightning bolt on top of her head.
Her attire was flashy, far removed from standard trainer gear. She wore a dark blue miniskirt that shimmered like a starry night, a matching crop top, and asymmetrical stockings—one leg clad in white, the other bare. Her boots and accessories featured fluffy, cloud-like motifs. Everything about her screamed "pop idol."
Kinta, who had been trying so hard to act cool earlier, was now leading the way with a goofy, servile grin, constantly turning back to chat with the girl. His previous arrogant demeanor had completely vanished.
As for the two younger boys, they were even worse. They followed behind like starstruck groupies, blushing furiously and too shy to even speak.
It was clear that despite being the center of attention, the girl wasn't acting like a spoiled princess. She wasn't bossing them around; they were simply captivated by her presence.
It was just that...
Natsui frowned. Why does she look so familiar?
While he pondered, a shadow fell over him. Misty was suddenly standing right next to him, her expression unreadable.
She didn't say a word, but Natsui could feel the waves of hostility radiating off her.
When the group reached them, Kinta puffed out his chest and introduced the girl with immense pride. "This is the helper I invited! If you can defeat her, then I'll admit you're actually strong!"
Natsui nodded.
He didn't care who the opponent was; he just needed the battle experience.
He waved his hand to signal Milotic into position, but before he could say anything, Kinta frowned, clearly unhappy with Natsui's casual attitude.
"Hey," Kinta scoffed. "You didn't fail to recognize who is standing in front of you, did you?"
Hmm?
Natsui scrutinized the idol-like girl again. Their gazes met for a moment.
He still couldn't place her. Interestingly, the girl also looked at him with a thoughtful expression, as if she were trying to remember something too.
Seeing Natsui's lack of reaction, Kinta couldn't take it anymore. "You actually don't know her? Hmph! Let me tell you, standing in front of you right now is the most popular Contest Idol in the Hoenn region—Lisia!!"
Lisia?
Idol?
The name was unfamiliar to Natsui in this world's context. However, he was certain he had seen her design in the anime or games before, though he couldn't recall the specific plotline.
Misty, on the other hand, reacted immediately. "I've heard that name! Are you the Coordinator who sings 'Chance☆Pansy'?"
Since becoming friends with May, Misty had been studying Pokémon Contests and knew the famous figures in the circuit. Lisia was a name she had seen in magazines more than once.
She had even listened to that song, "Chance☆Pansy," recently. It was undeniably catchy.
To think the singer herself was standing right here in a random park... it was incredible.
Lisia beamed, flashing a practiced, brilliant smile. "Hello! I am Lisia! Just as they said, I am a Contest Idol. 'Luli' is just a nickname my fans use. And yes, that song is my current theme!"
She looked at Natsui curiously. "Um... have we met somewhere before? I feel like I've seen you..."
That sentence made Misty's heart skip a beat.
She narrowed her eyes, scrutinizing the interaction between Natsui and the idol.
I can't fend off the older women, but I definitely won't let these girls my age get anywhere near Natsui!
Hmph! I was here first!
Hearing Lisia's question, Natsui was certain they hadn't met.
"You probably remembered wrong," Natsui said vaguely, not wanting to reveal his identity as a League Champion in a park battle. "This is definitely our first meeting."
"Is that so?" Lisia didn't press the issue. She nodded cheerfully. "So, you're the one who defeated Kinta?"
"That's right. And you're next, correct?"
"Of course!" Lisia laughed. "Kinta has been my friend since childhood. Since he asked for my help, how could I refuse?"
Interesting...
Natsui had never fought a Coordinator before. He was curious to see the difference in battle styles.
As he prepared for the match, his eyes caught a glint of light on Lisia's hair accessory.
Hanging there was a Key Stone.
Natsui was genuinely surprised.
He hadn't expected to find Mega Evolution technology here in Hoenn so casually.
A Key Stone was essential for triggering Mega Evolution; no one would wear one just for decoration. This proved that Lisia was a trainer capable of using that power.
This just got a lot more interesting.
Although they wouldn't be using Mega Evolution in a friendly park match, it meant Lisia was a serious trainer. She would be leagues above Kinta and the toddlers.
Sensing his gaze, Lisia realized Natsui was looking at her Key Stone.
Her heart stirred.
Does he recognize it?
This is a rare power, even here...
Before she could think further, Kinta interrupted, crossing his arms smugly. "Don't say I didn't warn you. Although Lisia doesn't battle often, she is very strong! She is Wallace's niece! If you want to surrender, now is your chance!"
Oh?
Wallace's niece?
Natsui raised an eyebrow.
To think a random park challenge would lead him to a relative of the Hoenn Champion. The world really was small.
But did Kinta think dropping a name would scare him?
That was childish.
Even if Wallace himself showed up, Natsui wouldn't back down.
Before Natsui could respond, the two younger boys chimed in eagerly. "Yeah! That's right! Lisia is super busy; she sneaked out of filming just because Kinta begged her! If you're scared, just give up!"
They meant well, trying to hype up their idol.
But their words were daggers to Kinta's pride.
"Shut up, you two!" Kinta's face flushed bright red. He glared at his friends, wishing the ground would swallow him whole.
What do they mean "begging"?
I didn't beg! I asked... passionately!
If the guy hears this, he'll laugh at me!
Fortunately, Natsui seemed indifferent. But when Kinta glanced at Misty, he saw the teasing look in her eyes.
It's over. My cool image is ruined.
Ignoring the drama, Natsui took his position. "Whenever you're ready."
Lisia's energy was infectious. Just like Casey from Johto, she radiated vitality.
"Alright! Let's make this a sparkling, magnificent battle!"
Lisia didn't take out a Poké Ball. Instead, she snapped her fingers toward the sky.
A blue figure swooped down from the clouds, landing gracefully beside her.
Patting the fluffy, cloud-like wings of the Pokémon, Lisia smiled. "This is my partner, Ali!"
It was an Altaria.
Natsui nodded appreciatively, but Kinta looked anxious.
"Lisia! You're using Ali? Is that safe?"
Lisia looked at him, confused. "What's wrong?"
Kinta lowered his voice, whispering urgently. "You have the celebration performance in a few days, and then the Contest circuit! This guy isn't weak. If Ali gets injured..."
He was genuinely worried for her career.
"It doesn't matter," Lisia shook her head, smiling reassuringly. "How can a trainer be afraid of battle? Besides, have you forgotten? Ali is strong; we won't lose easily! And even if we get a scrape, Nurse Joy is right there!"
Seeing that Kinta wanted to argue, Lisia turned her focus back to Natsui.
"Alright! Let's begin!"
Hmm?
Natsui raised an eyebrow. The girl had suddenly switched gears, her eyes burning with competitive fire.
Kinta, realizing he couldn't stop her, took his place as the referee. He looked worriedly at Ali, then swung his arm down.
"Battle begin!"
This was a battle of Water versus Sky.
Milotic, the aquatic beauty, against Altaria, the Dragon of the clouds.
Type-wise, Milotic was at a disadvantage. Water moves would be resisted by Altaria's Dragon typing. Furthermore, Altaria controlled the air, raining attacks down from above, while Milotic was confined to the pool below.
However, the terrain offered Milotic a unique advantage.
Altaria's cotton-like wings were its greatest asset for flight, but if they got soaked, its mobility would plummet. If Milotic could drag the dragon into the water, the battle would be over instantly.
Both sides had clear win conditions. Now, it was a matter of who seized the initiative first.
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