"Milotic, use Water Gun!"
"Altaria, use Sing!"
Sing—a Normal-type move that can put the opponent into a hypnotic sleep. Fundamentally, it is no different from Hypnosis or other sleep-inducing techniques; the only variation lies in the move's type.
From the commands issued by the two trainers, the difference in battle styles between a standard Trainer and a Coordinator was immediately apparent.
Most Trainers preferred efficiency. If they could defeat an opponent with brute force, they wouldn't waste time with flashy tricks. Only when disadvantaged or locked in a stalemate would they resort to complex tactics.
Coordinators, however, prioritized aesthetics. Simple, straightforward attacks were frowned upon. Instead, complex and magnificent moves were favored, turning the battlefield into a stage.
It was hard to say who was "correct" in this clash of philosophies; their methods were simply different. As for which style would prevail, only the outcome of the battle would tell.
Milotic opened its mouth, and a thick stream of water shot rapidly toward Altaria hovering in the air. The Humming Pokémon used its cloud-like wings to dodge to the side. While barely evading the Water Gun, it began to emit a melodious singing voice.
However, unlike other Pokémon using Sing, Lisia's Altaria didn't just stand there. As it sang, it performed a graceful aerial dance, circling elegantly in the sky!
This was a habit formed after participating in countless Pokémon Contests, something Lisia maintained deliberately. The purpose was to overwhelm the audience—and the opponent—with visual splendor, achieving a dazzling effect.
But in the current situation...
While such tactics might dazzle an ordinary trainer, to Natsui, these moves—filled with superfluous flourishes—only exposed more openings.
The two little boys watching from the sidelines, however, were entranced. Their mouths hung open as they watched the graceful dance, deeply captivated by the performance.
After all, they had only ever seen such magnificent moves on television. Witnessing them up close was an entirely different experience.
Especially when performed by a beautiful idol's Pokémon!
Seeing it now, they finally understood the shock and beauty an idol-level performance could bring.
For Natsui, however, while the moves were undeniably beautiful, they also gave him ample time to react.
The comfortable, melodious music began to make Milotic drowsy, but with a single command of "Dive," Natsui shattered Altaria's rhythm.
Milotic plunged into the pool. The cold water instantly enveloped its body, washing away the drowsiness completely.
When it resurfaced, Altaria's dance hadn't even finished!
It's simply too slow...
Seeing the result, Lisia didn't seem to mind. In fact, that had merely been a probing attack; the real show was just beginning!
Spinning around on the spot like a cheerful sprite, Lisia struck a cute pose and laughed. "Then, let the azure moves and the grand performance begin magnificently!"
...
Splash!
Soaked to the bone, Altaria fell heavily into the water like a stone. When it failed to surface after a few tense moments, the street battle finally ended with Milotic's victory.
Although it won, Milotic had suffered serious damage. Its once-pristine scales were marred with scars, and its stamina was critically low. Panting heavily, it was clearly in no condition to fight again.
It had to be said—although Lisia was a Coordinator and her battle style was overly ornate, her Altaria was genuinely formidable.
Compared to Drew, whom they met not long ago, both were far superior to their peers.
During the battle, as the intensity escalated, the two Pokémon had fought to a standstill, neither able to gain a decisive advantage over the other.
Just as Natsui's advantage lay in his keen command and timing, Lisia had her own strengths.
Altaria's experience was undeniable. Years of training allowed it to judge the situation faster than Milotic could, often dodging or countering instinctively without needing a command.
This reaction speed far outstripped the standard trainer process of "observe, think, command."
This was why the battle had dragged on until the very last moment.
However, just as Natsui had predicted, as Altaria took more hits from Water-type moves, its cotton-like feathers became waterlogged. The added weight severely hampered its flight, stripping away its aerial advantage. Only then did Natsui seize the opportunity to end the match with a decisive Water Gun.
Those cloud-like feathers were its signature feature, but in this battle, they had become its downfall.
"This is impossible... Lisia actually lost..."
Kinta, watching from the sidelines, spoke up before either trainer could say a word. He couldn't accept the outcome.
He had brought Lisia here hoping for revenge. He had placed high hopes on her. He never imagined that even Lisia would lose to this man!
Who was Lisia?
She was a Contest Idol and an incredibly strong Coordinator!
Kinta had battled her countless times without winning once. Even some adults on Sootopolis Island couldn't match her, let alone when she was using Ali—her strongest partner!
Is this man really that strong?
While Kinta despaired, Natsui was satisfied. Although Milotic looked miserable, achieving a victory against such a strong opponent was a huge success.
Even a narrow victory was still a win.
His Milotic had only recently evolved and lacked a diverse move pool. To defeat an opponent of this caliber—even if it required performing at 150% capacity under Natsui's command—was a tremendous step forward.
Seeing Lisia rush to the edge of the pool, Natsui signaled Milotic to dive down and retrieve Altaria.
The Dragon-type was brought to shore by Milotic.
At this moment, Altaria looked pathetic. Aside from its injuries, its fluffy, cloud-like wings hung heavy and limp, completely soaked. It looked like a drowned rat, a far cry from its elegant appearance before the battle.
"Ali..." Lisia hurried over to check on her partner. Seeing that it wasn't in critical condition, she breathed a sigh of relief. Turning to Natsui, she smiled admiringly. "You really are amazing. I lost this battle!"
"Let's call it a draw." Natsui shook his head with a laugh. "I know you held back. If you had used that thing, the one losing would definitely have been my Milotic."
Natsui nodded toward the Key Stone on Lisia's head. The implication was clear. Misty, Kinta, and the other kids followed his gaze, finally noticing the accessory.
"You really know about it!" Lisia's eyes lit up. "Have you been to Kalos before? Or do you have one too?"
The conversation was baffling to everyone except Misty. Even Kinta scratched his head in confusion.
What's wrong with that thing on Lisia's head? Isn't it just a decoration?
"Of course I have one," Natsui laughed. "And I've already used it. It feels incredible."
Lisia was about to reply when rapid footsteps approached from the distance. A woman in her twenties was rushing toward them, looking frantic.
"Ah, it's my manager!" Lisia stuck out her tongue playfully at Natsui and the others. "It seems my sneaking out has been discovered. I have to go back immediately. Besides, I need to get Ali treated."
Saying a quick "bye-bye" to the group, Lisia recalled Altaria and ran to meet the woman.
Once she left, the remaining group fell silent.
Seeing their "champion" lose, the defeated opponents had no dignity left to stay. Without a word, they slipped away, disappearing in the direction Lisia had gone.
Before Natsui could retract his gaze, Misty spoke up, her tone sour. "Still looking? That girl is already gone!"
"What are you thinking about?" Natsui knocked her lightly on the head.
"Did I say anything wrong?" Misty pouted. "She's beautiful, has fair skin, and is an idol. She must be very popular, right? Didn't you see Kinta and his friends? They looked like they wanted to worship the ground she walked on!"
"Hey, hey..." Natsui rubbed her head vigorously. "You don't think I'm interested in her, do you? Please, she looks about the same age as you. How could I possibly be interested in little girls like you who have nothing to show off?"
That sentence dealt critical damage to Misty.
She snorted angrily, instinctively puffing out her chest, only to look down and deflate helplessly.
Damn it!
I will grow up sooner or later!!!
With Milotic injured, Natsui couldn't continue seeking battles.
He had no choice but to head to the Pokémon Center. His training plan would have to pause for now.
Although he had only fought five battles and hadn't reached his target count, the increasing difficulty meant Milotic had still gained tremendous experience. Trotting along, the Serpent Pokémon slowly caught up to the level of Natsui's other partners.
...
Sootopolis Gym.
Located in the northern district of the city, at the foot of the dormant volcano, the gym occupied the best real estate in Sootopolis. Standing there offered a panoramic view of the entire crater city.
The official Gym Leader was Juan, a master of Water-type Pokémon. Defeating him earned the Rain Badge.
After resting for a night, Natsui arrived early the next morning, hoping to catch Juan.
As mentioned before, Juan was a busy man. With the upcoming celebration, he spent most of his time away from the gym. Meeting him required either an appointment or sheer luck.
The Sootopolis Gym resembled a magnificent manor more than a battle facility. A manicured garden surrounded an exquisite building that looked like a nobleman's estate.
Notably, before entering, Natsui spotted several middle-aged ladies lingering outside the gates.
Does this Gym Leader named Juan really have such charm that he captivates women of that age?
With that curious thought, Natsui and Misty walked inside.
The interior was just as elegant as the exterior. Statues, fine paintings, crystal chandeliers, and polished marble floors—everything screamed of the owner's refined taste.
However, the gym was empty. Standing in the lobby, they saw no staff, heard no sounds. It was deserted.
Don't tell me this was a wasted trip?
Just as he was thinking this, a man's voice drifted down from the second floor.
"Is there something you need?"
Looking up, Natsui saw a man standing on the second-floor balcony. He had turquoise hair and wore a white beret, a white bodysuit, and a flowing teal cape. He leaned against the railing, looking down at them with an air of elegance.
The familiar attire made him instantly recognizable.
Former Hoenn Champion. Former Sootopolis Gym Leader. Top Coordinator. The nobleman known as the "Prince of Water."
Wallace!
This was a pleasant surprise.
He hadn't expected to meet the elusive Juan, but meeting his even more famous apprentice was a stroke of luck!
"Sorry to disturb you," Natsui smiled. "I came to challenge the Sootopolis Gym. May I ask if the Gym Leader is in?"
Wallace was about to speak when the sound of light footsteps approached him. A familiar girl walked to his side on the balcony.
Following Wallace's gaze, the girl looked down into the lobby. Seeing Natsui, her eyes widened, and she pointed at him in surprise.
"Ah! It's you!"
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