Actually, after getting to know Juan to a certain extent, Natsui also wanted to have a proper battle with this Gym Leader.
After all, being able to train two extremely excellent apprentices—even if the students surpassed the master—proved that he was an outstanding Trainer. This made this Gym battle a rare opportunity. If he didn't seize it now, he would definitely regret missing this chance in the future.
Seeing Juan leave first, Lisia looked at Natsui, stuck out her tongue, and whispered, "Sorry, my master is usually very elegant and calm. He only occasionally behaves so childishly in front of me. Did I cause you trouble?"
"I should be the one apologizing." Natsui looked at her with a beaming smile. "As a challenger, provoking a Gym Leader like this seems somewhat rude. But actually, I also wanted to fight him at full strength, not against some second-string team!"
"So that's how it is." Lisia realized. "I was wondering why your attitude changed just now. But you have to be careful; my master is very strong! Be careful not to lose~"
While talking, Natsui and the others followed Juan and arrived at the battlefield of the Sootopolis Gym.
As a Water-type Gym, compared to the luxury of other rooms, the battlefield inside was somewhat unremarkable. It looked just like an ordinary swimming pool, a simple rectangular venue. There were only a dozen or so round platforms of various sizes floating on the surface for footing; everywhere else was filled with cold, deep water.
Misty and Lisia went directly to the spectator seats nearby. For the sake of appearances, even though the two didn't get along, they had to sit together.
But even so, both of them leaned away from each other, avoiding any physical contact!
Natsui and Juan stood on opposite sides, each taking their place on the Trainer command platforms.
The command area here was interesting. They were two raised platforms like diving boards, about two meters higher than the water surface. Standing here, the field of vision was much clearer.
An old man with gray hair, dressed in a black formal suit like a butler, walked out from the side and stood by the edge of the pool.
It seemed he was the butler here, and usually, when challengers came, he also acted as the Gym referee.
Looking at Natsui, the butler referee said, "Now explaining the competition rules. The number of Pokémon used in the match is 5. During the battle, the Gym Leader cannot switch Pokémon at will. The battle ends when all Pokémon of either side are unable to battle!"
"Five?"
Having traveled to so many places, this was the first time Natsui encountered a Gym where the number of participating Pokémon was so large!
Seeing Natsui's surprised expression, the butler was obviously used to it, so he wasn't surprised and continued, "That's right. In the first round, two Pokémon must be selected simultaneously for a Double Battle. When both Pokémon of one side lose the ability to battle, the first round is declared over. Then immediately, the Pokémon that won the first match will be used for the second round. And after the second round ends, it will be the final one-on-one battle until all Pokémon of one side are defeated!"
So that's how it is...
Although it sounded a bit complicated, Natsui nodded, indicating he understood the rules.
Actually, having fought for so long, except for some conditions changed by Gym Leaders based on their own needs, most rules were largely identical. One just needed to pay attention to whether it was a 2v2 or 3v3 match.
And a Gym like Sootopolis obviously had those rare special rules!
Seeing the butler finish explaining, Juan stared at Natsui and said through gritted teeth, "According to procedure, I'll introduce myself first. I am Juan, the Gym Leader here. The official Gym battle begins now. Are you ready?"
Actually, if not for the League rules that must be strictly observed, Juan didn't want to say another word to this man who 'abducted' his precious apprentice!
He just wanted to use his ace Pokémon immediately to teach him a lesson, beat him thoroughly, and let Lisia see his strength clearly!
Hmph, not just any random person can easily steal my apprentice away!
"Don't worry." Natsui patted his waist pouch. "Although the rules here were somewhat unexpected, I've made ample preparations!"
Juan: "..."
This brat... not only did he not introduce himself, but even after hearing the rules, he still shamelessly claims to be prepared. Truly arrogant!
Juan's chest heaved. He didn't remember the last time he wanted to defeat someone so badly. But obviously, the man in front of him had successfully ignited his competitive spirit!
Seeing that her master seemed not to recognize Natsui's identity and wasn't taking him seriously, Lisia shifted in her seat, worried that he might be too confident and suffer a crushing defeat. She wanted to speak up to remind him.
However, just as she moved, she heard the orange-haired girl beside her say faintly in a teasing tone, "What? So worried about Mr. Juan? It's just a battle; there's no need to give him hints, right?"
Hearing this, Lisia leaned back against her chair.
"What are you talking about?" She said without looking up. "I was just adjusting my sitting posture; I wasn't going to remind him of anything."
"Is that so? Then I overthought it." Misty looked at her with a smirk. "But rest assured, no matter which Gym Natsui challenges, he never uses his main lineup. It's just some Pokémon currently undergoing training. Even if he fails, it would just be a narrow defeat. There's no need to worry for your master at all."
"What?" Ignoring the taunt, Lisia asked, surprised, "All Pokémon currently undergoing training? But in that case, meeting weaker opponents is fine, but against a strong enemy, wouldn't the chance of losing increase greatly?"
"That's why..." Misty puffed out her chest proudly, "This places strict requirements on the Trainer's command. Every order, every flash of inspiration, can help their Pokémon turn danger into safety and establish an advantage. And Natsui is that kind of person!"
"So that's how it is." Lisia nodded in realization, but then her tone changed, and she smiled, "Then in that case, I'm worried for Natsui instead."
This time it was Misty's turn to look at Lisia in surprise.
"What do you mean?"
"Don't you understand?" Lisia raised her chin, signaling toward the field. "Didn't you hear what Sebastian... I mean, the referee said just now? The rules of this Sootopolis Gym are very different from ordinary Gyms. Because the number of Pokémon is larger, and two need to be on the field simultaneously, this places stricter requirements on the Trainer's skills. One must possess the talent to command two Pokémon at once."
Lisia paused, seeing Misty's thoughtful look, and added, "I admit, Natsui is an excellent Trainer, perhaps even top-tier. But this battle requires high cooperation and strength from the Pokémon. If he only sends out Pokémon that haven't been fully trained, I'm afraid he might really crash and burn!"
"This..."
This was a valid point. Hearing Lisia explain it clearly, Misty couldn't help but worry. She became less optimistic than before.
But no matter what, she still chose to believe in Natsui.
Natsui, please do your best!
...
On the field, as the Gym Leader, Juan was the first to send out his Pokémon.
As he threw two Poké Balls simultaneously, two blue lights flashed. A Walrein appeared on a platform, and a Kingdra dove into the pool.
After releasing his Pokémon, Juan crossed his arms, looked at Natsui, and said calmly, "Trainers aiming for the Ever Grande Conference must be as fluid as water, able to adapt to any vessel and make the correct choice. Come, let me see what kind of Pokémon you will use to challenge my Gym!"
Natsui's gaze swept over the two Pokémon.
Actually, Natsui understood. He knew Juan would use his best Pokémon to deal with him.
Although he didn't know Juan's full lineup, seeing these two fully evolved Pokémon, he knew they wouldn't be weak!
Then what should I use?
Currently carrying on him—excluding Gardevoir, Gengar, and the Legendaries—he had Dragonite, Tyranitar, Scizor, Eevee, Metang, Combusken, and Milotic. Seven Pokémon in total.
The match required five entries. No matter how he chose, more than half of his team would have to fight. The difficulty was deciding who to send out first.
The first round was crucial. Winning it would establish a significant advantage. For his "training team," this was a strategic point he needed to secure.
It was just...
The type matchups are worrying...
After pondering for a moment, Natsui finally sent out Dragonite and Milotic. This air-and-water combination took the field.
He had no choice; the types of his other Pokémon were at a disadvantage. Only Scizor was slightly better, but in a deep water arena, Scizor's heavy steel body would be a liability if it fell in.
However, even so, Natsui wasn't too worried.
After all, he had practiced reverse-type battles extensively precisely for situations like this!
When Juan saw Natsui's Pokémon, he was both surprised and disappointed.
Just as Lisia suspected, Juan didn't know who Natsui was. Living on an isolated island, he mostly paid attention to local events. He didn't know much about trainers from other regions.
Therefore, he really didn't understand why this man would send these two Pokémon against his lineup!
First was Dragonite. As a Dragon/Flying type, it was destined to be crushed by Walrein's Ice-type moves. One hit would deal massive damage!
And Milotic, as a pure Water-type, fighting against Walrein (Ice/Water) and Kingdra (Water/Dragon)... their damage against each other would be halved. It would be a stalemate at best.
Most importantly, did this man not know that Juan's ace was also a Milotic!?
Having the same Pokémon made him extremely knowledgeable about the species. Just one glance told him that the Milotic in front of him had evolved recently!
Challenging the Gym with such a young Pokémon was truly suicidal!
In his eyes, Natsui's choices were terrible, regardless of strength.
This made him subconsciously look down on Natsui.
Is this guy all style and no substance?
He couldn't be blamed for thinking this. If Lisia had warned him, or if Wallace were there, he wouldn't have underestimated Natsui.
But he was in the dark.
He thought the man in front of him was just another ordinary challenger.
But contempt aside, he hadn't forgotten his goal.
Regardless of whether Natsui was a paper tiger, Juan was determined to teach him a lesson!
Dragonite soared around the venue, and Milotic spun cheerfully in the water.
Seeing both sides ready, the butler referee finally issued the command to start.
However, what surprised Juan was that just as he wanted to observe, the man in the distance waved his hand abruptly.
In the next second, both Dragonite and Milotic used [Twister] simultaneously!
Instantly, two thick water tornadoes rose from the surface, shooting straight toward the ceiling!!
Affected by these two forces, the water in the entire pool shook violently, splashing waves in all directions!
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