The group matches progressed rapidly. Even though each group had over thirty participants and it was a double-elimination format, each person only used one Pokémon in battle, which made it go faster than expected.
In a group, if you want to advance, the fastest and smoothest way is to consecutively defeat four people, ensuring a place in the top four and advancement to the knockout stage.
Natsuhiko has already successfully defeated three people, leaving only four in the winner's bracket. As long as he wins against one more, even if a participant from the loser's bracket comes up, it won't affect his advancement.
However, these remaining four people are all tough opponents as they've progressed this far by winning consistently.
The one Natsuhiko fears most is the seemingly weak challenger beside him, who actually relies on an Elite Candidate level Chansey and has almost become the top seed of the sixth arena — Nanami.
Of the other two contestants, one is unfamiliar to him, having stumbled into the top four of the winner's bracket.
The other is someone Natsuhiko has heard of, even leaving quite an impression in the original story.
The future Gym Leader of Binhai City in the Sinnoh Region, a specialized trainer of electric-type Pokémon — Denji.
This man, later called "Binhai's Thunder" by one of the Sinnoh Elite Four, Da Ye, is notably handsome and not lacking in strength either.
Coincidentally, the battle that decides whether Natsuhiko can advance early from his group is against Denji.
Although it's just a group match, Denji's fame has attracted a number of "little fangirls" to the stands by their sixth arena to cheer him on.
Denji is from Binhai City, and Lily Island is very close to Binhai City, so quite a few spectators at this "Lily Youth Competition" have come from there.
Because of the geographical advantage, Binhai City residents don't need to stay on Lily Island; they can commute via ferry between Binhai City and Lily Island in the morning and evening, increasing the number of spectators.
Upon learning Denji's opponent was Natsuhiko, he almost felt like he'd become the "public enemy."
No way around it.
In his previous three matches, Natsuhiko demonstrated "excellent" strength and rather good tactical "skills." His opponents could hardly resist before being controlled by Togetic until the battle ended.
The pressure Natsuhiko put on these participants was second only to Nanami.
In the eyes of the spectators, he's considered an opponent on par with Denji.
That's why they were even more motivated to cheer for Denji.
Denji was still full of fighting spirit, as his friend and rival Da Ye had not yet become one of the Elite Four, nor felt confused. His whole being exuded confidence.
Combined with his outstanding appearance, he certainly attracts the admiration of young girls and even some middle-aged women.
"Go Natsuhiko!" Nanami cheered for Natsuhiko from the stands.
After brief interaction, the two had gotten to know each other.
Most importantly, Nanami saw Natsuhiko's "vast" knowledge and understanding of Pokémon battles.
During the battles, whenever Nanami felt confused or intrigued, Natsuhiko always offered reasonable explanations and answers in response to her questioning gaze.
This gave Nanami a whole new understanding of Natsuhiko's abilities, so she strongly supported him in winning the championship.
"Okay." Natsuhiko nodded slightly, entering the arena at the referee's signal.
"Will both trainers call their Pokémon."
Two red lights flashed, Natsuhiko sent out Togetic once again, while Denji sent out Luxray.
Luxray is a four-legged beast-like Pokémon resembling an adult lion, with a face, hind legs, torso, and back part of its forelimbs in blue, covered mostly by shaggy black fur, which is longer around its shoulders and tail base, forming a mane around its head.
Eyes are yellow with red sclera, ears are rounded with yellow interiors, and it has a long thin tail ending in a yellow four-pointed star.
It is a highly recognizable electric-type Pokémon.
Natsuhiko recalls that Denji's ace should be a Raichu.
However, given it's a group match, hiding one's strength is a common tactic.
It doesn't mean this Luxray's strength isn't formidable.
"Meeoow—" The sound was deep and imposing.
But when Luxray saw Togetic, its ears twitched slightly, and it slowly retreated two steps.
"Fighting Spirit trait?" Upon seeing this, Natsuhiko made his judgment.
Fighting Spirit: When facing a Pokémon of the same gender, its fighting spirit rises, increasing technique power, but when facing a Pokémon of the opposite gender, it weakens accordingly.
It's clear Denji's Luxray is male.
And fortunately, Natsuhiko's Togetic is female.
In terms of traits, Natsuhiko has the advantage.
However, as an electric-type, Luxray has a type advantage over the flying-type Togetic.
Going back and forth, the advantage still somewhat leans towards Luxray.
Denji also noticed Luxray's change but wasn't surprised since he expected this situation to arise; he had his reasons for sending Luxray out.
He remains confident.
"Begin the battle!"
Amidst the cheers of many on the stands for Denji, the referee's flag fell, and the battle officially began.