"That's a Beedrill!"
Suddenly, Ash Ketchum, who had been staring at the field intently, jumped up from his seat.
This was the only Pokémon he had recognized so far.
It's quite rare to see a Beedrill in a high-level competition like this.
However, the Beedrill now on the field was flying freely, demonstrating its strong aggressiveness, overwhelming its opponent, who was about to be defeated.
Gary Oak pulled the screen back and began explaining to the three.
"This is the Pokémon of a contestant named 'Natsuhiko.' His opponent is from 'Yuanzhu City,' named 'Shuijing,'" Gary Oak said.
"This Beedrill is so strong."
Although Ash Ketchum still didn't understand these Pokémon battles well, he could easily see Natsuhiko's Beedrill's advantage from the situation on the field.
As Gary Oak stared at the field, he updated his records on the computer, saying:
"It's very strong, the sniping trait is being used very well. In the group stage, he kept using Togetic and defeated Denji from Binhai City. He can be considered a mid-to-high level contestant among the current top 64."
Since Natsuhiko and Nanami were in the same group, Gary Oak paid a lot of attention to the four who qualified from Nanami's group and had a certain understanding of Natsuhiko.
"What about Nanami?" Ash Ketchum asked curiously.
With Natsuhiko only being mid-to-high tier, Ash Ketchum was curious about what kind of evaluation Gary Oak would give his sister.
Gary Oak remained calm and said, "Lower tier."
Ash Ketchum's eyes widened.
If he hadn't grown up with Gary Oak, he would really wonder if Gary Oak and Nanami were real siblings.
Gary Oak said helplessly, "I know my sister too well. She's not suited to be a Trainer; she lacks tactical reserves and doesn't have a deep understanding of Pokémon battles. Honestly, I'm surprised she even got into the top 64."
Professor Oak, standing nearby, smiled awkwardly and looked up at the sky.
Gary Oak was unaware that Professor Oak had entrusted his Chansey to Nanami.
The focus returned to the field.
Ash Ketchum counted on his fingers, slightly excited, "That's two! This Beedrill has already defeated two of its opponent's Pokémon. Is Beedrill really that strong?"
Ash Ketchum had developed a new understanding of Beedrill.
However, it's estimated that when he travels on his own, he might once again refresh his understanding of Beedrill.
"No, it's just that Natsuhiko is very good at training. He's nurtured this Beedrill outstandingly and knows how to utilize its traits and advantages. Right, Grandpa?"
"Hahaha—you know, I'm not familiar with battles, hahaha—" Professor Oak did not answer Gary Oak's question.
Though his eyes did scan over Natsuhiko and Beedrill.
This person reminded Professor Oak of someone...
Gary Oak, knowing his grandfather well, couldn't help but smirk.
Pretending not to understand.
"How strange, why does this Beedrill have electricity?" After observing, Gary Oak expressed his doubts.
"Is Beedrill an Electric-type Pokémon?" Ash Ketchum blinked.
Gary Oak rolled his eyes, too lazy to respond.
Just muttering to himself, "This Beedrill's Deadly Needle Stab is fully stacked with benefits; its opponent is in for trouble."
A few minutes later.
The crowd erupted in cheers as the second player advancing to the top 32 was announced—Natsuhiko, who used Beedrill to recreate Hilona's feat of a three-in-one sweep.
With the previous Pokémon stacking up Deadly Needle Stab, Beedrill's sudden burst of attack power was formidable, coupled with the Sniper trait; once it had the chance to hit the target, no Pokémon of the same tier could resist.
Such a spectacular debut battle gained Natsuhiko many supporters.
His name entered the public eye for the first time.
Although it couldn't compare to Lance and Hilona, it certainly marked a beginning.
"Three down with one, Gary Oak, is this just a mid-to-high tier contestant?" Ash Ketchum couldn't help but ask.
Gary Oak pursed his lips.
He didn't answer.
But he couldn't deny that he had become quite interested in Natsuhiko and his Beedrill.
The elimination rounds continued to be fiercely underway.
The top thirty-two players were emerging one by one.
Lance, Flint, Kona, Da Ye, Jade Liya, Shimi, and other contestants undoubtedly advanced.
Then came the moment Gary Oak had been waiting for—his sister Nanami's match.
Gary Oak had also gathered some understanding of Nanami's opponent, noting that they are quite strong, at least belonging to the mid-tier of this competition.
Which meant Nanami was likely to lose.
"Gary Oak, it's Nanami," Ash Ketchum shouted.
"I know."
Gary Oak also focused intently on the field.
But when he saw Nanami summon Chansey, he abruptly turned to gaze at Professor Oak.
Professor Oak continued looking up, watching the sky.
"I was wondering how my sister got into the elimination rounds..."
Even upon seeing this Chansey, Gary Oak didn't believe Nanami could qualify.
After all, it's a three-on-three battle, and Chansey, not proficient in direct combat, couldn't exhibit a fierce offensive like Hilona's Lucario or Natsuhiko's Beedrill, unable to play a decisive role.
However, soon enough, his entire outlook was thoroughly overturned.