Won.
Made it to the quarter-finals.
Natsuhiko secretly breathed a sigh of relief.
That's almost enough. No matter which opponent I face next, losing would be normal.
This was already meeting the expectations Natsuhiko had set for himself.
In the player tunnel, Da Ye had his hands in his pockets and hadn't left yet; he was waiting for Natsuhiko.
Natsuhiko wasn't particularly surprised by this.
"Natsuhiko, you fought well, no wonder Hilona thinks so highly of you!" Da Ye gave a thumbs-up, expressing his admiration for Natsuhiko.
Even though it's praise,
why does it sound so odd?
"You're great too," Natsuhiko replied sincerely, not just to be polite.
If it wasn't for Beedrill's breakthrough this time, according to his original plan, Alakazam fighting Da Ye's Flareon and Infernape in turns had a very low chance of winning.
Indeed, it's because of "emotion-type" Trainers like Da Ye that their highs and lows vary greatly.
Like Ash Ketchum, another textbook example of an "emotion-type" Trainer. That Pikachu...
Can defeat Divine Beasts but also lose to beginners in the ocean.
Hard to describe.
Although a bit exaggerated, the unpredictability of "emotion-type" Trainers' strengths is undeniable.
"Hahaha—is that so?" Da Ye laughed heartily, scratching his head, looking very pleased.
"I waited here to tell you, if you ever face difficulties in training Chimchar, feel free to come to me. Although our training directions and methods differ, there are still many commonalities."
Da Ye shared the reason for waiting for Natsuhiko.
Natsuhiko nodded, "Then I'll trouble you."
"Alright, I need to go treat my Pokémon too. Next time, when I grow stronger, I'll challenge you again. I hope you won't refuse."
Before Natsuhiko could respond, Da Ye quickly left.
At the tunnel's end, Denji was already waiting for him.
Another deep bond between the two.
Another one?
Natsuhiko smiled and murmured, "You can challenge, but I might not accept."
Then he headed towards Lance, Hilona, and others who were also waiting for him.
The Pokémon injuries were really severe this time, so off to the Poke Center for treatment.
...
...
"Hand it over."
Agatha smiled at Hoshino Ryuzi and extended her old hand slightly.
Though Hoshino Ryuzi kept smiling, everyone could see the forced nature of it.
This time, he really lost out.
Lost a top-quality Evolution Stone.
Even though it was one he couldn't use, a top-quality Evolution Stone is extremely rare, becoming one of his collectibles, with many wanting to buy it, yet he hadn't sold.
But facing Agatha, Hoshino Ryuzi dared not back down.
Agatha is infamously known in their circle as a "loco lady", and her entanglements with Professor Oak aren't a secret. Despite being older, Hoshino Ryuzi is noticeably weaker in skill.
Chortling, he took out a pure black Crystal Stone from his pocket, placing it in Agatha's hand.
Agatha squeezed it gently, noticed Hoshino Ryuzi's pained expression, and smiled even brighter.
Getting something for free, no matter how low its value, always feels good, especially when it's a valuable top-quality Evolution Stone.
Adick, on the other hand, straightforwardly tossed the "Flame Treasure Pearl" to Genji.
The two merely exchanged a glance, not caring much about these things.
Agatha was gambling big, while they were just playing.
But for Adick, his previously lethargic demeanor showed marked improvement.
Among Natsuhiko and Da Ye's battle, he subtly saw a reflection of his past self.
That heart, silenced by his partner Pokémon's passing, began to stir again.
Though not yet restored to its former enthusiasm, it's much improved.
Plus, Adick admittedly increased his attention on Natsuhiko and Da Ye.
Not just Adick.
The Elite Four present also heightened their focus on both.
Being veterans themselves, they genuinely understood the battle's significance and the potential they saw in the two.
Definitely targets the Alliance should nurture vigorously.
If they grow well, they could become pillars of their regions.
Especially Kikuno.
She's already determined to return and send a special report to the League, emphasizing the importance of Natsuhiko and Da Ye.
The young quality of this "Lily Youth Competition" massively exceeded everyone's expectations.
Making it to the top 16 or even the quarter-finals deserves attention.
"Congratulations, Ice-type Elite Four Kikuno, they are two very promising seedlings," Drasna sincerely smiled.
Drasna, originally from the Sinnoh Region, although unable to return there to serve due to certain reasons, felt truly gratified seeing Sinnoh's promising future.
Smiles adorned Kikuno's face.
Though she knew a bit about Da Ye's talents, Natsuhiko's rise felt like a treasure.
Slightly flattering, she said, "Kalos's three participants are quite talented too, especially Karin."
From what can be seen now, Karin's visible talent definitely matches, if not surpasses, Natsuhiko and Da Ye.
Drasna nodded, acknowledging.
"Alright, if there's nothing else, let's disperse. Tomorrow's matches promise increasing excitement." Agatha picked up her cane, wiped the top-tier Dark Stone on her apron, pocketed it, and was first to leave the room.
The rest also gradually left.
In the end, only Hoshino Ryuzi was left, leaning on his cane, standing by the large window, watching the dispersing crowd, slowly furrowing his brow.
His hand tightly gripped the cane, producing creaky sounds.
...
...
After leaving the Poke Center, Natsuhiko's group received the match list for tomorrow.
Among their group of seven, remarkably five reached the quarter-finals, earning the title of the strongest small group, quite deservedly.
However, this means that in the quarter-finals leading to the semi-finals, someone among them must face each other.
When Natsuhiko saw the match list, he fell silent.
Not only him, but others also fell silent.
There's no way around it.
At this stage, no matter who the opponent is, it's challenging.
But what truly left them silent was because...
Tomorrow.
Lance VS Kona.
The relationship between Lance and Kona, and the reasons and process of their conflicts were familiar to Natsuhiko and others.
Kona doesn't like Lance.
Twice.
Yet tomorrow, they'll face each other again.
Actually, Natsuhiko also has apprehensions about tomorrow's opponent.
Karin!
The future Champion of the Kalos Region, though not yet exhibiting the advantage brought by quasi-god Pokémon like Lance, but is destined to be a Champion!
This stirred some thoughts within him.
Also, Flint's match tomorrow is against Mikkel, while Hilona's opponent is Jade Liya.
Unquestionably, every match tomorrow bears significant implications for the future.
Lance and Kona, these "nemeses," Flint and Mikkel—future intertwined relations—Hilona and Jade Liya even more so, with Jade Liya taking Hilona as inspiration and target.
It's clear from the match sequence what the organizers mean.
Sponsoring one person from the Kanto Alliance and Hoenn Alliance to the semi-finals!
As for why Natsuhiko and Hilona from Sinnoh Alliance aren't against each other?
Sorry.
Sinnoh Alliance is confident Hilona will advance; Natsuhiko is simply hoping for luck.
Best case, he advances; worst case, no significant impact.
Just that capricious.
——————
Things happened at home today, been busy until now, might have to go out tonight o(╥﹏╥)o