Amidst the nearly frenzied cheers, Hilona and Jade Liya took the stage one after another.
The battle between these two beauties really wears out the throats of men.
Watching the match from the commentary seat for the first time, Natsuhiko's perspective was different, seeing things from a multidimensional angle. Oh, and there was also a flat chest.
Ahem.
Originally, Hilona, as the mascot of Sinnoh, should have been the focus of this round of matches, but the climax was brought forth early due to the battle between Natsuhiko and Karin.
"Mr. Natsuhiko, which contestant do you favor in this match?" the original commentator asked with a smile.
Although Natsuhiko's appearance took away part of the work he was supposed to do, he was still quite pleased.
Finally, someone professional.
Tears in my eyes.
Natsuhiko mused for a moment, glanced at Hilona and Jade Liya, and unabashedly stated, "Hilona."
As soon as he said that, the original commentator's expression froze.
"Ahem—"
So blunt?
Commentators are supposed to maintain neutrality, otherwise they'd be criticized.
But realizing Natsuhiko was just temporarily filling in and unaware of their tricky nuances, he lightly coughed as a reminder.
Yet Natsuhiko completely ignored his gestured prompts, slightly adjusted the microphone, then focused on the ongoing battle.
...
The cheers on the field grew more intense, and as the referee's flag fell, two Pokeballs were simultaneously thrown onto the field.
Red light flickered.
A Pokémon covered in snow-white fur, gently shaking its body with shimmering ice crystals scattered, appeared in the field.
It was Hilona's Glaceon.
On the other side.
What Jade Liya summoned was a green creature resembling a cell, with humanoid limbs outside the cell but a rather large head. Looking simply at the cell inside, it resembles a little baby.
Psychic-type Pokémon.
"Reuniclus."
This Pokémon isn't very common even in the Unova Region, so many people don't know what it is.
But Natsuhiko promptly educated the audience about this Pokémon.
Soon after, the battle began.
"Glaceon, Hail!"
An intermittent hail began falling from the sky, becoming increasingly dense with time.
"Reuniclus, Light Wall!"
Jade Liya remained unmoved by the hail, only instructing Reuniclus to release a "Light Wall."
While everyone was somewhat puzzled, Natsuhiko's professional commentary began.
"Jade Liya's Reuniclus likely has the trait 'Magic Defense', so it can ignore the damage caused by hail. Compared to this, Reuniclus should be more wary of Glaceon's Special Attack capability.
Just a note, Glaceon is a typical Special Attack Pokémon. Those unfamiliar can check the Alliance website, where the latest thesis can be found."
What he referred to was a thesis he wrote.
Promoting oneself for free, that's unique.
The audience was enlightened.
So that's why, no wonder Jade Liya chose that move.
"Hilona's Glaceon has the trait 'Snow Concealment', enabling it to successfully dodge Reuniclus's attack."
"The damage from Shadow Ball on Reuniclus is quite significant; Reuniclus is in danger."
"If I'm not mistaken, Reuniclus should be carrying a 'Life Treasure Pearl', making its Special Attack extremely powerful."
"..."
Through Natsuhiko's commentary, the audience gradually realized.
So this is the role of commentary?
Only now do they realize that watching matches doesn't require much thinking.
Even my grandma could understand!
In an instant, the audience expressed that they could understand the situation and better grasp the players' strategies.
Feeling like the matches previously watched were completely in vain!
Hilona's Glaceon ultimately defeated Jade Liya's Reuniclus.
However, it was a narrow victory; Jade Liya's Reuniclus was equally formidable.
The second round.
Hilona sent out Spiritomb, a Ghost-Type and Dark-Type Pokémon, extremely rare, even rarer than Reuniclus.
But now the audience isn't bothered by rare Pokémon anymore.
They have Natsuhiko, who will provide introductions!
And Jade Liya sent out an Alakazam.
In this round, Hilona's Spiritomb seemed to have an absolute advantage; Dark-Type Pokémon are immune to Psychic-type Techniques, and both Dark-Type and Ghost-Type Techniques suppress Alakazam significantly.
However.
Jade Liya's Alakazam mastered the "Eye of Miracles", creating huge damage despite being restrained by attributes.
This round, Hilona still emerged victorious.
But Natsuhiko noticed Jade Liya's condition was starting to deteriorate.
Shirane had already gravely placed a hand on Jade Liya's shoulder.
At the commentary table, Natsuhiko slowly furrowed his brows.
Third round.
Hilona didn't switch Pokémon, seemingly attempting to further deplete the opponent using Spiritomb's attribute advantage; yet Natsuhiko understood her thoughts, similar to his earlier battle against Karin.
She didn't want the opponent to lose too badly.
However.
This move didn't gain Jade Liya's approval; instead, it further provoked her.
Her third summoned Pokémon was her trump card, Gothitelle.
Also a humanoid Pokémon, somewhat akin to Gardevoir, though Gardevoir excels in Special Attack and Gothitelle is more adept at Special Defense.