A string of questions left Natsuhiko unsure how to respond.
Understandable, really.
Aliu, being a Trainer specializing in Insect-type Pokémon, has always felt criticized for it. Seeing Natsuhiko, who also uses Insect-type Pokémon like Beedrill and made it to the semifinals, it's only natural he feels a bit excited.
"Alright, Aliu, Hilona's match is about to start. Let's talk after watching it," Da Ye promptly stopped Aliu.
"Oh, right, big sis." Aliu finally came to his senses.
Natsuhiko cast a grateful glance.
To which Da Ye raised his eyebrows at him, his smile slightly peculiar.
Natsuhiko: "..."
On the battlefield.
Flint and Hilona simultaneously threw out their Pokeballs.
Standing before Flint was a robust, ferocious Pokémon covered in metal, exuding a metallic texture—Aggron!
While Hilona summoned a striking and confident Pokémon, affectionately nicknamed "Mightyena" by its fans—Lucario!
"In terms of attributes, Hilona has a great advantage," Kona muttered.
"Hilona and Flint, Hilona's Pokémon attributes give her a comprehensive advantage, allowing her to be relatively more relaxed," Natsuhiko casually remarked.
"Hmm?"
"I guess Flint will likely use Aggron, Skarmory, and Shiny Golem, whereas Hilona will counter with Lucario, Glaceon, and Garchomp."
Natsuhiko expressed his insight, only to realize everyone's attention in the room was on him.
Because the six Pokémon that each side could use were already displayed on the big screen.
Flint's Pokémon were Shiny Golem, Aggron, Skarmory, Claydol, Aerodactyl, and Onix.
The ancient fossil resurrection machine was recently invented and is not yet mature.
Therefore, Flint hasn't acquired Pokémon like Armaldo and Cradily to cover the team's weaknesses.
Especially Cradily, which is vital for Flint's overall team configuration.
Without Cradily, Flint's lineup is easily targeted.
Water type, Grass type, and Ground type pose significant threats to him.
Looking at the six Pokémon displayed by Hilona—Garchomp, Lucario, Glaceon, Spiritomb, Gastrodon, and Roselia.
Among them, Gastrodon's Water type and Ground type, Roselia's Grass type, and Lucario's Fighting type all greatly counter Flint's Pokémon.
Garchomp's Ground type goes without saying.
Even Spiritomb's Dark and Ghost types effectively counter Flint's Shiny Golem and Claydol.
However, Aggron and Metagross remain Flint's ace Pokémon, unlikely to be substituted, leaving Skarmory as the one Pokémon in his lineup that isn't easily countered.
Hilona's attribute advantage allows her to be more selective with her Pokémon choices.
Once Natsuhiko explained everything, everyone in the room fell into contemplation.
It made sense, but why did it seem Flint had no chance of winning?
Simultaneously, they admired Natsuhiko's tactical prowess even more.
Not only was he knowledgeable about his own Pokémon, but he also seemed to have a grasp of others' Pokémon too.
This impressed those with specialized expertise.
Aside from some Doctors in Pokemon Studies, they rarely encountered anyone familiar with all Pokémon to such a degree.
After all, training and battling Pokémon nearly consume everyone's energy, leaving little time for Pokémon research.
Otherwise, wouldn't the Doctors researching Pokemon Studies all be Tactical Masters?
After all, human energy is limited.
"Flint still has a chance; it all depends on Shiny Golem's performance."
In the first match, Hilona's Lucario undoubtedly won.
The attribute advantage was too overwhelming, a four-times restraint left Aggron no room to struggle, and Lucario's speed prevented any chance of resistance for Aggron.
However, Hilona didn't recall Lucario in this match.
The importance of six-versus-three singles and unveiling the opponent's Pokémon choice differs vastly.
Therefore, just as Natsuhiko predicted, Flint's second Pokémon was Skarmory, boasting an advantage of Flying type alongside an aerial advantage.
The result was unsurprising—Lucario lost its ability to battle.
Hilona's second Pokémon was Glaceon.
Because Skarmory is typical of having strong physical defense but weak special defense.
Glaceon, being the newly anointed top Special Attacker in Hilona's lineup, undeniably took on the challenge.
This match was particularly challenging.
Though limiting Skarmory's Flying type, Steel's counteraction against Ice is strong.
Thus, when Skarmory fell, Glaceon's condition was not great.
Ultimately, Flint fielded his ace, the Shiny Golem, which quickly defeated Glaceon upon entry.
Despite the swift victory, Glaceon had managed to slow down Shiny Golem marginally.
This proved crucial.
Playing an essential role in the following battles.
Hilona's last Pokémon, without a doubt, was her most trusted and relied upon—Garchomp!
This competition marked the first appearance of a showdown between Quasi-God Pokémon!
The entire process unfolded as Natsuhiko had anticipated.
Almost like he was the director of the match, knowing the entire script.
This unquestionably boosted everyone's admiration for his capabilities.