The next day.
Yesterday the quarterfinalists of this tournament were decided, and today is the day to determine the semi-finalists.
To say it's not lively is simply impossible.
After all, just yesterday's matches fired people up with excitement.
Plus, with Natsuhiko stirring up a Fairy-type frenzy, he has showcased even more related to Fairy-types in this competition.
It makes people even more eager to see if he will showcase something new in today's match.
The power and ability shown by Togekiss give people the impression that the Fairy type is particularly strong, even possibly superior to all other types.
There's no helping it.
Because the Dragon-type Pokémon, long regarded as the strongest, have been thoroughly suppressed by the Fairy type.
And the strategy Natsuhiko crafted for Togekiss has shown even greater strength.
Various enhancements and boosts gave Togekiss' Fairy-type techniques the feeling of causing injury on touch and destruction on contact.
In the end, people are visual creatures; they merely saw the scene where Togekiss instantly defeated Morden Pokémon.
They didn't ponder how much planning Natsuhiko had done to endow Togekiss with such abilities and to secure such a pivotal role in the strategy.
Though those who understand tactics know that the Fairy type isn't weak, it's not all-powerful either.
But those who understand this are ultimately a minority.
That's why people are under the illusion that the Fairy type is surpassing all other types.
It's precisely because of this illusion, the pursuit of Fairy-type Pokémon, and the exploration of the Fairy type that has brought Natsuhiko more heat and attention.
Though the alliance's decisions won't be swayed by public opinion, they will indeed be influenced by it.
According to the information disclosed by Professor Oak, Natsuhiko learned that the alliance is already discussing whether Natsuhiko can be promoted to Doctor due to his achievements in the Fairy type.
Though it's just a discussion, and far from a decision.
But once there's a discussion, it means the alliance has started to waver.
Contentious issues have the significance of making one strive for them.
Otherwise, if everyone thought Natsuhiko wasn't qualified to become a Doctor, without a shred of controversy, then no matter how hard he worked, it would be useless.
At least.
There's already a portion of people who think Natsuhiko is qualified.
Of course.
None of this affects the tournament Natsuhiko is participating in.
The number of people resting in the contestants' room is dwindling.
By today, the remaining eight finalists are: Lance, Kona, Flint, Mikkel, Natsuhiko, Hilona, Lizabeth, and the Royal Masked Man.
Yesterday, Natsuhiko and his group's luck was good, as all five advanced to the quarterfinals.
But today.
No matter how they are randomly arranged, at least two of them will clash in the arena, and possibly more.
Fortunately, they weren't discouraged by this but became eager to compete.
As usual.
The big screen projected the profiles of the eight people again, with the computer randomly arranging the matchups.
And whenever a match lineup was revealed, the audience erupted in cheers.
Because no matter how you look at it, these battles promise to be even more exciting.
First match, Lance VS Mikkel!
Second match, Hilona VS Lizabeth!
Third match, Kona VS Royal Masked Man!
Once the lineups for the first three matches were confirmed, the two competitors for the last match were obvious.
Sitting in their seats, Natsuhiko and Flint exchanged glances.
Both of them smiled.
"Didn't expect to meet in the quarterfinals," Flint commented with a smile.
"Yeah."
Natsuhiko nodded, though not as composed as Flint, rather feeling a bit troubled.
In a match against Flint, he truly held no advantage.
Flint's strength made him wary.
If he's careless, losing is quite likely.
Although Natsuhiko doesn't participate when their group conducts internal simulation battles.
He does watch Flint battle against Lance, Hilona, and Kona.
Excluding Kona's decent advantage over Lance due to attributes, against Flint and Hilona, Kona's win rate is quite low.
However, in the simulation battles among Flint, Lance, and Hilona, the results are really unpredictable.
Lance's advantage lies in his Pokémon's mobility, grand offense, and skill in strong attacks.
Flint's advantage is his Pokémon's defense power, solid and steady, excelling in enduring battles.
These two are like extremes.
Hilona's advantage lies in her not specializing in just one or two types of Pokémon, her tactics are diverse, excelling in adaptation.
In their regular trainings, the three win or lose back and forth, mostly based on the Pokémon's performance, tactic's specificity, and the Trainer's pre-read judgment.
"But compared to last time when we had no chance to meet, this time is so much better." Flint rubbed his ring with rare enthusiasm.
He's long wanted a match with Natsuhiko, but since Natsuhiko doesn't usually participate in simulation battle trainings, their opportunities are limited.
But in Flint's view.
Natsuhiko's strength should be similar to theirs.
Ultimately, it should come down to performance and luck.
Natsuhiko chuckled awkwardly, muttering, "I thought it would be a bit later when we met, didn't expect it so soon."
Compared to fighting him, Natsuhiko would actually prefer seeing Lance battle Flint, or Hilona battle Flint.
"Seems like I have to win one more match, to possibly face Natsuhiko again," Lance mused, propping his chin.
He received acknowledgment from the others.