But Tyranitar had spent years training in harsh conditions. Being airborne didn't remove its ability to attack.
"Dark Pulse."
The wave of malevolent energy struck Volcarona at point-blank range, interrupting the Hurricane and sending both Pokémon crashing back to earth. Tyranitar landed heavily but remained standing. Volcarona did not.
"Volcarona is unable to battle! Winner: Sasuke Uchiha!"
Marcus offered a rueful smile as he recalled his partner. "Type advantage played out exactly as expected. Well executed."
"Your Volcarona's speed was impressive. The Quiver Dance almost gave you the edge."
"Almost doesn't win tournaments." But the Unova trainer's tone was friendly. "Good luck in the semifinals."
Semifinals: Sasuke vs Kalani (Alola)
The Alolan trainer was young, perhaps Sasuke's age, with the easy warmth that seemed characteristic of the island region. Her clothing reflected tropical influences, and her manner suggested someone more accustomed to celebration than competition.
"Alolan Ninetales!"
The Ice/Fairy variant of the classic Kantonian Pokémon emerged with elegance that drew appreciative murmurs from the crowd. Its pale blue fur seemed to absorb light, and frost crystals formed spontaneously around its paws.
Sasuke considered his options carefully. Ice/Fairy was a defensive typing that resisted many common attack types. He needed something that could break through without giving up too many advantages.
"Mega Blastoise."
The Shellfish Pokémon materialized in Mega form, twin cannons flanking its central mega-launcher. Water-type was neutral against Ice, but the raw power Blastoise could project should be sufficient.
"Snow Warning activates!" the referee announced as ice began forming across the arena. Alolan Ninetales's ability had triggered, creating conditions that favored Ice-type combat.
"Aurora Veil!"
Light barriers surrounded Ninetales, the protective technique reducing damage from both physical and special attacks. Combined with hail and its natural bulk, the Ice-type had become significantly harder to defeat.
"Hydro Pump," Sasuke commanded.
Water blasted from Blastoise's mega-launcher with tremendous force. Ninetales dodged with graceful speed, the attack cratering the arena floor but finding no target.
"Moonblast!"
Fairy energy struck Blastoise's shell, the super-effective damage causing the Water-type to grunt with pain. Aurora Veil might have reduced Sasuke's offensive potential, but Ninetales's own attacks remained potent.
"Ice Beam!"
The follow-up came faster than expected. Blastoise raised its arms to block, ice forming across its cannons and limiting mobility.
"You're at a disadvantage," Kalani observed. "Ice types control winter. And I brought winter with me."
Sasuke's response was to smile slightly. "Blastoise. Rain Dance."
Water energy erupted upward, transforming the arena's weather conditions. The hail faltered, overwhelmed by precipitation that the Storm Drain ability redirected toward Blastoise itself.
"Aurora Veil fades without hail," Sasuke noted. "And Rain boosts Water moves."
Kalani's expression shifted. "Clever. But we're not done. Blizzard!"
The Ice-type attack came with everything Ninetales had, a storm of frozen wind that should have been devastating. But Rain Dance had changed the battlefield's conditions. The Blizzard's accuracy suffered, ice crystals melting against the downpour.
"Water Pulse."
The attack struck Ninetales directly, water-boosted damage breaking through now-faded Aurora Veil defenses. The Ice-type staggered but maintained its footing.
"Dazzling Gleam!"
Fairy light erupted in all directions, catching Blastoise in a display that was beautiful and painful simultaneously. The Mega Pokémon took the hit, its bulk absorbing damage that would have felled lesser Pokémon.
"Finish it. Hydro Pump."
Rain-boosted water energy erupted with tremendous force. Ninetales attempted to dodge, but the wet conditions had made the ground slick. Its paws slipped.
Impact was decisive.
"Alolan Ninetales is unable to battle! Winner: Sasuke Uchiha advances to the finals!"
Kalani recalled her partner with gentle care. "Good battle. Your weather control was excellent."
"Your Ninetales was beautiful. The coordination between abilities and attacks was impressive."
"Maybe we'll battle again someday. In Alola, perhaps." Her smile was warm despite the loss. "Good luck in the finals."
The crowd buzzed with anticipation as the tournament's final match approached. Sasuke had emerged from the other side of the bracket, defeating opponents from four different regions with four different Pokémon. His versatility was becoming the talk of the festival.
"Your final opponent," the announcer declared..."hails from right here in Kanto! Representing Celadon City and the prestigious Senju Clan..."
Sasuke's attention sharpened.
Senju?
"...Kanaye Senju!"
The trainer who emerged from the opposite entrance was tall, confident, and immediately recognizable to one member of Sasuke's group.
"Kanaye?" Miyuki's voice carried shock and delight in equal measure. "He's here?"
The young man in question had spotted Miyuki as well. His battle-ready expression softened into genuine warmth as he crossed the arena, not toward Sasuke, but toward the competitor's section where the silver-haired breeder sat.
"Miyuki!"
"Kanaye!"
The cousins embraced with obvious affection, their reunion drawing curious glances from nearby spectators. Kanaye was perhaps a year older than Miyuki, with the distinctive features of the Senju bloodline, sharp golden eyes, aristocratic bearing, an aura of quiet power that suggested his reputation wasn't mere family prestige.
"I didn't know you were competing," Miyuki said, pulling back to examine her cousin. "You look well. The journey agrees with you."
"Three badges so far. Grandmother's training helped." Kanaye's attention shifted to the group surrounding Miyuki. "And these must be your traveling companions. I've heard about you."
"All good things, I hope," Kasumi said with a bright smile.
"Mostly." Kanaye's gaze settled on Sasuke, and something colder entered his expression. "So you're the guy traveling with my cousin."
"Sasuke Uchiha."
"I know who you are. The Supernova. Brother to the Champion." Kanaye's stance had shifted subtly, not hostile, but evaluating. Protective. "Miyuki's text messages mention you frequently."
Miyuki's cheeks colored slightly. "Kanaye..."
"Just making observations." But the edge in his voice was unmistakable. Big brother energy, directed at someone he perceived as a potential threat to family.
"The final match will be conducted tomorrow morning," the tournament official interrupted, clearly uncomfortable with the tension. "Both finalists should rest and prepare."
"Tomorrow then." Kanaye's eyes hadn't left Sasuke's face. "I've been wanting to test myself against the famous Uchiha prodigy. Now I get my chance."
"Looking forward to it."
They shook hands, firmly, neither willing to show weakness, while Miyuki watched with an expression that mixed embarrassment, exasperation, and something else Sasuke couldn't quite identify.
"He's protective," she explained after Kanaye had departed. "He's always been protective. Since we were children."
"I noticed."
"He doesn't mean anything by it. He's just... family."
Sasuke thought about Itachi, about the way older siblings could be simultaneously supportive and challenging. "I understand. Family is complicated."
"You'll be careful tomorrow? He's actually quite strong."
"I'm always careful." Sasuke's smile carried an edge of competitive fire. "But I'm also not planning to lose."
The finals awaited. Family rivalry, regional pride, and personal competition, all converging on a single battle that would determine the tournament's champion.