September 15th, Tuesday.
The highly anticipated semi-finals of the Touran Region Youth Tournant kicked off at Ho-Oh's Nest.
Tens of thousands of spectators gathered in the stands on both sides, waving banners and flags, their cheers echoing throughout the arena.
Judging by the number of attendees and the popularity of Pokémon battles, the excitent of the Intercollegiate League rivaled even the frenzy of NCAA's "March Madness."
Contestants who perford exceptionally well in the Youth Tournant were like promising future stars, drawing significant attention in the League Tournant.
Even scouts like Scott were on the lookout for talented young trainers, ready to make early investnts.
It was clear that the Intercollegiate League garnered as much attention as any other major event!
...
Natsu scrolled through his phone, reading the exaggerated praises on the screen, and complained, "Isn't this just a Baby Cup? Why are they hyping it up like it's the Master League?"
Sakurako smiled faintly, though her eyes betrayed a hint of lancholy.
"Many young contestants may never get the chance to stand on the stage of the Touran Conference in their entire lives..."
"For them, the Intercollegiate League might be the pinnacle of their training careers."
Natsu pondered for a mont, then nodded slightly.
Just like how so NCAA stars might fade into obscurity after entering the NBA, no matter what, the Intercollegiate League was their stage to shine in their youth.
Natsu stretched his wrists and grinned. "I'm starting to feel fired up."
He hoped his opponent would be strong enough to make Squirtle step up its ga instead of slacking off!
On the battle stage.
The match between Kyoto University and Kobe University was underway.
A wave of yellow sand swept across the field, crackling against the protective barrier, eliciting gasps from the audience.
Amidst the sandstorm, a seemingly sluggish Hippowdon let out a long yawn, its crimson eyes glinting with cunning.
Shohei clicked his tongue in frustration and gritted his teeth. "Scyther, hang in there! Use Wing Attack!"
Scyther shook off its drowsiness and shot toward Hippowdon like an arrow.
The cool-headed man with glasses snapped his fingers. "Rock Tomb!"
Boulders crashed down, slamming Scyther into the ground and burying it under the sand.
"Kyoto University's contestant, Zuo Yu, wins!"
The audience erupted into cheers, though so murmured, "Shohei lost so decisively..."
"This was just a singles match. Their sandstorm strategy would be even more terrifying in team battles!"
"Is this the strength of Kyoto University?"
In the team event, Kyoto University's sandstorm strategy easily broke through Kobe University's defenses, securing their victory in the semi-finals.
"The first ticket to the finals has been claid! Let's congratulate Kyoto University!"
Cheers filled the arena as both teams shook hands and bowed before exiting the stage.
Takashi watched his old rival, Kyoto's Coach Kiichi, with a slight frown of unease.
"This year's Kyoto team is going to be tough to deal with..."
Natsu sighed. "It really is Hippowdon..."
Not Tyranitar, after all.
It was unexpected, yet made perfect sense.
Takashi nodded. "You think it's troubleso too?"
"Yeah..." Natsu agreed.
The chances of Squirtle being able to slack off just got a little slimr.
"Regardless, the sandstorm team's weaknesses are a point of Breakthrough. Torkoal can also compete for weather control as a backup."
Takashi pondered for a mont. "Let's focus on preparing for tomorrow's battle against Tokyo Yokohama National University!"
Under Coach Takashi's lead, the Tokyo tropolitan University team checked into the Budew Hotel.
Along the way, passersby were still excitedly discussing the day's matches.
"Is Kyoto going to win it all this year? Could they take ho a fourth consecutive championship?"
"Hard to say. Tomorrow's match between Tokyo tropolitan University and Yokohama National University will determine who advances."
"Yokohama National University uses a rain team, right? Tokyo tropolitan University's space-based strategy is too weak in singles. I'm betting on Yokohama National University!"
Natsu stroked his chin.
Weather systems heavily relied on the order of weather-setting Pokémon.
It seed even the Youth Tournant tested the coaches' insight and strategic planning!
Despite witnessing Kyoto's impressive performance, the team's morale remained high.
Because, unlike the previous matches, this ti, Natsu-sensei would be participating!
Every team needed a leader, a core figure to rally around.
Even though Natsu often slacked off, in everyone's eyes, he was tirelessly preparing the perfect training plans for them...
Keigo glanced at Natsu, who was deep in thought, and smiled. "In the previous matches, many people ntioned you. I think there are quite a few of your fans in the audience too."
Most contestants were young, and Natsu-sensei was highly popular among that age group.
It might not be called a fan tournant, but in essence, it was.
If people found out Natsu was competing, Tokyo tropolitan University's popularity would likely soar even higher.
Natsu rubbed his temples, feeling sowhat helpless.
I'm really just here to slack off!
It's already the semi-finals. Could I really take on five opponents single-handedly?
He looked down at the serious-faced Squirtle and sighed. "Winning or losing isn't the main thing. Just don't get hurt!"
Squirtle nodded carefully, a glint of determination in its eyes.
"Squirtle! ヾ(??■_■)"
...
September 16th, Wednesday.
Before the match, Tokyo tropolitan University announced their starting lineup.
Natsu's na was prominently listed.
The revelation sent shockwaves through the internet, with fans flooding the comnts section with question marks.
"??? Natsu-sensei is competing?"
"I thought Natsu-sensei had a conscience, but it turns out he's still ruthless!"
Though Natsu-sensei's exact strength was unknown, anyone who could outstrategize so many big shots couldn't possibly be a rookie.
Was it really appropriate to dive into a "baby cup" just for a few million Pokémon Coins?
"In a way, this is exactly the kind of thing Natsu-sensei would do."
"Didn't the tournant committee ban people who've competed in other leagues? What's going on with Natsu-sensei?"
In response to the online uproar, the tournant committee quickly held a discussion.
"President Masaru, take a look at this contestant's profile," the assistant said hesitantly. "There's been so controversy online questioning his eligibility to compete."
The president of the Touran Conference League Committee, whose status rivaled that of Charles Goodshow, glanced at the file. "Nothing seems wrong here... What's the issue?"
"So are saying he's a master trainer who's competed in several leagues..."
President Masaru chuckled. "His records are clear. It's not like he's a ti traveler. This is a non-issue. Let the tournant proceed!"
With the committee's statent, the controversy died down.
The official live stream was flooded with Natsu-sensei's fans.
"Here to see the legend!"
"Go get them, Natsu-sensei!"
"Leveling up in a Baby Cup? Classic Natsu-sensei!"
Amidst the overwhelming cheers and screams, the battle between Tokyo tropolitan University and Yokohama National University officially began.
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