Pokémon：Trainer's Gambit Chapter 217 - 0217: Sylveon's Sweep

October 25th, Sunday.

The highly anticipated semifinals of the Tokaido Region officially began.

Inside the arena, the sacred fla of Moltres burned brightly, and the entire venue was filled with enthusiastic cheers.

dia outlets from all over had gathered, setting up their caras and equipnt, with spotlights flickering everywhere.

During the pre-match draw ceremony,

A man with a gloomy expression walked out of the contestant tunnel and was imdiately surrounded.

"Mr. Shouta! I heard you've already passed the Professional Evaluation. Is the rumor true?"

Shouta frowned, his tone annoyed as he muttered, "Step aside... I need to draw."

"With a 3:0 record to reach the semifinals, what are your expectations for the semifinals?"

"What are your thoughts on Contestant Natsu, who hasn't lost a single point so far?"

Shouta stopped in his tracks. "Say that again."

The male reporter was taken aback.

"Natsu-sensei... is currently the most favored to win the championship..."

"A second-year student..."

Shouta paused, then sneered. "Even his Pokémon refuse to evolve... how adorable."

The reporters exchanged glances.

There had been quite a bit of debate online about Natsu's two Pokémon.

So believed that Natsu had only made it this far due to sheer luck, relying on two "unevolved" Pokémon.

This comnt had a sour undertone, but now Shouta had bluntly pointed it out...

"In my eyes, there's only the championship."

Shouta looked up at the big screen, his gaze hostile.

"That backpacker... Tyranitar, huh? Let him wait."

Watching the man push through the crowd and stride away, the reporters looked at each other, their expressions odd.

"What an attitude!" an old reporter spat.

"That's a Professional Trainer from the Gym," soone whispered. "Also a contestant who won the Intercollegiate League championship..."

...

The guest panel was fully seated.

Shoya, Hiroshi, Takuya, Mato...

The Gym Leaders gazed into the distance, their eyes fixed on the draw ceremony in the center of the arena.

"Ladies and gentlen, welco to the semifinals of the Tokaido Tournant!"

The comntator's passionate voice echoed throughout the venue.

"After the draw, the contestants will face off in duels."

"Let's wait and see what the results will be!"

"There are so many people?"

Natsu looked around, slightly taken aback.

In the audience stands, Natsu spotted his coach, Takashi, leading a group of young fans, waving flags and cheering.

"Go, Natsu-sensei!!" Reina shouted, her voice nearly breaking.

Even the usually reserved Tomoya turned red and yelled, "Go!!"

Natsu smiled faintly and gave a small wave.

The cheers from the audience grew even louder.

At this mont, the other semifinalist,

The cool-faced Sayuri, walked up to Natsu.

"G-Good afternoon," Sayuri stamred.

"Huh? You made it to the semifinals too?"

Sayuri was stunned:

"You... don't even check the matchup list?!"

Natsu's expression turned strange, and he coughed awkwardly, scratching his head.

Who cares who the opponent is? Just crush them!

"Out of the four semifinalists, only you and I are still students."

Sayuri said, "The other two... are really strong..."

Natsu: "I'm stronger."

"Huh?"

"You'll see soon."

Natsu said calmly, waving his hand as he walked slowly toward the center of the arena.

Watching Natsu-sensei's back, Sayuri's face turned red, her heart skipping a beat.

The comntator shouted, "The draw results are in!"

"Semifinals: Natsu from Tokyo tropolitan University versus Professional Trainer Shouta!"

Amid the roaring cheers,

Shouta stood with one hand in his pocket, a smirk on his face.

The two shook hands, and Shouta said with a smile, "Your Pokémon are quite cute."

Natsu replied, "Thanks, so are you."

Shouta was taken aback, his expression darkening as he snorted and walked away.

Natsu chuckled and said to the Poké Ball, "I've always thought you were cute."

"Sylveon~~φ(>ω