July 8th, Wednesday.
The long-awaited finals of the Piplup Cup were set to begin today.
This year's tournant had generated more buzz than any previous edition.
The two competitors were a study in contrasts. One was a prodigy from Osaka University's Battle Departnt, who had already earned the admiration of several Gym Leaders at a young age.
The other was a complete unknown, a rookie from the Finance Departnt with no specialized training in battling!
This stark contrast had driven the competition's popularity to new heights.
Surprisingly, on social dia, Natsu's support was overwhelming!
"Wait, Natsu-sensei is this young?"
"Grinding in a rookie tournant? Natsu-sensei is seriously shaless!"
"Bullying newbies? You're the definition of talent without morals!"
Though it might seem beneath him, given Natsu-sensei's notorious audacity, no one doubted he'd stoop to entering a rookie tournant for the prize money.
"Strongly suggest disqualifying Natsu-sensei from competing!"
"Isn't Natsu-sensei at Master Level? How did the organizers even let him participate?"
"Don't overthink it! Natsu-sensei's age fits the criteria, and what's wrong with grabbing so prize money?"
"Let him have it, let him have it!"
Facing the online rumors, Takuya, the Tokyo Gym Leader and guest comntator, smiled and said, "While his command skills are impressive... calling him a Master is a bit of a stretch, don't you think?"
Beside him, Shoya, the President of the Tokyo Pokémon Association, with his graying hair, hesitated before speaking. "Masters under twenty aren't unheard of. The current World Champion won the league title at just eleven years old. But... if Natsu really were a Master, would he be competing in a rookie tournant? Who does that?!"
"Maybe... he's had so unique opportunities," Shoya muttered vaguely.
Next to them sat a burly man with a thick beard, who nodded and said, "I've seen his videos. They're impressive... but that's just in gas. Using weaker Pokémon, no matter how skilled your commands are, can't make up for the gap in raw strength."
The man narrowed his eyes. "Trying to use Ryosuke to train his Pokémon? Hmph, he's being too naive."
Takuya glanced at the man, Mato, the Electric-type Gym Leader of Saga City and Ryosuke's father. He was here as a guest comntator, but also to support his son.
While the guests wouldn't influence the outco, witnessing his child's victory firsthand held great significance for him.
"Let's hope so," Shoya said with a dry laugh.
At the finals venue, rcedes Arena, the stands were packed to capacity.
The battlefield was surrounded by massive banners from Piplup Inc., and Magnemite, doubling as a cara drone, hovered overhead. With its Sturdy ability, Magnemite could withstand the aftermath of powerful moves, making it the perfect tool for the job!
"Go, Natsu-sensei!!"
Reina, one of the tournant's semifinalists and a devoted fan, had organized a professional cheer squad.
Another semifinalist, Kazuki, was also cheering loudly from the sidelines.
Watching from the competitor's entrance, Natsu wiped his brow. These days, even trying to make a quick buck wasn't easy without being recognized!
"Haunter!" Haunter looked eager and ready.
The small Dusk Stone had been completely licked clean by Haunter the night before.
Despite being a stone, it tasted almost like candy.
After finishing the Dusk Stone, Haunter had gazed at Natsu with longing, its expression almost shy.
"Really, that's all I've got," Natsu said, spreading his hands.
Haunter: (°ー°〃)
"Do well tomorrow, and maybe we can exchange for another one in a couple of days."
"Haunter! (☆_☆)"
...
Ryosuke stepped onto the battlefield, looking nervous.
Facing the handso young man smiling at him, Ryosuke said sternly, "Don't talk to . I won't listen to anything you say."
"Huh?" Natsu blinked. "Not even a greeting?"
"No! You're just trying to ss with my focus!"
"Alright... have you eaten yet?"
"Uh... not yet. I was planning to grab sothing after the match."
The comntator exclaid, "Are the competitors trash-talking already? The tension is palpable!"
"I know a great place for Ichigo Daifuku. I can recomnd it to you later."
"Really? I'm not a big fan of sweet things, so Ichigo Daifuku isn't really my..."
The comntator shouted, "The match has begun! This is going to be a historic finals!"
Red lights flickered.
Magneton and a sinisterly grinning Haunter appeared on the field simultaneously.
Ryosuke's nerves eased slightly.
This Trainer... seems pretty easygoing...
I just need to focus on commanding well!
Ryosuke's eyes sharpened, but before he could issue a command, Magneton was already slamd into the ground.
"Incredible speed! That's Haunter's Shadow Punch!"
Kazuki, watching from the stands, couldn't help but frown.
Even as a Master, he's resorting to cheap shots?
"That's Natsu-sensei for you..." Kazuki muttered.
The strategy seed ingrained in Natsu's DNA, and even he couldn't help but blush when he realized what had happened.
Pure coincidence, I swear!
Haunter, you're too much, charging in like that without waiting for a command!
With a sinister grin, Haunter retracted its fist and, in an instant, flickered in front of Magneton, its eyes glowing with the eerie blue light of Hypnosis!
"Electric Terrain!" Ryosuke shouted.
The reflexes of a Gym Leader's heir were on full display.
Crackling electricity surged from Magneton, forming an electromagnetic field that enveloped the area.
[Electric Terrain] prevented Pokémon within its range from falling asleep and boosted the power of Electric-type moves!
On the guest panel, Takuya glanced at Mato.
The Electric-type Gym of Saga City had so impressive training thods!
Haunter's Hypnosis failed.
"Thunderbolt!"
In the next mont, six bolts of electricity shot out from Magneton's magnets, converging into a massive Thunderbolt!
Boom!
Just as the tide seed to turn, gasps erupted from the audience.
Behind Magneton, another sinisterly grinning Haunter had appeared!
Haunter's Substitute was shattered by the Thunderbolt.
But the real Haunter had already circled behind Magneton, its fingertip igniting a Will-O-Wisp that began to burn along Magneton's screws.
"Haunter dodged the Thunderbolt!" the comntator roared.
"Will-O-Wisp hits at close range! Magneton is now burned!"
Using Electric Terrain to counter Hypnosis was predictable, but the main goal of inflicting a burn had been achieved.
Natsu rubbed his chin.
Haunter's speed advantage ant Ryosuke's priority would be ensuring his moves' accuracy.
Magneton's status moves... Thunder Wave or Supersonic. With Electric Terrain boosting it, Thunder Wave was the obvious choice!
"Haunter, Hex!"
"Magneton, Thunder Wave!"
The burn continued to chip away at Magneton's HP.
And now, Hex would deal double damage!
A wave of black mist engulfed Magneton, which let out a pained cry as it crashed to the ground, its HP nearly depleted.
Mato, the Gym Leader of Saga City, slamd his fist on the table, unable to contain his frustration.
What kind of judgnt is this... to predict Ryosuke's move in an instant?!
Just how strong is this Natsu?!
"There's still a chance," Takuya said, narrowing his eyes. "If the paralysis lands..."
Natsu had opted for a strong Hex attack instead of a Protect stall strategy.
But Magneton wasn't knocked out yet.
If Thunder Wave hit, and luck wasn't on Natsu's side, this could co back to haunt him!
The Thunder Wave crackled and struck Haunter, causing it to stiffen.
Haunter was paralyzed!
Ryosuke's eyes widened.
There's still hope!
"Haunter, finish it with Hex," Natsu said calmly.
Haunter grinned sinisterly, its tongue flicking out to reveal a Cheri Berry, which it promptly chewed and swallowed.
In front of thousands of spectators, Haunter shalessly cured its paralysis, letting out a mischievous laugh.
"Haunter! ヾ(≧?≦*)ヾ"
The paralysis was gone!
With a flick of its finger, Haunter sent another wave of black mist surging toward Magneton.
Sizzle!
The sound of corroding tal filled the air as the referee raised his flag.
"Winner: Natsu from Tokyo tropolitan University!"
🌟 Join My Patreon and Unlock Exclusive Pokémon Content! 🌟
👉patreon/PokemonStoryWeaver
Are you a fan of the Pokémon series? Beco a mber today and enjoy amazing benefits!
🌟 mbership: Pokémon Series - Gold Champion
Unlock access to 25 Chapters in advance!
Enjoy daily updates with 2 new chapters every day!
🌟 mbership: Pokémon Series - Platinum Legend
Unlock access to 87 Chapters in advance!
Enjoy daily updates with 5 new chapters every day!
Join now and imrse yourself in the exciting world of Pokémon like never before! Your support ans the world to !
User Comments
0 comments from readers