Pokemon: Skybound Chapter 264: 264. Pre-Match Preparations

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By 8:00 AM the next morning, Pumlo Island, usually a calm and slow-paced place, had beco incredibly crowded.

People had appeared from seemingly nowhere, flocking from all directions toward Pumlo Stadium.

Fortunately, since Pumlo Island was relatively small and didn't have a huge number of vehicles, the roads weren't completely gridlocked. But even so, the sidewalks were packed, forming a dense, endless sea of people.

In reality, the island's permanent population wasn't that large most of these people had rushed in overnight from nearby islands upon hearing that the Winner's Cup was about to be held.

For those travelling from closer islands, the trip only took a few hours, allowing them to arrive the previous night and find a hotel to rest in before the event.

But those coming from farther away had no such luxury. They had endured rough seas, spent the night exposed to strong ocean winds, and barely had ti to grab a hot breakfast before rushing straight to Pumlo Stadium, desperate to secure a good seat and make their journey worth it.

Yet, despite all the hardships, no one was complaining. Instead, they were buzzing with excitent, eagerly discussing the upcoming match with their families and friends.

Of course, aside from a small number of visitors from other regions, who objectively believed Kai had a good chance of winning, the majority of locals were die-hard supporters of Drake.

For them, it was about more than just winning it was about pride and belonging. They wanted Drake to defend his title, not only to secure personal glory but also to protect the honour of the Orange League itself.

By 8:40 AM, Kai arrived at Pumlo Stadium's side entrance, fully disguised hat, sunglasses, and a face mask, completely concealing his identity. Sabrina walked beside him.

Waiting for them outside the entrance were Carl and a young man in a suit, presumably another league official.

But they weren't alone several reporters from various Orange Archipelago news stations were stationed there as well, carrying microphones and caras, clearly waiting for Kai's arrival.

A security periter had been set up, with a team of guards keeping the excited spectators behind a barrier.

Seeing the scene from across the street, Kai let out a small sigh.

"Quite the reception," he murmured, glancing at Sabrina. "Feels like they're welcoming a movie star… except, unlike a real celebrity, I don't even get a car ride. I had to walk all the way here doesn't really match the grand entrance vibe, does it?"

Sabrina smirked. "What's wrong? Getting cold feet?"

"Of course not." Kai shook his head as they crossed the street toward Carl. "I was just thinking… after all that hype from yesterday, now I show up looking so plain. I bet all the Orange League fans are going to take one look at and think, 'This guy? That's it? He doesn't seem special at all.'"

Sabrina raised an eyebrow. "You're acting unusually sentintal today. This isn't like you. Besides, isn't underestimating you exactly what you wanted? It gives you an advantage when they let their guard down."

"That's called playing the fool to trick the tiger," Kai corrected, then sighed.

"Still, after thinking it over last night, I realized sothing just like Drake, I'm carrying more than just my own reputation. As the Indigo League Champion, my presence here isn't just personal it also affects the Indigo League's standing. If I lose, it's not just it's my entire league's credibility that takes a hit."

Sabrina patted his back, offering a rare mont of encouragent.

"Don't put too much pressure on yourself," she said calmly. "Forget what others think. Just focus on doing your best, and that's enough."

Kai looked at her in mild surprise.

He never thought he'd see the day when Sabrina would be the one comforting him!

It just proved how much she had changed since they first t.

As Kai approached Carl, his disguise initially fooled the Orange League official, who only gave him a passing glance before looking away.

But the mont he spotted Sabrina, Carl imdiately did a double take, his eyes widening.

"Wait—Kai?! Is that you?!" Carl asked, shocked. "Why are you dressed like this?"

Kai glanced at the reporters, then sighed.

"The match is about to start. If I showed up without a disguise, I'd probably get mobbed by fans or journalists before even reaching the stadium. This is just to avoid unnecessary trouble."

Unfortunately, his precautions weren't enough.

The mont the reporters overheard Carl say his na, they pounced like sharks sensing blood in the water.

"Mr. Kai! I'm a reporter from Orange TV could I ask you a few questions?!"

"Mr. Kai! I'm from tro News! What made you decide to cross the ocean and challenge the Orange League?!"

"Mr. Kai! Does your participation here an you officially acknowledge the Orange League's strength? Is that why you made this your next goal?!"

The barrage of questions ca all at once, with microphones practically shoved in his face.

Without saying a word, Kai simply walked past them and stood next to Carl.

Carl sighed internally.

This was not what he had expected.

In truth, he had invited these reporters himself, hoping to stir up buzz and build hype for the match.

He assud that Kai, as a young and talented Trainer, would appreciate the dia attention after all, this was a great chance to boost his fa.

But instead, Kai had completely ignored them.

Had he misjudged him?

Was Kai really the type of person who hated the spotlight?

This was a serious miscalculation.

With no other choice, Carl gave a subtle signal to the young league official, instructing him to hold off the reporters.

anwhile, Carl personally led Kai and Sabrina through the staff entrance into Pumlo Stadium.

Walking through the long corridors, Kai was soon introduced to several high-ranking Orange League officials.

After formal introductions, he politely shook hands with them and exchanged a few cordial words.

Finally, Carl escorted him to the competitor's lounge.

As he opened the door, Carl grinned and gestured for Kai to step inside.

"Mr. Kai, I must say you truly are impressive." Carl chuckled. "In all my years, I've never seen soone your age handle themselves so calmly in front of so many league executives. Not even a hint of nervousness!"

Kai waved off the complint. "It's nothing. I've just been through similar situations before. You get used to it after a while."

And with that, he stepped into the waiting room, preparing for the biggest battle of his Orange League journey.

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