----
As Kai stepped out of the trainer tunnel, the stadium erupted in thunderous applause.
The cheers were even louder than those during Misty and Trinity's match clear proof that Kai was the undisputed fan favorite of this tournant.
Because he'd lingered a little while in the tunnel earlier, his opponent was already waiting on the opposite end of the battlefield.
Kai took his ti walking to his trainer's platform, casually eyeing the man standing across from him.
Middle-aged, confident, and dressed in a tailored suit more suited for a gala than a Pokémon battle. The guy had slicked-back hair, a perfectly grood beard, and a smug expression to match.
He looked more like the CEO of a luxury wine company than a Pokémon Trainer.
Honestly, Kai thought, this is the kind of man you'd expect to see sipping rlot in an office with a sunset view not throwing Poké Balls in an open arena.
But in a world where Pokémon battling was a global passion, it wasn't surprising to see people from all walks of life stepping into the ring. And thanks to the Whirl Cup's open registration, this businessman had sohow made it to the quarterfinals.
Without a greeting, the two waited for the referee's signal.
Their Poké Balls launched at the sa ti.
The businessman's first Pokémon a Clawitzer.
It was a species rarely seen in Johto or Kanto, far more common in the Kalos region. Its massive cannon-like claw glistened under the arena lights.
Kai wasn't surprised. He'd seen footage of this guy's earlier matches and expected the Clawitzer.
The Kalos-native Pokémon likely gave the man an advantage few Trainers in the region had seen one in action, let alone knew how to counter it. That unfamiliarity had likely helped him steamroll through the earlier rounds.
But Kai wasn't "most Trainers."
He responded with his usual partner Blastoise.
The crowd's excitent deflated a little.
Not because they didn't love Blastoise quite the opposite. But Kai had only used Blastoise throughout the tournant so far, and the fans were itching to see sothing new from him.
Why wasn't he switching things up?
Didn't he have other Pokémon?
His opponent smirked.
In his mind, Kai's choice to rely on a single Pokémon scread arrogance like he was trying to show off his superiority.
A successful businessman like him was used to being admired. Seeing a younger, more popular Trainer getting all the attention stirred a bitter jealousy in him.
He thinks he's special? Just because the crowd loves him? Wait until I knock that smug look off his face.
Despite his internal monologue, the businessman kept a polished smile on cara, playing the role of the gracious competitor.
The referee called for the match to begin.
Kai narrowed his eyes. He knew all about Clawitzer.
A Water-type with a massive claw that wasn't just for show it could fire powerful [Aura] and [Pulse] moves with devastating force. Its ability, ga Launcher, boosted the power of such moves.
Only a handful of Pokémon possessed that ability Clawitzer, its pre-evolution Clauncher, and… ga Blastoise.
That connection made the battle all the more intriguing two Pokémon with the sa high-powered trait facing off.
Not that the announcers knew that. Kai noted, with so disappointnt, that the comntary team wasn't familiar with Clawitzer at all.
The businessman struck first. "Clawitzer, use Dragon Pulse!"
The cannon arm lit up, launching a spiraling beam of energy. Kai's Blastoise stood firm, blocking the attack with practiced ease.
Clawitzer pressed the assault, firing move after move—[Water Pulse], [Dark Pulse], even [Flash Cannon] but Blastoise matched it every ti, deflecting each blow with precision.
The audience was enthralled. The flashy, high-powered moves lit up the field. This was the kind of spectacle they'd co to see.
For several minutes, it looked like an even match one Pokémon playing offense, the other, defense.
But seasoned spectators saw through the façade.
Clawitzer's attacks were impressive in scale, not in impact. Blastoise absorbed the hits like a fortress, responding with counterattacks when the ti was right.
Kai remained calm. The battle wasn't hard he just had to avoid getting caught by Clawitzer's oversized claw.
Exactly like Erika had said back in the lounge: outside of Ash, Misty, Trinity, and that mysterious guy, the other Trainers in this tournant… weren't that strong.
Finally, the businessman panicked.
"Get in close! Use Crabhamr!"
Clawitzer lunged forward, its cannon glowing bright. This was its strongest move a lee strike with enough power to flatten most Pokémon.
But Kai was ready.
"Withdraw!"
Blastoise tucked into its shell just in ti.
BOOM!
The claw slamd into the shell with a crack of force, sending Blastoise spinning… only for it to bounce back, launching itself into a headbutt.
SKRACK!
Clawitzer was sent flying.
The referee didn't hesitate. "Clawitzer is unable to battle!"
The crowd exploded.
Kai stood tall as the businessman's expression fell.
He'd studied Blastoise's battle footage for hours. And still… he hadn't made a dent.
Worse yet Blastoise looked almost untouched. It was still in peak condition. And his second Pokémon? It didn't stand a chance.
But with the referee urging him on, he had no choice.
He sent out his next Pokémon—a Binacle.
Kai blinked. Another Kalos native? Does this guy have business ties over there or sothing?
Binacle stood atop a rock, two clawed arms each sporting a grumpy little face. Water/Rock-type. Ugly, awkward, and barely evolved.
Kai had to fight back a grimace. No offense, but… yikes.
He raised his Pokédex out of habit.
"Binacle – The Two-Handed Pokémon. Rock/Water type. Binacle pairs attach to rocks by the sea and move by stretching and contracting their limbs. When partners quarrel, one will find a new rock."
Kai snorted.
Okay… that's actually kind of cute.
And then imdiately shook his head. What the hell am I thinking? Don't get soft.
Across the field, the businessman felt a flicker of hope.
Kai had clearly never fought a Binacle before.
Finally, he thought. An edge. If he doesn't know what he's dealing with, I can win this!
But his confidence crumbled seconds later.
Instead of hesitating, Kai launched into a full offensive.
"Hydro Pump!"
The battle had flipped.
If the last match had showcased Blastoise's defense, this one was all about raw aggression. Kai went on the attack, overwhelming Binacle with powerful water blasts and close-range hits.
Binacle couldn't keep up.
Blastoise finished it off with a clean strike, knocking it unconscious almost instantly.
The businessman froze.
It was over faster than the first round.
He'd thought he could recover. Thought he had a chance.
But he was wrong. Horribly wrong.
Kai didn't even look back. He recalled Blastoise and walked off the field without a word.
The businessman was left standing there, jaw clenched, face tight, surrounded by cheers that weren't for him.
His whole persona the suave suit, the cara-ready smile, the Kalos imports ant nothing now. He was just another Trainer who lost.
A few classy won in the audience sighed in sympathy. His mature charm had its fans.
But this was a tournant. And in a tournant, only strength mattered.
As Kai basked in the crowd's adoration, he didn't give the businessman a second thought.
Aside from the guy's flashy wardrobe and regional choices, there was nothing worth rembering.
Give it a day… and he'd probably forget him altogether.
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