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The semifinals finally came to an end.
The two trainers who advanced to the finals were Kai and Dusher exactly as everyone had predicted.
After all, both of them had completely outclassed their opponents in their respective brackets, proving their overwhelming strength.
Many so-called Pokémon "analysts" were boasting on TV about their "accurate predictions," but honestly, even casual viewers who didn't usually follow matches could tell that the final would come down to Kai vs. Dusher.
Watching those "experts" speak so seriously on TV made people laugh.
Experts? They're just like us.
The championship match was set for the day after tomorrow the final battle of the Silver Conference.
Whoever wins… will be crowned Champion.
For the audience, this extra day built up even more hype for the big match. For Kai and Dusher, it gave them time to prepare strategies for their final opponent.
But Kai wasn't overthinking it. He'd already done all the prep work earlier. There was no need to waste brainpower now. He only had a set team of Pokémon, and as far as he was concerned Dusher could be the one to worry.
Meanwhile, the Pokémon League ramped up the hype even more with wall-to-wall advertising and promotions. Public attention reached a fever pitch.
As fans analyzed both trainers' previous matches, Dusher's two early losses in the semifinals became a hot topic online.
Some viewers insisted Dusher couldn't beat Kai at all claiming he only made it through because his opponents weren't strong.
"If Ash or Dusher's earlier rival had been in the same bracket as him," they argued, "the outcome might've been very different."
Of course, there were also conspiracy theorists who believed Dusher would win because "the League wouldn't allow the same trainer to win two regional championships in a row," implying some behind-the-scenes manipulation.
Either way, the internet was buzzing. But the majority — around 80% — still expected Kai to take the title.
---
The day before the final arrived.
With more and more spectators flooding into Silver Town, tickets for the match became impossible to get. Scalper prices outside soared to astronomical levels.
Besides Ash and his friends, more familiar faces came to Silver Town to cheer Kai on.
First was Professor Elm, who brought his wife and child. He'd arranged his work to make time for the big day.
Then came the Kimono Sisters — an unexpected surprise. They were public figures in Johto, and their presence at the final carried some risk of being recognized. Still, they had come to support Kai.
Kai was genuinely happy to see them. He reserved a private room at a traditional restaurant to host everyone.
Although they were all from the same region, Professor Elm and the Kimono Sisters naturally didn't know each other. But since the sisters were friendly and Ash and his friends helped break the ice, everyone quickly got along.
…Well, almost everyone.
Professor Elm's wife wasn't exactly thrilled that being surrounded by so many beautiful women would make any woman a little jealous, even if none of them had any interest in her husband.
"Mr. Kai," said Sakura, the eldest Kimono Sister, raising her glass. "I hope you'll win the championship tomorrow."
To stay low-key, the sisters wore casual clothes instead of their usual kimonos and didn't wear their stage makeup, blending in as just five attractive young women.
"Thank you," Kai replied, draining his sake in one gulp. (He didn't like the taste of sake much; he preferred beer or cocktails, but that wouldn't suit the occasion.)
"Big Sis," said Tamao, the third sister, smiling mischievously. "Kai is an outsider. Dusher is Johto's own trainer. Did you toast the wrong person?"
Her tone carried a bit of gunpowder. Kai shot her a glance.
Tamao was the one who had battled him back in Ecruteak City, and for some reason, she always seemed a little hostile toward him.
Before Sakura could reply, Satsuki, the second sister, covered her mouth and laughed. "Kai's our friend. Of course, we'll cheer for him."
"Yeah," Umeko, the fourth sister, chimed in. "This isn't a regional battle — it's about personal honor."
Tamao gave them both a sharp look she didn't expect them to side with Kai!
The tension passed quickly, though.
Except for Tamao's subtle jabs, everyone got along well. Erika, in particular, clicked with the sisters thanks to her gentle personality.
But…
Sakura and Satsuki exchanged a quick glance.
Even though none of them had married yet, it was obvious to anyone with eyes: Erika and Kai were noticeably closer now.
There was a softness in Erika's expression and a faint glow in her eyes that came from recent intimacy.
The sisters exchanged silent surprise. They'd always thought of Erika as a traditional woman. It was unexpected… but not really shocking.
When a man and woman like Kai and Erika travel together alone, something is bound to happen eventually.
After all, Kai had everything looks, strength, achievements. If not for knowing Erika was close to him, they might have fallen for him.
---
That night, after another passionate "battle," Kai lay in bed with Erika in his arms. The heat of their earlier activity still lingered in the air, fogging up the windows.
Leaning against the pillows, Kai absently asked,
"After dinner, what were Sakura and Satsuki talking to you about?"
Earlier that day, after the gathering ended, everyone had gone back to their hotels. But before leaving, Kai had seen the Kimono Sisters pull Erika aside, chatting and laughing together.
"Nothing much," Erika replied softly. "Just girl talk. They also invited me to visit them after the tournament."
Then she hesitated. "Actually… Tamao doesn't really hate you. She just…"
Kai raised an eyebrow. "She just what?"
"She just admires you."
"...What!?"
Kai nearly choked. "Admire me? She keeps picking fights with me!"
Erika giggled. "Some girls are just like that — proud, and they show their interest by being combative."
Kai frowned. That actually matched Tamao's attitude… but still felt strange. Was Erika hinting at something?
"…Forget it," he finally said with a small laugh. "If you want to visit them after the tournament, we'll go. But I'll keep my distance from her."
---
Fireworks exploded over Silver Town the next day.
The stadium was packed, flags waving, torches blazing. The crowd roared as the final began.
"Ladies and gentlemen!" the host's voice boomed with excitement. "After many fierce battles, the Silver Conference has finally reached its grand finale! Two trainers stand here today — and they'll give everything they've got to claim the title of Champion!"
Under the spotlight, Kai and Dusher walked out from opposite tunnels, shaking hands at center field before taking their positions on opposite sides.
Pokémon League President gave a short opening speech, but Kai's focus was entirely on Dusher.
Dusher was about the same age as Kai with brown hair, a T-shirt, and shorts. His looks were ordinary, but his confident smile revealed his strength.
He was from Cherrygrove Town, famous for its cherry blossoms in the spring.
Back in the lounge, Erika, Ash, Misty, Brock, Professor Elm's family, and the Kimono Sisters were watching the match on a big screen. They hadn't managed to get tickets, but Kai had arranged the VIP room for them.
Sakura turned to Ash. "Do you think Mr. Kai will win this battle?"
Ash nodded seriously. "Of course. Kai's the strongest trainer I've met besides Lance. No one's beating him."
Their confidence eased everyone's nerves.
Only Tamao stood apart, arms crossed, watching Kai on the screen with a faint, unreadable smile.
---
Finally, the referee's voice echoed:
"Now we will determine the battlefield and the trainer to attack first!"
The wheel spun between Grass, Rock, Ice, and Water… and stopped on Water Field.
Kai also drew the second move — a good position.
Dusher's ace was Rapidash, and a water field would severely limit a Fire-type's mobility. Going second also gave Kai flexibility to counter.
"Now — Dusher, please send out your first Pokémon!"
Dusher took a deep breath, grabbed his Poké Ball, and threw it forward.
"Go, Rhyhorn!"
The huge Rhyhorn landed on the battlefield with a heavy thud.
Kai wasn't surprised. He'd seen the footage Rhyhorn had crushed many of Dusher's opponents earlier. Dusher clearly wanted to open strong and seize momentum.
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~Support with 200 PowerStones = 1 Bonus Chapter
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