Aoki and Steven's battle reached its climax.
At this point, there was no talk of single-core or dual-core strategies, because it was a complete free-for-all.
Steven also understood Aoki's intention, and a warmth welled up in his heart.
The audience watched with their blood boiling.
The final result was that Aoki's Aggron and Steven's Aggron drew, Metagross defeated Slowking, Tyranitar defeated Steelix, Gengar defeated Claydol, and Blaziken defeated Armaldo with the help of Florges.
Therefore, the final victor was Aoki!
In fact, Aoki could have used a more stable and elegant method to win the battle, because the moment Aerodactyl fell, Aoki's chances of winning had already reached ninety percent.
But he didn't do that; instead, he chose to engage Steven in a chaotic battle, reducing his winning probability to eighty percent.
It seemed like there wasn't much difference, but to ordinary people, it appeared to be an evenly matched contest between Aoki and Steven.
They watched happily and comfortably, Steven wouldn't feel resentful or embarrassed, and Aoki also achieved victory.
There were benefits on multiple fronts, so why not?
So, when the match ended, and after the referee announced the victory, Aoki and Steven walked to the center of the field to shake hands.
Their fists habitually bumped, then their hands clasped together. This scene was perfectly captured by a nearby reporter.
The next day, it would be titled: The First Collision of Hoenn's Supernovas!
"You brat, you even deliberately went easy on me? What, do you think I can't accept the reality of being completely defeated by you?" Steven said with a smile.
Hearing this, Aoki also smiled, "Yeah, I was just afraid someone would lose too badly and come crying to my room at night. I wouldn't be able to console them then."
"Hahahahaha—"
"Hahahahaha—"
The two looked at each other and burst into laughter.
They laughed very happily and sincerely, not at all like opponents who wanted to destroy each other.
They both completely treated this match as a genuine sparring session; it was important, but it didn't represent everything.
"Well played!" Steven patted Aoki's shoulder. "In terms of strategy, you're ahead of me, but don't worry, I'll catch up."
Aoki also patted Steven's shoulder, "I believe in you, you're the famous Steven Stone! But when I become more handsome than you, don't you dare cry."
"Hahaha—you brat!"
After speaking, Steven and Aoki embraced, marking a friendly end to the battle.
"The stage is yours alone now, don't embarrass us all," Steven whispered into Aoki's ear at the end, then turned and left with a satisfied smile.
He was very dashing, showing no resentment at all despite losing the match.
His carefree demeanor once again gained him a large number of fans.
After Steven left, the referee walked to Aoki's side, raised his hand, and announced, "I declare the winner of this match to be Mr. Aoki!!!"
"Aoki!! Aoki!! Aoki!!!"
"Sandstorm Aoki!!! Sandstorm Aoki!!!"
"Lord Aoki!!! Lord Aoki!!! Lord Aoki, I want to have your babies!!!"
"Lord Aoki, you're so handsome!!!"
"…"
In an instant, the entire stadium was filled with thunderous cheers. Even those who had originally supported Steven now shouted their congratulations to Aoki for his victory!
Anyone with eyes could see that Aoki and Steven were very good friends, true brothers, with no falsehood mixed between them.
Their sincere smiles earlier had proven everything.
The rumors of discord and animosity, spread by some ill-intentioned media during the promotion of this match, were now self-refuting.
At this moment, the internet was also filled with cheers; from then on, Steven fans and Aoki fans were one family.
It showcased a beautiful online environment where Steven fans and Aoki fans were like family.
"Next, I invite our victor, Aoki, to the stage!" After saying this, the head referee made way for Aoki to walk onto the main platform.
Clap, clap, clap, clap—
A wave of applause erupted, continuing until Aoki walked from the field to the highest main platform.
At this moment, everything was ready. Adams, Drake, Roxanne, and other high-ranking officials of the Hoenn League were also applauding, smiling, and welcoming Aoki to the main platform.
Aoki was ushered by everyone to the very center of the main platform.
Adams took the microphone, "I am the Hoenn League President! Adams!
I believe everyone knows what the conclusion of this match signifies!
Therefore… I announce!
Aoki of Verdanturf Town! Has become the fourth Elite Four member of the Hoenn League!!!
Let us welcome — Sandstorm Aoki!!"
Aoki had not yet chosen his type, and Adams did not make a decision for Aoki privately. Instead, he directly used Aoki's nickname, Sandstorm Aoki!
If Aoki were to decide on a type, he could also be referred to by that type.
However, looking at the types and varieties of Aoki's current Pokémon, choosing one type to represent him seemed somewhat unrealistic.
"Sandstorm Aoki!!!"
"Sandstorm Aoki!!!"
"Sandstorm Aoki!!!"
A unified chant began to emerge!
Adams moved the microphone away and quietly asked Aoki for his opinion.
To be honest, Aoki had never really thought about what his Elite Four title would be. At this moment, hearing so many cheers, he had a sudden inspiration.
One type couldn't represent him, so it would be better to use his battle strategy to refer to him.
"Let's go with Sandstorm," Aoki said.
Hearing this, Adams immediately understood his meaning, picked up the microphone, and declared, "Let us cheer for the new Elite Four, the Sandstorm Elite Four, Aoki!!! Let us celebrate!!!"
"Sandstorm Elite Four!!!"
"Sandstorm Elite Four!!!"
"Sandstorm Elite Four!!!"
"…"
In an instant, the name 'Sandstorm Elite Four' resounded throughout the entire venue.
From this moment on, Aoki officially became the fourth Elite Four member of the Hoenn region, codenamed, Sandstorm Elite Four!!
Aoki chose this name very casually, even with a sense of going with the flow, but this title was very well-received by the audience.
What Dark-type Elite Four or Psychic-type Elite Four? None of them sounded as good as Sandstorm Elite Four. Dragon-type Elite Four would have been a bit better, but the Dragon-type Elite Four title was already taken by Aoki's new teacher, so he couldn't snatch his title.
Sandstorm Elite Four, it was quite good.
"How about it? Do you want to say a few words?" Adams asked.
Aoki nodded, took the microphone, and said, "I am! The Sandstorm Elite Four, Aoki! Please take good care of me from now on!"
After speaking, Aoki returned the microphone to Adams.
...
At this time, there were quite a few people watching the match in front of different televisions.
Among them were those in the Team Rocket base in Viridian City, Kanto region.
Giovanni was also watching Aoki and Steven's match. After seeing Aoki win and establish his title, he turned off the television.
"Sandstorm Elite Four? Not bad," Giovanni muttered to himself with a smile.
"The Kanto region chose to undergo a change at this time, which can be seen as seizing an opportunity when Team Rocket cannot act. Let's see whose methods are more ingenious."