["Next, let's welcome the first competitor of this year's Professional Breeders Ranking Competition with a big round of applause… Crystal!"]
The flamboyant host announced enthusiastically, while a well-behaved-looking girl nervously walked onto the stage.
Behind her, a Vulpix with smooth fur and elegant posture jumped onto the stage unhurriedly, completely unfazed by the surrounding cheers and screams.
It looked just like a gentle, graceful little princess.
["Competitor Crystal earned the Level-3 Breeder Badge during her first time participating in the Ranking Competition. This year, she returns with her longtime partner Vulpix.
…How will the judges evaluate them this time?
NOW… let's enjoy the full charm of Vulpix~ as presented by Crystal!"]
The host finished the dramatic introduction and left the stage to Crystal and Vulpix.
Vulpix stepped forward without a hint of stage fright and let out a dainty cry.
"Vul…piiiix~!"
The sun shining over the land seemed to respond to Vulpix's call, withdrawing its rays from around the arena and focusing them solely on Vulpix.
Bathed in sunlight, Vulpix's fur glowed even more brilliantly, its six fluffy tails swaying gently in the breeze, so soft-looking it made people want to reach out and pet them… again and again!
Even after the sunbeam disappeared, the audience remained entranced by the beautiful illusion they had just witnessed.
"Vuuuul~!"
The cute cry rang out again, snapping the dazed audience back to reality.
["Wahahahaha, what an adorable Vulpix. Even my Clefable feels inferior!"] Leader Howard was the first to comment, with a hint of lemony envy in his tone.
["The color and sheen of Vulpix's tails are flawless. Only the healthiest Vulpix can have such vibrant, glossy, and smooth fur.
It's clear that Crystal takes excellent care of her Vulpix."]
Nurse Joy gave full recognition to both Crystal and Vulpix from a health and well-being perspective.
["Just one Sunny Day move fully showcased Vulpix's charm. No need for any extra presentation… because you both had enough confidence. That's a very good sign."]
Joseph also offered a serious evaluation, speaking from the perspective of a true Breeder.
Then, all eyes turned to Sato, who hadn't said a word.
Sato: …
So judges are required to comment on every participant?
'No one mentioned that before… this should come with an extra fee!'
["Mmh. …Good control over Sunny Day."]
In the end, Sato, ever the minimalist and Trainer-focused, offered a short evaluation.
Still, with unanimous approval from all four judges, Crystal's Breeder Level officially rose by one.
Pokémon League, Level-4 Breeder, Crystal…
Evaluation successful!
The first victory greatly boosted the morale of the competitors still waiting backstage, but soon Sato and the others poured cold water on the next few hopefuls.
["Primeape has an especially sensitive nose. Lavender perfume severely affects its emotional state, making it more prone to anger. This competitor still has room for improvement. Please listen more closely to your Pokémon's heart."]
Joseph offered a serious assessment, leaving Primeape's Trainer looking flustered and embarrassed.
["Fearow has high stamina and excels at aerial flight, so its feathers are naturally larger, tougher.
Your Fearow has short feathers and hasn't shed its down. It looks nice, sure, but it has lost its ability to survive in the wild. Unqualified!"]
Leader Howard wore a stern expression. Focusing only on appearance while neglecting substance was his least favorite style.
["Geodude's right finger is partially broken. While it can regenerate, as a Breeder, you should always be attentive to your Pokémon's health. Sorry, I can't give you a passing grade."]
Nurse Joy's observation was meticulous, pointing out a detail that everyone else had missed.
Yet even when eliminating a participant, she did so gently and gracefully, making it impossible for anyone to feel upset.
["Flamethrower looks flashy on the surface, but it's even weaker than an average Ember. It was probably forced through catalytic stimulation. I don't recommend a pass."]
Sato gave a negative verdict, and the others all nodded in agreement.
The friendly demeanor of the four judges left the gossip-hungry spectators outside feeling a bit disappointed.
["This one is okay, but Victreebel's vines are extremely tough..."]
The competition continued…
After evaluating several more competitors, Sato gradually gained more experience.
Even though the Breeder's focus was mainly on showcasing the Pokémon itself, an occasional move here and there still revealed many issues to him.
Which gave him even more to talk about.
["Next, let's welcome the seventy-eighth competitor, Yasunori Yamaguchi!"]
As the words fell, a tall, thin man with glasses slowly walked onto the stage.
Behind him, a Magmar with a fierce, muscle-packed face strode forward with long, heavy steps.
Sato, who had just been a bit distracted, was immediately drawn to it.
That Magmar… was Elite Four level!
["Competitor seventy-eight's Magmar is truly impressive. Even from way back here, I can feel the heat coming off it~!"] the host exclaimed excitedly.
"Mag~mar!"
Suddenly, Magmar turned its head and stared fiercely at Joseph, its thick facial muscles twisting into a terrifying scowl.
Then, Yasunori Yamaguchi began to speak.
"Magmar, use Fire Blast!"
"MAGMAAAAAR!"
Magmar let out a loud cry, then threw its head back sharply as a blazing red "大"-shaped flame burst forth.
The surging heatwave swept outward, and for a moment, the crowd felt as though they had been transported back to the peak of summer.
But seeing the fire wave come within barely half a meter of them, Sato frowned slightly.
Too close.
"Magmar…"
Just then, Yasunori Yamaguchi issued a second command.
"Tear it apart!"
"Magmar!"
Magmar suddenly launched the Fire Blast into the air, then wrapped its fists in flames and slammed them down toward the falling fire symbol.
Fwooooom!
When fire meets fire, what follows -besides an even more intense blaze- is an inevitable explosion.
Using the explosive and unstable nature of fire, Magmar had turned the Fire Blast into a trigger for detonation.
A small mushroom cloud rose and was quickly blown away by the ventilation system.
As the center of the stage became clear again, Magmar still stood proudly in place.
But on the other side, in front of Sato and the other three judges, a greenish energy shield had been activated.
Joseph squinted, his tone turning cold. ["Do you know the attack range of that Magmar move?"]
Yasunori Yamaguchi grinned and nodded casually, even a little smug.
["…So you knew it could reach us, and even some of the audience!"] Joseph's gaze hardened.
Yasunori Yamaguchi was stunned for a moment, then replied with a dismissive explanation. "Large-scale competitions all have safety protocols. Don't you guys?"
Joseph laughed angrily, dispelled the Protect energy shield in front of him, then pointed to the stage that wasn't particularly big.
["This is the Breeders Association Evaluation Competition, not the Pokémon League Silver Conference. Just because you're strong doesn't mean you can do whatever you want!"]