The residual heat from Fire Blast still lingered, and the clamor from the audience grew increasingly restless.
Yasunori Yamaguchi, the only Elite Four level Trainer of the new generation from the Yamaguchi Family.
No one knew why he came to participate in this Breeders Competition, but everyone felt like this event was just a formality for someone like him.
An Elite Four level Trainer -more than qualified to be a judge- and yet he came to join a competition that had only just begun and wasn't even well-known.
But after today, the Breeders Association Evaluation Competition might truly break into the mainstream.
The newly appointed Elite Four Sato was invited as a judge!
And the organizers openly criticized Trainer Yamaguchi for lacking restraint!
The scene shifted.
Magmar had already returned to Yamaguchi's side, and the intense heat radiating from its body distorted the air around them.
Yasunori adjusted his glasses, his expression equally unpleasant.
Ever since he became an Elite Four level Trainer, no one had ever scolded him directly; especially not in front of so many people.
If it weren't for the turmoil in the Family and the scandals breaking out around their corporate reputation…
He never would've lowered himself to participate in such a trivial competition for a mere sliver of recognition.
And yet he was criticized!
But remembering his real objective for coming, Yasunori held himself back. In fact, his eyes suddenly lit up as he realized this might actually be an opportunity.
Then, he spoke.
"Apologies. I acted recklessly earlier and didn't consider Magmar's attack range."
Lowering his head, bending at the waist, and bowing!
The triple combo of apologies happened in one fluid motion, and everyone's impression of Yasunori changed in an instant.
Humble, composed, principled… where else could you find such an outstanding Elite Four level Trainer?
Even if he wasn't the best-looking, and his Pokémon was a bit fierce…
But then, Yasunori continued in a tone of utmost sincerity: "However, as a professional competition event, proper safety protocols should be the most basic requirement.
The Breeders Association Evaluation Competition is gradually becoming a place where many Trainers pursue their dreams. Since I was the one to discover this issue, I'm willing to help solve it, whether that means contributing funds or effort."
"Bravo! That's our very own Trainer from Goldenrod City!"
"Whoa! So responsible… I really admire him!"
"This Breeder Competition is seriously lacking. Can't even protect the audience properly. Who'd dare come watch next time…"
"The organizers are still young. Not even the safety measures are in place. That fire almost burned me just now."
"…"
The crowd's opinion flipped in an instant!
But on the stage, away from the audience's view, Yasunori wore a mocking smile and looked at Joseph with eyes full of ridicule.
He didn't even bother hiding it from Sato and the others.
Sato's brows furrowed tightly. He really wanted to rush over and smash Yamaguchi's smug face in.
The spectators were ignorant. They didn't know that different types of competitions had different risk levels and therefore different protection standards, and that was fine.
But Yasunori, a well-established Trainer, absolutely knew all of this.
If even the Breeders Association Evaluation Competition required Elite Four level safety systems, how could anyone afford to host a normal event?
But Sato first turned to look at Joseph. This was his home "turf".
The debates raged on, disputes continued, and the few rational voices were soon drowned out by the chaos.
Joseph didn't rush to explain. He merely turned slightly to glance toward the audience section that had been affected by Fire Blast.
"Fey~"
Suddenly, a blue-bodied Comfey floated out from the audience stands and leisurely flew back to Joseph's side, nuzzling against him affectionately.
"Com~ Fey~"
"As long as everyone's alright…"
Joseph spoke softly to Comfey, then turned back to look at Yasunori again.
["You don't understand Breeders, and that's not your fault… because you're not worthy."]
Yasunori's lips twitched, the mockery on his face instantly replaced by fury. But this time, he had the "right" to retaliate openly.
Yet Joseph continued, ["But you're a Trainer, aren't you? Then I'll explain things to you the way Trainers do!"]
Bang!
A flash of red light. Gallade reappeared on the field after a long absence, and its Elite Four level aura immediately forced Magmar back two steps.
["Dare to face me in a battle? 'TRAI-NER' Yasunori!"] Joseph enunciated each word clearly, emphasizing the term "Trainer" with deliberate force.
Yasunori was stunned at first, then panic set in. His Magmar had only reached Low Elite Four level and was no match for that Gallade.
But Joseph was so young… how could he possibly own a High Elite Four level Pokémon?
Suddenly, Yasunori seemed to think of something, and he immediately shouted, "This stage can't withstand that power! Are you insane…? ARE YOU COMPLETELY IGNORING EVERYONE'S SAFETY?"
Joseph gave a faint smile and didn't even turn his head. Behind him, Sato had already provided the solution.
"Gengar."
"Gen~"
Gengar, with its golden eyes and back, appeared openly before everyone for the first time.
A Spatial Barrier -deliberately made visible- slowly rose, completely enclosing Joseph, Gallade, Yamaguchi, and Magmar within it.
The DarKnight Elite Four, Sato, had made his move!
The very same Gengar who once used its Spatial Barrier to drive back Team Rocket was now taking action!
And judging by the scene, it was clear that Elite Four Sato fully approved of resolving this matter the Trainer's way.
Yasunori stared at Sato like he was constipated. One of the reasons he joined this competition was to leech off Sato's popularity.
After all, the previous Breeder Competitions had never drawn this much attention.
That's it… he must've been too smug earlier and ended up offending Sato!
But still, wasn't he an Elite Four level Trainer too? Did he really not deserve even the slightest respect?
Fine. His opponent…
Looked even more damn powerful than he was!
["Wahahahaha! This just keeps getting better. Leave it to the young folks to put on a show!"]
Leader Howard laughed heartily as he stepped aside to watch. Nurse Joy could only shake her head helplessly and quietly contacted Officer Jenny to help maintain order at the venue.
As for the audience, they had zero complaints. Getting to watch an Elite Four level battle for free, with Sato's Gengar providing safety? They were beyond lucky!
Inside the Spatial Barrier, Yasunori was caught between a rock and a hard place. As Gallade stepped closer, he was so regretful his guts were twisting into knots.
He racked his brain but couldn't find a way to avoid the battle. Just then, Joseph's voice came again, pushing him further.
"Competitor Yasunori, are you afraid?"
Yasunori snapped. (乂｀д)
He glared fiercely at Joseph and growled, "Magmar, we're going all in! Even if we lose, we'll take a piece of them with us!"
"MAAAG-MAAAR!"
Magmar let out a roar, suppressing its fear as it stepped forward, glaring just as fiercely at Gallade.
"Take a piece of us…?" Joseph's smile remained unchanged, but his gaze turned cold. "Gallade, Close Combat!"
"Magmar, block it with Fire Punch…"
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