Because it was a blind selection, the Pokémon participating on both sides were filled with uncertainty.
No one knew what kind of opponent they would face.
For Koji, his Kingler, being a pure Water-type, wasn't weak to Dragonite, but its Water-type moves would deal halved damage to a Dragon-type Pokémon.
This was not good news.
When the battle began, Kingler quickly approached Dragonite, while Dragonite took to the air, flying into the sky.
Seeing this, and with Kingler unable to get close, Koji could only yell, "Kingler, use Water Gun!"
Although he knew Water-type moves wouldn't cause significant damage to Dragonite, it was one of the few long-range moves he had, and on such an open field, it was one of Koji's limited options.
However, hitting a flying target with such a move was difficult. Dragonite simply did a light roll and dodged the long stream of water.
"Dragonite, use Dragon Rush!"
At Natsui's command, a faint cyan aura surrounded Dragonite's body. After circling a few times in the air, it dove towards Kingler.
"Use Protect!"
Koji quickly yelled. He knew Kingler couldn't dodge Dragon Rush at its speed, but he clearly had a better way to handle it.
Kingler placed its two pincers in front of its chest, and a similar wondrous light enveloped its body. Just then, Dragonite slammed into Kingler with immense force. Although it knocked Kingler back several meters, when Kingler stopped, it was completely unharmed.
That was the incredible power of Protect. However, Natsui hadn't expected to defeat Kingler with just one hit.
Taking advantage of Kingler's unstable footing, Natsui immediately launched his offensive.
"Don't give it time to recover, use Thunder Punch!"
As a versatile fighter, Dragonite could use Fire Punch and Thunder Punch in close combat, in addition to the Normal-type Slam and Water-type Aqua Tail. Natsui generally preferred Thunder Punch over Fire Punch.
Although both moves had equal power, Thunder Punch had a chance to inflict paralysis, which was one of Natsui's favorite status conditions.
That brief moment of paralysis for the opponent often became the crucial turning point in a battle.
"Kingler, use Crabhammer!"
For Koji, close combat was also Kingler's specialty. Seeing Dragonite advance instead of retreating, he showed no fear.
Kingler took a few steps forward, swinging its large and small pincers, clashing with Dragonite's electricity-wreathed fists in a direct confrontation.
In terms of move power alone, Crabhammer was undoubtedly much stronger than Thunder Punch. Its massive pincer could even land critical hits more easily.
But just as Natsui had planned, after the two Pokémon skirmished and traded blows a few times, Thunder Punch's paralysis effect triggered. It felt as if electricity flowed through Kingler's body. Just as it was about to move, its body froze for a moment.
This was the chance he was waiting for!
"Dragonite, use Aqua Tail and Hyper Beam!"
Dragonite's tail was enveloped in swirling water. It spun around, whipping its tail against Kingler, sending it flying into the air. At the same moment, it began gathering energy in its mouth. The instant Kingler landed, Dragonite opened its mouth, and a thick beam of energy shot out, hitting Kingler dead center.
This smooth little combo sent Kingler crashing to the ground.
When the referee raised his flag, Koji finally snapped back to reality.
Just moments ago, it looked like an even match, trading blows on the ground. How did it end so suddenly?
After his surprise, he let out a long sigh, recalled Kingler, and walked over to Natsui with a wry smile to shake his hand.
"I lost..."
"You performed very well," Natsui said, patting his shoulder. "But like I said, my Dragonite is very strong too."
Truthfully, he could have easily had Dragonite defeat Koji from the air using long-range attacks. But having met Marina and knowing Koji's dream and his journey far from home, Natsui had a good impression of the boy and didn't want to crush his confidence. That's why he chose to fight him head-on.
It seemed that despite the risks, the outcome was still favorable.
Having won the first match smoothly, Natsui recalled Dragonite and walked off the battlefield.
Erika and Misty came over to meet him.
"Congratulations, Natsui! Only two more matches to qualify!" Misty was the first to congratulate him.
Erika, being a gym leader, saw things on a deeper level. She looked at Koji in the distance and said approvingly, "Actually, that kid is quite strong."
Natsui nodded. Erika wasn't wrong.
Koji did have skill. Although it seemed like Natsui had a huge advantage and won easily, having fought him, Natsui knew it was only relative. If any other trainer had faced Koji, the outcome would have been uncertain.
If Koji could maintain this level in his next battles, qualifying shouldn't be a problem.
Natsui sat down on a nearby chair to rest and wait for his second match.
His next fight was the fourth match in Group A. It wasn't long. After watching the third match, it was his turn again.
His opponent this time was an older man who looked like an office worker from a large company. He wore thick, round glasses and had a wooden expression, as if he had lost hope in life and was trying to reignite his lost passion by participating in the Pokémon conference.
The Pokémon he used was a Houndoom. Natsui sent out his Tyranitar.
But...
Natsui didn't know when this older man had earned his badges, but it was clear he hadn't trained his Pokémon in a long time. As soon as the battle started, Natsui could feel that this Houndoom's strength was not only incomparable to Koji's Kingler but even slightly weaker than an average trainer's Pokémon.
This was another easy victory. After gauging his opponent's strength, Natsui barely gave any commands in the latter half of the match.
Against such an opponent, Tyranitar's performance could only be described as brutal. It unleashed its ferocious side, making the Houndoom cry out in pain repeatedly.
In the end, even Natsui couldn't bear to watch and turned his head away.
It was only after encountering this office worker that Natsui truly understood why the Pokémon League held such a qualifying round before the main tournament: to weed out those just making up the numbers and present more exciting battles to the audience.
--------------------------
Note from Lizbeth
This message is for one person who, after watching just one episode, thinks they know the worth of everything I do. But it's one thing to dislike something — and another to lie, make things up, or spread hate. That's never okay, under any circumstances.
We can all have different opinions, but anyone with common sense knows that lying is never acceptable.
I take the time to edit, check, correct, and make sure everything is fine before uploading. I don't do it carelessly. While some people waste time criticizing or making up things, I'm working hard to deliver something with quality.
I know I can make mistakes sometimes, but I always try to do my best and improve every day. Everything I post has time, effort, and dedication behind it.
I understand that not everyone will like what I do, and that's fine. But going to the reviews to lie or make things up just because you don't like something isn't giving an opinion — it's acting in bad faith.
There's also another person who keeps complaining because I delete their reviews. Of course I delete them if all they do is insult or spread hate. If you spend all day watching what I do, then my work can't be that bad.
I accept respectful criticism, but if you come just to spread hate or lies, your message goes straight to the trash.
I put a lot of effort into everything I do, and I won't let someone who knows nothing come and say my work has no value.
If you don't like it, don't watch it. My work has value, and I'll keep doing it — with or without your approval.
This message is for two people who've been doing the same thing for weeks. I'm not mentioning names because I don't like to.
To everyone else who leaves kind comments, constructive criticism, or points out mistakes — thank you so much. Thanks to you, I can see the errors I make and correct them. Sending a kiss, your friend Lizbeth.