Ash's entrance completely overshadowed all the other competitors, making them seem dim in comparison and drawing every spectator's gaze to him.
Only one phrase could describe it: incredibly cool!
Compared to him, Natsui and the other competitors who had made a standard entrance were completely outshone.
The announcer, having received an update, explained to the audience, "According to information we just received, the previous torchbearer suffered an ankle injury and was unable to complete the task. The person we see now is competitor Ash, who also advanced through the qualifying round!"
After a pause, the announcer continued, "And the flame he holds is the Sacred Flame of Ho-Oh, the legendary Pokémon whose undying fire quelled wars and restored life to the land and forests! As we can see, competitor Ash has now reached the cauldron with the Sacred Flame..."
Inside the stadium, Ash held the torch high, ran across most of the field, ascended the steps, and arrived before the massive cauldron. As he brought the torch close, a loud 'ROAR' erupted as the entire cauldron ignited. This signified the true beginning of this year's Silver Conference!
The entire stadium erupted in the most fervent cheers. Even Natsui and the other competitors couldn't help but applaud, looking up at the fiercely burning flame.
Every one of them felt a surge of emotion. Not just Natsui, but all competitors prayed in their hearts, hoping to achieve perfect results in this Silver Conference.
In this atmosphere, the Pokémon League President, Mr. Goodshow, walked to the podium.
Though usually short in stature, under the lights and amidst the grand atmosphere, he looked imposing at that moment.
Standing before the microphone, he cleared his throat and smiled. "To all the competitors who have advanced from the qualifying round, Ho-Oh's Sacred Flame is here watching over you. Please give it your all and fight honorably, leaving no regrets!"
Just like Mr. Goodshow's personality, he never gave long-winded speeches. Simple words, straight to the point, were more effective at stirring people's emotions.
...
When they left the stadium, the moon was high in the sky, dotted with countless stars.
Outside, after Natsui and Ash regrouped with Erika and the others, they were met by Misa, Masa, and the rest of the biker gang, who rushed over with bright smiles.
"Boss!"
Their voices carried from far away, causing nearby tourists to turn and look. Some who recognized Natsui as a popular competitor might have wanted an autograph or a photo, but seeing the large group of fierce-looking bikers, no one dared to approach.
In that sense, Misa, Masa, and their group served a purpose.
"You guys..." Natsui looked at them and gave a wry smile. "You came all this way and didn't even tell me. If I hadn't seen you in the stands, I'd still be in the dark!"
"Hehe," Misa said sheepishly. "How could we miss such an important competition? We had to come and cheer you on in person!"
"Yeah, yeah!" Masa added. "We wanted to surprise you, mainly. Plus, we knew yesterday was your qualifying round, so we didn't dare disturb you!"
Misty, Ash, and Brock weren't surprised, having met them during the Indigo Conference. Only Erika looked back and forth between Natsui and the distinctly styled bikers, unable to connect the two.
And...
Why do these people call Natsui 'Boss'?
"How did you get here?" Natsui asked.
Masa replied, "We rode our bikes! All the way from Vermilion City!"
"It's thanks to your investment," Misa said with a smile. "The club has started turning a profit. We're completely different now. Even our rides have been upgraded from bicycles to motorcycles. It's a whole new era!"
Natsui nodded. Upgrading from bicycles to motorcycles was indeed significant progress.
Besides, motorcycles fit the biker image better. Who ever heard of a biker gang riding bicycles? It was too embarrassing; they'd be laughed at by rivals for years.
Still, riding all the way from Vermilion City to Silver Town was no easy feat. That they would travel such a long distance to support him truly warmed Natsui's heart.
"Let's go, let's all get a big meal together."
With a grand wave of his hand, Natsui led the group to a nearby restaurant. When nearly thirty people, including Ash's group, flooded in, the restaurant owner was initially startled, thinking his place was about to be trashed. Fortunately, hearing their conversation, he realized his mistake.
Natsui's party took up two large tables. Delicious dishes filled the tables, and since most were adults, plenty of drinks were ordered. Even Brock and Ash drank quite a bit out of excitement.
It was then that Natsui and the others learned from Ash why he had become the substitute torchbearer. It was indeed because of the Team Rocket trio.
Those guys had tricked him, snatched Pikachu, and locked him in a room. Luckily, Gary showed up and rescued him just in time.
While escaping, the Team Rocket trio happened to collide with the original torchbearer. So, after rescuing Pikachu, Ash had no choice but to take his place.
Misty laughed. "And that's how you ended up stealing the spotlight!"
"Hehe," Ash grinned sheepishly. Even at his age, he knew being a torchbearer was a great honor.
However, he had already been a torchbearer once during the Indigo Conference, so it wasn't quite as thrilling for him this time.
The group ate, drank, laughed, and talked. During the meal, Misa and Masa occasionally glanced at Erika.
They knew that during the Indigo Conference, the Boss's woman was the beautiful Psychic user named Sabrina. They were surprised that after such a short time, she had been replaced by another beautiful woman.
Especially when they learned that Erika was the Celadon City Gym Leader, they secretly gave Natsui a thumbs-up.
As expected of the Boss! Not only is he a league champion, but his women are all Gym Leaders too. Truly admirable!
Dinner lasted until 10 PM before everyone finally dispersed and returned to their rooms.
Since the matches started tomorrow, Natsui and Erika quickly showered after returning to their suite and got into bed.
However, perhaps due to excitement, Natsui lay in bed for a long time, unable to sleep. In fact, it wasn't just him; that night, Ash, Gary, and most other competitors likely tossed and turned, unable to find rest.
Finally, unable to sleep, Natsui decided to expend his energy on Erika for a long while. After exhausting himself, he unknowingly drifted off to sleep.
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