The semi-finals had finally concluded. The two competitors advancing to the finals were Natsui and Jon Dickson, exactly as people had predicted beforehand.
After all, in their respective halves of the bracket, both had dominated the other competitors with absolute strength.
Many Pokémon commentators boasted about their predictions, praising their accuracy, unaware that even ordinary people who didn't follow the matches closely could guess Natsui and Jon Dickson would reach the finals based on their overall performance leading up to it.
Now, seeing these experts pontificating on television, people couldn't help but shake their heads with amusement.
Some experts they are, just like us!
The final match was scheduled for the day after tomorrow. This date had been set long ago and would be the last battle of this Silver Conference.
Whoever won would be the champion!
For the audience, having a day's break allowed them to build even more anticipation for the final showdown. For the two competing trainers, it provided more time to meticulously analyze their final opponent.
However, Natsui was currently adopting a laid-back approach. He had already researched everything he needed to. He decided not to waste any more brain cells. He only had so many Pokémon; Jon Dickson could worry about who he might send out.
Regarding the finals, the Pokémon League once again ramped up its efforts. Floods of advertisements and promotions pushed public opinion to its peak.
However, looking back at the two competitors' performances, Jon Dickson's two losses in the early part of the semi-finals became a focal point of discussion.
Some who watched the matches believed Jon Dickson couldn't possibly defeat Natsui. They argued he only advanced because the opponents in his bracket were weak. If Ash or Harrison had been in his half, the outcome would surely be questionable.
Of course, another faction believed Jon Dickson would defeat Natsui and win. After all, the League couldn't possibly let the same competitor win championships in two consecutive regions; there had to be some manipulation behind the scenes!
In short, opinions varied online, but those favoring Natsui for the championship still accounted for about eighty percent.
Amidst this atmosphere, the rest day arrived.
As more spectators poured into Silver Town, tickets for tomorrow's match became incredibly scarce. Scalped tickets outside were being sold at exorbitant prices!
Besides Ash and his group, several other friends arrived in Silver Town today to cheer Natsui on.
First was Professor Elm, who, along with his wife and child, had managed his work schedule to free up two days to watch the final showdown live.
Next were the Kimono Sisters from Ecruteak City. Their arrival was truly unexpected. As public figures in the Johto region, their every move attracted attention. Coming here to watch the match live meant risking being recognized.
Natsui was naturally very happy to see them. He booked a private room at a Japanese-style restaurant to host both parties.
Although they were from the same region, Professor Elm, being a scholar, naturally didn't know entertainers like the Kimono Sisters. Fortunately, they were all easy-going, and with Ash's group helping to liven the atmosphere, they quickly became acquainted.
Perhaps the only unhappy person was Professor Elm's wife.
Seeing a room full of beautiful women, although none showed any interest in her husband, she couldn't help but feel a little jealous.
"Mr. Natsui," Satsuki, the eldest of the five sisters, raised her glass to Natsui and said, "We hope you achieve victory in tomorrow's match and win the championship!"
Perhaps fearing recognition, the five sisters hadn't worn their usual kimonos this time. They were all dressed in casual clothes, without their heavy stage makeup, avoiding unnecessary trouble. From a distance, they looked like five beautiful young women.
"Thank you for your kind words, and thank you all for coming so far to support me!"
Natsui downed the sake in his hand. Honestly, he wasn't fond of sake. If possible, he preferred beer or cocktails, but those weren't suitable for the current occasion.
"Sister," Koume, the third sister, sitting opposite Natsui, heard Satsuki's words, glanced playfully at her eldest sister, and said seriously, "Natsui is an outsider. That trainer named Jon Dickson is our local Johto competitor. Are you sure you're cheering for the right person?"
Her words clearly carried a hint of provocation. Natsui glanced at Koume.
Koume was the one he had battled back in Ecruteak City. Both then and now, Natsui felt this woman seemed to have something against him for some reason.
Perhaps sensing the shift in atmosphere, before Satsuki could reply, the second sister, Tamao, covered her mouth and said with a light chuckle, "Natsui is our friend, after all. Isn't it natural to cheer for a friend?"
The fourth sister, Sakura, also agreed. "Exactly! Even though we're all from Johto, this isn't a battle between regions, just for personal honor!"
Koume shot them both a look, surprised they would side with Natsui against her!
The topic passed quickly. Aside from Koume's inexplicable special 'attention' towards Natsui, everyone else got along very well. Especially Erika, due to her similar disposition, was well-liked by all the Kimono Sisters.
However...
Satsuki and Tamao exchanged glances.
Although they weren't married, anyone could see that Erika and Natsui were significantly closer this time. Furthermore, there was a hint of spring in Erika's eyes, clearly resulting from being 'nourished,' and her gaze towards Natsui was constantly filled with tenderness.
Putting these observations together, it was obvious: Erika had clearly enjoyed intimacy very recently!
Both saw the surprise in each other's eyes.
They had a very good impression of Erika and knew her to be a traditional woman. They never expected her to lose her virginity before marriage!
But thinking about it, it also made sense.
In this world, pure friendship between unrelated men and women rarely existed unless one was unattractive or poor. For Natsui and Erika to travel alone together, it would be more surprising if nothing happened!
Moreover, Natsui excelled in appearance, character, Pokémon strength, and achievements—a top-tier choice. If they hadn't known he was close with Erika, perhaps even they might have been tempted!
...
That night, after a passionate encounter, Natsui lay in bed holding Erika.
Due to their intense activity, the room temperature had risen, and even the windows were fogged up.
He held Erika in one arm, both leaning against the headboard, savoring the afterglow.
Inhaling her fragrance, Natsui asked casually, "After dinner today, what did Satsuki and Tamao pull you aside to talk about?"
After the gathering dispersed in the afternoon, Professor Elm's family and the Kimono Sisters had said their goodbyes and returned to their respective hotels.
But before leaving, Natsui had seen Satsuki and the others call Erika aside from a distance. He didn't know what the six of them were discussing, laughing and talking.
"Nothing much, just girl talk. You wouldn't be interested. By the way, they invited me to visit them after the conference."
At this, Erika suddenly hesitated. "Actually... Miss Koume isn't really targeting you. She just..."
Natsui asked lazily, "She just what?"
"She just admires you a lot."
"What!?"
Natsui coughed, staring at her incredulously. "Admires? Are you kidding? Does admiration involve causing trouble for me multiple times?"
Seeing his reaction, Erika covered her mouth and said with a giggle, "Some girls are like that. They're naturally proud and use such methods to attract a man's attention."
"...Really?"
Natsui frowned deeply. Honestly, judging by Koume's demeanor, she did seem proud; ordinary people probably wouldn't catch her eye. But using such methods to attract attention? Seemed a bit far-fetched.
Yet Erika didn't seem to be joking. Could it really be like that?
He looked down at Erika, saw her bright eyes looking up at him, and suddenly jolted, his intellect instantly taking over!
Is she testing me, or is there another meaning!?
He cleared his throat, put on an indifferent look, shook his head, and said with a smile, "Who cares about her? We can't control other people's attitudes. If you want to visit them after the conference, we can go. As for me, I'll keep my distance from her."
With that, he grinned wickedly, pushed her down again, and pinned her beneath him...
...
Cannons fired in unison, and dazzling fireworks exploded across the sky above Silver Town. In the Silver Stadium, colorful flags fluttered, the Sacred Flame burned brightly, and the packed crowd ignited the arena with shouts and cheers.
"Ladies and gentlemen, after a long journey, the Silver Conference finally reaches its ultimate showdown today!" The announcer's voice was as passionate and energetic as ever. "After fierce battles, two competitors have emerged victorious to stand in today's arena! In the upcoming battle, they will give their absolute all for the glory of the championship!!"
After the announcer warmed up the crowd and introduced both competitors, under the watchful eyes of millions, Natsui and Jon Dickson walked out from their respective passages, both looking serious as they met in the center of the field.
They first shook hands amicably, then proceeded to their respective trainer positions.
Pokémon League President Mr. Goodshow gave a brief opening speech, but Natsui's attention wasn't on him; it was focused on his opponent.
Jon Dickson looked about the same age as him, with brown hair, wearing a T-shirt and shorts—rather unremarkable in appearance. However, perhaps due to his strength, a confident smile also graced his face.
Natsui heard he was from Cherrygrove City in the Johto region, a place famous for its large, plump cherries, a beautiful town filled with blooming flowers every spring.
In the waiting room, unlike before when only Erika waited, now Erika, Ash, Misty, Brock, Professor Elm's family, and the Kimono Sisters were all gathered, watching the match on the big screen.
Since tickets were completely sold out, even they couldn't get any. So, as close friends and family, Natsui had brought them here. Although the atmosphere wasn't the same as being live, the comfort level was maxed out. Not only could they sit on soft sofas in the cool air, but there were also fruit platters to enjoy!
Satsuki, the eldest sister, looked at Ash and asked, "Natsui should win this battle, right?"
As a stage performer, although she had an Eevee, she wasn't very knowledgeable about Pokémon battles and could only grasp the basics.
Even Professor Elm's family turned their gaze towards Ash. Rather than guessing, they wanted to hear the analysis of this professional trainer.
"Mm, of course," Ash nodded seriously. "Natsui is the strongest person I've met, aside from Mr. Lance and the others. I believe no one can beat him!"
Hearing him say that, Satsuki and Professor Elm's family felt somewhat relieved. The tense atmosphere in the waiting room gradually relaxed.
After all, having traveled so far to cheer, no one wanted to see the person they supported lose!
Only Koume leaned against the wall nearby, arms crossed, watching the imposing Natsui on the screen with a faint, enigmatic smile.
Back on the field, after all pre-match procedures were completed, it was finally time for the main event.
"We will now draw the battlefield for today and the first attacker!"
Just like the previous tournament stage, the rules remained unchanged.
Natsui and Jon Dickson looked at the big screen as the pointer spun rapidly across the Grass, Rock, Ice, and Water options. As it gradually slowed, it finally stopped on the Water Field.
Next was the draw for the first attacker. This time as well, Natsui drew the second move.
Overall, this wasn't bad. Jon Dickson's ace Pokémon was his Rapidash, and the Water Field would undoubtedly greatly restrict a Fire-type Pokémon's movement. Attacking second often allowed for adjusting the lineup based on the opponent's first Pokémon. In every aspect, the situation seemed tilted in Natsui's favor.
"Now, the green side, competitor Jon Dickson, please send out your first Pokémon!"
As the referee's words echoed, the battle officially began!
Jon Dickson took a deep breath, then took out a Poké Ball he had prepared and threw it towards the center of the field.
"Come out, Rhyhorn!"
With a flash of blue light, a Rhyhorn, strong as an armored vehicle, appeared on the battlefield.
Having watched Jon Dickson's battle videos, Natsui knew this Rhyhorn had helped Jon Dickson eliminate many competitors with its formidable strength in previous matches, leaving a deep impression.
Sending out such a contender first showed Jon Dickson truly wanted to start strong and overwhelm Natsui from the get-go!
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