Even though Hilona doesn't care about other people's opinions.
She does want to know if there's a gap between her and Natsuhiko, and if so, how big it is.
The format of unrestricted battles is quite different from the rotation format.
If it were the rotation format, Hilona would feel quite confident.
But in an unrestricted battle, Hilona is somewhat anxious.
It's not that she lacks confidence in her Pokémon; it's because she knows that unlike the rotation format, Natsuhiko is actually more adept at this unrestricted battle mode.
Except for Lance.
Natsuhiko should be the one with the most field experience among them.
Even Lance might not have as much experience as Natsuhiko.
"Three of you..."
The host came over for an interview.
...
...
"Whew—just in time!"
Ula ula Island's airport.
"Let's go, don't block the way."
A somewhat disdainful voice rang out.
"Hey! Gary, are you impatient too?"
The kid called Gary held a small laptop and pursed his lips.
"You think everyone is like you?"
He said this.
But occasionally glancing at the distant artificial island on the Ula ula Island sea, his eyes inevitably revealed longing, which was undoubtedly the best proof of what he thought.
To him.
Setting foot on that arena and participating in a competition of this level could be the direction he would need to work for a long time.
"Ash, slow down."
A well-dressed middle-aged woman, Hua Zi, called to the two kids.
"Gary, show some manners."
Nanami puffed her cheeks, showing a hint of displeasure.
Gary was a bit afraid of his sister Nanami.
But if he admitted fault, he wouldn't be Gary.
"Only to those who are polite should you be polite."
"Who are you talking to?!" Ash was instantly displeased.
"Whoever responds is who I'm talking about." Gary glanced at Ash.
"I want to duel you!"
"..."
Watching the two little guys arguing all the way, Nanami pressed her temples in frustration.
It was rare for them not to travel with Professor Oak and arrive together in the Alola Region.
This was because Hua Zi was delayed by some matters.
Gary and Ash's studies were also just about to end but hadn't concluded yet.
However, the two almost daily watched the battles on TV.
If they missed it, they would watch replays on the computer.
In short, as loyal fans of Natsuhiko, the two wouldn't miss a single match of his.
Fortunately.
Before the finals started, they finished their studies and Hua Zi completed her tasks, so they followed Oak Nanami to the Alola Region.
"You must be Professor Oak's family, right?"
Ash and Gary saw the luxury car waiting at the airport entrance as they left the airport.
A butler-like person smiled respectfully and asked.
"Who are you?" Nanami asked with some surprise.
The butler quickly introduced himself:
"Haha—Professor Oak and Mr. Natsuhiko couldn't come personally because of the competition, so they entrusted the Ethereum Foundation to send you to Professor Oak's residence. Today's competition has ended."
"Ah? It's already over?" Ash instantly became dejected.
"Idiot, today's the semifinals." Gary didn't forget to mock him, then looked at the butler, "Did Mr. Natsuhiko win?"
Before the butler could respond, the car door opened.
"Of course, the teacher won."
Pulling Lillie, Gladio came out of the car.
He bowed slightly towards Hua Zi and Nanami, appearing very courteous.
Hua Zi praised with a smile:
"What a polite child, Ash, you should learn from him."
"Teacher?"
Except for Hua Zi.
The attention of the others was on Gladio calling Natsuhiko "Teacher."
"Yes, Teacher Natsuhiko asked Lillie and me to pick you up," Gladio stated frankly.
The timid Lillie behind him nodded too.
It seemed that mentioning Natsuhiko gave her quite a bit of courage.
Lillie also felt genuinely proud of being Natsuhiko's student.
Ash and Gary exchanged glances.
"Teacher?!" They both exclaimed simultaneously.
They appeared very excited.
Lillie was startled by them.
She instinctively shrank back behind Gladio.
Gladio sensed his sister Lillie's state, furrowed his brow slightly.
But remembering that it was Natsuhiko who asked them to pick them up, he held back from speaking.
But Nanami noticed Lillie's situation.
Thud! Thud!
Two "exploding chestnuts" were given to the two.
Then she bent down and gently said to Lillie softly:
"I apologize on their behalf, they didn't mean it."
Lillie looked at Nanami's gentle demeanor and replied faintly, "Okay."
Meanwhile, Gladio watched Ash and Gary clutching their heads and squatting on the ground, his eye twitching uncontrollably.
How do you manage to switch between violence and gentleness so freely?
Taking a deep breath, he slowly said: "Everyone, the teacher should have already gone back to prepare for the finals, let us take you there, okay?"
"Then we'll trouble you," Hua Zi said with a smile.
"No way! Mr. Natsuhiko took students, and one of them isn't me!!"
Ash rushed to get in the car.
"Idiot."
Gary couldn't help but retort, but his actions were just as quick as Ash's.
Looking at the two who had seated themselves on their own.
Gladio: "..."
Far away at Manaro Arena, Natsuhiko, thinking of asking Gladio and Lillie to pick up Ash and Gary.
Imagining their earlier encounter.
Couldn't help but show a smile filled with mischievous intent.
Making Lance and the others nearby feel a chill down their spine.
They thought Natsuhiko had come up with another strategy.
——————
PS: 1.1k asking for monthly tickets~~