"Incineroar, the final Big Character Burst Flame!"
Kukui didn't show any disappointment; his enthusiasm inspired Incineroar.
Incineroar's body ignited in flames, its fierce tiger face confronting Togekiss, forcefully suppressing the pitiful image of Togekiss constantly flashing in its mind.
The flame instantly formed a "Big" character shape.
Flying towards Togekiss.
"Wrap yourself in Water Fluctuation!" Natsuhiko commanded immediately.
Togekiss quickly stirred up a blue water sphere, enveloping itself.
Sssss——
The contact between fire and water emitted a "hissing" sound, accompanied by rising mist.
But relying solely on this water to completely block the flames was unrealistic.
The water was rapidly evaporating, and the temperature inside the water was rising sharply.
If it stays longer, Togekiss might get boiled.
"The final Magic Shimmer!"
Boom!!
The water shattered instantly, granting Togekiss a brief respite.
The droplets on its feathers soon evaporated.
The flames hit Togekiss.
But its "Magic Shimmer" also successfully struck Incineroar.
Boom——
Incineroar's eyes rolled back, collapsing to the ground.
Togekiss staggered, trembling as it descended from the sky.
Though "Water Fluctuation" blocked some of the "Big Character Burst Flame," it ultimately didn't inflict lethal damage on Togekiss.
Yet Incineroar lost its combat ability under the "Magic Shimmer."
"Incineroar has lost combat ability! All Pokémon of the Royal Masked Man have lost combat ability! Therefore, the winner of this match is—Trainer Natsuhiko!!!"
Cheers.
Continuous cheers.
Who would have thought.
The finals that were regrettably missed during the "Lily Youth Competition" can actually be seen in the "Island Competition!"
Finals!
Natsuhiko VS Hilona!
Moreover, it adopts the Master Championship's 6v6 unrestricted battle rule.
Many people are already looking forward to the finals.
Of course.
The applause and cheers at this moment belong to both Natsuhiko and Kukui.
Although Natsuhiko only lost one Infernape throughout the match.
There are still five Pokémon with combat ability.
But those observing the entire scene understand.
Natsuhiko's Pokémon, like Togekiss, Latios, and Beedrill, simply haven't lost their combat ability; deploying them again in battle is unrealistic.
So to speak.
This is equally a spectacular match.
Worthy of their cheers.
Natsuhiko and Kukui walked to the center of the field.
Shook hands.
"No wonder you're a 'Tactical Master'; the tactical arrangement in this match made it tough for me," Kukui said with a smile.
He's obviously referring to how Natsuhiko deliberately used Togekiss to restrain his Incineroar, and unintentionally limited his Kommo-o.
Natsuhiko rubbed his nose modestly and said:
"Because I did a good job collecting battle data about the Royal Masked Man, you see."
Kukui sighed with appreciation.
Patted Natsuhiko's shoulder.
If only Natsuhiko were a part of the Alola Region... Kukui couldn't help but think.
If Natsuhiko were from the Alola Region, Kukui would have a much easier time building the Alola Alliance.
Even.
Reserve Elite Four and Pre-Champion would no longer be a concern for Kukui.
He wouldn't have to constantly maintain the identity of the Royal Masked Man to showcase the strength of the Alola Region.
"Good luck!"
Kukui encouraged.
Not only encouraging Natsuhiko for the upcoming finals, but also in his Pokémon research.
To become a Doctor.
Few are aware of this, but Kukui, being a Doctor himself, understands.
When he became a Doctor, he spent an unknown amount of time and effort, with the help of Nari Omiki.
It was further boosted by him being a native of the Alola Region; the Alliance needed someone to help with promotion and teaching within the region.
In other words, Kukui became a Doctor partly due to his research achievements, and partly due to the Alliance's need to support a native who heavily supports the Alliance.
Unlike Natsuhiko, who against the disadvantage of young age, forcefully climbed the ladder to the Doctor position solely based on his achievements.
Therefore, Kukui greatly admires Natsuhiko, who is younger than him but already a Doctor and whose potential as a Trainer isn't low.
"Alright." Natsuhiko responded to Kukui's encouragement.
"By the way, Royal Masked Man, my friend Barnett is a fan of yours. I wonder if you have time to meet?" Natsuhiko suddenly asked.
This wasn't a tease to Kukui.
It's because Barnett entrusted Natsuhiko to help.
"Ahahaha—Some other time, some other time!" Kukui's deliberately lowered voice almost gave him away, as he scratched his head and waved to Natsuhiko, quickly heading towards the player tunnel.
Natsuhiko was speechless.
Shook his head and walked towards Lance and Hilona by the sidelines.
"Very exciting." Lance spoke first, with a sigh.
Seeming to regret that he didn't get a chance to compete against Natsuhiko in this tournament.
"Finals tomorrow." Hilona also looked at Natsuhiko.
Natsuhiko smiled and pressed his hat, "This time, I'm ready."
"Hmm." Hilona nodded with pursed lips.
The last time they couldn't compete was also a regret for her.
Since the last time their match ended with Natsuhiko's withdrawal, many have debated who is stronger between Natsuhiko and Hilona.