After the professors finished drawing lots, the first-round matchups were revealed to everyone.
Round One Matchups
Kanto — Ash Ketchum vs Unova — Cameron
Kanto — Gary Oak vs Hoenn — Morrison
Hoenn — Aiden Flint vs Hoenn — May
Hoenn — Tyson vs Sinnoh — Reggie
Hoenn — Steven vs Sinnoh — Barry
Sinnoh — Paul vs Unova — Iris
Unova — Trip vs Kanto — Brock
Looking at the list, Aiden quietly nodded.
In terms of future potential, Ash and Iris were definitely among the best.
But right now?
In front of this lineup of elite Trainers from every region, both of them were still a bit lacking.
Of course, if Ash actually brought out his real ace lineup, he could fight for first place.
But knowing him…
Would he really do that?
That was another question.
With Professor Oak acting as referee, the tournament instantly gained an air of solemnity.
The first battle began: Ash vs Cameron.
Ash sent out Pikachu, as always.
Cameron opened with Throh, a Fighting-type Pokémon from Unova.
Although Ash didn't know Throh well, Pikachu still managed to win through experience and grit.
After that, Sceptile and Swellow came out in succession, completely crushing Cameron's remaining Pokémon.
Ash became the first Trainer to advance.
The crowd cheered.
Ash's eyes immediately drifted toward Paul.
He hadn't forgotten those earlier insults.
Next came Gary vs Morrison.
Morrison was strong—in the original League he had even nearly beaten Ash after giving him free wins.
But Gary was simply better.
Blastoise overwhelmed Swampert.
Arcanine crushed Growlithe.
And Eevee defeated Girafarig.
Morrison was eliminated in a clean sweep.
Then came Aiden vs May.
To be honest, Aiden had drawn the weakest opponent.
"Go, Combusken!" May shouted. "We won't give up!"
"Ding! Combusken's current stats are as follows…"
Aiden smiled faintly.
"Then I'll send out Bagon."
The moment Bagon appeared, Gary, Paul, Steven, and Tyson all narrowed their eyes.
A pseudo-legendary right from the start.
Only one person was cheering wildly for May.
"Go, May!"
—Ash.
"Combusken, use Fire Spin!"
"Bagon, Dragon Rush."
Blue dragon energy exploded from Bagon's body as it charged straight through the flames.
Fire Spin was obliterated.
Combusken was sent flying.
"Now, Dragon Breath."
The second attack ended it.
"Ding! Bagon defeated Combusken. Level up! Lv30!"
And then—
White light burst forth.
"Is it… evolving?"
"Bagon evolves into Shelgon, right?"
When the light faded, a sturdy Shelgon stood before Aiden.
"Ding! Shelgon's current stats are as follows…"
May's remaining Beautifly and Skitty were swept away without effort.
Aiden advanced.
May bit her lip.
"I knew it… Dad couldn't beat him. How could I?"
The remaining matches followed.
Tyson defeated Reggie.
Steven's Blaziken beat Barry's Empoleon.
Paul destroyed Iris.
Trip lost to Brock.
And so, the second round was set.
The true battles were only just beginning.
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