Lumiose City was extraordinarily bustling on the day of the finals.
Even though there were still nearly two hours before the contestants took the field, over ten thousand audience members had already filed into the stadium early, eagerly waiting for today's heavyweight showdown.
"Whoa, there are so many people here today!"
After getting to their seats early in the stands, Flint looked around and let out a gasp.
"It's the finals of an Ultra Ball tournament, after all. And—"
He paused halfway, as Aaron beside him suddenly looked up at the big screen.
[Clash of the Titans! Strongest of the Past vs. Strongest of the Modern Era!]
[Professor Oak & Agatha Duo vs. Aiden & Cynthia Duo!]
"Whoever came up with that copy is an absolute genius. Just that sentence alone is enough to drum up this level of hype."
Who the "Strongest of the Past" was naturally a given.
The title of "Battle Legend" was the highest honor all trainers strove for their entire lives. Nowadays, only two people had the qualifications to be addressed with such absolute reverence.
Even the other "Legend," Master Mustard, was technically a defeated opponent of Professor Oak back in the day.
So, calling him that was completely undisputed.
As for the "Strongest of the Modern Era"—
There might be a tiny bit of debate, but not much.
If this Doubles tournament had started a few days ago, maybe even Teacher Azure himself wouldn't have confidently accepted such a high hat.
After all, he had only been officially active for a year. Both his accolades and his strength still needed time to be verified.
But now, on the day of the finals, the situation was completely different.
First, all the other young generation and veteran contestants had been eliminated. Only Teacher Azure and Cynthia were left standing, making it to the very final stage of victory.
Master Mustard had already been directly defeated by Teacher Azure, and his post-match evaluation of him was incredibly high.
It was safe to say that through the previous two battles, Aiden had fully demonstrated his terrifying strength, absolutely worthy of being called a Champion!
As the hype for the finals, it naturally bore the title of "Modern Strongest."
The only possible controversy was whether his strength could truly hold up against Champions like Leon, Steven, and Leon, who ranked at the very top of the international rankings.
But very conveniently, Teacher Azure actually had pretty good relationships with all those Champions.
After yesterday's matches, Steven and Wallace had immediately posted updates on PokéTV, cheering for Teacher Azure and Cynthia against Professor Oak.
As for Leon, he quickly reposted a similar message of encouragement.
Since the actual people involved didn't mind, naturally, there was nothing to question.
Compared to these meaningless controversies, the audience was probably much more curious about something else.
"Can Teacher Azure actually take down Professor Oak?"
On the other side of the stands, Raihan, excitedly rubbing his hands together, asked eagerly.
"Who knows—after all, that man just yesterday won against two Hoenn Champions by completely steamrolling them."
"As audience members, all we need to do is cheer our hearts out for Teacher Azure!"
Beside Raihan, a purple-haired man using a hat to cover his face revealed a hearty smile, reaching out to pat Raihan's back.
"Wha—"
Raihan swatted his hand away, then suddenly asked curiously.
"By the way, why are you suddenly here?"
"Is the work on the League's side finished?"
"Yeah! The venue for next year's Masters Tournament is already fully constructed. I just went over there to make an appearance."
Leon nodded.
"As for the acceptance inspection and detail verification, that's Chairman Rose's job."
"Such a pity. If you were just a few days earlier, you might have actually made it in time for this tournament."
"Meh, Chairman Rose would never allow me to participate in matches anyway."
Leon looked a bit helpless.
Regarding Chairman Rose's mindset, although he could understand it, he occasionally felt it was a bit too utilitarian.
There really weren't that many chances to fight Teacher Azure head-on—
Missing out on this time probably meant the only other chance would be at next year's Masters Tournament.
Thinking of this, Leon's smile turned a bit bitter.
Was the title of "Strongest Champion" a source of honor for him, or a shackle?
However, if it was for the sake of Galar's development—
Maybe Chairman Rose was actually right!
"Don't overthink it so much, little Leon!"
Just as the two men were having their respective moments, a vigorous, middle-aged voice suddenly came from behind them.
"Master?"
Leon turned his head, and sure enough, he saw Master Mustard and Honey walking toward them with bright smiles on their faces.
"Being a Champion shouldn't be like you. If you have to worry about everything, you'll probably burn out your fighting spirit in just a few years."
Master Mustard took a step forward and patted his disciple's shoulder.
"Sometimes, not overthinking it and just following your heart will actually yield better results."
"If the day really comes when you have a disagreement with that Rose guy, you must remember this saying from this old man!"
"I understand, Master—"
Leon naturally took his master's advice to heart.
He raised his head, looking toward the stands not far away, where Steven and Wallace sat in the front row.
They were both highly popular Champions, but that Mr. Steven seemed to live a much more relaxed life; even after losing yesterday's match, his emotional state hadn't fluctuated at all.
But even though he usually slacked off, the Hoenn League had developed incredibly well under his management, especially after discovering the secret of Mega Evolution.
Maybe Master was right; he really should learn a thing or two from Mr. Steven.
Leon didn't dwell on it too much.
Because the moment Master Mustard arrived, the massive screens flashing the hype reels for the finalists had already updated.
The screen was split cleanly in two. Through the Rotom Phone cameras, the two pairs of contestants were broadcast to the arena.
"They're here! Teacher Azure in his serious mode!"
"Go give the grandpa a run for his money, Teacher Azure! I feel like today is a great day for you to secure a massive win!"
"As long as you win this match, Teacher Azure's points should officially lock in a spot in the world's Top 8, right~"
Many viewers were true hardcore fans of Teacher Azure, and they had already started spamming likes like crazy.
Among them were some very mathematically inclined students who had already done the math for Teacher Azure: "The Most Perfect Opening Imaginable!"
Just by winning this match, relying on the world points from his two Ultra Ball tournament Championships, plus the regional points brought by the Paldea Gym Leader and Elite Four status, theoretically Teacher Azure had already pre-locked a spot in the Top 8 Masters!
As for his partner, Champion Cynthia, her points were actually even higher.
"A family entering the Masters Tournament together, perfectly aligned!"
Hearing the audience's comments, Caitlin, sitting in the front row, suddenly frowned.
Damn it!
Why does it feel like those two have completely left us in the dust again!
However, considering the special circumstances of today, it was best not to worry about those things for now—
"Keep it up, Cynthia!"
"And Teacher Azure too!"
"Even if it's incredibly tough, you two definitely have to win this match!"
Caitlin's voice wasn't very loud, and it was quickly drowned out by the roaring cheers of the frenzied audience.
It seemed only Shauntal, beside her, heard her voice, and gave a knowing smile.
Meanwhile, on the big screen, the broadcast had officially cut to the live feed.
As the two Rotom Phones pushed forward, the image suddenly spun wildly until a blinding light engulfed the screen.
After the very obvious dividing line between the two halves suddenly vanished, the stream showed the two pairs of contestants standing on the field, glaring right at each other.
"Finally, the finalists have entered the arena, meow!"
At the very top of the audience stands, a Meowth disguised as a staff member suddenly jumped up from a snack cart and yelled excitedly.
"Hmph, Professor Oak won't be that easy to defeat."
Above the stands, Lance, whose hair was violently whipped around by the strong winds at the very top of the stadium, leaned against the wall and shook his head.
"Show him your true skills, Aiden!"
Right beside him, Bruno, holding two hotdogs and vigorously munching on them, looked up in confusion.
Wait, we actually had competitor tickets and could have sat in the front row—
Why did Lance specifically choose this damn spot up here?
He's definitely just doing it to show off, right—
Aside from those two independent souls, the rest of the audience held their breaths, anticipating the arrival of the decisive battle.
"Give us a memorable and interesting battle, Aiden!"
Under the watchful eyes of tens of thousands, Professor Oak, who had kept a stern expression all morning, suddenly laughed. He reached out and shook Aiden's hand as he spoke.
"Many years ago, I had always looked forward to the day this would arrive."
"A battle representing the passing of an era. Even though it came a bit late, it also made me understand what it truly means to be a 'Legend.'"
"So—Aiden, you better be prepared for this battle!"
"Whether it's to live up to the audience's expectations, or to take on the responsibility from Lance, who couldn't accomplish this back in the day, and officially accept the burden of carrying a new era from my hands—"
"You must do everything in your power to seize the victory!"
This was a rare pre-match lecture from Professor Oak. To this, Aiden only nodded silently, then smiled and replied, "I will bring out my absolute limits to meet the expectations of a Battle Legend."
"Good."
Professor Oak narrowed his eyes in satisfaction and patted Aiden's shoulder.
"With your abilities, you will absolutely achieve a result that satisfies everyone."
"I'm looking forward to the battle ahead."
After speaking, Professor Oak turned and walked out toward the arena floor.
After the four quickly took their positions, their icons immediately appeared on the big screen.
Aiden took out a Friend Ball, gripping it tightly as his eyes brimmed with confidence.
"Begin the match!"
The referee's voice echoed across the stadium, and outside the arena, countless fireworks simultaneously exploded into the sky, as if celebrating the grand unveiling of the showdown.
"Go, Kangaskhan!"
"I choose you, Genghar!"
Both sides threw out four Poké Balls simultaneously. Eye-catching red lights flashed in succession.
First to appear on Granny Agatha's side was that purple ghost with a firm gaze and a noticeably upturned mouth.
As for its partner, it was the robust Kangaskhan, glaring up at the sky and roaring imposingly, naturally radiating an aura of silent intimidation.
The little Kangaskid poked its head out from its mother's pouch, seemingly full of curiosity about the battle outside.
"Professor Oak and Agatha really chose the most oppressive lead."
In the stands, Steven nodded.
In yesterday's match, their originally intended counter was actually to face this very Pokémon combo.
With Professor Oak's Kangaskhan, they could effortlessly control the tempo while splitting its firepower to give Genghar a perfect window to stand up and unload.
Unfortunately, although they had prepared a counter, they ultimately didn't get the chance to use it.
So—
What would Aiden's choice be?
Everyone's eyes instantly locked onto Aiden and Cynthia's half of the field.
As the red light faded, their choice immediately left countless audience members dumbfounded.
"Ah?"
Cynthia's lead was indeed very normal. At a time like this, the partner she trusted the most was always that Garchomp, who had grown up alongside her.
But as for Aiden—
When that Pokémon, whose entire body was formed of black shadows and exuded a heavy, ominous aura, appeared, many viewers were confused.
Who was this?
"Wait, isn't that the black shadow Teacher Azure kicked the Space-Time Legendaries during his Sinnoh live stream?"
Viewers with good memories immediately recalled its existence, but that was the extent of it.
Because this Pokémon simply didn't exist in Teacher Azure's known roster, and he had never used it before either.
"Could it be one of those trump cards that are 'only brought out when facing a strong enemy?"
"No way, I bet it's a dirty trick Teacher Azure specifically kept hidden, just waiting for this day to blindside them!"
"Is there a possibility—it's actually a Legendary Pokémon too?"
The audience buzzed with speculation, their guesses about this Pokémon getting increasingly absurd.
But against all odds, they actually guessed right.
"Marshadow—"
Facing the two Pokémon with extraordinary auras, Marshadow suddenly puffed out its tiny chest, mustering up the imposing aura of a "Shadow Instructor."
Fighting alongside it was originally part of its duty, and combined with the request of that "Hero"—
It had no choice but to agree to come!
Even though doing so meant its "Shadow Instructor" identity might not be hidden anymore, Lord Cobalion would definitely understand her choice, right!
Professor Oak narrowed his eyes, carefully observing this Pokémon for a good while, before finally giving an uncertain answer: "It's... Marshadow?"
The legendary being that, according to legend, would appear beside the Hero chosen by Ho-Oh to test whether they had the resolve to bear the responsibility.
Its existence was only recorded in very few ancient tomes, and no one in the modern era had been able to prove it actually existed.
But now—
Marshadow had just casually shown up right in front of humans?!
Professor Oak raised his head, looking at the smiling Aiden.
It seemed that besides the "Hero of Truth," Aiden had also gained the acknowledgment of many other Legendary Pokémon!
What a pleasant surprise!
Looking at the imposing Marshadow, Professor Oak immediately made his decisive call: "Kangaskhan, Mega Evolve!"
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