Natsui walked out of the arena and met up with Erika and the others outside the venue.
Although he had successfully advanced to the top four, both Ash and Misty had been eliminated and could no longer continue in the competition.
Now, he was the only one left, and all their hopes were concentrated on him.
To be honest, this was something the previously confident Ash and Misty had not anticipated. They originally thought that by participating in this kind of local tournament, they could show off their skills and would surely achieve a better result!
Now, it seemed their own strength was still insufficient, and they failed to meet their expectations.
They were inevitably a bit discouraged by this result, and for Ash, it was certainly a blow.
After all, he had always regarded Natsui as the person he admired most, as well as his greatest rival!
Back when they were traveling in the Orange Archipelago, he, like Natsui, had defeated Drake to become an Orange League Honorary Trainer. This once made him think that he was on the same starting line as Natsui again and could compete with him!
Especially after arriving in Johto, not only did he catch many Pokémon during his journey, but he also won the Grass Pokémon Tournament and achieved many victories in other small competitions, which greatly boosted his confidence!
I've become stronger than before! The gap between me and Natsui must be getting smaller and smaller!
This was something Ash had firmly believed for some time, and it was the source of his confidence to challenge Natsui in this cup!
But he didn't expect that after just a few matches, the cruel truth would pull him back to reality!
He had once again stopped at the Top 16, just like at the Indigo Conference!
Although on one hand, it was because his opponent was Misty, and Misty was skilled with Water Pokémon, leading to his unexpected defeat by her Psyduck, a loss was a loss. It could only be said that his skills were indeed lacking, and there was no need for excuses.
Fortunately, he was always big-hearted and had already adjusted. What puzzled him greatly, however, was why Misty, who had just lost her match, seemed so happy? She even looked radiant!
But no matter how much he asked, Misty just looked at him with a smug smile, with no intention of explaining! Only when she looked at Natsui did a strange emotion seem to flash in her eyes!
This change was so obvious that even he could feel it. Unfortunately, the simple-minded Ash didn't know what that emotion was.
And not knowing why, he could only suppress this question in his heart.
However, despite being eliminated, the three of them had no intention of leaving right away. They planned to continue their journey after watching Natsui's match tomorrow.
After all, as friends, companions, a younger brother figure, and a rival, they were naturally very concerned about Natsui's situation. Besides, with Natsui still competing, how could they possibly abandon him!
Scratching his head, Ash turned to Brock and asked, "Are all of Natsui's matches over for today? What's the schedule for tomorrow?"
Brock took out the handbook issued by the cup and flipped a few pages. "Let me see... According to the schedule, the semi-finals are tomorrow morning, which will decide the top two contestants. And at one in the afternoon is the final match to determine the ultimate winner, the Sea Hero. After that is the Sea Hero's blessing ceremony. If all goes well, we can leave here with the trophy and honor the morning after tomorrow."
Just like Misty, Brock, who knew Natsui well, also firmly believed that Natsui would win the final victory.
After all, he knew very well in his heart that Natsui was completely different from Ash and Misty. He was the type of person who was incredibly strong on his own and wouldn't give his opponents any chances!
Most importantly, they also knew that Natsui had that red Gyarados. With it around, how could he possibly lose!
Nearby, listening to the chatter and laughter of his friends, Natsui felt particularly relaxed and comfortable.
After coming to this world, there was a time when he was like a rootless duckweed, with no attachments or support. But now, he had friends, companions, and a lover. Their trust and their love made him like this world more and more, and it would undoubtedly make him stronger!
Under the blue sky, white clouds slowly drifted by, just like his mood at this moment.
But for some reason, Natsui always felt like he was forgetting something.
Thinking carefully, this competition had indeed been too smooth and too calm. It was like eating a delicious feast but finding that some appetizers were missing, making it feel slightly imperfect!
Why is that?
Natsui was puzzled, until he looked at Ash a couple of times and then suddenly realized what was missing!
That's it, the ones who are missing are the Team Rocket trio who are inseparable from Ash...
Without their troublemaking, this cup was definitely a bit less lively.
But those guys were not ones to stay quiet. Encountering such a lively event, they shouldn't be this calm at all.
It was obvious to think about it. Right now, they must be hiding nearby, brewing up some big plan!
...
In fact, Natsui was right.
Team Rocket had indeed followed Ash and the others to the Whirl Islands long ago. The trio had even disguised themselves as small vendors and blended into the stadium. Over the past few days of the competition, they had already made a fortune selling popcorn and cold drinks.
Of course, making money was not their goal. In fact, they had long set their sights on the scepter held by the High Priestess Maya!
The reason they had restrained themselves and not caused trouble until now was because one of their previous covert actions had caused the number of guards on the ceremonial platform to increase many times over. To this day, they still hadn't found a suitable opportunity!
However, as the end of the competition approached, they were becoming more and more anxious!
In the stadium, the matches were not yet over. Two contestants were fighting fiercely for the last spot in the top four.
And in a corner of the audience stands that no one noticed, the Team Rocket trio, dressed as convenience store clerks, were squatting down with their heads huddled together.
"Did you guys see that just now?" Meowth whispered.
"Of course, we saw it." James sighed. "It's been a while, and that Natsui fellow seems to have gotten even stronger. He beat his opponent so easily again. It looks like the championship is his for the taking this time! Sigh, with him around, the difficulty of us trying to snatch that scepter will definitely increase greatly!"
Hearing him say that, Jessie shot him a fierce glare. "What? Are you thinking of giving up!?"
Startled by Jessie's intensity, James quickly shrank back.
"O-of course not... I just think our plan needs to be a bit more careful..."
"You two aren't thinking of deserting, are you!?" Jessie's eyes narrowed, a cold glint flashing within them, the warning unmistakable. "So what if that Natsui guy is here? He's busy with the competition right now, what time does he have to meddle in other people's business!? And you two shouldn't be so afraid of him. We are Team Rocket, how can we shrink back just because we see him!"
Although he said that, James was extremely reluctant to be Natsui's enemy.
But due to her authority, he and Meowth had to quickly shake their heads and deny it. "Of course we're not afraid of him, we were just thinking... if we steal that scepter, are we going to sell it for funds? But haven't we already made a lot of money these past few days? We probably don't need to take such a risk..."
Meowth also nodded in approval. "That's right, meow... That Natsui guy is bad news, we'd better stay far away from him..."
"Looks to me like you've been scared out of your wits by him, haven't you?" Jessie tilted her head up, glancing at James and Meowth. "I've already made up my mind, I must get that scepter this time! Look at its golden staff, and especially the Soul of the Sea on top, how beautiful it is! I'm determined to succeed in this operation, and neither of you is allowed to mess up! Ah such a beautiful gem, only I am worthy of it in the whole world! Hmph, it exists to make me even more beautiful! Ahahaha"
Jessie laughed wildly without any regard for her image, completely lost in her own fantasy, as if the Soul of the Sea had already fallen into her hands!
James and Meowth were already used to her being like this. Although Jessie seemed dead set on getting the Soul of the Sea, they couldn't help but worry.
The man and the Pokémon looked at each other, and they could both see deep concern in each other's eyes.
James tentatively said, "But... the theft notice we left before doesn't seem to have had the intended effect. Instead, it made them tighten their security..."
"That's exactly the effect I wanted!" A glint flashed in Jessie's eyes as she said with full confidence, "This is my brilliance! The stronger their security and the more guards they have, the safer they will feel, and the more they will let their guard down at the critical moment. And that! That will be our chance to strike!"
Hearing her explanation, James and Meowth had a sudden realization.
"I see, you're so smart! So, we just need to wait?"
...
After the top four were all decided, the match-up list for the next round was immediately released.
In the upper bracket, trinity would face a female trainer, and in the lower bracket, Natsui would face the number two favorite, a guy named Tetsu!
The winners of these two matches would face off in the finals tomorrow afternoon to decide the final Sea Hero.
After having dinner with Ash and the others, they sat at a table in the restaurant to study his next opponent.
Because a large number of trainers had been eliminated, many contestants didn't stay to watch the remaining matches and chose to leave directly. This instantly freed up many rooms at the Pokémon Center. Seeing this, Natsui simply checked out of the hotel and moved in here with Erika.
Although the sleeping environment was a significant downgrade, it allowed him to focus more on his opponent.
They watched the video of Tetsu's battle several times. Based on his Pokémon's performance, everyone chimed in, and they quickly discovered many things.
With Erika's knowledge, Brock's analysis, Misty's keen eye, and Ash's flashes of insight, Natsui barely had to do anything. They easily discussed and uncovered so much that they had practically seen through all of Tetsu's strategies.
This made Natsui feel a moment of pity for Tetsu.
In terms of strength, Tetsu was on par with trinity, perhaps slightly stronger, but he was definitely not Natsui's match. On top of that, with the group's analysis, they had identified almost all the strengths and weaknesses of his Pokémon!
It had to be said, with their help, Tetsu's chances of winning plummeted. Unless Natsui's own Pokémon performed abnormally, it was almost impossible for him to win!
That's right, he was that confident!
That night, both trinity and Tetsu tossed and turned, barely getting any rest. Only Natsui slept soundly.
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