Chapter 307: Arrival! The Capital City!!!
Just as Zhurong Yun's Blaziken had once received the Blessing of Ho-Oh, its strength was far beyond that of an ordinary Master-rank Pokémon.
Forget Mega Beedrill; even Grandma Liu's Master-rank Mega Gengar was no match for a Pokémon carrying a divine blessing.
Logically, Zhurong Xun should also have a Fire-type Pokémon blessed by Ho-Oh in his roster. However, so far, he hadn't revealed it.
Besides these top-tier seeds, every other trainer who had made the "Championship Candidate" list was an extraordinary master in their own right.
Over the next few days, Kenji spent time mentally preparing before heading to the Capital City with Namgung Xi.
They weren't alone. Director He, Bai Bai, and Xie Mu all traveled with them to watch the event live.
Poor Tyson Tang was the only one left behind. As a Provincial Gym Leader, he couldn't just abandon his post—especially during the League Conference season.
With the Huaxia League Champion and the Elite Four members from the Northeast, Southeast, Northwest, and Southwest all gathering at the Phoenix Nest Battle Arena, the regional Gym Leaders had to work twice as hard to maintain stability in their home provinces.
Getting a seat at the Phoenix Nest was a Herculean task for the general public.
Fortunately, people like Bai Bai and Xie Mu had deep family backgrounds; securing a spectator pass was a walk in the park for them.
Thanks to Director He's influence, Li Heng, Mina, and even Li Heng's parents managed to get tickets to watch the highest-level competition in the country.
"Kenji!! Man, I almost didn't recognize you!"
In a luxury hotel suite, Li Heng's eyes lit up when he saw Kenji. However, his expression quickly turned a bit awkward and restrained. He looked Kenji up and down, clearly feeling the gap that had grown between them.
Kenji spotted the hesitation immediately. He stepped forward and gave his old friend a massive bear hug, teasing him to break the ice. "What's with the face? We haven't seen each other in a few months and you've already forgotten your old man?"
Li Heng snorted, his posture relaxing instantly. He gave Kenji a playful shove. "Get lost! It's just... you've changed so much, man. I haven't even graduated yet, and here you are challenging the National League Conference.
You have no idea. I told my classmates I grew up with you, and they called me a liar."
"Alright, tell you what," Kenji laughed. "Once I take the Championship trophy, I'll give you a signed photo of us together to prove it."
Li Heng chuckled. "Forget that. We grew up together—if I wanted to prove anything, I could just scroll through my phone and show them a hundred of your most embarrassing childhood photos. But what's the point? It's too much effort."
"You little..." Kenji laughed, reminded of the "blackmail material" Li Heng probably still had. "I'm a public figure now, you know. Those photos are worth a fortune."
"Anyway," Kenji continued, "Mina and your parents should be finished packing soon. Let's grab some dinner, and then we can let Mina show us around the Capital."
Li Heng nodded. After the banter, his nerves were gone. He realized that while Kenji's status was now worlds away from the boy who used to work part-time at his family's BBQ stand, he was still the same guy.
Whether Kenji was the Huaxia League Champion or a broke kid working for tips, he was his brother. And Kenji clearly felt the same way.
The thought warmed Li Heng's heart.
Under Mina's recommendation, Kenji took the whole group out for a high-end dinner. He had planned for them to tour the city together afterward, but Li Heng's parents turned him down.
"Go on, you young people go have your fun. Why would you want to hang out with two old fogies like us?"
"Exactly," Auntie Mei added with a smile. "Kenji, you need your rest. Bin and I will just wander around on our own."
"But—"
"No 'buts'! We finally got a vacation. We don't want you kids acting as third wheels while we're trying to have a romantic stroll."
Seeing the couple's firm stance, Kenji could only give in. He knew Uncle Bin and Auntie Mei were just being considerate, worried that they'd distract him or tire him out right before the big day.
Instead, Kenji took Li Heng and Mina to meet Xie Mu, Bai Bai, and Namgung Xi.
Mina knew of Bai Bai and Xie Mu—the elite prodigies of Metropolis Academy—so she was initially quite shy and formal.
Namgung Xi, however, was a social butterfly. Within minutes, she had Mina laughing and chatting as if they'd known each other for years.
The group spent the evening enjoying the city, having a final meal together where everyone toasted to Kenji's success.
...
The next morning, the Huaxia League Conference officially began.
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