Three days later.
At the center of Goldenrod City, the largest open Battle Tower equipped with one of the top battle facilities in the Kanto Region.
Second only to the battle venue set by the Kanto Alliance at the Alliance Headquarters under Silver Mountain.
The Alliance organizes various competitions every year, with some large-scale contests usually held at the Alliance Headquarters, while relatively smaller ones are arranged at various places.
For example, youth trainer tournaments and novice trainer experience matches.
Goldenrod City, as the largest city in the Kanto Region, undoubtedly hosts the most events.
Though called a Battle Tower, it actually resembles a large open-air football stadium that can accommodate tens of thousands of spectators at once.
Hence, this Elite exhibition match is naturally arranged in this largest battle venue.
When Natsuhiko arrived here, the outside was already teeming with crowds.
Trainers from various cities and regions would come admirably, eager to witness the skills of Elite-level trainers and attempt to learn something from them.
"Hmm, I'm right next to this grilled squid stand." Natsuhiko said casually, hanging up the phone.
He silently observed the lively and bustling scene before him.
He wasn't much different from these people.
All just a group of trainers with average abilities but high spirits, yearning to become trainers at the level of the Elite Four.
However, in the face of harsh reality, no matter their number, they were merely a sheet of paper in the wind, appearing significant but actually drifting aimlessly with the current.
"Hey, young man—want to buy a couple?" The squid stand owner couldn't resist inviting Natsuhiko, who stood before his stall without purchasing anything.
"No need... On second thought, give me three skewers please."
After some thought, Natsuhiko decided to pay for three large grilled squids.
Although he didn't like them himself, his Beedrill could enjoy a taste.
During these three days, he dared not return to his previous residence, only able to train his Pokémon in relatively secluded corners, without preparing anything delicious for them.
"Got it." The vendor immediately beamed with joy.
This sort of grand event not only excited trainers but also stimulated the economy of Goldenrod City, especially for those vendors who went to great lengths to seize stalls outside the venue early on.
Needless to say, it was like injecting adrenaline to the economy of Goldenrod City, which had been depressed for a month.
"Natsuhiko!"
Soon.
Flint, donned in a small western suit, along with Hilona, whose expression warned strangers away, appeared before Natsuhiko under the watchful eyes of many.
"Flint, Hilona." Natsuhiko nodded towards them.
"...Last time...thank you." Hilona awkwardly expressed gratitude.
Natsuhiko understood what she was thanking for, nothing but a subconscious reminder during their last time at the Dark Ruins.
Waving his hand, he said, "No need. Even without my reminder, you wouldn't have been in trouble. Instead, I should thank you for searching for me for so long there."
Hilona bit her lip and lowered her head, momentarily at a loss for words.
"I wanted to ask you last time about what happened, can you tell us now?" Flint asked with a smile, patting Natsuhiko's shoulder.
"Hold on a second." Turning to the vendor, he said, "Pack it up, please."
"Got it."
The vendor swiftly packed the fragrant squid into a bag and handed it to Natsuhiko.
"Let's walk and talk."
"Alright."
Then, Natsuhiko briefly recounted his experience of falling into the tunnel and some events that followed, though he glossed over the possible dangers in the tunnel and matters related to the Aerodactyl, only lightly mentioning it was dangerous, ultimately escaping with Abra's Instant Movement.
With Flint and Hilona's status, they naturally wouldn't sit in an ordinary stand.
The two exhibited their VIP cards and entered the merged passage, led by a hostess into the guest seats.
Natsuhiko, naturally, didn't speak.
Because when the Elite exhibition match started, he suddenly remembered he forgot to buy a ticket.
Fortunately, Flint recalled the meeting for the exhibition match and took the initiative to call him.
A quiet private room with a semi-circular transparent glass, offering a bird's-eye view of the entire battle venue.
After entering, Flint and Hilona released their Pokémon.
Natsuhiko thought for a moment and also took out his Pokeballs to release Beedrill and Abra; the two little ones curiously scanned their surroundings.
He didn't release Togepi, not because he was wary of the two, but...the withered leek didn't exactly smell good...
The sound of waves of cheers erupted throughout the stadium, and the persistent screams filled the air.
This is an Elite exhibition match, a contest featuring the top-tier trainers of the Pokémon Alliance, representing the immense strength of the alliance's pinnacle, even in a demonstration match.
The cheer reached its peak as the host appeared on stage.
"Next, let's welcome! From the Kanto Region, Ghost-type Elite, Agatha——!!"
Whoa——
With the elderly Agatha, still looking like an old lady, walking out of the passage with her cane, the entire venue erupted.
Agatha has held the position of Elite Four in the Kanto Region for decades, being the oldest current Elite. Though Ghost-type Pokémon are unpopular, her popularity remains strong, especially among middle-aged and elderly men who have witnessed Agatha's youthful appearance.
As fathers or grandfathers, they can proudly tell their sons or grandsons.
Look, once the goddess of dad (grandpa)!
While their sons or grandsons will surely say with even more pride: Our goddess is Hilona!
Natsuhiko, in the box, instinctively glanced at Hilona.
Will Hilona become like Agatha when she grows old too?
It's hard to imagine.
When he looked at Hilona, he met her gaze, feeling slightly awkward for a moment.
The host's enthusiastic voice rose again: "Next! Let's welcome the other member of the Elite Four, the Ice-type Elite! Uncle Liu——!!"
As Uncle Liu, an old man with white hair and a cold demeanor, wearing a white scarf and also holding a cane, walked out, many older trainers shed tears of excitement.
Once in a lifetime——
The Ice-type Elite and the Ghost-type Elite, two veteran Elites taking the stage simultaneously.
Many knew that this was likely Uncle Liu's last battle as an Ice-type Elite.
After this, he would retire to a town to serve as a Gym Leader.
"Uncle Liu."
"Agatha."
The two veteran Elites exchanged glances, their eyes containing countless thoughts.
These feelings could only be understood by the two of them present.
"Let me see where your Ice-type peak is." Agatha's eyes sparked with warlike spirit unseen in ages.
"I won't let you down."
With the simultaneous drop of the referee's two flags, the sound echoed through the entire stadium.
"The match, begins!"