----
With Drake and Carl having left the stage, a staff member carrying a camera approached Kai.
"Mr. Kai, according to League procedures, we need to take an official victory photo of you and your Pokémon. Could you please release all the Pokémon that participated in the battle?"
Kai nodded without hesitation. "Of course!"
As he spoke, he mentally reviewed the condition of his Pokémon.
Although all six of them had fought hard through six battles, none of them were seriously injured they were all still mobile and didn't require urgent medical attention.
So, without issue, he took out his Poké Balls and released his remaining five Pokémon, joining the Gengar that was already by his side.
Now, all six Pokémon were gathered together.
At the staff member's guidance, Kai arranged them for the photo:
Gyarados and Crystal Onix stood tall in the back row, their imposing presence giving the picture an air of power and majesty.
To Kai's left were Charizard and Scyther, while to his right were Venusaur and Gengar.
This perfectly balanced arrangement gave the photo depth, making the composition both grand and visually stunning.
All six Pokémon stood proudly, heads held high, their expressions radiating confidence.
At the centre of it all, Kai stood tall, raising the Winner's Cup high above his head a champion in his full glory!
Click!
With a sharp shutter sound, the moment was immortalized in a photograph.
The staff member glanced at the camera's display and then smiled.
"Once the photo is developed, we will place one copy in the Hall of Victors, and another copy will be given to you. Now, there's just one last step, Mr. Kai; which Pokémon would you like to be immortalized in a statue?"
The Champion's Statue
Kai paused, looking at his Pokémon.
Every one of them had performed exceptionally well throughout the tournament. Choosing the MVP was a tough decision.
But after a moment of thought, he made his choice—
Charizard.
Not only did Charizard defeat Dragonite, Drake's strongest Pokémon, but that final battle had been a true spectacle, sparking immense discussion and excitement.
If there was any Pokémon that deserved to be immortalized in a statue, it was Charizard.
With that decision made, the staff finalized the details.
Then, they brought out a soft clay slab, allowing Kai and all six of his Pokémon to press their hands, claws, or tails into the surface marking their victory for all time.
A Moment of Rest… Almost
Finally finished with the formalities, Kai left the stadium, heading toward the resting area.
Sigh…
Even though the battles had looked effortless, the mental and physical exhaustion had taken a toll on him.
Now that it was all over, he was ready to relax and unwind—
BANG! BANG! BANG!
The moment he opened the door, three colourful streamers burst out from behind it, covering his entire body.
"Kai! Congratulations!!!"
Familiar voices cheered.
As the confetti settled, Kai blinked in surprise, only to see—
Ash, Misty, and Tracey standing before him, laughing as they held empty party poppers.
Kai raised an eyebrow. "Ash? You guys came all the way here?"
Ash grinned sheepishly, rubbing his nose. "Yeah, we arrived during the fourth match. We wanted to get here earlier, but we were a little late!"
Misty beamed, looking at Kai with admiration.
"Kai, you were amazing! You actually beat the Supreme Trainer!"
Kai, feeling a bit cocky, flashed a smug smile.
"Heh, it was nothing. Let's just say when I have my hands in my pockets, I don't even know what the word opponent means."
Misty rolled her eyes playfully, while Sabrina smirked at his arrogance.
With the lighthearted joke over, Kai entered the room, handing his Winner's Cup to Sabrina before glancing at the colourful streamers covering him.
A warm feeling spread through his chest.
"These guys… they actually prepared all of this just for me."
While Kai was admiring the gesture, the others had gathered around Sabrina, staring at the Winner's Cup in awe.
The trophy itself was quite an impressive piece—
Standing 20 centimetres tall, its entire surface was covered in golden paint. At the very top sat a golden Poké Ball, adorned with two small wings. The whole design exuded a sense of prestige and importance.
Ash, especially, was mesmerized.
He clenched his fists, his eyes burning with determination.
Because next—
It was his turn to challenge for the Winner's Cup.
While the others were busy admiring the trophy, Kai pulled out his phone and checked his messages.
His screen was flooded with missed calls and congratulatory texts—
Professor Cerise, Chrysa, Erika, Chole, Martha, Florina, Anabel, Lorelei, Professor ivy…
A long list of familiar names had reached out to celebrate his victory.
As Kai sat down on the sofa, responding to the messages one by one, the knock of a door interrupted him.
Carl had returned.
"Sorry to interrupt your celebration," he said with a polite smile. "Some reporters outside are hoping to interview you. Would you be willing to speak with them?"
Kai hesitated for a moment, remembering the awkward mix-up at the pre-match interview.
But this time—
There was no reason to refuse.
"Sure," he agreed, standing up.
Together, he and Carl walked toward the press area.
The moment Kai appeared, the cameras turned toward him, and the flashes began anew.
He greeted the reporters politely, maintaining a calm and composed demeanour in stark contrast to many trainers who acted arrogant or cocky after a major victory.
One journalist immediately asked:
"Kai, how does it feel to have won the Winner's Cup without a single defeat?"
Kai paused briefly, then replied smoothly: "To be honest, I never really aimed to remain undefeated. I just played the matches normally, and this was simply the result."
The reporters murmured in approval his response was flawless.
"As expected from an Indigo League Champion he doesn't leave any room for controversy."
They continued asking several more questions, all of which Kai answered with confidence and poise.
Then, one reporter asked:
"Kai, what are your thoughts on Drake?"
Kai's instincts immediately went on alert
If he answered poorly, he could offend the Orange League fans.
So, after carefully considering his words, he responded: "Drake is incredibly strong. He's one of the best opponents I've ever faced. If he competed in the Indigo League, I believe he could easily reach the finals."
The reporter raised an eyebrow. "Finals? Not Champion?"
Kai smirked slightly.
At first, he considered a humble response But in the end, he let his confidence show.
"Because no matter how hard he tries… I'll still be the Champion."
The press room erupted.
Bold. Audacious. Unapologetic.
Yet—
No one could deny his confidence.
Because the man who had just spoken.
Had the trophies to prove it.
----
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