On the invitation seats.
Clair watched the scene with a complex expression, murmuring, "Not looking good..."
"Not looking good at all," Natsume chuckled.
"Togekiss, as a defensive pivot, has performed quite admirably."
Clair furrowed her brows, remaining silent.
Although Lance had taken the first win, the strategic positions of the two Pokémon were different.
As this guy had pointed out.
Lance clearly built his strategy around Red Gyarados, focusing on Dragon Dance boosts.
But Red Gyarados was now asleep.
This was undoubtedly a problem for Lance...
Clair couldn't help but look up and scrutinize Natsume.
He seemed to have a clear grasp of the flow of the battle, including the strategic maneuvers of both contestants...
"Just who are you?" Clair asked, frowning.
"A passing member of the cheering squad," Natsume replied, rubbing Eevee's little head, completely oblivious to the little one's excited gaze.
"More importantly... Lance's situation doesn't seem too optimistic."
Natsume struggled to suppress a smirk.
We're all part of the cheering squad.
Isn't it just about whose side wins, making them look cooler?
To set a flag before the match...
Look at your cousin, he's practically crying because of your jinx!
The sleeping Red Gyarados was recalled by Lance, who sent out his second Pokémon, Aerodactyl.
Natsume couldn't help but complain.
A Dragon-type Elite Four member, and yet two Pokémon in a row without a Dragon-type? How does that make sense!
Aerodactyl was incredibly fast, but its staying power was mediocre, making it a swift striker.
Cynthia sent out Spiritomb, and after a few rounds, she defeated Aerodactyl with Lucario's Meteor Mash.
...
The Pokémon on both sides kept rotating, with victories and losses on both ends. The air was thick with tension and the intensity of battle.
As the match progressed, Clair, the Gym Leader of Blackthorn City, grew increasingly astonished.
Perhaps her earlier explanation had provoked him, as this guy kept chattering in her ear.
"Look at that Hydreigon, it's about to get knocked out, you'll see!
"Wow, four times weak to Ice, and Glaceon just swept it away!"
"Oh no, Gastrodon can't beat Dragonite. This is going to go all six rounds..."
Though Clair didn't want to listen.
Damn it, everything this guy said turned out to be true!
Even Clair had to admit that in terms of understanding battle commands, this guy was even better than her.
Feeling somewhat flustered, Clair gritted her teeth and interrupted:
"Enough... I know where I went wrong."
"Where did you go wrong?" Natsume asked, puzzled.
"I shouldn't have given unsolicited advice," Clair sighed.
I was foolish, really.
Someone invited by Cynthia, how could they be weak?
With this level of battle understanding, they must be at least a Master!
What Clair didn't know was that Natsume-sensei was actually all talk...
If I were to use Cynthia's team against Lance, I'd probably fall apart on the spot!
Natsume's expression turned odd, and he coughed lightly. "Only one match left..."
Garchomp vs. Dragonite.
When Garchomp took the field, Natsume could clearly sense the change in Cynthia's aura.
It was a confidence born from countless battles.
Loving Pokémon, forming bonds with them, and earning their response.
In this realm, even Lance and his Dragonite couldn't compare to Cynthia and her Garchomp.
In a one-on-one battle, Cynthia trusted her Garchomp to never lose to anyone!
"Garchomp—!!"
Garchomp spread its crimson scythes, its eyes blood-red, its body shooting like a cannonball toward Dragonite.
Dragonite, with a serious expression, flapped its wings and swung an icy Ice Punch at the incoming Garchomp.
The freezing Icy Wind coated Garchomp's protruding head with frost.
But Garchomp's Dragon Dance activated, and as it dove, it spun continuously, its speed increasing instead of decreasing!
Slam!
Dragon Rush struck first, Garchomp sidestepped the Ice Punch, and its headbutt sent Dragonite crashing to the ground!
Boom!!
The commentator exclaimed in disbelief, "A... a critical hit! Dragonite is unable to battle!"
The silent arena erupted into cheers.
"The winner, from the Sinnoh Region, Cynthia!!"
...
Natsume finally let out a sigh of relief, his heart settling.
Glancing at the somewhat dejected Clair beside him, Natsume grinned.
Why does it feel so satisfying to see someone else lose?
Clearing his throat, Natsume patted Haunter and Eevee, saying cheerfully:
"How do you feel?"
"Does it feel brutal? Don't worry, I can still take care of you two..."
Before he could finish, Eevee jumped onto Natsume's lap, tugging at his sleeve with its teeth.
"Eevee! (〃＞皿＜)"
Haunter also looked inspired, imagining the scene of winning a championship for Natsume, and couldn't help but grin foolishly.
"Haunter (′▽`〃)"
Suddenly, Haunter's eyes lit up.
The reason the Trainer came to watch the match was to motivate us, right?
He must be saying that with enough training, we'll get our chance to battle too!
"Haunter!" (We need to work harder!)
"Eevee seems eager to go train," Clair said with a smile. "Quite a diligent little one."
Natsume's expression changed.
Wait, what?
Is that really why I brought you two here?!
But judging by Eevee's eagerness, Clair's guess wasn't far off.
Natsume let out a long sigh, then suddenly "Hm?" and glanced at Haunter beside him.
"Haunter! (??????)??"
Haunter patted Natsume's shoulder and nodded seriously.
Natsume was touched. "You really understand me, Haunter!"
"Haunter! o(*≧▽≦)ツ"
...
Cynthia and Lance's battle came to an end.
The match had lasted nearly an hour.
But there was no need to leave, as there were still exhibition matches by other seasoned Trainers.
Natsume had promised Cynthia he'd wait for her, so he leaned back on the sofa, enjoying the free fresh fruit platter...
Honestly... free stuff always tastes better!
"Hm?" Natsume glanced at Clair beside him. "Why are you still here?"
"I'm waiting for someone."
"Who?"
"Who else!" Clair snapped.
Probably waiting for her cousin, Lance.
Natsume nodded thoughtfully, then his expression changed.
This morning... Red suddenly contacted me. What was it about?
Natsume slapped his forehead, a cold sweat breaking out.
Damn, I remember now!
Lance wants to have a friendly match with me!
Regular seats would be fine, but these are invitation seats...
Isn't this just waiting for Lance to come find me?!
The familiar sound of high heels echoed, meaning Cynthia was probably nearby.
There was no escaping now.
Besides, I still need to take Cynthia home later.
Natsume suddenly gave Haunter a deep look:
"Haunter, it's all up to you now!"
"Haunter?! Σ(っ°Д°;)っ"
Natsume thought to himself.
Guess I'll have to let Haunter put on a show.
It's just a friendly match, Lance won't go all out.
Even if we lose, Haunter might still gain a lot of experience points!
Suddenly, as if realizing something, Natsume sighed deeply.
"Strategy, it's all about strategy!"
"If Haunter levels up, the cost of Pokéblocks will fall on me, won't it?!"
Just then, a wave of fragrance wafted over.
Cynthia entered the room and gracefully took a seat beside Natsume, resting her chin on her hand. "I won."
"I know."
"I also mentioned you to Mr. Lance."
"Oh?"
Next to them, a stern-looking red-haired man first nodded at Clair.
Then he turned, pulled out his phone, compared it to a photo, and nodded at Natsume.
"Natsume-sensei... right?"
Lance flipped open his cape, revealing his red and blue Champion attire, and extended his hand to Natsume.
"On behalf of Red... I'd like to challenge you to a friendly match!"
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