Figures crossed, attacking each other.
On the simple field next to Sakuragi Park, two Pokémon, one tall and one short, were currently locked in combat.
And from their condition, it wasn't hard to see that this Pokémon battle was clearly reaching its end.
"Pikachu, use Thunderbolt!!"
With Ash's shout, Pikachu's body suddenly erupted with over a dozen dazzling bolts of electricity. These bolts, amidst a piercing 'BZZT' sound, spread out in all directions in an irregular pattern.
Facing the fierce Electric-type move, Gardevoir used Teleport, vanishing and reappearing at the edge of the field.
While dodging the attack, its eyes glowed blue, and it immediately launched a Psychic attack, striking Pikachu down hard!
Thud!
Watching Pikachu struggle for a few moments before collapsing from exhaustion, Brock, acting as the referee, raised his right hand.
"Pikachu is unable to battle! The winner is Gardevoir!"
"Wow!! Gardevoir, you're amazing!"
Once the dust settled, Misty couldn't help but cheer. Koharu also clapped her hands. No matter how intense the sparks between them had been just moments ago, at this moment, they were both happy for Natsui.
However, perhaps Misty's cheer was a bit too loud, making Ash's expression unavoidably awkward.
"Come on, Misty. We've been traveling together for so long. Even if you're not cheering for me, you don't have to be that happy, do you?"
But Misty didn't listen at all, instead sticking her tongue out at him.
"Nyah nyah nyah, I like cheering for Natsui, what are you gonna do about it!"
On the other side, Natsui walked forward and gently patted Gardevoir's shoulder.
From the start of the battle, Pikachu had been in top form. Although it had caused a lot of trouble for Gardevoir with its agile movements in the early stages, the Psychic-type was inherently strong, and Gardevoir was also in great condition. After a few rounds, Gardevoir ultimately claimed victory.
Ignoring Misty, Ash picked up Pikachu and turned to Natsui, "Natsui, your Gardevoir is really strong. I lost this match."
Although he admitted defeat, there was no sign of discouragement or unwillingness in his expression.
In fact, he was well aware that Natsui's skill was much higher than his own. Even before the battle, Ash had been mentally prepared for defeat.
"Your Pikachu is outstanding too. At least among all the Pikachu I've ever seen, none are stronger than it!" Not wanting to dampen Ash's enthusiasm, Natsui praised him back. "Besides, I only won this match by a fluke. If we were to battle again next time, perhaps I would be the one to lose."
After the exhilarating battle, Natsui took them to the same ice cream shop he had visited with Koharu before.
They ordered a few of the signature specials and chatted for a while over delicious sundaes. It wasn't until the sun began to set and the sky turned to dusk that Ash and his friends got up to say goodbye to Natsui.
Perhaps because they had parted and met so many times, Misty was already used to it. However, she first glanced at Koharu with a complex expression, sighed, and then waved at Natsui.
"Well then, Natsui, we're off."
Looking at them, Natsui asked, "What are your plans now?"
Ash seemed to have already decided on their itinerary, "Tonight, we'll rest at the Pokémon Center. Then, early tomorrow morning, we'll head back to Pallet Town. Hehe, after that battle, I've realized my own shortcomings. When I get home this time, I'm going to start training my Pokémon."
Hearing this, Natsui extended his right hand, "Then do your best. There's really not much time left before the Indigo League. From now on, let's both encourage each other!"
Ash shook Natsui's hand and nodded firmly, "No problem. We'll see each other again at the Indigo League! Hehe, and next time, my Pikachu definitely won't lose!"
After watching them leave, Natsui and Koharu also returned to the Sakuragi Laboratory.
Just as he had said, the opening day of the Indigo League was getting closer and closer, and he really needed to step up his training.
The training plan had been drawn up long ago. In the days to come, he would mostly be cooped up in Sakuragi Park, training his Pokémon. Unless something major happened, he would not go out.
But before that, Natsui organized the photos from his journey so far and recorded them with text.
Some things fade with time, gradually disappearing from memory. Only these photos and words would preserve the beautiful moments forever.
And when he grew old, flipping through the album and looking back at these little moments from the past would surely be a collection of wonderful memories for him!
...
The Indigo League was so named because it was held at the Indigo Stadium on the Indigo Plateau.
As the official Pokémon League tournament and the most-watched, largest event in the Kanto region, it was a time of immense public attention each year, capturing the focus of the entire region!
Even other events like sports, esports, and arts festivals had to avoid this period to make way for the grand competition.
The immense popularity also made it the biggest topic of conversation, whether in schools, companies, on the streets, or among friends after dinner.
Even the full-time housewives, when out grocery shopping, would exchange a few words with their neighbors about news related to the league!
And through the mouths of swarming reporters, it was broadcast via the internet and television, spreading to other regions and bringing even wider attention and heated discussion.
However, compared to other regions, the Indigo League was the only Pokémon League Conference that allowed contestants to participate through multiple methods.
Besides collecting eight gym badges, those wishing to compete could also qualify by graduating from a Pokémon technical school or passing the Pokémon League Admissions Exam.
Time flows like a long river, always passing quietly when you're not paying attention.
As the day of the competition drew nearer, with only a few days left before the opening ceremony, Natsui finally ended his seclusion.
After days of intensive training and adjustment, forgoing sleep and food, he and his Pokémon were fully prepared.
Although not brimming with confidence, they had done their best. No matter what results they achieved in the end, they would have no regrets about their efforts and struggles.
After cleaning himself up and washing away the dust of his training, Natsui repacked his bags, went into the laboratory, and formally bid farewell to Professor Sakuragi and the others.
He had been in Kanto for so long and had imposed on them for a long time. After the Indigo League was over and his wish was fulfilled, it would be time for him to leave and head to other regions.
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