Bang bang! Bang bang!
On the day of the finals, a continuous barrage of fireworks exploded high above the Indigo Stadium.
The entire stadium was enveloped in the lingering scent of gunpowder, intensely stimulating the senses of the spectators and causing them to cheer even more wildly, completely immersed in the final battle of this grand event!
Dozens of mascot performers emerged in a line from both sides, circling the field and waving to the crowd.
The more observant members of the audience immediately recognized that the mascots were the very Pokémon that the two finalists had used in their previous matches!
Experiencing such an atmosphere for the first time, Professor Sakuragi and his wife sat in the stands, looked around, and couldn't help but exclaim in amazement.
"So this is what the Indigo Conference is like? This atmosphere is really incredible!"
Because it was so noisy, Koharu, despite sitting right next to them, had to cup her hands around her mouth and shout just as loudly, "This is just the beginning! Once the battle starts, you'll see just how passionate these fans really are!"
At that moment, thousands of balloons were released, rising higher and higher until they blotted out the sun, and then, in the blink of an eye, they disappeared over the horizon!
The crowd gasped in awe. However, unlike the people around her, Sabrina sat upright with her arms crossed, like a proper lady, seeming somewhat out of place.
After all, for someone like her who preferred quiet, such a frenetic atmosphere was bound to be uncomfortable.
Then again, if Koharu hadn't already adapted to this kind of clamor step-by-step during the preliminary rounds, she probably would have been just like Sabrina.
On the field, President Goodshow first held a brief opening ceremony, and then the announcer's passionate voice echoed across the stadium.
"Ladies and gentlemen, the highly anticipated final of the Indigo Conference is about to begin! After several rounds of fierce competition, two of the strongest trainers have emerged. Today, they will decide who among them is the most outstanding trainer of this tournament!"
A round of friendly applause filled the stadium. After it subsided, the announcer continued, "Today, besides myself, we have also invited a heavyweight trainer to join me in commentating on the match. I'm confident his unique insights will provide us with a more professional perspective! Now, let's welcome our special guest, an Elite Four member of the Kanto and Johto regions—Mr. Lance!"
The audience was stunned for a moment, then erupted in a massive cheer.
They never expected the elusive Lance to be here!
As an extremely popular Champion and Elite Four member, Lance had a huge following due to his cool image and his passionate, righteous personality. His presence here was a truly unexpected delight for the audience!
And having him as a witness made this year's Indigo Conference feel even more extraordinary!
Lance greeted the audience, "Hello everyone, I'm Lance. It's an honor to be here at the Indigo Stadium to commentate on this pivotal battle."
The announcer smiled. "Mr. Lance, I'd like to ask, despite your busy schedule, have you had a chance to follow the matches of the Indigo Conference?"
"Naturally," Lance chuckled. "While I haven't watched every single match, I have followed a few of the key battles. I must say, as a senior trainer, I'm truly gratified to see so many excellent trainers active on this stage."
The announcer then asked, "Then could you please give us a brief assessment of the two finalists?"
"Of course," Lance said after a moment of thought. "Trainer Corey is very skilled. From the preliminaries until now, his Pokémon have performed outstandingly. Although he's lost a few rounds, it's clear that he is an extremely excellent Pokémon trainer!"
The announcer nodded in agreement and pressed on, "And what about trainer Natsui? What is your assessment of him?"
Lance said something astonishing. "Actually, this isn't the first time I've met trainer Natsui, so I know a little about him. I can say that his strength is formidable, and his performance so far has been completely within my expectations. If I had the chance, I'd like to have a proper battle with him myself!"
"Oh!?"
It wasn't just the announcer whose expression changed; the audience also began to murmur among themselves.
They knew, of course, that after winning a League Conference, a trainer could officially challenge the Elite Four. If they succeeded in defeating all four members, they would enter the Hall of Fame, not only gaining supreme glory but also having their name immortalized for future generations to admire!
The announcer was utterly amazed and mumbled, "I never expected Mr. Lance to have such a high opinion of trainer Natsui!"
Just then, someone emerged from the contestant tunnel on the right. Prompted by the director, the announcer changed his tune.
"Alright, everyone, please look to your right. Our competitors are now entering the field. The first to emerge and walk slowly towards the center is the trainer from the green corner, Corey!"
As Corey walked out, the audience gave him a considerable round of applause, and Corey smiled and waved back.
Everything seemed perfectly normal, until Natsui emerged from the other tunnel, and the atmosphere instantly changed!
"Let's welcome the trainer from the red corn—er, Natsui!!"
As the announcer drew out his name, applause and cheers far more enthusiastic than before erupted throughout the Indigo Stadium!
Without needing any further introduction, the moment Natsui appeared, the atmosphere in the arena reached its peak!
Corey saw all of this and could only sigh helplessly.
He truly didn't understand why, as two trainers who had both made it to the finals, the gap in their popularity was so immense!
Natsui slowly walked to the trainer's platform and glanced at the commentary box.
He had heard every word Lance had just said.
I never thought he would come here too. And I clearly remember wearing a mask when we fought alongside them. How could he possibly recognize me?
Is it because of his status as an investigator? Does that mean I have no secrets, even when I hide my identity?
Or was it that unreliable Looker, who took it upon himself to reveal my true identity to them!?
Before he could think any further, the referee gave the signal. Natsui quickly focused his attention back on the field and, at the same time as Corey, took out a Poké Ball.
He was already quite familiar with Corey's strength, having seen it on New Island and studied it through video data over the past few days.
As the blue light faded, two Pokémon with flapping wings appeared on the field!
"Oh?" the announcer chuckled. "The first Pokémon from both trainers are Flying-types. What a coincidence!"
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