The next morning, at just eight o'clock, Pummelo Island, which was usually relaxed and slow-paced, was already unusually congested.
People seemed to have sprung up from nowhere, coming from all directions and flooding towards the Pummelo Stadium.
Fortunately, it was a small island, and there weren't many local vehicles, so the roads weren't completely blocked. But even so, the sidewalks on both sides were crowded with a dense, black mass of people, stretching as far as the eye could see.
In reality, there weren't usually this many residents on Pummelo Island. These people had all come by boat overnight from other nearby islands after hearing the news that the Winner's Cup was about to be held.
Those who lived nearby had it easier, usually only needing two or three hours to reach Pummelo Town. And because they had enough time, they could find a hotel and get a good night's rest.
But those who came from farther away not only had a bumpy journey and had to endure the sea breeze all night, but after disembarking, they didn't even have time for a hot breakfast. They rushed straight to the Pummelo Stadium, afraid they wouldn't get a seat and that their efforts would be in vain.
But no matter how rough the waves or how difficult the journey, it couldn't dampen the people's enthusiasm.
At that moment, no one felt a trace of impatience. Instead, they were excitedly discussing the upcoming match with their families or companions.
Of course, apart from a small number of out-of-town tourists who objectively favored Natsui to win, the vast majority of the local residents of the Orange Archipelago were supporters of Drake. Both emotionally and out of a sense of belonging, they hoped that Drake could defeat Natsui, not only to win great prestige but also to continue defending the Winner's Cup.
When the time came to 8:40 AM, Natsui, wearing a hat, sunglasses, and a mask, completely disguised, appeared with Sabrina at the side entrance of the Pummelo Stadium.
At that moment, Karl and another young man in a suit were waiting for him outside. Besides them, there were also several Orange Archipelago reporters with microphones and cameras, lying in wait.
A security line had been set up, and a large group of guards was holding back the enthusiastic crowd.
"What a grand reception…" Walking to the other side of the road and seeing the scene, Natsui couldn't help but sigh, then said half-jokingly to Sabrina, "It's like they're welcoming some movie star. But unfortunately, a commoner like me doesn't even have a car and had to walk here. I really don't deserve such a scene."
"What? Are you getting stage fright?" Sabrina smiled.
"Of course not," Natsui shook his head. As he crossed the street towards Karl, he said, "It's just that they promoted it so heavily yesterday, and now I'm making such an ordinary entrance. I'm sure it's making these Orange League supporters think, 'This guy is nothing special, he doesn't look like much'."
Sabrina gave him a strange look. "What's gotten into you today? Why are you being so sentimental? That's not like you. And lulling others into a false sense of security before striking with full force, isn't that exactly the effect you always wanted?"
"That's called playing the fool to catch the wise," Natsui corrected, then sighed again. "Sigh, you're right, but I thought about it carefully last night. Just like that guy Drake, I also carry the title of Indigo League Champion. Although coming to challenge the Orange League seems like a personal endeavor, in reality, we rise and fall together. It also affects the reputation of the entire Indigo League."
"Don't put too much pressure on yourself," Sabrina said, patting his back in a rare moment of comfort. "Don't worry too much about what others think. As long as you give it your all and have no regrets, that's all that matters."
Hearing this, Natsui looked at Sabrina, slightly surprised.
He never thought that one day, he would be the one being comforted by her.
All he could say was that since they had met, Sabrina's personality had really become more and more normal.
Crossing the street, when Natsui reached Karl, because of his disguise, Karl initially just gave him a casual glance, not recognizing him at first.
It was only when he saw Sabrina that he said in great surprise, "Huh? Challenger Natsui, is that you? Why are you dressed like that?"
Glancing at the group of reporters, Natsui said helplessly, "The match is about to start. I dressed this way to avoid being recognized by the crowd and to avoid any trouble on the way."
Nearby, hearing that this person was Natsui, the reporters, like sharks that had smelled blood, all swarmed over.
"Mr. Natsui! I'm a reporter from Orange TV! Can I ask you a few questions!?"
"Mr. Natsui! I'm a reporter from Metropolis TV! May I ask what reason brought you across the sea to challenge the Orange League here?"
"Mr. Natsui, did you come here because you recognize the strength of the Orange League, and that's why you made it your next target?!"
The noise was incessant, and the microphones were almost shoved in Natsui's face.
Facing these uncrowned kings, Natsui didn't answer their questions but silently walked to Karl's side.
"This…"
Seeing Natsui's actions, Karl couldn't help but feel a headache coming on.
In fact, he was the one who had invited these reporters in advance, precisely to hype up the topic and create a buzz.
He had thought that Natsui would gladly accept the interview, as it was a chance for fame, but he never expected Natsui to have such an attitude.
Could it be that he's the type who doesn't like the spotlight?
What a miscalculation…
Left with no choice, since Natsui was unwilling to be interviewed, Karl could only signal the young man beside him with his eyes to step forward and block the reporters.
He himself then led Natsui and Sabrina through the staff entrance and into the Pummelo Stadium.
After passing through a long corridor and arriving at the main hall of the stadium, Natsui also met several other officials of the Orange League.
After Karl introduced them one by one, Natsui shook hands with these pot-bellied leaders, exchanged a few words with a neither humble nor arrogant attitude, and was then escorted to the contestant's waiting room.
"As expected of Mr. Natsui," Karl said, opening the door to the waiting room and gesturing for Natsui to enter with a smile. "It's the first time I've seen a young man your age who can chat and laugh so freely in front of so many leaders without any stage fright."
"Not at all," Natsui said, waving his hand dismissively. "I've just been in a few similar situations, so I have some experience, that's all. It's nothing worth mentioning."
------------------------
Support my projects and get immediate access to hundreds of chapters of Bleach, Naruto, Pokémon, and more! ✨ Key Benefit: Your favorite novels, with my quality, and always up-to-date.
Featured Novels (with hundreds of chapters available NOW!):
The Heroine Wants to Join My Harem (1050 caps)
Goddess Training Manual (800 caps)
I Have Caught a Pokémon (700 caps)
Bleach Getting Stronger (330 caps)
Naruto: Saving the Uchiha (300 caps)
And many more!
Why subscribe?
🔥 Immediate Access: Read my new chapters before anyone else.
📚 Huge Library: Access my complete catalog instantly.
⭐️ High Quality: Enjoy the novels with a professional and well-crafted text written by me.