Inside the waiting room, Karl explained a few more details about the match format to Natsui, including where to enter the field, what to do in case of victory, how to exit in case of defeat, and a series of other related rules.
At the end, Karl turned to look out the window and suddenly remarked, "To be honest, although previous Winner's Cups have also been lively, I can see that the audience's enthusiasm today is exceptionally high. Not only is the stadium already full, but there's even a large crowd of people without tickets who are lingering outside the stadium, unwilling to leave. Seriously, in all my years in this business, I've never seen such a grand spectacle!"
"Is that so?" Natsui smiled. "That means both the Winner's Cup and the Orange League are getting better and better, and more and more popular with people."
"No…" Karl shook his head, giving Natsui a deep look. "Actually, the number of spectators for each Winner's Cup is usually about the same, without much fluctuation. This situation has only occurred this time. It seems we have you to thank for this, Mr. Natsui."
"Thank me?" Natsui shrugged noncommittally. "I didn't do anything. This is all just the result of your heavy promotion."
Karl sighed softly. He knew that the reason for this fervor was undoubtedly due to the fame of the handsome man before him. However, he didn't dwell on the topic. Instead, he glanced at the time, then stepped out of the room and took his leave. "There's still over an hour until the match starts. We have already prepared food and drinking water for you. Please rest here for a while, Mr. Natsui. I won't disturb you any further."
After Karl left, the waiting room finally quieted down, leaving only Natsui and Sabrina.
Natsui closed the door and looked around the room. The white walls and smooth, bright floor made the place look very clean and tidy. As for the furnishings, it was fully equipped with a large screen, a strategy board, and a tablet, as well as other amenities like a massage chair, a refrigerator, and air conditioning, making the serious and tense atmosphere a bit more warm and comfortable.
But even through the thick walls, he could still faintly hear the noise from the tens of thousands of spectators gathered in the stadium.
To think that in a little while, he would be making his entrance under the watchful eyes of thousands, to participate in the most passionate and popular sport in this world. Even though he had experienced it many times, he couldn't help but feel his blood boil with excitement.
But unexpectedly, after arriving here, he was able to cast aside all other distracting thoughts, no longer feeling nervous, and his focus became even sharper.
Natsui laughed at himself. Maybe… I'm just the type of competitor who thrives in big tournaments.
Opening their Poké Balls, he released a few of his Pokémon, letting them adjust to the state of the waiting room and get a feel for the tense atmosphere in advance. He himself half-lay on the sofa, closing his eyes to rest.
It couldn't be helped. After all, he had gone to bed too late last night and was seriously lacking in both energy and stamina. And having woken up so early today, he was physically and mentally exhausted. He had to build up his energy now to face the intense battle ahead.
Seeing him like this, Sabrina didn't disturb him, just propped her chin on her hand and watched him quietly.
Time ticked by, minute by minute.
While Natsui was waiting quietly, on Shamouti Island in the central Orange Archipelago, Melody, the town mayor, and some other islanders were sitting in the banquet hall, their TV tuned to the live broadcast of the match.
On the screen were the same male and female hosts from yesterday, doing the final pre-match warm-up. And behind them was the lively and spectacular Pummelo Stadium.
In front of the TV, seeing the match was about to start, Melody, who was sitting cross-legged on a chair, shouted towards the kitchen.
"Sis, hurry up! It's about to start!"
"Coming!"
Carol answered, then walked out from the back kitchen with a few plates of fruit and placed them in front of them.
Seeing her sister's excited face, Carol put one of the fruit plates in front of her and said with a doting smile, "Melody, don't be in such a hurry. Take a good look at the clock on the wall. There's still a long time before the match starts."
Melody giggled, plucked a grape and popped it into her mouth. Chewing, she asked indistinctly, "Sis, who do you think will win this match?"
"Who will win?" Knowing what she meant, Carol rolled her eyes at her and said meaningfully, "You should be asking who you want to win, right?"
"Oh, stop it~" Hearing her sister's teasing, Melody, for once, felt a bit embarrassed and said shyly, "Do you even need to ask? Of course, I hope Natsui wins! After all, he saved the world and did us a huge favor."
"Is that really the only reason? Isn't it because you like him?" Carol mercilessly exposed her lie. But at this point, she suddenly frowned and said hesitantly, "Although I don't know much about Pokémon battles, I heard that the man named Drake is really strong. Since he became the Head Trainer, it seems he's defeated dozens of challengers."
Although Melody also didn't understand Pokémon battles, and had never paid attention to such competitions before, it didn't stop her from blindly trusting Natsui.
"So what!?" She lifted her pale chin and said dismissively, "No matter who the opponent is, I believe Natsui will definitely defeat him!"
"This time it probably won't be that easy." Nearby, hearing her belittle Drake, the mayor shook his head and interjected, "Drake is known as the strongest man in the Orange League. Some say that if he were to challenge other leagues, he would definitely bring back a championship. With such a person as an opponent, it will be no easy task for Natsui to win."
However, as soon as the mayor spoke, he saw Melody's face fall. Realizing he had misspoken, he quickly changed his tune and drew out his words, "But…"
"But?" Melody's eyes lit up, and she pressed, "But what?"
The mayor chuckled. "But Natsui is also very powerful. He was able to stop the sea god Lugia and is the champion of the Indigo League. He certainly won't be defeated so easily!"
"Of course!" Melody's mood instantly improved, and she said with excitement, "As long as he sends out the legendary birds, no one will be a match for him!"
"I'm afraid he won't send out those three Pokémon…" Unexpectedly, after hearing her sister's words, Carol shook her head. "Although we didn't spend much time together, from what I know of Natsui, he wouldn't send out the legendary birds in a match like this. After all, it would attract too much attention and cause trouble…"
Hearing her sister say this, Melody was taken aback for a moment. After a little thought, she sighed softly.
"You have a point…"
While they were talking, a similar scene was unfolding far away in Vermilion City in the Kanto region.
At the Sakuragi Institute, Professor Sakuragi's family, along with his two assistants, Chrysa and Ren, were also gathered around a large screen, watching the broadcast.
After Koharu received Natsui's message last night, she immediately notified her parents. Coincidentally, Professor Sakuragi's workload wasn't heavy these past few days, so he simply gave his two assistants a half-day off and, along with his family, watched the match together.
And besides them, as Natsui's most die-hard supporters—that group of bikers—were also gathered in a newly established clubhouse, also watching the match.
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