The sun shone brightly over Lily of the Valley Island, the air electric with battle fervor.
With no match scheduled today, Natsu sat in a private box on the second floor, gazing through the glass at the arena below.
On the field, a tall, hat-wearing man strumd his harp as he issued a graceful command:
"Roserade, Solar Beam!"
Roserade raised its flowered arms, gathering dazzling white energy that coalesced into a brilliant, scorching beam.
The attack tore through the opponent's defenses, the sheer force slamming into Bastiodon's stone-like shield head—ending the match in an instant.
"Winner: Contestant Nando!" The referee waved his flags.
Cheers erupted as Nando plucked his harp strings, bowing elegantly to the audience stands.
Up in the private box, Cynthia crossed her legs, resting her chin on her hand.
"A traditional Coordinator's battle style..."
Old-school Coordinators favored flashy, high-impact ultimate moves—though the charging ti often left openings.
New-generation Coordinators like Wallace and Ruby, however, focused on move combinations to achieve equally stunning effects.
Then there were those like Jessie, who prioritized showcasing the Coordinator's performance... though that style wasn't particularly popular in Sinnoh.
In Kalos, however, such perforrs were celebrated in specialized competitions like the "TriPokalon."
"I'm a Coordinator too," Natsu remarked casually from the sofa, Togepi in his lap playing a handheld ga.
"Though I'm not sure which category I fall into."
"The kind that uses... strategies to make opponents lose points?" Cynthia smiled knowingly.
You were totally about to say "dirty strategies," weren't you?!
Still, even in Contest Battles, rigid rules weren't absolute.
If a performance could move hearts, even a Feebas could earn a Master Rank Beauty Ribbon. (Dirty strategies included.)
Natsu had great respect for Coordinators—but that didn't an he'd go easy on Nando.
"Either way," Natsu declared, "it's ti to show everyone my battle style!"
"Which is...?" Cynthia blinked.
"Overleveling and steamrolling the Baby Cup!" Natsu said proudly.
Cynthia studied his dead-serious expression before uncrossing her legs, laughter bubbling up.
The Strategy Master... had co full circle, resorting to the simplest approach in the League Tournant.
"Good luck with your match," she said, amused. "I'll be cheering for Togepi!"
From Natsu's lap, Togepi waved its ga console excitedly:
"Togepi doo-ee~! (｀▽｀)"
...
Different Trainers, different battle styles—this was common knowledge in the Pokémon world.
Take Cynthia: her battles were ruthlessly efficient. Even against the Elite Four, she sotis swept through with just Garchomp—pure level advantage.
Leon's style resembled Natsu-sensei's, but not quite. His philosophy? "All strategies lead to Gigantamax Charizard."
The two Hoenn Champions, Steven (ga Evolution specialist) and Wallace (Contest master), couldn't be more different.
As for Natsu?
Well... he knew a little bit of everything.
After the morning matches, Natsu went to et up with Ash and the others, hoping for a goodbye kiss from Moe-Moe.
Under the dual pressure of Cynthia's sweet smile and the murderous aura from Garchomp behind her, he reluctantly abandoned the idea.
Cynthia watched him leave, her cheeks faintly pink as she muttered under her breath:
"L-Later tonight... might be okay..."
"I HEARD THAT!" Natsu shouted, his hearing enhanced by Aura of Ripple.
Cynthia froze—then her smile turned icy. "No, you didn't."
Natsu: "..."
"Gengar~" Gengar patted his shoulder sympathetically.
Dammit, why do I keep self-sabotaging?!
A cautious man like him must've been infected by so single-celled organism's recklessness—
Ti to extend Gold's mute duration by another two hours!
...
In the Chat Group
The well-inford (yet perpetually custor-less) Green shared the Top 32 matchups in the group chat.
"Nando," Wallace murmured. "A Coordinator who participated in the Wallace Cup. I rember him."
"Mr. Nando is really nice~" Ash chid in cheerfully. "He even invited to watch Pokémon Contests!"
Fantina, with her fashion designer's eye, comnted:
"His outfit appears to be self-tailored. Quite distinctive."
Then, abruptly changing the subject while covering her mouth with a giggle: "Ara, Natsu-sensei, when will you wear that outfit I designed for you?"
"That adorable Sylveon set!" Yellow recalled instantly.
Lance looked up at the sky, ntally picturing himself wearing pink as Champion.
A shiver ran down his spine. He turned back to his cape, muttering:
"I'll stick with my beloved cape, thank you..."
Rumors in Celadon City claid that Champion Mr. Lance frequently purchased identical capes from the Celadon Departnt Store.
Among the Kanto Elite Four:
Bruno loved Rage Candy.
Auntie Lorelei adored doujinshi and plushies.
Agatha—
Agatha liked Professor Oak... (scratched out)
Natsu cleared his throat. "It's too hot... Next ti for sure!"
Thus successfully dodging the topic.
Natsu extended Gold's mute duration by another two hours in the penalty box.
Then he opened the official Lily of the Valley Conference forums.
The Top 64 hadn't generated much discussion—only Natsu and Tobias stood out.
"Total domination! Natsu-sensei continues his tradition of shutouts!"
"Tobias swept his match too, but he used a Darkrai."
"Both are stomps—one uses pseudo-legendary babies, the other uses mythicals. Need I say which is more impressive?"
"SHOCKING! What Natsu-sensei did to that Space Team contestant... Click for details!"
Natsu's eye twitched as he opened the last post.
It turned out to be just an analysis thread explaining Natsu-sensei's strategies to confused viewers.
[Opening with Dragon Dance created the illusion that Trick Room would benefit the opponent.
But Natsu-sensei had Taunt ready. Psychological warfare combined with brute force—utterly ruthless!]
"So that's what happened!"
"Was at the match but couldn't follow. Thanks for explaining!"
"I get it now... but that title was pure clickbait!"
Though the first elimination round had just ended, the forums were already flooded with contestant posts.
"We all have eight Badges... until you notice one is Natsu-sensei and the other is 'Legendary Pokémon Guy'?!"
"The Lily of the Valley Conference is brutal this year~ (☉_☉)"
"Not getting swept by these two counts as a win!"
Conway, who'd lost in the first round, found comfort in everyone else's panic.
At least I held my own against Natsu-sensei briefly!
Worth it. This tournant was worth it!
...
Next Day: Top 32 → Top 16
The next day at the Lily of the Valley Conference.
The Top 32 advanced to the Top 16 in the sub-venues.
Due to their outstanding sales performance, the Team Rocket trio had been transferred inside the main arena by the rchandise zone manager.
Though the arena had air conditioning and better perks, they had to rebuild their custor base from scratch.
Standing behind their empty booth with forced smiles, the trio couldn't hide their disappointnt.
"Starting over again, ow..." owth sighed.
"That's the Team Rocket way!" Jas encouraged. "Like Boss Giovanni and the Executives—unyielding spirit!"
"Exactly!"
Jessie slapped Jas and owth's backs so hard they winced, tears welling silently.
"Even if we have to start over a hundred tis, we'll succeed! Understood?"
"Wobbuffet!!" Wobbuffet, wearing a sales cap, cheered enthusiastically.
"Shh." Jas put a finger to his lips, looking toward the hallway. "Custor approaching."
A graceful golden-haired beauty in a black trench coat strolled over, hands in pockets, a serene smile on her lips.
Her gaze lingered on their rchandise before settling on the trio, eyes curving like crescents. "My, it's been a while."
"It's Champion Master Cynthia, ow," owth mumbled from atop the shelf.
"CHAMPION?!" The trio snapped to attention, saluting stiffly. "Y-Yes! Long ti no see!!"
"No need for formalities." Cynthia chuckled. "I never properly thanked you last ti~~"
"Hah, it was nothing!" Jas scratched his head, then rubbed his hands eagerly. "Take your pick—anything you want!"
Cynthia leaned down slightly, gray eyes scanning the shelves thoughtfully. The trio maintained their frozen smiles, whispering through gritted teeth:
"She's really torn, ow?"
"She always takes forever to decide."
"But her presence alone is drawing custors!"
Soon their booth was sward. Finally, Cynthia made up her mind, lightly clapping her hands.
"One ice cream, please~~"
...
The stadium buzzed with excitent, every seat filled.
Flint glanced at Cynthia in the next seat, happily enjoying her ice cream.
"Sylveon sister really loves her ice cream," Aaron whispered, nudging Flint.
"It's Natsu-sensei's match today," Flint whispered back. "Only reason she'd risk it lting to co watch."
"What happens with Ice Cream Acid Armor...?" Aaron wondered aloud.
Flint fell silent, gazing upward at a 45-degree angle—rembering when he'd first beco a Fire-type Elite Four mber and been utterly crushed by Cynthia.
"That... is another story," he said gravely.
Looking down through the glass at the battlefield, cheers rose like tidal waves.
Natsu and Nando stood facing each other, exchanging nods.
"Natsu-sensei," Nando said with a smile. "I've studied your performances in the Wallace Cup."
"Well... I'm not exactly a master of Contest Battles," Natsu admitted honestly.
Knowing Natsu-sensei's modesty, Nando shook his head with a chuckle, giving him a profound look.
"For this battle, I hope you'll share your wisdom."
This was a Coordinator's formal invitation to a spectacular battle.
Natsu smiled slightly and nodded. "I'll do my best to oblige."
Nando plucked his harp strings, and despite the arena's noise, a cool, harmonious lody erged.
"Contestants, send out your Pokémon!" the referee announced.
"Go." Nando tossed a Poké Ball, releasing a red beam. "Roserade!"
Roserade crossed its arms in ditation, then suddenly spread its petals like a masked perforr making a grand entrance.
"Rossss~!"
The classic Coordinator's flashy entrance instantly ignited the crowd's passion.
For pure spectacle, Contest Battles were second to none!
"He's not going to use dirty strategies again, is he...?"
"He might win, but the opponent's performance could outshine him?"
"Wait, I rember Natsu-sensei knows Contest Battles too!"
When Natsu threw his Poké Ball, the audience blinked in surprise before their eyes lit up.
A tiny, adorable Pokémon erged from the ball, sparkling brilliantly!
Showy entrance—Look at !
Togepi beca the center of attention!
"Togepi doo-ee~! "
The stadium erupted instantly.
"Awsl!!!"
"Togepi angel, mommy loves you!"
"That's Master Rank Cuteness Ribbon material..."
"Natsu's not just about strategies—he's a Top Coordinator too?"
"So you're saying he's good at everything?!!"
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