September 15th, Tuesday.
The highly anticipated semi-finals of the Touran Region Youth Tournament kicked off at Ho-Oh's Nest.
Tens of thousands of spectators gathered in the stands on both sides, waving banners and flags, their cheers echoing throughout the arena.
Judging by the number of attendees and the popularity of Pokémon battles, the excitement of the Intercollegiate League rivaled even the frenzy of NCAA's "March Madness."
Contestants who performed exceptionally well in the Youth Tournament were like promising future stars, drawing significant attention in the League Tournament.
Even scouts like Scott were on the lookout for talented young trainers, ready to make early investments.
It was clear that the Intercollegiate League garnered as much attention as any other major event!
...
Natsume scrolled through his phone, reading the exaggerated praises on the screen, and complained, "Isn't this just a Baby Cup? Why are they hyping it up like it's the Master League?"
Sakurako smiled faintly, though her eyes betrayed a hint of melancholy.
"Many young contestants may never get the chance to stand on the stage of the Touran Conference in their entire lives..."
"For them, the Intercollegiate League might be the pinnacle of their training careers."
Natsume pondered for a moment, then nodded slightly.
Just like how some NCAA stars might fade into obscurity after entering the NBA, no matter what, the Intercollegiate League was their stage to shine in their youth.
Natsume stretched his wrists and grinned. "I'm starting to feel fired up."
He hoped his opponent would be strong enough to make Squirtle step up its game instead of slacking off!
On the battle stage.
The match between Kyoto University and Kobe University was underway.
A wave of yellow sand swept across the field, crackling against the protective barrier, eliciting gasps from the audience.
Amidst the sandstorm, a seemingly sluggish Hippowdon let out a long yawn, its crimson eyes glinting with cunning.
Shohei clicked his tongue in frustration and gritted his teeth. "Scyther, hang in there! Use Wing Attack!"
Scyther shook off its drowsiness and shot toward Hippowdon like an arrow.
The cool-headed man with glasses snapped his fingers. "Rock Tomb!"
Boulders crashed down, slamming Scyther into the ground and burying it under the sand.
"Kyoto University's contestant, Zuo Yu, wins!"
The audience erupted into cheers, though some murmured, "Shohei lost so decisively..."
"This was just a singles match. Their sandstorm strategy would be even more terrifying in team battles!"
"Is this the strength of Kyoto University?"
In the team event, Kyoto University's sandstorm strategy easily broke through Kobe University's defenses, securing their victory in the semi-finals.
"The first ticket to the finals has been claimed! Let's congratulate Kyoto University!"
Cheers filled the arena as both teams shook hands and bowed before exiting the stage.
Takashi watched his old rival, Kyoto's Coach Kiichi, with a slight frown of unease.
"This year's Kyoto team is going to be tough to deal with..."
Natsume sighed. "It really is Hippowdon..."
Not Tyranitar, after all.
It was unexpected, yet made perfect sense.
Takashi nodded. "You think it's troublesome too?"
"Yeah..." Natsume agreed.
The chances of Squirtle being able to slack off just got a little slimmer.
"Regardless, the sandstorm team's weaknesses are a point of Breakthrough. Torkoal can also compete for weather control as a backup."
Takashi pondered for a moment. "Let's focus on preparing for tomorrow's battle against Tokyo Yokohama National University!"
Under Coach Takashi's lead, the Tokyo Metropolitan University team checked into the Budew Hotel.
Along the way, passersby were still excitedly discussing the day's matches.
"Is Kyoto going to win it all this year? Could they take home a fourth consecutive championship?"
"Hard to say. Tomorrow's match between Tokyo Metropolitan University and Yokohama National University will determine who advances."
"Yokohama National University uses a rain team, right? Tokyo Metropolitan University's space-based strategy is too weak in singles. I'm betting on Yokohama National University!"
Natsume stroked his chin.
Weather systems heavily relied on the order of weather-setting Pokémon.
It seemed even the Youth Tournament tested the coaches' insight and strategic planning!
Despite witnessing Kyoto's impressive performance, the team's morale remained high.
Because, unlike the previous matches, this time, Natsume-sensei would be participating!
Every team needed a leader, a core figure to rally around.
Even though Natsume often slacked off, in everyone's eyes, he was tirelessly preparing the perfect training plans for them...
Keigo glanced at Natsume, who was deep in thought, and smiled. "In the previous matches, many people mentioned you. I think there are quite a few of your fans in the audience too."
Most contestants were young, and Natsume-sensei was highly popular among that age group.
It might not be called a fan tournament, but in essence, it was.
If people found out Natsume was competing, Tokyo Metropolitan University's popularity would likely soar even higher.
Natsume rubbed his temples, feeling somewhat helpless.
I'm really just here to slack off!
It's already the semi-finals. Could I really take on five opponents single-handedly?
He looked down at the serious-faced Squirtle and sighed. "Winning or losing isn't the main thing. Just don't get hurt!"
Squirtle nodded carefully, a glint of determination in its eyes.
"Squirtle! ヾ(??■_■)"
...
September 16th, Wednesday.
Before the match, Tokyo Metropolitan University announced their starting lineup.
Natsume's name was prominently listed.
The revelation sent shockwaves through the internet, with fans flooding the comments section with question marks.
"??? Natsume-sensei is competing?"
"I thought Natsume-sensei had a conscience, but it turns out he's still ruthless!"
Though Natsume-sensei's exact strength was unknown, anyone who could outstrategize so many big shots couldn't possibly be a rookie.
Was it really appropriate to dive into a "baby cup" just for a few million Pokémon Coins?
"In a way, this is exactly the kind of thing Natsume-sensei would do."
"Didn't the tournament committee ban people who've competed in other leagues? What's going on with Natsume-sensei?"
In response to the online uproar, the tournament committee quickly held a discussion.
"President Masaru, take a look at this contestant's profile," the assistant said hesitantly. "There's been some controversy online questioning his eligibility to compete."
The president of the Touran Conference League Committee, whose status rivaled that of Charles Goodshow, glanced at the file. "Nothing seems wrong here... What's the issue?"
"Some are saying he's a master trainer who's competed in several leagues..."
President Masaru chuckled. "His records are clear. It's not like he's a time traveler. This is a non-issue. Let the tournament proceed!"
With the committee's statement, the controversy died down.
The official live stream was flooded with Natsume-sensei's fans.
"Here to see the legend!"
"Go get them, Natsume-sensei!"
"Leveling up in a Baby Cup? Classic Natsume-sensei!"
Amidst the overwhelming cheers and screams, the battle between Tokyo Metropolitan University and Yokohama National University officially began.
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