"Mr. Genji of the Hoenn Alliance's Dragon-type Elite."
Seeing the strong elder standing at the front of the ship, Flint couldn't help but speak his name.
Dragon-type Elite!
Natsuhiko subconsciously glanced at Lance beside him.
Look at that, both are specialized Dragon-type Trainers, why is there a distinction?
His are all genuine Dragon-type Pokémon, and his ace is a ferocious Salamence, almost undisputed as the leading figure among the current Elite Four of the Hoenn Alliance.
Lance noticed Natsuhiko's gaze, smiled, and said, "They are our targets."
Natsuhiko pressed his lips tight.
Is this what he meant to convey?
"The one on the right is Lady Kikuno, the Ground-type Elite of the Sinnoh Alliance. I didn't expect her to come this time. Isn't it true that Lady Kikuno doesn't usually like appearing in public?"
Hilona also recognized the gray-haired woman wearing a thick coat to Genji's right.
Ground-type Elite.
Natsuhiko remembered that in the original anime, Kikuno was supposedly the only Ground-type Elite among all the alliances.
Speaking of Ground-type, people might remember more profoundly the Rocket Team Leader Giovanni who was called "Earth Sakaki".
Finally, as for the person on Genji's left, Natsuhiko was very familiar.
"Agatha the Ghost-type Elite is also here," Lance remarked.
She is indeed a pillar of the current Elite Four of the Kanto Region, the "linchpin" after Uncle Liu's retirement, the Ghost-type Elite Agatha.
As for the Johto Region.
Kanto and Johto are one; for certain reasons, the current Kanto Region and the Johto Region have not separated into two sets of Elite Four.
That is to say, the Elite Four of the Kanto Region are also the Elite Four of the Johto Region.
That's why it's so difficult to become an Elite Four member of the Kanto Region, forcing someone like Tom Rokicki, who is still considered potential and ambitious, to choose to defect from the Kanto Alliance.
In fact, the Johto Alliance has always been applying to completely separate from the Kanto Alliance and establish its own Elite Four system.
Unfortunately, the Alliance Headquarters has yet to approve this application.
As for the reason... nobody knows.
The affairs between the Johto Alliance and the Kanto Alliance are no secret.
Natsuhiko suspects that Uncle Liu's resignation likely has a lot to do with this matter.
The three Elites were aboard Genji's ship.
Though an Elite, Genji naturally loves freedom and the sea, so he often sails with a group of crew members, enjoying the adventure they cherish.
Of course, Genji is also the most feared existence by those pirates at sea.
Because once they encounter him, it usually spells the end of their pirate careers.
Nevertheless, when the alliance requires, the enthusiastic Genji is often the first to arrive.
The Hoenn Alliance's trust in Genji is evidently very high as well.
The ship traveled quickly.
In no time, it arrived at the small island.
Genji smiled as he threw out a Pokeball, a Salamence with terrifying aura appeared beside him, and Genji jumped onto Salamence's back directly.
Agatha was even more straightforward, floating up directly, carried by an invisible force.
Kikuno was relatively ordinary, leisurely stepping down from the ship by the ship's side.
The three Elites came to face these young Trainers.
"Pretty much everyone's here, right?" Genji's eyes scanned the crowd.
When his gaze rested on Natsuhiko, it lingered for a moment, a hint of doubt flashing in his eyes, but it didn't stay long.
His attention made Natsuhiko's heart tighten slightly.
Could it be that Genji discovered Dragapult's presence?
It's possible.
As a seasoned Dragon-type Elite, his sensitivity to Dragon-type Pokémon is surely sharper than other Trainers, and the Salamence under his feet couldn't be compared to Joanna's Salamence.
But Genji didn't show anything, and Natsuhiko didn't dare ask Dragapult, only pretending like nothing happened.
It wasn't just Genji; Agatha easily recognized Natsuhiko too.
That sinister smile of hers, Natsuhiko still isn't used to.
"That should be about it; those who haven't arrived yet might as well be considered to have forfeited voluntarily," Agatha said casually.
"Waiting a bit longer doesn't matter, as some places are quite far away to travel from," Kikuno appeared relatively calm, heavy and composed like her Ground-type Pokémon.
"Then let's wait fifteen more minutes; in the meantime, it's just the right time to explain the rules and things to pay attention to these youngsters," Genji opted for a compromise.
Agatha lowered her eyes, saying nothing, while Kikuno still maintained her smile.
Genji advanced a bit on Salamence, speaking in a low voice.
"I believe you all know the situation of this Alternate Space. As elite young Trainers from various regions, I won't give extra cautions. I'll now explain the rules of this trial and your means of survival."
The venue was very quiet; no one dared interrupt Genji's speech.
He continued, "This Alternate Space is quite special. Once inside, the location you appear at is random. It might be on a mountain, in the water, in the woods, or if you're unlucky, directly on a rock or even underground. You should prepare for this."
"The rule is to hold out for two weeks, that is, fourteen days. Whoever can last the full fourteen days can directly advance to the knockout stage of the 'Lily Youth Competition,' and all items and resources acquired in this event belong to you, the alliance won't require you to hand them over."
"Of course, since it's an unexplored Alternate Space, the danger will not be low. If at any point you feel you can't hold on, use the distress device provided to you on the way here immediately."
"The three of us will roam this Alternate Space during this period, and we will respond promptly if someone calls for help, but we might not reach you at the most crucial moment, so you should prepare for this mentally. Once you feel you can't endure, ask for help early; this is very important!"
"Although those who survive fourteen days can directly enter the knockout rounds, it doesn't mean that those who failed lose their qualification to participate. They can still enter from the preliminary round, so don't push yourself too hard; your life is your most valuable asset."
The more Genji advised later, the heavier his tone became.
"Lastly!"
Like a dragon's eyes, exuding awe without anger, he scanned everyone, and nobody dared meet his gaze.
"No killing is allowed! Understood?!"
No killing is allowed?
But there is no mention of prohibiting fights over resources?
Natsuhiko understood the meaning behind Genji's words.
It means conflict is allowed, as long as it doesn't escalate to murder, losing a few Pokémon is within acceptable limits...
Natsuhiko's mouth unconsciously curved upwards but quickly restrained itself.
This makes it interesting.
He thought the alliance would still treat them like hothouse flowers, not allowing slaughter while protecting them.
Now, it seems.
The alliance is also making progress.
Perhaps feeling the pressure from battles with underground forces.
Strong in internal rivalry, weak like a dog when facing outside threats.
In this situation, the alliance wants to make some changes.
Within the alliance, aside from those stalwart veterans being honed through combat, only a few have such experiences, which is deeply disadvantageous in confrontations with underground forces.
Especially those direct members, growing under the watchful eyes of their elders, having faced little adversity.
Natsuhiko discreetly scanned the so-called young elites within his sight range.
Field battles, that's his forte.