"Whoa, it's finally a showdown between Dragonite and Garchomp?" Natsuhiko raised an eyebrow, holding the microphone.
The host stood obediently to the side.
He had already given up resisting.
Even if he did a lot of homework, his commentary skills couldn't match Natsuhiko's professionalism.
His forte was to liven up the atmosphere on the battlefield.
But today's battles were so thrilling. Who needs him to liven things up?
He's obediently become a mascot.
"Garchomp's advantage is slightly bigger, with a slight speed edge, which is crucial in a match of the same level." Natsuhiko sighed.
But he quickly added:
"However, it's hard to say, Dragonite's technique pool is so deep, Ice-type techniques are at its fingertips."
Garchomp doesn't need Super Evolution, and it has a speed advantage against most Quasi-God Pokémon.
And Dragonite can learn techniques like 'Frozen Beam,' 'Blizzard,' and 'Frozen Fist,' which strongly counter Garchomp's four times Weak Ice.
It's really down to luck, state, and performance.
Then.
An unexpected scene made everyone gape.
Lance took out a new "Z Pure Crystal" from his pocket, replacing the "Flying Z" the league had given him. And the replacement was actually "Dragon Z"!
He had kept it hidden.
Not just the audience, even Natsuhiko hadn't expected it.
But.
More unacceptable was.
Hilona also replaced her wrist's "Fighting Z," taking out a "Dragon Z" from her inner clothing pocket.
Natsuhiko: "???"
Well then.
These two actually each had a "Dragon Z" hidden!
Since when did "Dragon Z" become so commonplace?
One is relying on having the "Dragon Cave" and the other on having the "Dragon Tomb," is that right?
Wait!
Natsuhiko suddenly shuddered.
A chill rose on his back.
His intuition told him.
These two were definitely holding this reserve for him!
One hiding a Quasi-God Banjiras, while the other two hide a "Dragon Z" each.
They're truly his "good friends."
Natsuhiko thought through gritted teeth.
Friends are meant for backstabbing.
Natsuhiko realized.
"Ultimate Giant Dragon Shaking Heaven and Earth!" Lance shouted with power and confidence in his voice.
"Ultimate Giant Dragon Shaking Heaven and Earth!" Hilona's soft voice echoed with determination and decisiveness.
Boom——!!!
The clash of Dragon Type "Z Moves."
"Critical hit! Dragonite loses its ability to battle!!!"
The host somehow got another microphone, shouting with a trembling voice.
Luck favored Hilona this time.
A critical hit occurring when using such a grand impactful move like "Z Move" is absolutely luck.
This was truly luck-based.
Hilona's Garchomp lay on the ground for quite a while after the clash before standing up again, narrowly avoiding a draw.
Actually, during their regular simulated battle training, the wins were quite evenly matched.
But truth be told.
From Natsuhiko's perspective.
Hilona, who has Glaceon and Togekiss, should have an advantage against Lance.
Yet, she was forced into an ace-to-ace confrontation, which is Lance's success.
In the ace battle, Dragonite, expected to have a slight advantage, was unfortunately hit critically by Garchomp.
Perhaps that's just fate.
There's another factor others don't see, but Natsuhiko knows it might be a crucial aspect.
When did Hilona meet her Garchomp?
They had already formed a deep bond from when Hilona was very young.
What about Lance and Dragonite?
It was after Lance returned to the Dragon Taming Race.
The Pokémon Lance bonds most closely with, and the toughest bond is with Charizard.
This might be one reason luck favored Hilona this time.
In the last "Lily Youth Competition."
Lance lost to Natsuhiko and couldn't make it to the finals.
This "Island Competition."
Lance lost to Hilona and couldn't make it to the finals.
One could say Lance's luck in tournaments hasn't been ideal.
Next.
It's Natsuhiko versus the Royal Masked Man.
If he wins.
Natsuhiko will face Hilona, making up for the fact they couldn't truly compete during the "Lily Youth Competition."
Hilona and Natsuhiko, since they met until now, haven't really battled normally.
If he loses.
Natsuhiko will face Lance for the third-place battle, satisfying some of Lance's wishes.
Lance and Hilona shook hands in the ruined battlefield.
After a brief chat, they walked towards where Natsuhiko and the Royal Masked Man were seated.
From Lance's face, Natsuhiko didn't see any depression, but instead, excitement.
Clearly.
To him, the exhilarating battle process matters more than the final result.
"Though I still want to battle you, Natsuhiko, I hope you make it to the finals." Lance patted Natsuhiko's shoulder with a grin.
Natsuhiko brushed aside his hand.
Sweeping his gaze over the two.
He said with a bit of "resentment": "You two hid quite well."
Upon hearing this, both Lance and Hilona showed a hint of embarrassment.
"Uh, don't mind these details, I'll go heal my Pokémon first, and the field should be fixed by then."
With that, Lance hurried away.
"Natsuhiko..." Hilona, head down, fiddled with her hem like a girl who made a mistake.
"I didn't know at first it was 'Dragon Z,' it was Garchomp from the 'Dragon's Tomb' who gave it to me, I..."