Natsuhiko waved his hand.
He was just pretending to complain a bit, could he really get angry?
But since they all had hidden cards they didn't tell him about.
When he shows off Super Evolution in the future, don't blame him for not forewarning them... Natsuhiko thought to himself, feeling slightly "self-satisfied."
After knowing about Super Evolution, Natsuhiko didn't mind letting them take some advantage first.
For now...
It's still too early.
The announcement of the Fairy Type has already caused quite a stir, and if Super Evolution were to be announced too, Natsuhiko feared that those underground organizations might really try to kidnap him at all costs.
"I understand, just joking with you guys." Natsuhiko said.
"Hmm." Hilona pursed her lips.
"Quickly go treat your Pokémon, don't miss the upcoming match."
"Alright."
Hilona nodded and also headed to the Poke Center inside the Manaro Arena.
The venue was thoroughly destroyed, but replacing it wasn't too troublesome.
"Next, let's welcome Natsuhiko from the Sinnoh Region and the Royal Masked Man from the Alola Region!"
The host regained the right to speak.
Natsuhiko's support was undoubtedly high, one could even say he was the most supported person in this tournament.
The announcement of the Fairy Type greatly increased his popularity, already surpassing Hilona, Flint, Lance, and others.
However, the Royal Masked Man also had many supporters.
As a local celebrity from the Alola Region, a professional wrestler, and always maintaining mystery with his mask, many people speculated about the Royal Masked Man's true identity.
But probably nobody would associate a wrestler with a Pokémon Doctor.
Kukui is really talented.
A Pokémon Doctor, a top Trainer who even briefly served as Alliance Champion, and a professional wrestler.
These titles combined are even more impressive than Natsuhiko's.
"I've long heard of the 'Tactical Master' Natsuhiko's name, didn't expect to bump into you at this tournament, I'm getting excited."
The Royal Masked Man flexed his biceps, looking "childishly dramatic."
Kukui went all out to maintain his identity.
Natsuhiko said, "I have a friend, Barnett, who is a fan of yours. She really likes Mr. Royal Masked Man."
"Uh-haha—is that so? Truly an honor."
The Royal Masked Man scratched his head, his mask covering his embarrassment.
Seeing his actions, Natsuhiko laughed to himself twice.
The simple exchange ended.
The referee signaled the two to get ready.
Natsuhiko's expression became serious, and the Royal Masked Man's eyes also gradually turned solemn.
This match won't be easy.
Each threw their Pokeball.
In the red light.
"Kafum—"
Boom!!
Accompanied by the violent tremor of the ground, a huge figure like a mountain, with a cute demeanor and struggling to open its eyes, revealing only a slit.
"The Royal Masked Man's first Pokémon is Snorlax!!"
Snorlax?
Not an easy Pokémon to deal with... Natsuhiko secretly complained.
As a Trainer who also owns a Snorlax, he knows the traits of this Pokémon very well.
Judging from its thick body and large belly, Kukui's Snorlax probably has the "Thick Fat" trait.
It can halve the damage from Fire Type and Ice Type attacks.
"And Natsuhiko's first Pokémon is Infernape!"
"Kuro!"
Infernape was full of battle spirit.
Based on attributes alone, Natsuhiko had an advantage with his first Pokémon choice.
Fighting Type restrains General Type, though Fire Type is countered by "Thick Fat," the effect is not fatal.
Moreover, although Snorlax is a tank-type Pokémon, there is still a considerable gap between its Physical Defense and Special Defense.
"The battle begins!"
The referee's voice interrupted Natsuhiko and Kukui's respective assessment and contemplation.
"Infernape, Clap Attack!"
This time Natsuhiko had taken the initiative.
Kukui narrowed his eyes and did not issue any commands, simply said, "Endure it."
Given Infernape's speed compared to Snorlax's, even without priority boost, it would be hard to keep up with Infernape's speed.
So for Snorlax, a counterattack is key.
Clap!
Infernape's skilled palms made a crisp sound, like hitting a ripe watermelon.
Snorlax fell into a "Wither" state.
"Close Combat!"
Natsuhiko decisively ordered Infernape to launch a fierce attack.
A flurry of punches rained down on Snorlax's belly.
Snorlax's fat formed ripple-like patterns, spreading from the center of Infernape's fists across its body.
After this set of combo punches, it seemed like nothing had been achieved.
"Kafum—!!"
Snorlax woke up, the pain in its belly showing a bit of anger, despite its gentle temperament.
Kukui grinned.
But before he issued a command, Natsuhiko was a step ahead.
"Infernape, Taunt!"
"Snorlax, Abdominal Drumming!"
The two were almost indistinguishable in timing.
Just seeing.
Snorlax's belly inflated like a balloon but quickly returned to normal in the next second.
Understanding Snorlax, Natsuhiko would never let Snorlax use "Abdominal Drumming," the threat it poses is too great.
"Natsuhiko's Pre-Read! He successfully predicted the opponent's technique again, using 'Taunt' to interrupt 'Abdominal Drumming'!" The host appeared quite excited.
In this tournament, not many have demonstrated "Pre-Read," besides some luck, Natsuhiko arguably had the most "Pre-Reads."