Early the next morning, the four of them washed up, finished breakfast, fed their Pokémon, and headed straight toward the World Tournament venue.
On the way, Chen Shi noticed something amusing—
Street vendors had begun selling merchandise with his name printed across it.
Shiny Dragapult flags, shirts, badges, keychains…
Not only his—Steven, Cynthia, and Lance all had entire booths overflowing with fans.
He glanced over and had to admit…
those stands were packed shoulder-to-shoulder. People were practically fighting to buy souvenirs.
Phoebe puffed her cheeks, sulking.
"How come there's nothing with me on it…"
Chen Shi gave her a long stare.
Every fiber of his being wanted to say:
"Maybe because you surrendered instantly after seeing your opponent?"
"Who would make merch for someone who forfeited without even attacking?"
But he swallowed the truth.
Too cruel.
Too accurate.
So he kept his mouth firmly shut.
Soon, the group reached their third-floor waiting room.
Even though Phoebe had already been eliminated, she was still bursting with energy—
She immediately snatched the remote, turned on the big screen, and waited anxiously to see today's matchups.
Only commercials were playing.
Steven leaned back lazily.
"Relax. It's still early. The audience isn't even fully seated yet. They won't start the draw until everything's ready."
"…Fine."
Phoebe deflated and gently placed the remote down.
Everyone was curious about today's bracket.
With only the strongest sixteen players left, every single matchup would be explosive.
Time passed quickly.
By 8 a.m., the venue was packed, and the host appeared onscreen.
"Good morning, everyone! After yesterday's fierce battles, our Top 16 has officially been decided! And today—
we determine who advances into the Top 8!!"
Cheers rolled through the arena like thunder.
"Now then—let's reveal today's matchups!"
The moment he spoke, the giant screen began shuffling the remaining portraits.
Then—
The first matchup locked in:
Chen Shi vs. Siebold.
The arena erupted into screams.
"CHEN SHI!!"
"SIEBOLD!!"
"LET'S GOOOOOO!!"
Chen Shi stared at the screen.
"Siebold, huh…?"
This man was not simple.
In the future, he'd rise to become one of Kalos's Elite Four—
a master of Water-types
and a world-renowned chef.
Steven leaned over.
"I've seen his battles. His Blastoise is ridiculously strong. Be careful."
Chen Shi smiled.
"Relax. I never underestimate anyone."
And with that, he left the waiting room.
Meeting Siebold
After exiting the elevator and walking down the staff corridor toward the battlefield, Chen Shi heard a soft ding from the elevator beside him.
When he turned, a young man stepped out.
Blonde hair.
Elegant white attire.
Calm, refined eyes.
He approached with impeccable politeness.
"Good morning. My name is Siebold. It's a pleasure to meet you."
Chen Shi returned the polite nod.
"I'm Chen Shi—your opponent today."
"I know."
Siebold's smile didn't waver.
"I watched your previous battles. Your Dragapult and Swampert are extraordinarily strong.
To be honest… I'm likely not your equal."
Chen Shi blinked.
A prodigy… openly acknowledging that?
Even Steven, Lance, Diantha—
none of them would say something like that before a fight.
Yet Siebold did so without hesitation.
Seeing Chen Shi's surprise, Siebold let out a soft laugh.
"Winning or losing has never been my pursuit."
"What I cherish is the act itself—standing with my partners, experiencing the beauty of battle.
Just like creating a dish."
"To many, cooking is only about taste.
But to me… it is art."
Chen Shi nodded slowly.
Everyone chased something different.
For Siebold, the journey was more important than the result.
The two walked together until they reached the battlefield gates.
Before they parted, Chen Shi spoke:
"I heard you're an exceptional chef. If there's ever a chance… I'd love to try your cooking."
Siebold blinked once—
then smiled.
"I would be honored."
The Battle Begins
"Now entering the arena—Chen Shi of Hoenn!!"
As the steel gates opened, the stadium exploded with cheers.
Dragapult flags waved like storm winds.
Shirts with Chen Shi's name.
Glowsticks.
Banners.
His fanbase was growing at an insane pace.
Chen Shi stepped calmly into position.
Across from him, Siebold entered the field with elegant composure.
"Please send out your Pokémon," the referee announced.
Siebold lifted his Poké Ball without hesitation.
"Let us show them our strength—
Blastoise!"
"BLASTOISE!!"
The massive water turtle landed with a heavy thud.
Blue skin. Armored shell.
Twin water cannons gleaming on its back.
Chen Shi scanned it instantly.
Pokémon Data — Blastoise
Species: Blastoise
Level: 62 (Early Ace-tier)
Potential: Pre-Champion
Ability: Rain Dish
Gender: Male
Moves:
Tackle, Water Gun, Withdraw
Water Pulse, Rapid Spin, Protect
Rain Dance, Aqua Tail
Shell Guard, Iron Defense
Hydro Cannon, Mud Shot, Dig
Brick Break, Body Slam
Ice Punch, Aura Sphere
Dragon Pulse, Surf
Focus Blast
Chen Shi raised an eyebrow.
This wasn't just a strong Blastoise—
This was a monster.
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