Thunderous applause swept through the stands as Aaron slowly walked down from the arena, all eyes on him.
...
In the audience, Sterling and the Sealine Academy administrators were flushed with excitement. Their hands were nearly numb from clapping.
Sterling's grin stretched from ear to ear as he shot a glance at Baldwin, whose face was dark as thunder, and laughed loudly.
"Hahaha… Principal Baldwin, what was it you said at the start!?"
"I told you not to celebrate too early. And now look at you—this must be humiliating!"
Sterling felt completely vindicated. Years of pent-up frustration finally spilled out all at once.
Damn, that felt good!
Baldwin's face darkened even further, black as charcoal.
"Congratulations, Principal Sterling. This kid has Elite Four–level potential…"
"At this point, the outcome is still undecided."
"Hidden Dragon Academy might be in trouble—a dark horse has appeared out of nowhere!"
"This is going to be interesting…"
The other principals offered their congratulations one after another.
After all, they were all public schools. If first place went to Sealine Trainer Academy, that was still better than letting a private school take it.
Hidden Dragon Academy's principal, Harvey, wore a heavy expression.
Was this boy only terrifying with one Pokémon, or were his remaining two just as strong?
If it was the latter, then Hidden Dragon Academy's team was truly in danger.
The admiration in Major Grant's eyes grew even stronger. If his judgment wasn't wrong, this Greninja alone had at least Elite Four–level potential.
A rare talent indeed.
"Kid… show me what you're really capable of. If you truly have the strength, I won't hesitate to give you my special admission slot."
Major Grant stared at the slender figure on the field and muttered softly.
...
At the seating area for Camp One, Aaron returned with a relaxed expression.
Ethan immediately jogged over, excitement written all over his face.
"Aaron… your Greninja was insane! Taking down three opponents by itself—unbelievable!"
"Congratulations!"
Grace also showed a faint smile as she spoke to Aaron.
"Just the basics. Nothing special…"
Aaron waved his hand casually, putting on an effortless air of confidence.
Zane's lips curled into a slight smile.
"This year's top spot…"
"Camp One already has it locked in."
Simon and Victor clicked their tongues, jealousy flashing in their eyes.
It felt worse than losing outright just watching Aaron show off.
...
In the matches that followed, no further dark horses emerged.
Hidden Dragon Academy's Camp Six and Sealine Trainer Academy's Camp One finally met in the long-anticipated final showdown…
Hidden Dragon Academy vs. Sealine Trainer Academy!
Hidden Dragon Academy's lineup was clearly stronger. Ethan, Simon, and Victor managed to eliminate only two opponents.
In the end, Grace unleashed her full strength, defeating another opponent before falling to the fourth.
Both camps were left with only one person standing!
The final battle had arrived…
The entire venue fell silent as all eyes focused on the decisive showdown.
One was Hidden Dragon Academy's prodigious genius.
The other was a dark horse who had risen from nowhere.
Who would claim victory in this tournament?
...
High above the Pokémon Battle Arena, the massive glass panels slowly opened, revealing a clear blue sky.
Brilliant sunlight poured down, illuminating the entire battlefield.
Under the gaze of the crowd, two figures slowly stepped onto the arena.
Sealine Trainer Academy, Camp One representative: Aaron…
Hidden Dragon Academy, Camp Six representative: Ian…
They faced each other, eyes blazing with resolve.
The battle was about to begin.