"Hohoho~ This is too interesting. Lance actually lost to Yellow."
Giovanni's face carried an uncontrollable smile—this was hilarious!The invincible Lance, defeated by a newcomer who only began traveling this year—ha!
"Yellow's kind of insane… she can boost her Pokémon that much?" Blue was dumbfounded.
He could guess Yellow had some special ability that strengthens her Pokémon…But beating Lance? That was ridiculous.
"This is what they call talent."Dylan chuckled. Yellow's ability was definitely among the strongest—something unique to her alone.
On the other side—
Watching Yellow and Lance finish their match, Hilda and Rosa exchanged confused looks.
"She's definitely cheating!"Iris finally reacted, pointing at Yellow with wide eyes.
Now it was basically confirmed—Yellow had an ability that temporarily boosts Pokémon strength.
"Truly gifted," Alder praised.
"Indeed… this ability is outrageous," N agreed.
In truth, the concept of temporarily strengthening Pokémon wasn't exclusive to Yellow.Powerful psychics could boost Psychic-type Pokémon to some degree—for example, Sabrina, who was said to be able to force Psychic-types to temporarily evolve.But even that was limited—and far weaker than this.
Yellow's Slowking should have been completely overwhelmed by Lance's Salamence.Yet after her power activated, Slowking could fight evenly—and even defeat it with Ice Beam.
This wasn't something you could just call a "burst of power."These were Champion-level Pokémon—Champions vary hugely in strength.But Yellow made her entire team "burst" at once.
"No wonder Dylan accepted her as a student," N sighed.
On the field—
"Thank you, Pikachu~!"
"Pika~!"Yellow hugged her partner, who leapt into her arms affectionately.
Even with her power boosting their strength, Lance's Ace Dragonite was overwhelmingly strong.Pikachu had used everything it had to win.
Step—step—Yellow looked up and saw Lance approaching, Dragonite already awakened behind him.
"Senior…"
"You did very well."
Lance looked at her for a moment, then—rarely—showed a faint smile.
"Your partners are very strong."
"Thank you!"
Yellow sensed his kindness and blushed shyly.
"Your ability… is truly special. Keep going."Lance paused, then added,"I think you'll make it to Dylan in the end."
"Yes! With your support, I'll work even harder!"
Yellow was full of fighting spirit. She felt that since she'd even defeated Lance, there was nothing left to fear!
"Heh~"Seeing her bright smile, Lance couldn't help a soft laugh.
But the next moment, he returned to his cold demeanor.
"You've defeated me to advance. If you lose to some nobody later… I won't forgive you."
"Eh?"Yellow blinked.Was there even a "nobody" left among the final eight?
Thus, Yellow's battle with Lance concluded—with the shocking result of Lance's elimination.
Fans were devastated, but… what could they do?He first drew Giovanni, head of Kanto's Elite Four,then Yellow, Dylan's disciple—all from Kanto.
Talk about bad luck!
With Lance out, next was Leon's resurrection match.
Half an hour later, the screen began drawing his opponent.
"Please, Arceus, I beg you!""Give Leon a good matchup!""Anyone but Dylan!""No—anyone but Kanto! Please!"
Chat was full of Leon fans praying or complaining.
After Lance's experience, everyone realized resurrection matches were dangerous—Your opponent might look harmless, but secretly be another "cheat-user."
Especially those Kanto people—Dylan, Giovanni, Red, Selene, and now Yellow, who had just clapped Lance.
There were five of them.Even the Top 4 didn't have enough room for all five!
Finally, the spinning portraits slowed…
And stopped on a blue-haired girl with a white barrettes.
"It's me…"Dawn stared at the screen, her pretty face collapsing.
"Unlucky," Cynthia muttered.
"It's fine, Cynthia! I won't lose!"
Dawn bounced to her feet, fired up.
"Be careful—Leon is extremely strong," the Champion warned.Since the start of the tournament, aside from Dylan and Red, Leon had never lost.
"No worries~ Worst case, I lose once. No big deal!" Dawn laughed.She wanted victory—but she wasn't obsessed.She didn't have Yellow's ridiculous ability anyway.
"That's good. Don't stress.And besides… Sinnoh is already famous enough."Cynthia gently fixed Dawn's bangs, like a big sister.
Arceus appearing had made Sinnoh world-famous.After all, Sinnoh was the land said to be shaped by Arceus itself.
Meanwhile—
"Dawn from Sinnoh, huh?"Leon studied the cheerful girl's portrait.
Hop exhaled in relief."At least it's not someone from Kanto. Big bro, beat her and you're in the Top 8!"
Leon nodded, but didn't underestimate her.Anyone who reached the Top 8 was elite.
Half an hour later—Leon and Dawn stood on the battlefield.
The indicator pointed to Leon for first pick.
"Dawn, it's fine if I call you that, right?" Leon asked kindly.
"Ah? Sure, Leon!" Dawn smiled.
"As your senior… fighting you for a Top 8 spot feels a little embarrassing," Leon admitted.Honestly, he'd rather fight Giovanni.
"Haha, it's fine! If I can't beat you, then I don't deserve the spot anyway," Dawn said brightly.
"What a refreshing heart you have."Leon genuinely admired her.
"Then let's battle at full strength, Dawn!"
His eyes burned with fighting spirit.Aside from Dylan, Leon believed he could rival anyone.Even Red—if they fought again, he might not lose.
And surely…Dawn couldn't have some ridiculous temporary-power-boosting ability, right?
(End of Chapter)