At noon, we had a simple lunch at the player restaurant in Manaro Arena together with Lance and the others.
The preliminaries continued in the afternoon.
To demonstrate the utmost "fairness," no one could skip the preliminaries.
Even the Kings of Islands had to participate.
Fortunately.
Although there were many participants, most weren't very strong, so none of us encountered any accidents.
Natsuhiko ended the first day with a three-match winning streak.
He indeed attracted quite a bit of attention.
Even though he only sent out Eevee and Feebas to battle during that time.
Eevee mostly acted as the "Takeover," leaving the main fight to Feebas.
Feebas did not disappoint Natsuhiko.
Though it appears dumb, it was ruthless in battle, and with Eevee's enhancement, it changed many people's biases towards Feebas.
Throughout.
Natsuhiko's battle results were unsurprising, making his supporters quite happy.
"Mr. Natsuhiko is someone worth being friends with. While others study Pokémon through observation and research, Mr. Natsuhiko leads by example. He wrote papers on Eevee, and he has an Eevee; he wrote about Feebas and Milotic, and he has captured a Milotic himself."
No one knows who first said this, but it gained much recognition.
"It's not just capturing them; Mr. Natsuhiko has trained them well. Before this, I wouldn't have believed the battle prowess of Feebas."
"Is this the 'Hero of Truth'? It's absolutely genuine."
Unlike the "Lily Youth Competition," Natsuhiko garnered significant attention right from the start this time.
He was acclaimed as one of the contenders with the best chance to clinch the top three spots.
With the competition continuing, it will inevitably bring more attention and support.
Thus, that evening.
Natsuhiko published a paper titled "On the Relationship between 'Z Move' and the Natural Environment of the Alola Region," which was more like a proposal.
It gained considerable traction.
Having promised Kapu-Mingming he'd contribute to the natural environment protection of the Alola Region, Natsuhiko utilized his current influence.
Before most had even seen this proposal, it received unanimous approval from the residents of the Alola Region.
Moreover, it was immediately posted on the homepage of the newly established Alola Alliance's website that evening.
As viewership increased, although there were some dissenting voices, there was more support.
Among them, renowned researchers like Professor Oak, Dr. Yamanashi, Dr. Cypress, and others expressed their views, mostly supportive.
And new star trainers like Lance, Flint, and Hilona also forwarded the article, showing their support.
Because of the growing attention, it caught the notice of the Alliance and the Ethereum Foundation.
The Alliance has yet to comment.
They simply expressed support for Natsuhiko's environmental conservation actions.
The Ethereum Foundation, however, went all out in promoting it, spreading the article throughout the Alola Region.
It's said.
Lusamine, president of the Ethereum Foundation, printed the article and gleefully stared at it for over an hour that night.
With a smile on her face the entire time.
Of course.
The proposal's heat couldn't overshadow the tournament and couldn't sway the Alliance's true stance.
Even if the Alliance wants to aggressively develop the Alola Region, Natsuhiko, as a new star trainer and researcher, cannot change their stance.
More like planting a seed that slowly sprouts, awaiting fermentation.
Once the Alliance truly sees the power of the "Z Move," perhaps their thinking will change somewhat.
In the short term, this is all Natsuhiko can do.
He's still not enough to truly influence the Alliance's higher-ups.
Even if he became an Elite Four, he might not change the Alliance's top decisions.
...
...
Four days later.
The preliminaries finally concluded.
It couldn't be helped.
Too many regions were covered, and with so many participants, the preliminaries lasted four whole days before formally ending.
A total of 128 participants were finalized to enter the main tournament.
The players' venue also finally shifted from the preliminaries site to the main venue at Manaro Arena.
The organizers divided the large area into four different attribute battlefields, allowing four matches to proceed simultaneously.
Fans finally got to watch their idols' matches up close.
The tournament's fervor reached an explosive growth at this time.
Amidst the tsunami-like cheers.
Amidst the impassioned speeches of supporters.
Amidst the players' excited interests.
The main matches of the "Island Competition" officially began.
In the players' area.
"Alola is really a pain."
Looking at Morden, who stood lazily and listlessly on the Rock Arena, Natsuhiko couldn't help sighing.
It's unknown how Lusamine from the Ethereum Foundation convinced them to let the Kings of Islands participate.
If others are in the tournament, it can be understood, but even the most indolent Morden is here "fishing."
It's a bit too much.
"But honestly, I really want to battle them," said Lance, sitting beside Natsuhiko, showing some excitement.