"This tournament is hosted by the Alola Region, but the committee isn't entirely made up of locals. It's said that Professor Oak and Nari Omiki, those cousins, will serve as chairmen of the committee," Kona explained.
With Professor Oak's character, he is indeed trustworthy.
The Ethereum Foundation made the right choice.
Once Professor Oak finishes speaking, Nari Omiki follows.
As the highly respected dean of the Pokemon Academy, Nari Omiki has fully gained the recognition of the people of the Alola Region.
If only he didn't add those strange expressions while speaking, he would be more convincing.
After the two speak,
the next to take the stage is Lusamine, the chairwoman of the Ethereum Foundation!
The cheers upon her appearance clearly show the immense influence she has throughout the Alola Region.
After all,
Lusamine and the Ethereum Foundation are both advocating the slogan "Protect the Pokémon."
And the Ethereum Foundation has indeed benefited the entire Alola Region to a certain extent.
One after another, some committee members take the stage.
Among them are some familiar to Natsuhiko and some unfamiliar.
However,
given his status as a half-apprentice to Professor Oak, a kind of colleague to Nari Omiki and the fact that Lusamine... Lusamine plans to invite him to join the Ethereum Foundation...
It seems,
his relations with these committee big shots are fairly good.
This tournament,
is settled.
After a while,
once all the members have finished speaking, and under the announcer's declaration, the participants can finally proceed to their assigned venues.
While at the Manaro Arena, several large screens appear.
These display scenes from various sub-arenas.
There are no spectator seats in the sub-arenas, which helps avoid unnecessary troubles and prevent safety hazards.
Meanwhile, it allows participants to focus more on the tournament.
...
...
After the opening ceremony ends,
Natsuhiko heads to his assigned venue.
With over a dozen sub-arenas, it's not like Natsuhiko and his friends were all allocated to the same place.
Though someone is heading in the same direction as him.
"Mr. Natsuhiko, are you heading this way?" Mikkel asked while holding the "Water 3" tag.
"Yes."
Natsuhiko shook the "Water 1" tag in his hand.
The Water Arena is Mikkel's home turf and not very advantageous for Natsuhiko.
"I've always wanted to thank Mr. Natsuhiko, but unfortunately, there haven't been many chances to meet."
"Hmm?"
"Beauty."
Natsuhiko suddenly realized.
Indeed.
Following the announcement of Feebas evolving into Milotic, the one benefiting wasn't just Hilona, but Mikkel too.
And Milotic isn't the only one.
Compared to traditional Pokémon battles, Mikkel prefers the Gorgeous Competition.
After Flint retired, Mikkel assumed the role of Champion, partly due to the league's desire to promote the Gorgeous Competition, and Mikkel is the best icon for it.
"Just call me Natsuhiko, no need for formalities."
"Anyway, the next time you come to Hoenn, be sure to inform me."
"No problem."
Natsuhiko paused in front of a venue, "I have arrived."
"Then let's catch up during the main tournament."
"Okay."
The two parted ways.
Natsuhiko walked into the venue.
Upon seeing Natsuhiko enter, the contestants inside the venue displayed two completely different states.
"Mr. Natsuhiko, I'm a fan of yours!"
"Mr. Natsuhiko, please sign my autograph!"
"..."
The other group.
"Oh no, I'm actually in the same arena as 'Tactical Master' Natsuhiko."
"One of the few qualifying spots is lost before it even starts."
"Decided, aim for second place!"
"..."
The format of the qualifiers is quite simple.
Using the more basic 2v2 mode.
Not conducting 1v1 prevents someone from overextending and suddenly becoming the dark horse, which would be awkward.
Though 2v2 proceeds slower than 1v1,
it helps minimize unexpected situations.
Under the guidance of judges and staff, the various arenas quickly began bustling with activity.
Meanwhile, at the Manaro Arena's spectator seats, the audience is offering their utmost support to the participants they favor.
Just by looking at the supporters before each screen at the arenas, you can tell which competitors are considered promising.
Those with the most supporters include none other than Lance, Flint, Hilona, and Natsuhiko.
When Natsuhiko participated in the "Lily Youth Competition," he was just an ordinary Trainer with hardly any supporters, and now the number of supporters he has rivals those of Flint and Hilona.
He may even be receiving more attention.
"Tactical Master," "Genius Researcher," "Hero of Truth," these numerous titles have already earned Natsuhiko a large number of supporters.
Supporters come from various regions, classes, and professions.
...
...
At noon.
Due to many participants in the first round of qualifying, it was close to noon before it was finally Natsuhiko's turn.
"Mr. Natsuhiko is finally going to play!"
"Finally, I'm about to starve."
"I want to see tactics, Master Natsuhiko, I want to see tactics!"
"..."
Whether it's the audience at Manaro Arena or some participants in the arenas, everyone became invigorated.
Standing opposite Natsuhiko from the Unova Region, Bellich's eye twitched.
He wished he could smash the tag he drew.
Wanting to cry without tears.
How did his luck turn so bad to face Natsuhiko?