"That sounds great." Flint replied with a smile.
Natsuhiko waved to them and walked towards the contestant passage.
The committee's lounge on the top floor of the arena.
...
"It's Ilima." Looking at the avatar on the screen, Nari Omiki said with a rather surprised smile.
Noticing the gazes from Professor Oak and Lusamine, Nari Omiki explained:
"Ilima is the most talented student I've encountered since founding the Pokemon School. He completed in just three years what others take six to seven years to learn and successfully graduated.
It's said that after this tournament, he plans to leave the Alola Region to explore. He's a very capable Trainer."
"But running into Natsuhiko might not be very friendly for this genius student."
Lusamine crossed her legs, leaning her chin on her hand, apparently very confident in Natsuhiko's ability.
"I believe Ilima could surprise Natsuhiko." Nari Omiki didn't comment on Lusamine's statement.
Lillie, leaning against the window, was somewhat unaccustomed to the cheers of the crowd.
"Brother, will Teacher Natsuhiko win?"
"Of course! Teacher Natsuhiko is very strong!" Gladio had great confidence in Natsuhiko.
Though even he doesn't know where this confidence comes from.
But he knows this is an opportunity to learn about Pokemon battles and strategies.
Round of 64 to 32, the arena is divided into two, with two matches occurring simultaneously.
And the rules are still 3v3.
Just win one more match, and into the top 32, the rules will change to an all-member 6v6 battle.
...
The contestant passage.
Walking toward the arena, Natsuhiko saw Ilima waiting for him at the end of the passage.
With pink hair, holding two notebooks, looking handsome, indeed worthy of the title "Prince of the Trainer School."
"Mr. Natsuhiko."
Ilima greeted Natsuhiko very politely.
Though a genius and having left many legends at the Pokemon Academy, Ilima's character is quite good and he is very polite.
He loves Pokemon and is enthusiastic about Pokemon battles. He believes that simplicity is the best, so he favours General Type Pokemon, believing there are many ways to strengthen Pokemon aside from evolution, so he wants Eevee to maintain its form and strengthen in its own way.
"Ilima."
Natsuhiko also greeted him with a smile.
For this young man, younger than him but admired by both Nari Omiki and Dr. Kukui, Natsuhiko bore no prejudices or hostility.
"Mr. Natsuhiko knows me?" Ilima was somewhat surprised.
"Your Eevee has been trained excellently, I'm looking forward to our battle." Natsuhiko nodded.
At these words, Ilima was stunned, and muttered:
"Mr. Natsuhiko, don't you think it's foolish not to let Eevee evolve?"
Ilima knew that Natsuhiko was the one who announced the four new forms of Eevee evolution.
This had a significant impact on Eevee Trainers throughout the Pokemon Realm.
People are passionate about judging the strengths and weaknesses of Eevee evolutions but think not letting Eevee evolve is foolish.
Although Ilima had a great reputation at the Pokemon Academy, he also faced criticism in the society.
"Why?"
Why?
Natsuhiko's rhetorical question left Ilima at a loss for words.
He continued:
"Pokemon evolution can indeed make them stronger, but it's not the only way. The journey might be more tortuous and difficult. If you're confident in your choices and judgments, why care about others' opinions?"
Ilima murmured Natsuhiko's words, his eyes growing brighter.
"Focus on the match, maybe afterward we can discuss ways to make Eevee stronger." Natsuhiko patted Ilima's shoulder.
Ilima would later become the captain of Melemele Island, similar to a Gym Leader in other regions.
And at his age, and with the attention Nari Omiki and Kukui give him, there's a chance he could become part of the Elite Four in the Alola Region someday.
Focused on General Type Pokemon, he has some insights into training Eevee.
Since Natsuhiko learned from Giovanni, Agatha, and Genji, he doesn't think his way of training Pokemon is always right or the best.
Learning from each other, this genius Ilima might be able to surprise him.
To reap benefits with the other party's eager willingness, Natsuhiko has his unique style.
"Okay!"
The two walked out of the contestant passage together, welcomed by the cheers of the crowd.
Obviously.
Compared to the other match happening at the same time, the showdown between Natsuhiko and Ilima drew more attention.
At the referee's indication, both threw out their Pokeballs simultaneously.
"Eevee! It's Eevee! Both Trainer Natsuhiko and Trainer Ilima have sent out Eevee first! What will be the outcome of this match? Let's wait and see!"