Such behavior from him, not to mention the host, many people don't know why he is doing this.
You should know, Gyarados has received a "Dragon Dance" boost.
If he takes advantage of the time Hala spends summoning his Pokémon and uses "Dragon Dance" again, the combat deterrent from that would be significant.
"This kid..."
Natsuhiko in the stands was momentarily stunned, then reacted and laughed.
"Huh?" Kona glanced at him in confusion.
"Lance has passed the age of a reckless youth and is starting to build a tactical core," Natsuhiko explained.
Before Kona could voice another doubt, the two on the field summoned their Pokémon again.
Hala summoned Machamp.
Robust six limbs, blocky muscles, distinct lines.
This Machamp is not inferior to Sheba's Machamp.
"Contestant Lance replaces his Pokémon, and he summons... What?! It's still Gyarados?!" the host was stunned.
"Roar——!!"
However, the intimidating roar of Gyarados, after Poliwrath, once again affected Machamp.
At this moment, Kona and the others understood what Natsuhiko meant.
With Gyarados' "Intimidation" trait as the core!
In Lance's lineup, the tactical position of Gyarados skyrocketed.
Natsuhiko thinks that Lance's strategy is not bad.
But the thing is...
As a "Dragon's Messenger," using a Water Type and Flying Type Gyarados as the core, isn't it a bit...
Forget it.
The battle continues.
The fight between Gyarados and Machamp was equally exciting, but after battling against Poliwrath, Gyarados inevitably had shortcomings in stamina.
Soon it was at a disadvantage.
However, Lance performed another unexpected move.
He recalled Gyarados and replaced it with Charizard.
Even if this meant that Charizard took some damage.
Fortunately, Charizard stubbornly defeated Machamp.
To this point.
Hala has already lost two Pokémon.
"Contestant Lance has taken the advantage!" the host announced.
Afterward.
Lance used the same tactic, recalling Charizard, and as Hala sent out Bewear, he summoned Gyarados once again.
Not long after.
"Contestant Lance's Gyarados has lost its ability to battle!"
Natsuhiko propped his chin.
"Is it okay to sell out Gyarados now, so the second ace of the 'Intimidation Team' is... Salamence? Is Lance's Salamence already at Elite Candidate Level? Fast progress."
"A Rock Type and Flying Type Aerodactyl? It didn't let Bewear's 'Fluffy' trait take effect."
"Indeed, Salamence appeared."
"Hala still has that Competitive Crabominable waiting for Salamence."
"Yes, Charizard played a role, although it just exchanged for Crabominable, Lance's advantage is obvious."
"Next, be careful of Hala's 'Z Move'.
"..."
The few people sitting next to Natsuhiko silently listened to his words without saying anything.
They had to admit Natsuhiko's tactical analysis of Lance was spot on.
Compared to him, the host, except for his excitement, had no advantage.
"Here it comes! 'Fighting Z,' Hala's trump card move, Hariyama's 'Full Power Unrivaled Fierce Fist'."
"Salamence also lost its ability to battle, but it was enough, the last is the showdown between Dragonite and Hariyama."
Dragonite VS Hariyama.
When Dragonite appeared, Natsuhiko could clearly feel Lance's change in condition.
This is the overwhelming confidence gained from countless battles.
It is the absolute confidence Lance cultivated after experiencing dozens or even more missions.
With such confidence, Lance believes that his Dragonite will not lose to anyone.
Moreover...
Natsuhiko watched Lance's somewhat stiff posture.
Couldn't help but hold his forehead.
Glanced at Hilona and Kona beside him.
What would their awkward dance look like?
"High-speed Dive Bombing Impact!"
Lance used the Flying Type "Z Move."
"A critical hit!! Hariyama lost the ability to battle!!"
The noisy arena instantly fell silent.
The next second.
A cheer louder than at the start erupted.
The first King of Islands was eliminated, which was beyond many people's expectations.
But thinking it was Lance as the opponent, it seemed only natural.
"The victor, Kanto Region, Dragon Master Lance!!"
...
The battle between Lance and Hala set the tone for the entire day's matches.
The subsequent battles were equally exciting.
Of course.
Partly because the contestants who advanced to the top thirty-two were very strong.
One after another intense battles continued to unfold.
Even during the noon break, the audience's enthusiasm was not dampened.
By the afternoon.
Finally, it was Natsuhiko's match.
Player's tunnel.
Natsuhiko pressed on the entrance where Mr. Shimi was leaning.
He noticed a situation.
It seems that everyone who is about to fight him will wait in the player's tunnel for a moment.
But since Mr. Shimi's gaze was already on him, Natsuhiko adjusted his hat and stepped forward.
"Mr. Natsuhiko." Shimi smiled with his eyes bent, "I've wanted to battle you since the last young champion competition, but unfortunately, I didn't get the chance. I'm quite lucky this time."
Natsuhiko also smiled.
"Actually, I'm looking forward to tasting the gourmet dishes made by Mr. Shimi. I heard that it's not something the average person can enjoy."
"Is that so? It's my honor. If you ever visit Kalos, feel free to look for me anytime, and I'd be more than willing to serve you," Mr. Shimi placed one hand on his chest and slightly bowed.