The audience wouldn't believe for a second that this strategy had nothing to do with Natsuhiko.
Would our pure, adorable, and charming Sister Cabbage use such a strategy?
The supporters of Hilona in the Sinnoh Region now have only one thought in mind.
Don't let Natsuhiko get too close to Hilona!!
This guy is problematic and extremely dangerous!
Lance and Flint withdrew their Pokémon, their expressions truly worse than having eaten something disgusting.
They knew Natsuhiko was strong in strategy, but even when Lance faced Kona's "Song of Destruction" strategy, he didn't find it particularly disgusting. He had ways to counter it but chose to hold back due to his relationship with Kona.
But this time.
He and Flint really weren't planning to go easy.
But they still ended up being blatantly "dirtied."
They always felt that Natsuhiko's strategy, while "nauseating" in one-on-one matches, wasn't entirely without countermeasures.
But in doubles.
It was like it unleashed him, completely opening that terrifying "Pandora's Box," releasing something no one wanted to face.
The only consolation was that the type of Pokémon like Spiritomb was rare, making it hard to mimic.
However, they didn't know that Natsuhiko's strategy wasn't actually devised for Spiritomb; if it had been a Gengar instead, they would have found it even more unsolvable.
One could only say that in some ways, Spiritomb and Gengar are surprisingly similar.
Hilona looked down at her hands.
The feelings she had at this moment were likely understood only by Kona.
Because of Natsuhiko.
They had both become "unclean."
But...
One has to admit.
From Natsuhiko's strategy, she suddenly realized she might have misunderstood the use of Spiritomb before.
Perhaps...
This is a more fitting strategy for Spiritomb.
Right.
After all, in this double battle, while she was partnering with Natsuhiko, the main strategic focus was on Spiritomb, rather than Togekiss.
If operated well, it seemed that even without Togekiss, it could still work.
With this thought, Hilona kept shaking her head, her face blushing.
She had been led astray.
The worrying moments for Sister Cabbage's fans in Sinnoh happened even before they worried.
"Uh... haha—haha—thank you, four, for the 'fantastic' double battle you've brought us. I'm sure everyone saw that doubles place more importance on strategy, where the strength of Pokémon is secondary..."
The host, while laughing dryly and wiping his forehead, attempted to ease the atmosphere.
What should have been a lively closing ceremony suddenly went cold.
However.
As the host broke the silence, the audience gradually started to react.
Indeed!
Some of us might not be strong, but our strategic abilities aren't weak - doubles might be a better outlet for us!
Though Natsuhiko's strategy scared quite a few people, it still had a positive effect on promoting double battles in the league.
It's believed that more and more people will start attempting doubles in the future.
As the atmosphere relaxed, the arena finally showed the liveliness a closing should have.
This allowed the host to finally breathe a sigh of relief.
"Now let's welcome the Elite Four from various regions to this grand event!"
The Elite Four!
The crowd's attention was instantly captured by this topic.
"They are..."
As the Elite Four appeared one by one, those who participated in the knockout stages, like Natsuhiko, also entered the arena.
The Elite Four sat prominently on chairs atop the podium.
The tournament was exceptionally lively, not only because it was co-hosted by four regions, but also because this time the prizes were extravagantly rich.
It wasn't merely the tangible rewards but also included roles in the league, long-term resource provisions, opportunities for special alternate space entries, and so on.
The higher the rank, the more choices and richer the rewards.
However, this time the tournament didn't have a very detailed ranking breakdown.
Only Hilona as the Champion, and Natsuhiko as the runner-up were clearly identified. From there, it was just a general ranking like Lance and Flint making it to the semifinals, Karin, and Jade Liya to the quarterfinals.
Quite generalized.
But this is also a form of rewarding policy in disguise.
"Next, let's welcome our Champion—Hilona!!!" The host's veins popped.
Wow!!!
Hilona winning the championship fulfilled the aspirations of many.
Although it was a pity there wasn't a final showdown with Natsuhiko, the final exhibition match somewhat made up for it.
Hilona walked gracefully onto the stage and accepted the champion's trophy from Kikuno.
Gracefully holding it up.
Fireworks and celebrations erupted simultaneously.
Hilona quickly picked her desired rewards from the catalog presented by the staff.
After that.
"Next up is our runner-up, our 'Tactical Master,' Natsuhiko!!!"
The audience was initially silent and then erupted in cheers just as loud as for Hilona.
Natsuhiko couldn't help but wonder.
What was with the silence a moment ago?
Still, he walked up to the podium with a full smile.
The stingy part is.
The organizers prepared a trophy only for the first place, while second place only received a medal, which lowered the expected grandeur.
Not that Natsuhiko cared about these things.
But what surprised him was that as soon as he got on stage, aside from Kikuno, who presented Hilona's award, the other members of the Elite Four stepped forward.
And this step didn't seem planned between them.
After stepping forward, they exchanged puzzled looks.
To be honest, Natsuhiko was also caught off guard by the scene.
Any single one of these Elite Four could easily take him down.
Finally, Agatha acted first, patting Natsuhiko's arm and said, "It's arranged."
That sinister look at that moment seemed very "friendly" to Natsuhiko.
Agatha's words meant that the Dojo arrangements had been made, so he could choose his rewards with peace of mind.
After Agatha returned to her seat, Genji came up.
With a forceful slap on Natsuhiko's shoulder that almost knocked him over, given he hadn't fully recovered.
Genji had only one phrase.
"Let's chat later."
Although Natsuhiko didn't quite get what Genji wanted to chat about, he instinctively nodded.
Next was Adick, grinning, rough-looking yet with a gentle demeanor, with just one thing to say to Natsuhiko.
"Thank you, young brother Natsuhiko."
Then followed Drasna, a plump middle-aged woman, squinting, appearing very kind and amiable.
"Hilona is a good child."
Natsuhiko: ???
What does that mean?
So I'm not a good child?
The last one, and also the one Natsuhiko was most wary of, was the oldest in Sinnoh's Elite Four, Hoshino Ryuzi.
He acted no different from a neighborly grandpa, except the golden cane in his hand was too eye-catching.
He said, "Natsuhiko, I happen to have a few positions vacant."
Full of intentions to recruit.
Natsuhiko didn't show much rejection or excitement, just nodded quietly again.
This old man, despite his age, had no decline in strength and remained firmly in the Elite Four, clearly showing he was no ordinary person.
And his grandson just died recently, yet he remained "amiable." His depth was certainly also profound.
After being "attended to" by each Elite, Natsuhiko finally turned to the rewards catalog.
When he saw the first item, his eyes instantly lit up.
"What the heck..."
[Position of Dojo Leader]
As it turns out, this reward did include such a position.
——————
Thanks to the sewer's mighty Master Zong for your generous 10,000 reward!
Another 11,000-day~~begging for monthly votes!!
By the way, we're establishing character cards for Flint and Sister Cabbage, so everyone, keep them in your thoughts, and feel free to share their images in the book circle, ahem——