(XXXVI) Preliminaries (1/3)
Isaac filled out the form with relative ease. Unlike with the Kanto Pokémon League, the tier of your Trainer Card doesn't allow you to skip through any portions of The Johto Tournament Circuit. The final portion of the form was the information for the Pokémon submitted. Each trainer could submit four Pokémon.
You could only use three during a match while the one was available as a substitute to your lineup before the matches began. Isaac sighed in relief when he read this information.
Before submitting any information he reviewed the schedule of the tournament. The first two days were set aside for the preliminaries. The participants would be split into equal groups of four and each trainer would randomly battle a member from each group until 256 participants were remaining.
These remaining trainers would be split into two groups of 128 battle in single elimination battles until each group meets for the finals. The participants who lose in the top 16 matches through the final 4 will participate in a loser's bracket for third place.
The third day will be the first through fifth rounds of the tournament and the fourth and final day will be the Loser's Bracket before the Finals followed by the award ceremony.
Finalizing his team and his one substitution, he turned in the form, submitted the entrance fee of ₽10,000, and received his contestant number, #1257 as he was one of the final participants to sign up, and before joining with the rest of the contestants, he stepped aside and pulled out his Pokégear, and called Hugh.
"Hey, so I'm participating in the Johto Annual Little Cup in Olivine City, I know it's far away, but I will be promoting The Ranch. How have things been over there?" Isaac said as he stared down at the video call seeing Hugh and Mallory behind him waving.
"Most of the renovations have been completed so if we do manage to get any customers, they won't be run off by the first impressions. I'm not sure how much good it'll do us though considering how far away you are." Hugh replied.
"Any publicity is good publicity! I swear, I'm aiming to win the entire thing! The prize is ₽25,000 for first place. If I win, I'll be sending another ₽5,000 your way for further renovations and improvements. I added a Gible and Misdreavus to my team. I need food that boosts Dragon-type moves and attack and speed for Gible and I need something to increase Psychic-type moves and make her hit harder with her long-ranged abilities, speed would be nice as well."
"One second, let me get a piece of paper!" Hugh said as Mallory disappeared momentarily before handing him the items he needed and he began taking notes, "Dragon-type foods are rare materials, it'll be hard to get enough to make a noticeable difference, Psychic-type foods are expensive, Ghost is much cheaper."
"I have a connection with the Dragon Tamer Clan in Blackthorn City, here, take this number and reach out to them and let them know about our connection and they might be able to assist. I need it to be Psychic-type for the time being, but I will want Ghost later. The quicker you can send those over the better! Text me when they're ready and I'll contact you via a PC." Isaac said disconnecting the line and sending him the Dragon Clan Elder's number.
He stood up and adjusted his bag, strolling into the large open colosseum-styled arena, nestled to the west of the city and north of Route J40. The central field was gigantic and surrounding it was enough space for six regular-sized fields. There was enough room for over 150,000 spectators to be comfortably seated while still retaining ample walking room.
News outlets and video crews were in a separate section further down as they all spread out getting different angles and shots to differentiate themselves from their competitors.
Isaac took his position as he was directed by the officials running the event as the main clans of the Johto region commenced the Opening Ceremony.
Two men in their thirties with bushy mustaches, one really skinny with jet black slicked hair and the other a plump round bald man were handed a thick stack of papers each, containing all the participants and who to pay special attention toward sat down and placed their headsets on their heads.
"GOOOOOOD MOOOOORRRRNIIINNGGGG!" The skinny man roared into his microphone inciting the packed stadium into a deafening scream, "I'm Cotton joined today in the Announcer's Booth by Pepper!"
"Thanks, Cotton! I'm excited to be here today as we experience the ups and downs in this year's Little Cup! We'll be with you all step-by-step with each exciting battle until this year's cup is awarded to the best up-and-coming trainers!" Pepper said, adjusting himself in his seat.
"That's exactly right, Pepper! The next four days are going to be a veritable rollercoaster of emotions for everyone present and the millions watching worldwide!" Cotton replied as the first round of the preliminaries had begun as the first series of battles had begun.
"Now, the main stage will be saved until the Quarterfinals and the six smaller arenas are where the most talented youths will be participating. As there are over five thousand battles to get through today and tomorrow, behind the colosseum are an additional SIXTEEN!! fields that fans can spectate from a safe distance if you want to be closer to the action!" Pepper added.
"That's right! You can also enjoy the matches from your seats as we have over 50 screens set up to relay all the matches... LIVE!!!" Cotton shouted to another huge cheer from fans.
"Our panel of experts has just finished their predictions and I am looking quite forward to the battles from some of the exceptionally talented kids!" He continued
"You nailed it perfectly, Cotton! Me though? I'm hoping one of these unknown rookies will have a Cinderella story!" Pepper asked with a huge grin.
"Now that would be something! Let's go down to the field for an up-and-close interview with this year's top pick to take home the Gold with Gayle, how are you today?" Cotton said as all the screens turned to a woman with brown hair standing next to a teenage boy.
"Thanks, Cotton and Pepper! It's a beautiful day, the sun is shining and we're excited about some great matches today! I have the talented Petrik Creighton with me!" Gayle said with a big smile.
"Good afternoon everyone! I am honored to be representing Lysandre Labs through the Rookie Circuit this year!" The young man with short messy red hair while wearing a stylish outfit said and waved to the camera.
"Another amazing rookie out of Lysandre Labs in recent years! For those that don't know they produced another top rookie four years ago! How's it feel following in Carter's footsteps?" Gayle asked
"It's extremely humbling! She was a force to be reckoned with and it's a shame she was dethroned as the Champion of Kalos this year but there are rumors circulating that she has been in secluded training and is planning on retaking her title!" Petrik replied with a smile.
The interview was cut short as Petrik was called for his preliminaries match and outside the colosseum, Isaac stepped onto the basic field, staring down someone who looked to be a few years younger than himself.
Isaac glared intensely at his opponent as he pulled one of the three pokéballs off his belt, holding it in front of his face as he whispered, "I'm counting on you to sweep this entire match!"
Both trainers enlarged their pokéballs and threw them onto the field at the same time. Isaac had chosen Hanzō to sweep the preliminaries. His opponent had sent out a small mammalian Pokémon covered in brown fur. It had long, dark brown ears with dark pink interiors, beady black eyes, and a small mouth. Protruding out of its round body were two wide arms and two small feet. On its belly was a white ring and there were dark brown stripes around its long tail.
"Use Quick Attack, Sentret!" The trainer shouted as the small rodent dropped to all fours and dashed across the battlefield toward Hanzō.
"Dodge it and use Power-Up Punch!" Isaac shouted as Hanzō crouched close to the ground with his right arm raised behind him, balling his hand into a fist as his skin changed to a deep brown color.
Sentret rushed forward as the Froakie leaped into the air over it as it skidded to a halt and turned as Hanzō landed behind it and countered with a powerful punch and a red aura flew out of Sentret and flowed into Hanzō.
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