...
The group stage went very fast, even if each group had more than a dozen people, and it was still a double defeat system, but because it only used 1vs1 to fight, it was much faster than expected.
If a group wants to progress, the fastest and easiest way is to beat four players in a row, which can ensure a top four position in the group stage and enter the knockout competition.
Natsu managed to beat three people, and only four people left in the winning group. As long as he won the others, even if the losing group appeared, he would not be punished.
But the remaining four people, after all, have won completely, and they are not easy to deal with.
One of the things Natsu fears the most is Daisy who seems weak, but in reality, with the quasi-Elite Chansey, is almost the number one seed of the No. 6 of them.
One of the remaining two, which he didn't know, stumbled into the last four of the group stage.
The other was someone Natsu had heard of, even in the original book, who had a lot of impressions.
The Future of Sinnoh Region Sunyshore City Gym Leader, Special Trainer for Electric-Type Pokémon, Volkner.
The man who was later called "Sunyshore Thunder" by Flint, one of the Sinnoh Elite Four, was a handsome and strong figure.
Coincidentally.
This determines whether Natsu can advance to the final battle of the group, and Natsu's opponent is Volkner.
Although this was the group stage, due to Volkner's high reputation, a group of "fans" came to the viewing stage next to venue No. 6 they were early to cheer Volkner on.
Volkner was from Sunyshore City, and Lily of the Valley Island was very close to Sunyshore City, so many of the audience for this "Lily of the Valley Youth Tournament" were from Sunyshore City.
In fact, because of the geographical advantage, the residents of Sunyshore City do not have to live on Lily of the Valley Island, they can take cruises to and from Sunyshore City and Lily of the Valley Island in the morning and evening, which also causes changes in the number of viewers more.
And when the "fans" find out that Volkner's opponent is Natsu, Natsu almost thinks he has become a "social enemy".
Impossible.
In the previous three games, Natsu has also shown "extraordinary" strength and fairly good tactical "literacy". Almost all of his opponents had little resistance, so his opponent was dominated by Togetic until the end of the battle. .
The pressure that Natsu puts on these contestants, second only to Daisy.
In the eyes of the audience, Natsu is an equal opponent with Volkner.
As a result, they increasingly want to refuel the battery.
Today's Volkner was also a person who had a great desire to fight. His friend and rival, Flint, had not yet become the Elite Four, and he had not felt lost, and his whole body was showing confidence.
Coupled with his outstanding appearance, it could indeed attract the attention of some young aunties and even middle-aged aunts.
"Come on! Natsu!" Daisy cheers Natsu offstage.
After some time together, the two got to know each other.
In addition, Daisy sees Natsu's "deep" knowledge and understanding of Pokémon battles.
In the process of watching the battle Daisy doubts, or poses a riddle, Natsu can provide reasonable explanations and answers under the gaze like her help.
This gives Daisy a new understanding of Natsu's abilities, so she strongly supports Natsu's ability to win.
"En." Natsu nodded lightly and entered the arena under the referee's signal.
"Please both players summon Pokemon."
Two red lights flashed, Natsu still sent Togetic, while Volkner sent Luxray.
Luxray is a four-legged Pokémon that resembles an adult lion, with a blue face, and most of its body is covered in fine black fur, longer body hair on the shoulders and the base of the tail, which forms a lion-like mane on its head.
The eyes are Yellow and the sclera is red, the ears are rounded with yellow insides, and the tail is slender and ends with a yellow four-pointed star.
is a very well known Electric-Type Pokémon.
Natsu remembers that Volkner's Trump Card is supposed to be Raichu.
But this was the group stage, so it was normal to hide strength.
but it's also not to say that this Luxray's power isn't strong.
"Rayy-" in a low voice and impressive style.
It was just that when Luxray saw Togetic, his ears twitched slightly and his body slowly took two steps back.
"The 'Rivalry' Characteristic Trait?" Natsu, who saw this scene, made a judgment.
Rivalry: When facing a Pokémon of the same gender, the battle heart will light up, so the power of a powerful move will become stronger, but when facing a Pokémon of a different gender it will weaken.
Apparently, Luxray Volkner was a boy.
And it just so happens that Natsu's Togetic is a girl.
From his characteristics, it was Natsu who benefited.
But the Electric-Type Luxray's Attribute restrained the Flying-Type Togetic.
Again and again, the Electric-Type Luxray was actually more profitable.
Volkner also noticed the change in Luxray, but he wasn't surprised, because he knew that this situation would happen, and the reason why he sent Luxray to play was also his own plan.
Volkner remained confident.
"The battle begins!"
Amidst the cheers of many in the stands cheering Volkner, the flag in the referee's hand fell, and the battle officially began.
"Luxray, Electric Terrain."
"Safeguard."
Tzzzzzz.
Centered at the location of Luxray, bright currents Scattered everywhere, a layer of flowing golden yellow current covered the entire place, and also enveloped Togetic.
Electric Terrain, a field-type move similar to Psychic Terrain, can not only increase the tremendous power of Pokémon's Electric-Type moves on the field, but also make all Pokémon that touch the Ground unable to sleep, "Yawn" and other moves Unavailable.
That's why Volkner chose Luxray.
Because in Natsu's previous battles, Togetic started with "Yawn" and took advantage of that opportunity from the start, controlling the opposing Pokémon so they couldn't act at all, and won easily.
And Togetic has a very high proficiency in the "Yawn" movement.
Although Natsu doesn't understand why "Yawning" is said to have an ability, it's that ability that Volkner fears the most.
So to deal with this situation, Volkner chose the "Electric Terrain" move to curb Togetic and Natsu's tactics, while further strengthening the power of Luxray's Electric Type move.
The other side.
Togetic successfully completed thanks to "Safeguard".
The most troublesome thing about Pokémon Electric Types is the additional "Paralyze" effect they bring with their moves. Once in the "Paralyze" state, Togetic will become very passive.
So Natsu's first choice was to use "Safeguard" to prevent this from happening.
As for saying that "Electric Terrain" limits Togetic's "Yawn" movement.
Natsu just wanted to say it.
Well restricted.
To prevent Togetic from becoming obsessed with "Yawn" and unable to break away, forgetting what his "main business" was.
Natsu's previous tactical setup did play a bit of a confusing role.
However, Volkner's preparations did not stop there.
With the development of Electric Terrain, Luxray's body suddenly lit up with several bright golden dots, and a large amount of subtle electric current shot out from him, flowing throughout Luxray's body, amplifying his defensive power.
Electric Seed.
Pokémon items to use with "Electric Terrain".
"Come on, Volkner-sama's combination."
"Luxray is the strongest in Electric Terrain!"
"On the contrary only 'Yawn' Togetic can no longer be used!"
"." It was Volkner's best tactic, and he had already used his true power against Natsu.
The two sides first used one hand to guard against each other's movements, and then they began to collide with real swords and weapons.
"Luxray, Spark."
Tzzzzzz——
A strong current covered Luxray's entire body, and his limbs swiftly moved towards Togetic who was rushing towards ascending.
Without the "Yawn" movement constraint, Volkner was free to let Luxray attack.
However, seeing Luxray rush towards him, Togetic's eyes flashed cunning.
"Chaa-"
Her arms flexed, and an invisible attack radiated from her body.
Extrasensory!
Luxray collided with the Extrasensory Togetic head-on, the "Serene Grace" Characteristic Trait was triggered, an additional effect appeared, and Luxray fell into the "Flinch" state.
However, the impact of Luxray's full power attack did not stop, forcibly rushing in front of Togetic before stopping.
Seeing this scene Natsu's brows slightly furrowed.
Luxray's willpower was extremely strong.
Togetic also saw this for the first time.
After all, the Wild Pokémon that Togetic faced before, if the additional effect is triggered, it will fall to "Flinch" and it will be difficult to act.
That's the difference between fighting in the wild and playing Pokémon with a Trainer.
Trainers will be doing some special training on Pokémon abilities, and no one knows that willpower isn't included in the package.
Fortunately, Luxray stopped.
But it also managed to make Natsu aware of some of his own problems.
It relies a bit too much on the ability of the move itself, while neglecting Togetic's deep training in this regard.
It's also good to know now, so that Natsu can more accurately formulate the direction of the next Togetic practice.
"Get out of the way, Charm."
Instead of taking advantage of the opportunity to attack, Natsu chooses to let Togetic away, and when he reaches a safe distance, he uses the Charm move.
Togetic moved her head, temporarily stopping the accident earlier, and blinked playfully at Luxray who came out of the "Flinch" Struggle state, revealing a pitiful appearance.
Volkner's expression was also a little serious at this point.
He didn't expect Togetic and "Extrasensory" moves.
This makes him somewhat passive.
Luxray has also been reduced to "Charm".
But now, arrows had to be shot into the rope, and he couldn't choose to retreat. After the retreat was given to Togetic's buffer time, Luxray had absolutely no chance of winning and would be passive everywhere.
"Luxray, Wild Charge."
Luxray was enveloped in electricity again, but this time it was enveloped in an even stronger electric current, and the formidable power of movement was stronger and faster.
Tzzzzzz ——
Like a bright golden lightning, it moved towards Togetic and fell.
"Extrasensory" again.
Togetic uses "Extrasensory" again.
In terms of luck, Togetic never lost to anyone, this time triggering the additional effect "Razor Fang".
Luxray was stuck in the "Flinch" state again.
But the powerful impact brought about by "Wild Charge" was not easy for Luxray to stop.
But at least it gave Togetic some support, and it pulled back again.
this time.
Togetic launched a "ferocious" attack, throwing "Extrasensory" one after another.
Luxray was trapped in the swamp of Struggle.
From a subjective assessment, Togetic had completely taken the initiative.
"How can you be so disgusting?"
"Wow, this guy."
"Razor Fang teamed up with Extrasensory? Understand."
"Don't talk nonsense if you don't understand, Togetic's 'Serene Grace' trait is the key okay?" There are still people who know.
"Wow – Luxray from Volkner-sama."
"No matter what you think, I find that I like this Togetic"
"You are not alone."
"."
Many in the audience said "dirty" about Natsu's tactics, and some said they learned it.
In fact, there are some people who turn to fans from the street.
Natsu also starts Absorbing among his first supporters.
But Natsu's face lost its composure.
From this match against Volkner, he found a weakness in Togetic.
If the enemy's willpower is strong enough, even falling into the "Flinch" state is not completely restricted.
This is not the same as in-game mechanics.
So this time, luck played a big role.
If one of Togetic's first two "Extrasensory" malfunctions, getting hit by Luxray will make Togetic passive.
Before playing against Claire, it was because Claire's Kingdra had just evolved, so Natsu couldn't figure this out, but against Volkner, Volkner's Luxray resolve was definitely much stronger than the newly evolved Kingdra.
Almost.
It rolled.
Of course.
In the eyes of outsiders, Natsu takes the initiative from start to finish, and his tactical superiority makes him no different from dealing with other Trainers when dealing with Volkner. Only Natsu himself was aware of the problem.
Togetic willpower training should be included on the agenda.
But determination was such an illusion, he had to ask a professional to ask.
Final.
"Natsu No.6 wins!" The referee raised the flag of Natsu's representative.
"Cha Kei" Togetic took a deep breath, rubbed her forehead with her small hand, and looked at Natsu.
One person, one Pokémon, realizing their own shortcomings.
Sure enough, the stronger the opponent, the more you can find your own shortcomings.
Natsu manages to place Volkner in the losing group.
But with Volkner's power, it would be a matter of time before he could return from the losing group.
"Yo, Volkner, get lost."
As Natsu and Volkner walked out of the battlefield, a person with a fiery red explosive head and hands in his pockets, who was about the same age as Volkner walked over.
One of the Sinnoh Elite Four, Fire Type Pokémon Specialist Trainer, Flint!
Looking at Flint, moved his lips, but didn't say anything.
And behind Flint, there was another one, Shirona.
They both finished so early?
Shirona looked at Natsu and smiled, "Congratulations, Natsu."
"Luck." said Natsu.
This time it was really lucky, maybe he was the one who got into the losing group, and almost rolled over.
"Luck is also a part of strength." Flint approached and glanced up and down Natsu "Shirona, is this the brother you asked me to teach Chimchar to?"
Flint's Starter Pokemon is Chimchar, and his Trump Card is naturally the last evolution of Chimchar, Infernape.
Infernape that could become an Elite Four Trump Card Pokémon, in terms of training, there should only be a few people that Flint could compare to.
Shirona said earlier that the friend Pokemon is also Chimchar, and he is very strong. Next time, she would introduce him to Natsu.
didn't think it would come so soon.
"En." Shiron nodded.
Flint grabbed Natsu's shoulder, approached Natsu and said, "No passion, brother."
Natsu: "."
...
(End of this chapter)