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"The challenger's Ursaring is down! Unbelievable! Kai's Tyranitar has shown its overwhelming power and sealed this match in dominant fashion!"
The announcer's voice echoed across the A-block battlefield, though it was nearly drowned out by the thunderous cheers of the audience.
As the referee raised the flag, the announcer added with excitement:
"Another flawless three-to-zero sweep! Kai continues to prove himself as one of the strongest competitors in this tournament, securing his place in the Top 16!"
Kai stood calmly, withdrawing his Tyranitar with little expression. He glanced at his disappointed opponent, gave a polite wave to the crowd, and then turned away from the field.
His team Blastoise, Dragonite, and Tyranitar had allowed no room for his opponent to breathe. Like Kimura before her, this trainer hadn't posed much of a challenge.
Back at the dorm lobby with Erika, results from the other preliminary battles began rolling in as friends trickled back.
First were Jimmy and Marina, childhood friends from New Bark Town. Both had won their matches and advanced together.
Next came Gary, as cool as ever, his trademark confident smirk signaling another effortless victory.
Finally, Ash arrived, buzzing with energy. Against Jackson, he had dropped the first two rounds but in classic Ash fashion, his Bulbasaur pulled off a stunning comeback, defeating two Pokémon in a row to secure a tie. Thanks to his higher point total, Ash still advanced to the Top 16.
Jackson, however, wasn't so fortunate. Among his group of friends, he became the only one to fall short, leaving Silver Town early, discouraged but determined to try again next year.
The lobby felt emptier after several departures, but the big screen quickly shifted focus: the bracket for the next round was revealed.
From here on, the tournament would follow a knockout format. Sixteen trainers divided into two brackets, fighting until one remained from each side then meeting in the grand finals.
It was a fair but unforgiving format. And as names appeared on the screen, gasps filled the room.
Ash versus Gary.
The lifelong rivals from Pallet Town, friends and competitors since childhood, were destined to clash far earlier than anyone expected. Their eyes immediately met across the room both excited, both conflicted.
But the surprises weren't over. Jimmy and Marina, the childhood friends from New Bark, had also been placed in the same bracket meaning they would be forced to battle each other. Their nervous, conflicted expressions spoke louder than words.
Kai scanned the bracket for his own name then sighed. Fate had decided to play a cruel joke. His next opponent would be none other than Nene, someone both he and Ash had grown close to during the competition.
He had only just teased Ash and Jimmy for their tough draws now it was his turn.
Worse still, Kai, Ash, Gary, Jimmy, and Marina all ended up in the same half of the bracket. Whoever survived would eventually have to face him.
As the reality of the bracket sank in, emotions were mixed: excitement, dread, even disappointment. The room grew quieter as everyone realized tomorrow's battles would pit friends against friends.
Most excused themselves quickly, heading back to their dorms to prepare.
"We should go too," Kai said softly to Erika.
Back in their room, Kai sank onto the couch, silent. Erika slipped behind him and gently placed her hands on his shoulders.
"What's wrong?" she asked.
Kai exhaled deeply. "You saw their faces. Everyone was so happy to make the Top 16, but after seeing the matchups… nobody knew what to say. It's rough."
Erika leaned into him with a small smile. "It can't be helped. Out of sixteen spots, your group alone fills nearly half. The odds were always high that you'd clash with one another."
Kai knew she was right. No matter who stood across from him, he would fight his hardest. Still, he couldn't help but feel the weight of it for his friends.
"Enough worrying," he said at last, standing up. "Let's review some footage."
They moved toward the computer but halfway there, Kai caught Erika's graceful silhouette from behind. On impulse, he wrapped his arms around her waist.
"Kai! What are you doing?" Erika blushed instantly, flustered even after all the time they'd spent together. "It's the middle of the day!"
Kai grinned mischievously. "So what? Daytime makes it more exciting."
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