----
Facing Casey's Pidgey, Kai knew Jolteon had the clear advantage. But instead of pressing it, he recalled his Electric-type partner.
Casey raised an eyebrow but quickly smiled. She had watched Kai's recent battles and noticed he rarely used the same Pokémon for consecutive matches. Her gamble paid off he wasn't going to rely on Jolteon.
"Perfect," she whispered. As long as it's not a type disadvantage, I've still got a chance!
But her optimism shattered the moment Kai sent out his second Pokémon. With a graceful step, Gardevoir emerged onto the field.
Casey froze. Everyone in the stadium knew Gardevoir was Kai's very first partner and his trusted ace.
"Really… against my Pidgey? That's just cruel," Casey muttered with a nervous laugh.
Gardevoir, however, made it clear that even though Casey was a familiar face, there would be no holding back. The battle began, and within moments, Pidgey was overwhelmed.
Quick dashes like Quick Attack were countered with effortless Teleport. Even Pidgey's desperate Gust was dragged to the ground by Psychic, followed by a relentless combo that left it unable to continue.
The announcer's voice grew heavy:
"Casey's second Pokémon has been completely outmatched! The gap between these two Trainers is almost insurmountable—it's 2–0 in Kai's favor!"
Casey bit her lip but steadied herself. With a deep breath, she sent out her third partner:
"Your turn, Rattata!"
---
Meanwhile, outside the stadium, Ash, Misty, and Brock sat together on a bench, ice creams in hand, watching the match on a large outdoor screen.
By now, Casey had already lost five Pokémon, and her last one, Beedrill, was being pushed to the brink by Kai's Scizor.
"Wow…" Ash breathed, eyes wide with admiration. "Kai is just as strong as ever. Casey doesn't stand a chance."
"Of course not!" Misty huffed proudly. "Honestly, I don't think any of you can beat him."
Her words carried a faint edge Misty and Casey had never exactly gotten along, and the rivalry only made her sharper in tone.
Brock gave Ash a serious look. "Actually… that's not great news for you. Have you noticed the bracket? If Kai wins here, no matter whether you or Gary come out on top in your match, you'll be facing Kai next."
"What?!" Ash nearly dropped his ice cream. He quickly pulled out his match schedule, and sure enough, Brock was right.
Misty smirked, covering her mouth with a laugh. "Well, Ash, looks like fate is messing with you again. First, you've gotta beat Gary, and then… Kai himself!"
Before Ash could protest, a familiar voice called out behind him.
"Ash!"
He spun around and lit up with joy. "Mom! Professor Oak!"
Delia smiled warmly, rushing over. "We couldn't miss this! You've already made it this far, Ash we had to come cheer you on in person."
Oak nodded thoughtfully, hands clasped behind his back. "I heard your next opponent is Gary?"
Ash straightened. "That's right."
"Then both of you should give it your all," Oak said with a kind smile. His gaze drifted toward the screen, where Kai's Scizor had just finished off Casey's Beedrill. The camera zoomed in on Kai's composed expression.
"You and Gary are both excellent Trainers. I wouldn't be surprised if either of you won. But compared to him…" Oak's tone grew more serious. "You're still a little green. Let this tournament push you further so you can challenge someone like Kai head-on."
---
Later, as Kai and Erika left the competitor's tunnel, they crossed paths with Ash, his friends, and his family.
"Professor Oak, Mrs. Ketchum it's been a while," Kai greeted politely.
"Congratulations on your victory," Oak said warmly. "You've grown so much since I first met you. Not just in strength, but in composure as well. A true Trainer."
After a few pleasant words, Oak and Delia departed with Ash, heading toward the battlefield for his upcoming match.
Watching them leave, Erika tilted her head curiously. "Isn't Professor Oak actually Gary's grandfather? Why was he walking so closely with Ash's mom instead?"
Kai chuckled, his grin turning mischievous. "Come on, that's obvious. They probably just get along really well. Or maybe Oak just enjoys visiting Ash's place for Mrs. Ketchum's home cooking."
"Kai!" Erika gave him a playful scolding pinch at the waist. "Don't start silly rumors like that! Professor Oak is highly respected, and Mrs. Ketchum is clearly a kind, proper woman. Be serious."
Kai laughed it off, raising his hands innocently. "Alright, alright. No more jokes."
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