---
Ash returned to the dorm lobby with a wide smile stretched across his face. He had broken into the Top 8 the best result he'd ever achieved in a League Conference.
Not only that, but he had finally defeated Gary, his long-time rival, and in the grand setting of the Silver Conference no less. The victory meant more than words could capture.
"Congratulations," Kai said, clapping with a grin. "Just like I predicted you came out on top."
"Thanks," Ash replied, scratching the back of his head, clearly flattered. Then his expression grew serious as he remembered what came next. "But Kai… the day after tomorrow, we'll be facing each other. I'll give it everything I've got!"
Kai blinked, his smile turning a bit wry. He'd come to congratulate Ash, and Ash's first response was essentially a vow to beat him. It was such an Ash thing to say that Kai couldn't help but feel amused more than anything else.
Well, he's a kid, and he's also the so-called chosen one. Guess I'll let that slide.
To celebrate both of their victories, a group dinner was arranged. Along with Ash, Brock, and Misty, Professor Oak and Delia joined.
When the meal ended, Professor Oak, being the senior among them, reached for the bill. But to his surprise, the waiter informed him that Kai had already covered it.
Oak paused, then smiled with quiet admiration. 'What a thoughtful young man…'
That night, after everyone had gone back to their rooms, Kai happened to notice Ash slipping out alone, heading toward the lake near Silver Stadium.
"What's caught your eye?" Erika asked softly as she wrapped her arms around his waist from behind. She followed his gaze. "Oh—that's Ash. What's he doing out so late?"
"No mystery there," Kai replied. "He's going to see Gary."
"Gary?" Erika blinked, then nodded slowly. "Makes sense. Their relationship is complicated. He probably wants to comfort him."
Kai chuckled, drawing Erika closer. "If it were the other way around, Gary would've done the same. But after tonight, I think Gary has entrusted all his dreams to Ash."
"Why do you say that?" Erika began to ask, but then gasped as she felt Kai tugging playfully at her blouse. Her cheeks flushed red.
Kai only grinned, his tone teasing. "Just a hunch. Gary will probably shift toward research from now on. We might not see him in tournaments again. But enough about them on a night like this, we've got our own celebrating to do."
---
The next day, with no battles of their own scheduled, Kai and Erika stayed in their room. They reviewed footage, analyzing Ash, Harrison, and the other Trainers who might become Kai's opponents, carefully evaluating their Pokémon and strategies.
Four matches were held to determine the rest of the Top 8. Among them was the highly anticipated showdown between Harrison and Marina.
At first, both seemed hesitant, battling cautiously as though unsure how to face each other. The crowd grew restless, even speculating about a "fixed match." But midway through, Marina launched a bold offensive, snapping Harrison out of his restraint. The match truly ignited.
In the end, Harrison's Blaziken overpowered Marina's Feraligatr, securing his place in the quarterfinals. Marina accepted the loss gracefully, even smiling faintly as if proud of her childhood friend.
Afterward, another Trainer named Tyson from Hoenn advanced as well, completing the bracket.
Now, the Top 8 of Kai's half of the Conference was set: Kai vs. Ash and Harrison v Tyson.
That evening, Kai and Erika finalized their battle plans, carefully selecting the roster for tomorrow's crucial match.
---
The Silver Conference quarterfinals followed the same format as the Round of 16: full 6-on-6 battles, with a halftime break after three Pokémon were knocked out. The difference this time was the intensity of public attention. Fans debated endlessly who would advance to the semifinals.
In Kai's half, most people favored him, though Ash and Tyson also drew strong support. Harrison, after his slow start against Marina, ranked lowest in the polls. Meanwhile, on the opposite side of the bracket, the clear favorite was the mysterious Trainer Daisuke. Many believed the final battle would inevitably be between him and Kai.
---
The next morning at 9 a.m., Kai and Ash stood on opposite ends of Silver Stadium. The crowd roared with anticipation. Ash's eyes blazed with confidence his victory over Gary had filled him with new determination.
Today, two battles will be held: Kai vs. Ash in the morning, Harrison vs. Tyson in the afternoon. By the end of the day, the semifinalists would be decided.
The referee raised his flag. "Now selecting the battlefield!"
The big screen spun its wheel, eventually landing on the Rock Field.
Ash grinned. He had battled here just yesterday and was already familiar with the terrain. This could give him an edge.
"Determining the first move!" the referee called out.
Once again, luck wasn't on Kai's side—he drew the first attack.
Kai only shrugged, unconcerned. He was used to it by now.
The referee's voice rang out over the stadium:
"Trainers send out your Pokémon! The quarterfinal battle between Kai and Ash… begins!"
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