Chapter 96: P1 Grand Prix
"After yesterday's preliminaries, the judges have identified the ten most likely top-seeded contenders!"
"They are—"
"Kickmaster—Mr. Giant!"
A spotlight suddenly shone down. Everyone turned to see a trainer in a thick coat, unusually large, wearing a mask and sunglasses, step forward.
Seeing his size, Natsume thought he had somehow crossed into the world of One Piece.
He instinctively tested with telekinesis. *Three of them?*
"Next—"
"Boxing Master—Mr. Anthony!"
A second spotlight illuminated a muscular man waving to the crowd.
"That's Rebecca's father!" Brock said, staring.
"So that's him. I won't lose," Ash said, but suddenly slumped.
The Pokémon he registered for the tournament was Midchu. During yesterday's athletic test, Midchu had slept from start to finish, scoring dead last.
"Third seed contender—"
"And finally, this trainer's Pokémon aren't Fighting-type, but thanks to their incredible physique, they're still championship contenders."
"That's—Mr. Natsume's Dragonite!"
A spotlight hit Natsume and his Dragonite.
"Of course, besides these ten seeds, the other contenders shouldn't be underestimated. Betting success depends on everyone's insight."
"Maybe that Pikachu who sleeps all night could win the championship!"
The host's words triggered laughter from the stands.
"What's going on?" spectators asked repeatedly.
Those who had observed the preliminaries began explaining:
"That's Midchu!"
"Yeah, on the first day of prelims, he laid on the track and slept; his trainer couldn't wake it."
"That lazy Oddish even managed to finish a lap."
Most of the audience quickly understood the situation. Many were first-time P1 spectators, unsure where to place bets. The judges' advice was only a reference, and some competitors had hidden their strength in prelims.
Now, with this Pikachu, betting against it was sure profit.
"Giselle, Natsume wants us to bet everything on Midchu. Is that really okay?" Misty asked worriedly.
Giselle only smiled and nodded. Over the past few days, Natsume had been training Midchu intensively. Only she and Natsume knew how much progress he had made.
"Midchu, let's do our best! We can't let anyone underestimate us!" Ash cheered.
*Pikachu!* Pikachu clenched his fists in support.
*Pika~* Midchu tugged his blanket, rolled over, and continued sleeping.
"The first-round matchups based on yesterday's draw are ready!"
The host announced loudly, and the large screen displayed the corresponding trainer icons.
"Ah? Why am I in Group D and still last?" Ash groaned.
To avoid predictability in P1 matches, the judges had divided competitors into Groups A through D based on preliminary performance.
"Anthony and I are in Group C, and Natsume is in Group A," Brock stepped forward.
"Ash," Natsume placed a hand on his shoulder.
"Have you heard the saying *don't underestimate the poor youth*?" he asked seriously.
"What poor youth?" Ash was confused.
*Whoosh!* fireworks suddenly erupted in the sky.
Four Fighting arenas slowly rose from the ground.
"Group A, first match: Mr. Natsume's Dragonite VS Mr. Barry's Machamp!"
"First match in Group B."
"First match in Group C."
"First match in Group D: Ash's Pikachu VS Ruby's Oddish!"
"Natsume, Ash, do your best!" Brock cheered for both of them.
On the Group A stage, a four-armed, heavily muscled Pokémon leapt onto the arena.
"Cameraman, show us the Group A stage!"
"Wow, wow, wow! This Machamp is incredible! His skin—Mr. Barry applied essential oils!"
Machamp's four arms bulged with veins, his bronze muscles gleaming like molten lava.
"Machamp, show your presence! Use Bodybuilding Pose!"
Machamp's trainer, Barry, wore a suit and a small hat, slightly overweight, looking nothing like someone who regularly trains.
*Mach!* Machamp roared.
He twisted, raising all four arms high; his lat muscles spread like demonic wings, every inch of skin glistening with the fruit oil.
The display of raw power drew a roar from the audience.
"This is what one month of training at the Victory Judo Gym in Rainbow City can do! Victory Judo Gym!"
Barry removed his suit jacket, revealing a T-shirt printed with the gym's logo, waving to the audience. Through the broadcast, everyone could see the logo clearly.
*Advertising during a match too?*
Natsume slapped his head, feeling underpowered in comparison.
"Next, let's welcome Mr. Natsume's Dragonite!"
With the arena energized, the host called Natsume forward.
*Thud! Thud! Thud!*
The ground trembled; many spectators looked toward Natsume in surprise.
Behind him, a massive Dragonite emerged.
"That Dragonite's size is unbelievable! I knew she could do it when I saw her yesterday!"
"Yeah, those large and small wings are impressive."
Many spectators began betting on Natsume's Dragonite, though most still backed Barry.
*DRAG!* Dragonite's face was fierce as she stepped toward the arena.
She didn't fly, but walked to the edge, straining the four corner ropes of the ring.
Red sweat dripped with each step, splattering on the floor, making Machamp uneasy.
Dragonite stepped forward, pressing the four ropes, facing Machamp directly.
*Bang!* One rope snapped under the tension.
*Mach!* Machamp, ready to fight, seemed intimidated by Dragonite's imposing presence.
To this Dragonite, Machamp looked like a child.
*Crack, crack, crack!* The other ropes broke, and Dragonite exhaled a reddish-hot breath onto Machamp.
At the same time, Dragonite sweated profusely; red sweat streamed down her face into her grooves, like she had just swimmed in a pool of blood.
"Whoa! Incredible power! What an opening display!"
The host's exclamation amplified the audience's excitement.
The broadcast camera focused tightly on Dragonite's fierce face.
"Wow, this Dragonite is amazing! I bet right!"
"Not so fast! My Machamp has the ability Guts!" the Machamp backer protested.
On the Group A stage:
"Machamp, don't lose! Show your presence!"
"This heavy opponent is exactly what Victory Judo specializes in!"
Indeed, Barry encouraged Machamp.
*Mach!* Machamp roared, stretching his neck, locking eyes with Dragonite.
"Thanks to Barry's encouragement, Natsume's opening show of strength was countered!"
The host continued to hype the crowd.
Meanwhile, Natsume scratched his head.
Yes, this wasn't just an opening display.
It was purely because the kid was clueless about how to step up, and on top of that, he was really strong.
You can read more (around 100+ free chapters) of Natsume's adventure ad-free at [https://ravenarchives.com/book/pokemon-who-let-him-leave-pallet-town]. Bulk uploads is a mess here, so updates here might be irregular.