That's right, Aoki's opponent was Drake's cousin, another direct member of the Dragon Clan from Blackthorn City—Clair, a Dragon-type Pokémon specialist.
When Steven and the others learned who Aoki was facing, their expressions turned slightly strange.
Definitely tricky!
That was their first reaction.
How could it be such a coincidence?
The Fairy-type advantages had just been announced, and now Aoki's opponent was Clair, who specialized in Dragon-types.
In truth, there was no point in questioning Aoki about this—the matchups were arranged by the Sinnoh League, and he had no idea whether it was intentional or not.
Regardless, in this tournament, none of the No. 1 seeds from any region were pitted against each other early on, nor were trainers from the same region matched up. Whether there was some behind-the-scenes manipulation was a matter of personal opinion.
Clair, also known as the Dragon Master, was one of the two remaining Dragon-type specialists in the competition—the other being Drasna from the Kalos region.
These two were headaches for most competitors because Dragon-type Pokémon carried an intimidating reputation.
As the saying goes, there are no weak Dragon-types!
That was why some trainers clung to the title of Dragon Master—just the name alone was enough to strike fear into opponents.
And their strength lived up to the hype.
Now that Aoki's discovery of the Fairy-type's advantages was public knowledge, all eyes were on his match against Clair. Everyone wanted to see how Fairy-types would perform in actual combat.
Most of the competitors paused their own preparations, gathering by windows or in front of screens to watch Aoki and Clair's battle.
Beyond the participants, the match had also drawn the attention of many high-profile figures.
Aoki and Clair emerged from their respective tunnels, stepping into the center of the arena.
The moment they appeared, the crowd erupted in cheers.
The audience wasn't yet fully aware of the Fairy-type revelations, but Clair, as a Dragon Master, had a formidable reputation. Many held a blind admiration for Dragon-types, and before the match even began, most assumed Clair would win.
Aoki wore a confident smile, while Clair's expression was less enthusiastic.
Just learned about Fairy-types yesterday, and now I'm facing Aoki?
She couldn't help but feel exasperated.
Still, she doubted any foul play.
After all, who would dare manipulate a match involving the Blackthorn Dragon Clan?
Just bad luck.
But Clair didn't believe she would lose. She had studied Aoki's team.
Even if he had Fairy-types, he likely only had one or two. Once those were dealt with, what chance did he really have?
Sure, his Swampert and Politoed were strong in the eyes of casual fans, but to trainers at her level, they weren't insurmountable.
With that thought, Clair's nerves steadied.
She was a fiercely confident trainer. In her mind, she was already Drake's equal—only his seniority and experience gave him the edge.
Clair believed that, given time, she would surpass him.
After Drake became Champion, she had never challenged the Elite Four—because to her, only the strongest mattered. She relentlessly battled Drake, and though she always lost, even he acknowledged her skill.
Of course, her pride stemmed from her heritage—being born into the Blackthorn Dragon Clan came with certain expectations.
"The next match will be Aoki of Verdanturf Town, Hoenn, versus Clair of Blackthorn City, Johto! Begin!"
The referee's voice rang out, and both trainers threw their Poké Balls simultaneously.
Clair sent out Gyarados.
Aoki, as expected, led with Swampert.
Seeing Gyarados, Aoki's brow furrowed slightly.
Water/Flying-type—immune to Ground, resistant to Water.
Another trainer using 'Dragon' in name only.
A silent complaint, then he activated his system to scan the Gyarados' data.
Pokémon: Gyarados (Light Blue)
Gender: Female
Level: 49
Type: Water / Flying
Ability: Intimidate
Held Item: None
Basic Moves: Bite, Thrash, Leer, Twister, Ice Fang, Aqua Tail, Scary Face, Dragon Rage, Crunch, Hydro Pump, Dragon Dance, Hurricane
Learnt Moves: Scald, Ice Beam, Dragon Pulse, Iron Tail
TM Moves: Rain Dance, Blizzard, Hyper Beam, Thunderbolt, Earthquake, Flamethrower, Dragon Tail, Waterfall
A high-tier pseudo-champion Gyarados. Not bad.
Clearly, Clair had prepared—she'd predicted Swampert as Aoki's opener and sent Gyarados to counter.
From past matches, Swampert's strongest combinations relied on Ground-type moves, while its Water attacks were less emphasized.
And a Level 45 Swampert was at a disadvantage against a Level 49 Gyarados.
"Gyarados, roar!"
Gyarados let out a deafening bellow, its Intimidate ability flaring.
Swampert hesitated for only a second before snarling back, unfazed.
"Swampert!"
Though smaller in size, it refused to back down.
"Gyarados, Dragon Dance!"
At Level 45, Gyarados could learn Dragon Dance—a move that boosted both Attack and Speed.
The sea serpent's body twisted rhythmically midair, its aura intensifying.
"Swampert, don't let it set up! Rock Slide!"
Swampert, with its Brave nature, showed no fear. It seized boulders from the rocky terrain and hurled them at Gyarados with terrifying force.
The rocks struck just as Gyarados finished its dance—one smashing directly into its head.
Instantly, Gyarados' eyes burned red.
This Pokémon was infamous for its rage.
And a Dragon Dance-enhanced Gyarados in a fury was not something to take lightly.