Inside the second-floor VIP box where Tsunade and the other village leaders were seated, the newly risen seating platforms caught everyone's attention. With a smirk, Mabui turned to Tsunade and said, "Lady Hokage, I wonder how many of the selected participants are from Konoha. After all, the Pokémon first appeared here—you've got quite the home-field advantage. It'd be a bit awkward if only a few made it through."
Tsunade remained unfazed and smiled. "Thanks for your concern, but you'll have to find out for yourself. Just don't be too surprised."
"Haha, sounds like you're confident," Mabui chuckled. "I'll be watching closely."
"I'm sure Konoha has the most qualified trainers," Ao cut in, "but I'm curious about your Stone Village, Kitsuchi. Don't tell me you didn't even get one person through?"
Kitsuchi smiled calmly. "We may not match Konoha, but I'd say we're still ahead of the Mist Village."
Ao didn't respond, only smirking as he turned his attention back to the arena.
Gaara watched the exchange with a slightly blank expression. The atmosphere had shifted so suddenly. Just a few minutes ago, everyone was chatting like old friends. Now the air was thick with competition. Was this some sort of secret diplomatic sport? Was he the only one not trained for this?
"Lord Kazekage," Mabui said, catching Gaara's confusion, "I heard you were among the first to receive a Pokémon. How confident are you in your village's contenders?"
Gaara shook his head. "Confidence isn't important. As long as they show their full strength, that's enough."
"Even the Kazekage seems optimistic," Mabui replied, still smiling. "I really can't wait to see who ends up winning Ryo's prizes."
Ao leaned in slightly. "Speaking of which, I heard your village's Eight-Tails Jinchuriki entered the preliminaries. Did he make it?"
As soon as Ao asked, everyone turned their eyes to Mabui, clearly interested in the answer.
Mabui didn't flinch. "You mean Lord Killer Bee? Of course, he made it. I believe he even beat several Mist Village participants."
Ao's face twitched, but he said nothing. It was true, after all. Still, he mentally kicked himself—he should've known not to bring it up, especially when those participants were probably from his village.
The preliminary system Ryo set up had worked like a knockout tournament but with a points-based ranking. Victory earned points, while a loss meant halving your total. Not perfect, but with limited time and too many applicants, it was the best they could do.
Back in the stadium, one group of participants began approaching the elevated seats prepared for them. The crowd fell silent, watching them intently. As they took their places, whispers started to fill the air.
"Whoa, that's Feng Tian! He made it through?"
"Of course! That guy is a beast where I'm from. Even his dad can't beat him anymore."
"Right, no surprise he qualified. I'd be shocked if he hadn't."
"But look—see that short, darker-skinned guy? He's the one to watch."
"Him? You think he's better than Feng Tian?"
"I know him—his name's Lin Yu. I saw his matches. No one could land a single hit on him. His Bellossom is insane."
"Yeah, I've heard of him too. Didn't lose a single round in the preliminaries."
"Well, sure, they look strong—but they're not ninja. If they face real shinobi, no way they can win. Pokémon or not, they're not stronger than ninja."
That last comment shifted the mood. Some listeners frowned and clenched their fists, not appreciating the remark.
Just then, Eliza's voice rang out over the stadium's speakers. "Now that all our contestants are in place, it's time to explain the rules. Please welcome Cynthia from the Pokémon House to give us the details!"
Whoosh!
A sharp sound sliced through the air as everyone instinctively looked up. A black shape streaked across the sky, moving too fast to clearly identify.
Boom!
In a heartbeat, the figure slammed into the battle arena, sending a powerful gust of wind rippling outward. Spectators reflexively shielded their eyes from the sudden blast. Just as quickly as it came, the wind settled.
When the audience opened their eyes, they were greeted with an awe-inspiring sight.
Standing beside Eliza was a stunning, sharp-eyed woman exuding elegance and strength—Cynthia. Next to her stood a majestic Garchomp, its intimidating form radiating raw power.
The crowd erupted.
"That's Cynthia! And that's her Garchomp!"
"She's that strong?! I thought Garchomp belonged to Ryo!"
"No way! She's the one controlling that monster? That was amazing!"
"Garchomp looks so cool… and Cynthia is so badass!"
"I-I think I'm in love… Is this what they mean by love at first sight?"
"Shut up! Cynthia is my goddess—you can't have her!"
"Screw off, she's mine!"
The tournament hadn't even started, but the crowd was already fired up. And Cynthia? She hadn't even spoken yet.
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