Pokémon, Inkaros, my starter Pokémon

Although Sabrina remained taciturn, the frost between her brows seemed to have melted considerably, and she would occasionally even raise the corners of her mouth slightly at Tokito's jokes. The unspoken understanding and closeness between the two quietly grew amidst the enchanting island scenery, attracting the attention of passersby who regarded them as a well-matched couple.

Meanwhile, gym trainers from Kanto and Johto began to arrive. The gym leader chat groups became even more lively, with messages popping up from time to time announcing the arrival of a particular gym leader, filled with the tension and excitement of the upcoming tournament.

Finally, the day of the competition arrived.

On the day of the competition, the atmosphere on Crimson Lotus Island reached its peak. Crowds poured into the center of the island from all directions, towards the magnificent and historically significant Crimson Lotus Arena, built against a natural volcanic crater.

Outside the Crimson Lotus Arena, broadcast vans from various media outlets lined up in a long queue, reporters holding microphones and excitedly reporting in front of their cameras. Among them, a capable-looking female reporter's voice stood out:

"Good morning, everyone! I'm reporter Sophie. I'm currently at the historic Cinnabar Arena. As you can see, this magnificent building behind me is packed to capacity. Trainers and Pokémon enthusiasts from all over the world have turned this place into a sea of ​​passion!"

"The sky is clear and cloudless, as if it too is anticipating the exciting battle to come. The air is filled with the distinctive sulfurous smell of volcanoes and the intense heat before the battle. The renowned Pokémon League Tournament of the Kanto region is about to begin here! Who will emerge victorious in this clash of titans? Let's wait and see!"

As she narrated, the camera slowly panned upwards, sweeping over the spectators waving various flags and shouting wildly in the stands, finally settling on the row of prominent seats on the main stage.

At that moment, the announcer's loud and clear voice rang out in the arena.

"Distinguished guests, trainers, and Pokémon fans, welcome to Cinnabar Island! Before the competition officially begins, please allow me to introduce our special guests who are here today—the Pokémon League Elite Four members from the Kanto region!"

The spotlight shone on the stage, revealing figures in the light and eliciting waves of cheers from the audience.

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PS: I've seen it.

Chapter 99, the Gym Leader Exchange Tournament, begins, and Sagros makes his appearance!

The spotlight shone on the figures seated on the stage in turn:

"The absolute zero beauty of ice, Master Lorelei!"

"Master Shiba, a fierce and powerful fighter, who is also the Fighting King of the Johto region!"

"The unfathomable depths of the Ghost type, Granny Kikuko!"

"The ruthless wind of evil, Miss Rika!"

"The wise light of the superpowered type, Mr. Yishu!"

"And, the dragon commander soaring through the sky... Mr. Wataru, the Dragon King of the Kanto region!"

The host continued, "It's worth mentioning that Master Shiba and Mr. Lance simultaneously held the titles of Fighting-type and Dragon-type Elite Four in two regions, demonstrating their unparalleled strength. As for our Kanto region's champion..."

"It is understood that the esteemed one is still undergoing rigorous training on Silver Mountain and does not intend to participate in this competition. However, the presence of all the Heavenly Kings is enough to make this competition shine brightly!"

Finally, all the lights and eyes converged on the very center of the stage.

"Finally, let's give a warm round of applause to welcome Chairman Damaranchi, the president of the Pokémon League!"

Dressed in a suit and looking energetic, President D'Amaranchi stood up and walked to the microphone in front of the stage.

With a kind yet solemn smile, President Damaranch pressed his hands together in a gesture of respect. After the cheers subsided slightly, he spoke in a captivating voice:

"Ladies and gentlemen! Pokémon trainers and enthusiasts from all over the world!"

President Damaranchi's voice resounded through the loudspeakers to every corner of the arena.

"Today, we gather on this vibrant and historic Cinnabar Island to witness the grand opening of the Kanto Region Pokémon League! Standing here, I feel an immense surge of energy and burning fighting spirit!"

"Pokémon battles are not just a clash of strength and skills, but also a manifestation of the bond and trust between trainers and Pokémon. They are a magnificent chapter of wisdom and courage. Every trainer standing on this field is an outstanding individual who has gone through trials and tribulations with his partners to reach where he is today!"

"I look forward to seeing you display your most brilliant tactics, your most seamless teamwork, and your most indomitable will! Regardless of victory or defeat, the image of you sweating and fighting alongside your Pokémon will become our most precious memory!"

"Now, I declare..." Chairman Damaranchi raised his arm high and his voice boomed, "The Kanto Region Gym Tournament is officially open!!"

"Roar--!!!"

As the president finished speaking, the entire Crimson Arena erupted in cheers. Cannons boomed, confetti rained down, and cheers surged like a volcanic eruption. A fierce battle that brought together the top gym leaders of the Kanto region had officially begun.

After the noise subsided, the giant screen in the center of the arena lit up, and the tense and exciting random grouping draw began. A total of 16 gym trainers participated in this competition.

Shi Dou carefully examined the scrolling list on the screen and the final grouping table, and quickly discovered a key point.

Liu Bo and Sakaki were not on the list!

Tokito turned to Rika beside him and asked, "Miss Rika, aren't Mr. Yanagi and Mr. Sakaki participating?"

Lijia nodded and explained softly, "Yes. Both seniors expressed their wish to give more opportunities to the younger generation to showcase themselves, as they have other important matters to attend to and will not participate. Grandpa Blaine originally did not want to participate either, but since the event is being held on Cinnabar Island, as a former gym leader and a senior figure here, he felt obligated to give face to the League and the audience, so he also signed up, making him one of the highlights of this competition."

"What about the vacant spots?"

"Tokito asked."

Rikka paused for a moment, then continued, "As for the spots vacated due to the two big shots not participating, one was originally reserved for Miss Sabrina, but she declined. So the last two spots were given to other powerful trainers who are not officially recognized but whose strength is acknowledged."

Shi Dou nodded.

So that's why Uncle Liu and Sakaki aren't coming?

That's good, it eliminates two of the biggest variables.

If these two participate, the championship title is a foregone conclusion. After all, their strength is definitely champion-level, and even Yu Longdu is no match for them.

It was expected that Xia Bo would participate.

Naz isn't participating... probably because she feels it's unnecessary.

At the same time, Shidou also learned from Rika that this dojo exchange tournament had a deeper meaning—

Selecting a new Heavenly King!

According to current information, Granny Kikuko from the Kanto region is getting old and is about to retire. The League needs to select an outstanding Gym Leader to succeed her as Elite Four member.

In this world view, Red serves as the dual champion of the Kanto region, so Lance would be the dual dragon king of the Johto region, meaning the number of kings in the Johto region would not decrease.

Conversely, the position of the future Poison-type Elite Four member, Kikyo, may be adjusted as a result, replacing Granny Kikyo.

After all, although Granny Akiko is known as the Ghost-type Elite Four member, her main Gengar family members are all Ghost and Poison types. She herself is also good at using Poison-type Pokémon such as Arbok, and has a lot in common with Akiko, who specializes in Poison-type Pokémon, in terms of type.

Just as Shi Dou was processing this information, the group draw on the big screen finally stopped, and the first round of matchups was officially confirmed!

All eyes were focused on the screen, searching for their own names and their opponents.

Shi Dou quickly found his position, and when he saw his opponent's name, a hint of interest appeared on his lips.

His first opponent was...

Johto region, Azure Gym Leader...

Ah Si!

“Mr. A-Si?” Shi Tou recalled the Azure City Gym Leader in the Gym Leader group, a straightforward and Fighting-type Gym Leader. “He’s also a Fighting-type… It looks like the first match will be a head-to-head ‘brotherly’ duel!”

As the referee waved his flag, the highly anticipated dojo competition officially began, and deafening cheers swept through the entire Crimson Lotus Arena like a tsunami!

According to the schedule, Tokito was scheduled to play in the second match, while the first match was between Tsubaki from the Ink Dojo and Abi from Hinoki Town.

This duel, in terms of attributes, can be described as a contest between "dragons and insects".

To be fair, Bug-type Pokémon aren't weak. Heracross, Scizor, and even Volcarona from the Unova region and Golisopod from the Alola region are all formidable opponents. The key issue is that, as a Bug-type Gym Leader, I seem to have a particular fondness for catching the "weakest Bug"...

At the start of the match, Abi sent out Beedrill, Butterfree, and even the final trump card was only Scyther, which had not yet evolved into Scizor, which is resistant to Dragon-type attacks.

On Xiaochun's side, she only sent out one Hakuryu. Its powerful dragon might and agile movements, combined with skills such as Ice Beam, Flamethrower, and Dragon Rage, easily broke through Abi's entire defensive line.

Zero seal!

Abi's Bug-type army was so easily defeated by Xiaochun's Dragonair, the match was a one-sided crushing victory, and the ending was tragic.

"The winner is... Xiaochun from Yanmo Dojo!" the referee announced loudly.

The entire audience erupted in applause and cheers for Xiaochun, while the host enthusiastically emphasized the power and charm of Dragon-type Pokémon. Xiaochun calmly recalled her Dragonair, nodded slightly to the audience, and garnered immense popularity.

The host's voice rose again: "Next, let's welcome the second exciting match! Please welcome the two contestants to the stage!"

"From the Johto region, Azure City Fighting Dojo, a forthright fighter—A-Si!"

"And, from Saffron City in the Kanto region, the newly appointed Fighting Gym Leader, who possesses a mysterious and powerful Pokémon—Teidou!"

Under the spotlight and the gaze of the entire arena, Shi Tou and the burly A Si, dressed in a karate uniform, strode out from the two side contestant tunnels and onto the central arena.

In the audience, Sabrina sat quietly in her designated area, her cool gaze fixed intently on Tokito, while Mei and Buchan waved their makeshift flags and shouted excitedly beside her:

"Go for it, Master!"

Bu Miao and Mei arrived safely at Crimson Lotus Island yesterday.

In the regular stands, Shigeru also crossed his arms and watched the match with a serious expression, determined to carefully study every battle of Tokito.

Meanwhile, at the Pokémon Center in Fuchsia City.

"Xiaoxia, look! It's Mr. Tokito!" Xiaozhi spotted the familiar figure on the screen at a glance and immediately pointed excitedly at the screen and shouted.

Ash and Misty were excited to challenge Kikyo at the Fuchsia Gym, only to be told that Kikyo's Gym Leader was temporarily closed to participate in an exchange tournament. Somewhat disappointed, the two could only rest at the Pokémon Center, where, coincidentally, the center's large screen was broadcasting the grand event of Cinnabar Island.

"It really is!" Xiaoxia also came over, saw Tokito on the screen, smiled slightly, and said, "Mr. Tokito has already entered the arena. His opponent is... the fighting gym leader from the Johto region?"

"Even though I can't watch it live, I can still cheer for Mr. Tokito here. Mr. Tokito, you must win!" Ash clenched his fist, his eyes fixed intently on the screen, and said excitedly.

"Pikachu~"

………………

Crimson Lotus Arena.

In the VIP section, several superstars watched the upcoming match with great interest.

The evil-type Heavenly King, Rika, rested her chin on her hand, her alluring eyes surveying Tokito in the arena. A playful smile curled at the corner of her lips as she said, "Oh? This little one is quite handsome, just my type~"

"Hey, Pear Blossom, watch your image, you're a superstar."

Sitting next to the pear blossoms, Superpower King Yishu couldn't help but complain.

"Mind your own business!" Pear Blossom rolled her eyes at Yi Shu. The two were clearly good friends and often teased each other.

Lorelei, the Ice-type Elite Four member, pushed up her glasses, revealing an admiring look, and said, "Is this the rookie Gym Leader Tokito, who's been making waves lately and thwarting Team Rocket's schemes one after another? His strength and courage are both impressive, and I'm quite interested in him."

Lance then turned his gaze to Shiba beside him and asked, "What do you think of this internal battle among the Fighting-type classes?"

With his arms crossed, Shiba said in a deep voice, "A-Si's style is fierce and direct, with a solid foundation. Shi Dou... his Pokémon is very special, full of unknowns. This duel is worth looking forward to."

In the arena, Shi Dou and A Si were already in their respective positions.

The referee loudly announced the rules:

"In the second match, Shiki from Goldenrod City will face Ayaka from Cyan City. The rules are 3 vs 3. The match ends when all of one side's Pokémon are unable to battle. Now, please send out your first Pokémon."

"Haha, little brother Shidou, let me see your fighting spirit!" A-Si laughed and threw the Poké Ball with force. "My vanguard is this one, go, Poliwag Swimmer!"

A flash of light appeared, and a Fighting-type Pokémon that looked like a bullfrog, was deep blue, muscular, and wore white boxing gloves appeared on the field.

The mosquito coil swimmer struck a standard boxing pose, exuding confidence!

Poliwag Swimmer, a Water/Fighting type, is one of the evolutions of Poliwag. It excels at swimming, including breaststroke, freestyle, and butterfly. Because its entire body is muscular and it is very heavy, its swimming ability is highly developed. When it uses all its muscles to swim, even world-class athletes are inferior.

The white belly has black swirling patterns, and the body fat percentage is basically 0%.

“In that case, my response is… Sagros, you take the first battle!” Without any hesitation, Shidou threw out the deep blue spirit capsule.

"Sa--!!!"

With a deep, oppressive hiss, the deep blue flash of Sagros made a fierce entrance!

Its deep blue body, forged from dark alloy through countless forgings, gleams with a cold luster under the light.

The most eye-catching thing was the pair of death scythes, with dark red energy patterns flowing along the blades, exuding a chilling killing intent. The cold compound eyes swept across the entire field, and the aura of being born for battle instantly swept across the entire venue!

"Wow!!!"

Sagros's appearance instantly sparked gasps and discussions throughout the arena.

The host exclaimed incredulously, "What... what kind of Pokémon is this?! Player Shidou has once again sent out a Pokémon we've never seen before! And judging by its appearance and its aura... it's brimming with extreme aggression!"

The audience erupted in chaos:

"An elf I've never seen before!"

"Is that a Scyther? Its colors are so unique!"

"Wow, that's incredibly powerful! Just looking at it is terrifying!"

Xiao Mao suddenly stood up from his seat, his face filled with shock.