Jonathan vs Hu Tianyi

Kanraku observed the ongoing battle with a sense of astonishment. "It's quite remarkable. Bianca is commanding her Pokémon without any of her usual stuttering. This is quite a surprise," he remarked, his eyes not leaving the field.

Floyd, standing beside him, nodded in agreement, equally baffled. "It's intriguing, indeed. I can't quite put my finger on what's different about her today," he mused, watching the match intently.

"She seems to have found some sort of motivation. Perhaps she's determined to prove her abilities in this battle," Kanraku hypothesized, trying to make sense of Bianca's newfound confidence.

Floyd remained silent, his gaze locked on the field, deep in thought. 'Is Bianca truly motivated for this battle?' he wondered. Knowing her usual introverted and anxious personality, this sudden change seemed out of character. He noted the contrasting personalities between Bianca and her Swablu, which was lively and mischievous, almost the opposite of Bianca's reserved nature.

There's a saying that a Trainer's personality manifests in their Pokémon. This led Floyd to ponder if they were witnessing an unexplored side of Bianca's character.

Nakamura, joining the conversation, speculated, "Maybe her motivation stems from someone special in her life, someone she has feelings for."

At this suggestion, Kanraku couldn't help but snicker, giving Floyd a secretive wink. Floyd, caught off guard by the comment, blushed deeply, his fists clenched as if struggling to restrain his emotions.

"Did I misspeak?" Nakamura asked, feigning innocence but clearly sensing the awkwardness he had stirred.

"Let's just focus on the match," was all Kanraku, Floyd, and Yamada could say, each rolling their eyes at Nakamura's insinuation.

The match took a surprising turn as Bianca's Swablu was swiftly knocked out, leaving everyone momentarily speechless.

"Why was Swablu defeated so quickly?" Nakamura asked, unable to hide his surprise.

"I'm not sure, but it feels strange to be defeated so quickly," Kanraku expressed, equally puzzled, then turned to Floyd. "Floyd-san, you have more experience than I do. What's your take on this?"

Floyd, after a moment of contemplation, shared his thoughts. "I'm unsure as well. Swablu, at a Pro level, should not have been so easily overpowered by Mankey, also a Pro Level beast. So, the defeat especially by a single Seismic Toss, doesn't seem logical, given their comparable strength levels. Even considering type attributes that suppress Pokémon, it's improbable to lose so quickly if both beasts are nearly equal in strength. Moreover, Mankey's type attribute doesn't suppress Swablu," he added.

"So, there's an anomaly with this Swablu?" Nakamura prodded.

"Yes, it would be wise to have Chansey examine Swablu immediately," Floyd suggested, concerned about the unusual circumstances of the battle.

…

Several hours had elapsed since the intense battle between Linh and Bianca, and the tournament had witnessed a trend where numerous contenders adopted Aizawa's 'Sleep Powder' strategy. This tactical approach yielded mixed results - some trainers emerged victorious, while others faced defeat, particularly against opponents who cleverly utilized Ryota's 'Gust' counter-strategy.

There was also some memorable moment occurred during the clash between Park Taeyang and Huu Xuan Thao. The tide of the battle dramatically shifted when Huu Xuan Thao's Squirtle, on the brink of defeat, evolved into Wartortle. This sudden evolution turned the tables, leading to a surprising victory over Park Taeyang's Pidgey and Growlithe. The audience who were watching through live broadcasts, were left in awe at the spectacle of evolution happening in real time.

Seizing this educational moment, Kanraku took the opportunity to explain the concept of evolution to the villagers, enhancing their understanding of these magnificent creatures and their capabilities.

As the clock struck 12pm afternoon, the tournament had been underway for over three hours, each match adding to the excitement and anticipation of the audience.

They found themselves wishing they were actually in the stadium to support the contenders in person, despite knowing it was impossible for now. However, they resolved that if similar competitions occurred in the future, they would insist to Kanraku on being present at the event, rather than just watching the live broadcasts.

The next match, highly anticipated due to the personal rivalry it involved, was between Jonathan and Hu Tianyi. As their names were called, both competitors appeared on the field, each exuding a mix of confidence and eagerness. Hu Tianyi, nonchalantly holding his pocket, gazed arrogantly at Jonathan. In contrast, Jonathan, brimming with excitement and determination, gestured tauntingly at Hu Tianyi and declared, "I've been waiting for this day, let's see if you still have that demeanor after I defeat you."

"You? Beating me? That's laughable. You're just here to entertain me." Hu Tianyi snorted dismissively, he couldn't wait to defeat Jonathan and witness his reaction.

Chen Yu, maintaining his composure amidst their verbal spar, interjected, "You both are aware of the rules, right?"

Jonathan, unable to contain his impatience, replied brusquely, "Enough talk about rules. Let's just start this!"

Hu Tianyi, mocking Jonathan's eagerness, jibed, "Can't wait to face your defeat, huh? Alright then, let's begin!"

Jonathan, undeterred and now slightly pissed off, shot back, "Laugh all you want now, but let's see who has the last laugh."

"I hope you're ready to eat those words; don't come to regret them," Hu Tianyi retorted with a snort, clearly irritated but eager to defeat Jonathan. Clutching his Poké Ball, a sly smirk crossed his face. "Prepare yourself for a shock, and try not to weep when you see what I've got," he taunted confidently.

"Alright, let's begin," Chen Yu announced authoritatively, raising his flag high. The anticipation in the air was thick, and the excitement of the onlookers watching the screen was palpable.

Jonathan furrowed his brow at Hu Tianyi's smug remarks, but he dismissed them with a contemptuous snort, gripping his own Poké Ball tightly. "Bring it on," he muttered under his breath, bracing himself for the upcoming challenge.

"Begin!" Chen Yu's voice cut through the tension as he brought the flag down, signaling the start of the battle.

"Geodude, show them what you've got!" Jonathan called out with determination, releasing his Pokémon with a swift motion.

"Raticate, take the stage!" Hu Tianyi countered, and to Jonathan's astonishment, his previously known Rattata had evolved into a formidable Raticate.

"What?!" Jonathan gasped, taken aback by the sight of the evolved Raticate. He hadn't anticipated this development; Hu Tianyi's Pokémon had evolved much faster than he had expected.

"See the difference between us?" Hu Tianyi gloated, hands nonchalantly tucked into his pockets, a picture of cool confidence. "My Raticate has reached the Pro level, while your beasts were still struggling at the Rookie level. How pitifully weak," he sneered, felt proud reveling in Jonathan's shock.

Jonathan's face hardened, his fists clenching as he faced this unexpected turn. The pressure was mounting, but his resolve only strengthened. Hu Tianyi's mocking words ignited a fierce determination within him.

"It doesn't matter if your beast has evolved, or if it's at a Pro level. My Geodude is at the peak of its Rookie stage, and that's more than enough to take you down. Don't get too comfortable on your high horse," Jonathan declared, his voice laced with defiance.

Hu Tianyi merely laughed, his arrogance undimmed. "Still clinging to your delusions? I'll shatter them soon enough. You'll witness the stark reality—the chasm between us is like that between heaven and earth. You've provoked the wrong person, Jonathan. Prepare to face true despair," he proclaimed, his gaze condescending as he looked down upon Jonathan.

(AN: Villain's famous last words)

"Hmph, I don't believe it. Don't be so sure of yourself. Geodude, use Defense Curl!" Jonathan commanded his Pokémon, refusing to be intimidated by Hu Tianyi's confident demeanor.

Caught slightly off-guard by Jonathan's immediate action, Hu Tianyi quickly regained his composure and let out a confident chuckle. "Hehehe, sneaky tactics are futile against absolute force. Raticate, unleash your full might! Use Bite!" he commanded, his voice echoing across the arena, filled with anticipation of victory.