Special Competition Format

Arriving at the Gym entrance, Xinhai saw Brawly already waiting there.

"Yo, Xinhai, you're early! The tournament starts at nine, and it's only seven-thirty." Brawly greeted him with a smile.

"I wanted to get them settled early so I could head to the arena without worrying." As Xinhai spoke, he handed Brawly the Poké Balls containing Eevee, Mightyena, Sandile, and Zigzagoon, along with the training plans he had prepared.

"Brawly, sorry for the trouble these next few days. Kirlia can read too, so just give the training plans to her."

"Don't worry!" Brawly readily accepted the Poké Balls and plans, promising cheerfully, "I'll help keep an eye on them too. Just focus on competing!"

"Combusken!" Combusken cried out from the side, brimming with fighting spirit.

Xinhai nodded, then crouched and softly said to Kirlia by his feet and the other partners inside their Poké Balls, "Be good and train hard. When I get back, tell me how much you've improved."

"Kirlia!" Kirlia rubbed against Xinhai's hand, while the other Poké Balls swayed slightly as well.

With everything arranged, Xinhai took Combusken and turned toward the Martial Arts Tournament arena.

The Martial Arts Tournament was held in an open space near the forest behind Dewford Town.

This was the traditional venue for Dewford Town's major events. The entire grounds were circular, enclosed by towering stone walls, and could hold more than fifty thousand spectators. It contained several designated areas, including the main arena, preliminary match arenas, competitor rest areas, medical stations, and more.

By now, the stream of people heading toward the venue had become unending, and the air was thick with excitement and anticipation.

Town residents, supporters who had traveled from all over with their trainers, and plenty of tourists simply there for the spectacle packed the roads until they