"The championship will definitely be mine, because I'm going to become the strongest Pokémon Trainer!" Jun's fighting spirit was every bit as fierce as Ash's.
Liu Qing smiled faintly, then glanced around at the other competitors as a thought struck him. After a moment, he finally found the person he was looking for-Zuo Jie. Zuo Jie spotted him as well, and an intense eagerness to battle blazed in his eyes. Liu Qing gave a wry smile. Just as he was about to look away, he caught sight of another familiar figure. His gaze paused, and irritation stirred within him. Yet she merely gave him an indifferent glance before turning her attention elsewhere, as though she did not know him at all. It left Liu Qing feeling distinctly uncomfortable.
"What is Shui Nai trying to pull this time?" Liu Qing frowned slightly.
With a snap, all the lights in the Venue came on. Only then did Liu Qing realize that, in those few moments, quite a crowd had gathered on the field. The spectator stands were packed, and thunderous cheers erupted. The opening ceremony had finally begun.
"The Sacred Fire has finally been lit!" As the Announcer's voice rang out over the speakers, the two torchbearers-a man and a woman-standing on the torch platform lit the Sacred Fire. Countless fireworks shot into the night sky, bursting into beautiful showers of light. The Announcer proclaimed loudly, "The Sinnoh League Lily of the Valley Conference is officially open!"
"Next, we will announce the matchups for the first round of the Sinnoh League!" At the Announcer's words, the Venue's lights dimmed, and the large screen displayed four rows of matchups, with eight pairings in each row.
"This year's Sinnoh League really is strict. They actually excluded every Pokémon Trainer who hadn't earned eight badges,