"Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang!"
Seven fireworks burst in succession, blooming into brilliant flowers of color across the sky. Today, the main arena at the heart of the Central Stadium officially opened!
The stands, which could hold over ten thousand people, were already packed, with not a single empty seat!
The many private boxes at the top held Gym Leaders from various regions, clan heads, and business magnates. In the large central box, President Kamaranchi, Elite Four member Glacia, Wallace, and President Stone had all arrived. Even Elite Four member Drake, who had not been seen for days, had appeared.
Feeling the spectators' cheers and enthusiasm, President Kamaranchi nodded with a smile, very pleased with the atmosphere.
"Humans and Pokémon should live together in harmony! We share one planet. It belongs to everyone, not to any single race or faction. We couldn't have achieved what we see today without all your hard work!"
President Stone smiled faintly.
"Your ideals are our goal, President. They're what everyone hopes for, too!"
Drake, who was usually stern and unsmiling, gave him an odd look before saying,
"Humans and Pokémon have never been inherently opposed to each other, but there are always people with ulterior motives who seek power beyond their control, even if it means destroying our hard-won peace!"
Looking down at the novice Trainers gradually gathering below, Drake's expression softened a little, and he said with a smile,
"Fortunately, humans excel at passing things down. These young people are our hope for the future. With proper guidance, they will all become fresh blood helping humans and Pokémon live together in natural harmony!"
President Kamaranchi nodded thoughtfully, then smiled and looked around at everyone.
"Everyone, care to guess which contestant will make it to the very end?"
Wallace and the others