Amid the cheers, Red lifted his cap slightly and looked at all the players, including Cynthia, who had come out first.
At that moment, an immense aura of ambition swept over everyone.
The strength of his ambition was immeasurable, powerful enough to make an ordinary Trainer faint. Beyond the ferocity of that overwhelming aura, the fact that a teenage boy wielded it sent a chill through everyone's hearts.
But no one lost their composure. Even under Red's imposing aura, the atmosphere suggested they would strike back, provoking him. Sensing this, Red lifted the corners of his mouth slightly, reined in his ambition, and stood beside Leon.
"Now all the players have arrived! The historic moment that sets their destinies spinning begins here! The championship tournament has begun!"
A burst of fireworks illuminated everyone inside the Stadium. Cheers filled the entire Stadium, a testament to how eagerly everyone had awaited this tournament.
According to the rules, all six Pokémon to be used had to be registered in advance, and only one registered Pokémon could be exchanged for another before each match. The explanation also stated that healing items were prohibited, but items given to Pokémon beforehand were permitted. Incidentally, Cynthia had registered six Pokémon: Milotic, Roserade, Togekiss, Lucario, Milotic, and Garchomp.
After the explanation ended, the person in charge brought over a box containing eight sticks.
"We'll now draw lots for the tournament. Every stick in this box has a number, and each of you will be placed in the slot corresponding to that number."
Beside the attendant, Angler and Niriki shuffled the wooden sticks in the box together. After a brief delay, the attendant passed the box around. Once everyone had taken hold of a stick, the attendant spoke.
"Pull out your sticks together on the count of three. Here