The next day, the two watched the semifinal with curious expressions. The matchup was Aoki of the Paldea League against Gaoyang of the Elite Four. Aerial Ace blocked Staraptor's attack, and the answering Close Combat pierced Staraptor. That blow knocked Staraptor out, deciding the match.
"Will Fifth Generation make it to the finals?"
"Yes."
Gaoyang was said to be the strongest of Sinnoh's Elite Four. I had seen him many times in leagues and tournaments, and his ability was genuine. No battle had ever left me feeling so sluggish. Even if we won here and advanced to the finals, it would be a hard fight, just like last year.
Of course, that was assuming we reached the finals.
"Before that, we have to make it to the finals ourselves."
"That's right."
Their semifinal opponent was Bertha, a Ground-type expert and the Trainer who had once taught Cynthia the secrets of Ground types. Naturally, this would be another hard battle.
"Do you have a plan?"
"That's a silly question."
"I suppose so. Then all you need to do is what you want to do."
"Yes, exactly. I'll throw myself against her and challenge her with everything I have."
Although Cynthia held the position of Champion, Bertha was a formidable veteran. In strength and depth, she even surpassed Cynthia. A lucky break or a sudden burst of inspiration alone would not be enough to win.
That was why it set her heart ablaze. A Champion could only surpass power as mighty as the earth itself.
"Let's go."
Draping her leather jacket over her shoulders, Cynthia stood up.
In the backyard, the two waited for the battlefield maintenance to finish. Cynthia sat on a bench, resting her head on Kaim's shoulder as she quietly let her Haki grow.
"You're excited."
Sensing her Color