Wyndon Stadium was hosting the ultimate showdown between Leon and Cynthia today.
Enthusiastic locals and fans who had traveled from afar had already packed the entire venue.
The enormous stadium, built to accommodate Dynamax battles, could hold tens of thousands of people.
Yet not a single seat was empty, which also reflected just how wildly popular Pokémon battles were in the Galar Region.
It was, truly, worthy of being called a pillar industry of the Galar Region.
Young Master Mao and Jon, the little boy he had picked up along the way, were sitting in the front-row VIP seats.
Spacious sofa seats and a crystal-clear, unobstructed view of the entire battlefield-no wonder these seats could sell for tens of thousands apiece.
Jon leaned excitedly against the railing, his little head turning this way and that as he waited for Leon to enter.
Just then, a very fashionable-looking young man wearing a headband walked over. "Hey! Kid, you're blocking my way!"
"Well, if it isn't Mr. Perpetual Runner-up, Raihan. Keep your voice down. You're scaring the kid." Gary pulled Jon to his side and spoke teasingly.
"Huh? (〝▼皿▼) Who are you?" Raihan looked over irritably.
Young Master Mao stood and met Raihan's gaze. "Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Gary Oak."
"Oh, you're that guy Leon said he wanted to put to the test. You don't look all that strong!" Raihan curled his lip disdainfully.
"What? Want to try me first?" Young Master Mao's right hand was already resting on the Poké Ball at his waist.
"Interesting." Raihan likewise slipped a hand into his pocket.
"Raihan, stand down. He is Chairman Rose's honored guest." Just as the tension between them reached a breaking point, Oleana's voice rang out.
Chairman Rose and Leon had arrived.
"Tch, here comes trouble." Raihan