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Chapter 90: Top 64
🕑 Added 2025-02-17 17:46:21 +0000 UTC
The Indigo Plateau buzzed with anticipation as the tournament progressed into the round of 64. Trainers and spectators alike filled the stadium, eager to witness the intense 3-on-3 battles that would determine who advanced to the top 32 and then top 16.
Gladion made his way to the ring for his match. He had always been meticulous in his approach to battles. For this match as well as the next, he decided to rely solely on his trusted Machamp.
His plan was straightforward: dominate the battle with Guy's overwhelming strength, thereby keeping his other Pokémon concealed.
'Guy also had a lot of energy that he doesn't even seem to get tired after all these matches. Energy of youth is really scary.' Gladion thought with a smile
This tactic served a dual purpose: it prevented potential opponents from analyzing his full team composition and maintained an element of surprise for future matches.
While some of his Pokémon had made appearances on his Pokégram and Pokébook profiles, three of them remained shrouded in mystery. One of these elusive partners was earmarked as his trump card against his sister, Gwen. One was Arsenal who was now a Magmar. Gladion did not get to spent much time with him since he was training with his mother so he did not get time to make him a Pokégram profile.
'Who would have thought that Pokégram would have exploded so much? I made it mostly for human and trainers. But to think that even Pokemon want to have an account on there and have other Pokemon friends.
This really shows that humans and pokemons are not that much different.' Gladion thought
His social media business was running quite strongly under the company name MV Corporation. MV stood for Maren Vortex. It was a symbolic gesture from Gladion for his grandfather as he wanted the world to remember him. After all while he always wanted to be a trainer, it was his grandpa's stories that motivated him.
His company was now expanding into Johto. There was some problems as the Johto traditionalists were concerned about their privacy and an upstart Kanto company. But it had become so popular with the youth that they could not stop it's advance.
Their company has also started taking steps to get into Hoeen. With the contests there, Social media would become popular in no time there. But it would still take time to get the pass to get into Hoeen.
The last Pokemon that most people did not know about was Colossus, his Larvitar. He had a penchant for privacy, refusing any photographs until he achieved his final evolution into a formidable Tyranitar.
People were speculating that his ace was Machamp which was technically true. Even Gladion considered him his ace but an ace Pokemon was supposed to be unique.
And an alpha Tyranitar was the most unique pokemon out there. Gladion and Collosus had decided that they would not be using Collosus until it was absolutely necessary.
As Gladion prepared for his match, he couldn't help but smirk at the thought of his hidden assets. "Let them speculate," he mused. "The less they know, the better. Well, I can always know what Pokémon every trainer has within seconds."
In the digital age, many young trainers showcased their Pokémon and strategies on platforms like Pokégram and Pokébook. While most accounts were private, accessible only to approved followers, there existed a loophole. As the owner of Pokégram, Gladion had the technical capability to access any account, private or public.
However, he prided himself on the integrity of the sport. "Where's the thrill if you already know your opponent's hand?" he often thought. For Gladion, battles were as much about the unexpected as they were about skill. Delving into private profiles would not only be unethical but would also rob him of the genuine excitement that came with facing unforeseen challenges.
That said, he acknowledged the potential utility of this access. In situations where he needed to vet potential recruits or assess threats, a peek into one's digital footprint could be invaluable. But for the tournament, his conscience and love for the game kept him from exploiting this advantage.
Stepping onto the battlefield, Gladion faced a young trainer named Leo. As the match commenced, Leo released his first Pokémon: a Gloom.
Leo's mind raced ' His Machamp's physical prowess is unmatched. Direct confrontation would be futile. But if I can incapacitate it...'
"Gloom, use Sleep Powder!" Leo commanded, his voice tinged with urgency.
A shimmering cloud of spores enveloped Guy. Within moments, Machamp's eyelids grew heavy, and he collapsed into a deep slumber.
Leo exhaled, a wave of relief washing over him. "Phase one complete. Now, to exploit this window."
But Gladion remained unfazed. Closing his eyes, he reached out with his psychic abilities, forming a mental link with Guy.
"Guy, it's time to wake up," Gladion's voice echoed in Machamp's mind.
Inside the dreamscape, Guy found himself in a serene meadow, far removed from the battlefield. Hearing Gladion's call, the scenery shattered like glass, replaced by the roaring stadium. Guy's eyes snapped open, muscles tensing as he sprang back into action.
The crowd gasped, murmurs rippling through the stands.
"What's happening?" one spectator exclaimed.
"Did not tha Machamp fell asleep? How did he wake up? " another questioned.
The commentator's voice boomed over the loudspeakers, addressing the confusion:
"Ladies and gentlemen, we've just received clarification. Gladion possesses psychic abilities, enabling him to communicate with his Pokémon telepathically. This allows him to assist his Pokémon in overcoming mental effects such as sleep. According to league regulations, this is permissible, provided he doesn't use his powers directly against the opposing trainer or their Pokémon."
The audience buzzed with renewed excitement.
"That's incredible!" a fan cheered.
"Talk about a game-changer," another added.
Leo's confidence wavered. His primary strategy had crumbled, and with no backup plan, the match swiftly tilted in Gladion's favor. Guy, now fully alert, dispatched Gloom and Leo's subsequent twoPokémon with ease.
As the referee declared Gladion the winner, he offered Leo a respectful nod. "You have potential. Refine your strategies, and you'll go far."
Leo managed a weak smile, appreciating the encouragement despite the defeat.
The tournament progressed rapidly, with trainers showcasing diverse tactics and Pokémon. As the battles unfolded, the roster whittled down, and the top 16 emerged.
Gladion found himself reflecting on his upcoming matchups. His immediate opponent was Rex from Moonwood Town—a name that brought a smirk to his face.
"Rex?" Gladion mused aloud, leaning back in his chair. "The same Rex who used to trip over his own shoelaces during gym class? This will be a walk in the park."
He chuckled, recalling their school days. "I bet even Guy doesn't remember him. despite the fact that he battled with Rex's brother's Hitmonlee. He even eveloved into a Machoke. Now that was a sight."
"Guy practically became a clone of Might Guy after that," Gladion snickered. "All 'Power of Youth' this and 'Dynamic Entry' that. He doesn't even remember his opponents names. It's a wonder he didn't start wearing green spandex right from the start."
Shaking his head, Gladion refocused on the tournament bracket. "After Rex, it's some random trainer in the top eight. Hardly worth my time."
His eyes then settled on the potential semifinal match: Sabrina.
"Now, Sabrina," he murmured, tapping his chin. "That could be interesting. Her psychic strategies are formidable. But I've got a few tricks up my sleeve."
Finally, his gaze landed on the projected finals matchup: Gwen.
"Gwen," he said softly, a mix of pride and determination in his voice. "Facing her in the finals would be... fitting. A true test."
A sly grin spread across his face. "But first, I have to get past Rex. This should be entertaining."
-----------Author Notes--------
I will take this chance to ask y'all how are you all liking the story? Do you want to get something changed? Something to happen? Any suggestions? Any Pokemon battle you want to see? I am welcome to all suggestions. So please don't hesitate.
Now coming to the main point: After this tournament. You would be seeing Gladion becoming the Gym leader arc. Yes, it took a lot of time to reach at this stage. But I wanted to give him a good backstory. Anyways, So what would becoming a Gym leader mean for him?
Let me tell you it would not be just battles with young trainers. That would be so boring.....
Noooo, There would be some organisation building as well as Moonwood town building (kingdom building sort of), lots of politics, political fights, Duties as a gym leader to the region and much moreeee.
