160. Be Handsome

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When the two finalists were confirmed, the Pokémon League announced a three-day break, setting the final match for Wednesday at 10 a.m.

During this period, the League staff photographed Kai and his rival, Andrew, and distributed promotional posters featuring their battles across major cities.

Meanwhile, edited promotional videos played continuously on TV, the internet, and large commercial screens, ensuring most of the Kanto region was informed about the upcoming finals.

The excitement was palpable. Discussions everywhere revolved around the event, and polls even emerged online. With over 600 million participants, Kai dominated with 93% of the votes.

Major talk shows, experts, and even competition judges overwhelmingly favoured Kai, stating that, even if he couldn't win with a flawless 6-0, he still had a high chance of winning the Indigo League & becoming the champion.

Amid the growing hype, Kai remained cautious. The pressure of public opinion only made him more determined to prepare. He rented an indoor arena in the city and devoted himself to rigorous training.

Misty, Brock, Ash, and their Pokémon joined him to help refine his strategy.

Inside the arena, Kai's Pokémon were hard at work. Gyarados and Blastoise faced off under Misty's guidance. Growing up in the Cerulean City Gym, Misty had a knack for training water types and offered insights that Kai hadn't considered before.

Meanwhile, Charizard and Ash's Charizard glared at each other with unwavering intensity, their competitive spirit ready to erupt into battle at any moment.

"Charrrr!!" (Fuck you)

"Charrrrrr!!!(Fuck you, too)

The other Pokémon worked alongside Brock, following his instructions to hone their skills.

Kai watched the scene unfold, satisfaction evident on his face. He had done everything he could. Now, all that remained was to wait for the finals.

Suddenly, Martha entered the arena.

"Boss, there's another large group of reporters outside. They're asking for an interview. Should we turn them away again like last time?"

Kai hesitated but shook his head. "No, I'll talk to them. At this point, turning them away would seem rude."

Hearing this, Martha stepped out to organize the reporters. Under his instructions, a section outside the battlefield was cleared, and the reporters gathered together.

When Kai appeared, their eyes lit up. They surged forward, surrounding him. If not for the guards standing nearby, they might have overwhelmed him entirely!

"Contestant Kai, could you comment on your rival, Andrew?"

"Contestant Kai, do you have confidence in winning the competition?"

"Contestant Kai, before becoming a trainer, were you really a gang leader? And is that cool girl from the gang your girlfriend?"

Microphones thrust forward, and the barrage of questions ranging from his opponent, background, and aspirations to sensational rumours.

Though seemingly simple, the questions were full of traps designed to create headlines.

Kai responded cautiously, aiming to stay neutral and avoid giving them anything controversial to twist.

At this moment, Kai was undoubtedly the most talked-about man in the Kanto region, riding the wave of the Indigo League's popularity.

But by the end of the interview, he felt more drained than after a fierce Pokémon battle.

Time flew by, and the day before the finals arrived. To Kai's surprise, unexpected guests came to cheer him on at the Indigo Plateau.

Among them were Professor Cerise, his wife Talia, and their son Parker. The sight of them filled Kai with warmth.

Along with them came Daisy, Cerise's assistants Chrysa and Ren, and even Parker's younger cousin.

Kai and Chloe were both stunned by their arrival, as no one had informed them in advance.

When Chloe opened the door and saw them, she froze, rubbing her eyes in disbelief.

"Mom, Dad, why are you here?"

Professor Cerise smiled warmly and replied, "At such an important moment, as a family, we had to make time to support you."

Kai felt a surge of gratitude, momentarily at a loss for words.

Chrysa clapped Kai on the shoulder and said excitedly, "I've been following your matches! I can't believe how good you are making it to the finals with such skill!"

As everyone settled into the dormitory, the doorbell rang again. When Kai opened it, he was surprised to see a young woman with long black hair and striking features standing there.

"Sabrina? Why are you here?"

It was indeed Sabrina. She hadn't contacted Kai in advance and had come on her own.

This unexpected arrival was a pleasant surprise.

"Why didn't you tell me you were coming?" Kai asked with a smile. "If I'd known, I would've invited you earlier to help train my Pokémon!"

Sabrina gave him a small, amused smile. "Do you think I'm free? The Saffron Gym is very busy these days. Leaving isn't easy."

"Busy, huh? So you're rushing back soon?"

"It's fine," Sabrina said softly. "My father is acting as the temporary Gym Leader for now. I can finally take a break."

Kai invited her inside and introduced her to the others. Ash, Misty, and Brock greeted Sabrina, though they were surprised to see her.

While Ash had helped her in the past, their relationship was distant at best. Seeing her talk casually with Kai left them shocked.

The small dormitory was soon crowded, though there were enough rooms for everyone to stay. That evening, Kai arranged for Misty and Brock to buy fresh ingredients, and they had a lively barbecue dinner outside.

Thanks to Brock's cooking skills and the cheerful company, everyone had a great time.

At one point, Brock pulled Kai aside and asked in a hushed voice, "Can you teach me how to get along with girls?"

Kai raised an eyebrow. "You want me to teach you how to flirt?"

"Shh! Keep it down!" Brock looked embarrassed. "Even Sabrina, who's usually so cold, seems comfortable around you. How do you do it? Teach me your ways!"

Kai smirked. "It's nothing special. If you want to win over girls, there's only one thing you need."

Brock leaned in eagerly. "What is it?"

Kai grinned. "Be handsome."

On the side, Ash, who had been listening, groaned loudly. "Why does everyone care about girls? Pokémon are way cooler!"

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