Chapter 86 — Leon, Are You Looking for a Beat Down?

At their trainer's command, the Dynamaxed Machamp's four arms filled with Armament Haki. 

Its meteor-sized fists, carrying enough impact force to shatter a mountain, thundered towards the Dynamaxed Duraludon.

But the Dynamaxed Duraludon wouldn't back down.

Deep purple energy waves erupted from its body, materializing into a fearsome two-winged dragon on its surface.

Then, opening its gaping maw, it launched its own counter-attack.

BOOM!!!

The two powerful moves collided head-on.

A terrifying shockwave spread outward in a spherical shape.

Even with the committee's transparent barrier in place,

The spectators instinctively raised their hands to shield themselves, fearing they might be affected.

Through the thick smoke, two giant figures could be vaguely seen beginning to rapidly shrink.

Clearly, after Dynamaxing, both sides had used their three moves.

Now they were returning to normal.

"Go Bede!"

"You're so close!"

"You beat me, so you better not lose!"

From another section of the stands, Marnie, Sonia, and Klara cheered Bede on continuously.

However unfortunately, their cheers couldn't become energy to change the outcome.

As the smoke gradually cleared.

The two Pokémon, no longer Dynamaxed,

Machamp and Duraludon, stood on opposite sides of the center line in the arena, staring each other down.

The entire stadium fell silent.

Both Pokémon were covered in wounds, time seemed to freeze in that moment.

They continued staring at each other.

One second, two seconds, three seconds...

"Ugh..."

"Aroo..."

In an instant, both Machamp and Duraludon showed expressions of pain.

Their legs stumbled, and with two "THUD" sounds of heavy objects hitting the ground.

Looking closer,

Both Pokémon had fallen simultaneously.

From the observation platform, Chairman Rose furrowed his brow and instructed Oleana:

"Oleana, check the video footage, who fell first?"

According to the rules, even being the last to fall by one second would determine victory.

But just now, which one fell first?

It was impossible to tell with the naked eye.

After a brief silence, the audience began discussing amongst themselves.

"Did anyone see clearly who fell first?"

"I think it was Machamp."

"No, it must have been Duraludon. Machamp is Fighting-type, which is super effective against Steel-type Duraludon, so it's tougher."

"What the hell, are you an armchair trainer? Steel-types are tougher!"

"Don't rush, wait for the judges to check the footage!"

...

...

At this moment, the referee received the video results through his earpiece, flew to the center on an Aegislash, and raised both flag hands.

"After reviewing the footage, Machamp and Duraludon both fainted simultaneously!"

"Therefore! Both trainers are eliminated!"

As the referee announced the result of this semi-final match.

The stadium audience and viewers at home were stunned for several seconds before erupting in protests.

"Ehh!!??"

Ash from Kanto, May from Hoenn, Dawn from Sinnoh, and others.

These protagonists also showed displeasure.

Ash: "So we won't get to see the Galar Champion battle?"

Brock: "Who could have predicted this? A tie in the semi-finals."

Red: "I wanted to see how Leon trained his Charizard, known as 'the strongest,' what a shame..."

Green: "That gray-haired woman was just an Elite Four member a year ago, how did she train?"

...

...

"Chairman Rose, there are many protests online as well."

Oleana reported as she approached Rose's side.

Rose also massaged his bearded chin with a headache.

After Sun defeated Cynthia, and with the dark horses Klara and Bede emerging,

This year's Galar Star Tournament should have been perfect.

But who could have imagined this happening in the semi-finals.

At this time, Leon, who was standing on Rose's other side and also troubled about what to do,

Noticed Bede recalling Machamp and walking towards the stands.

No, more precisely, he noticed Sun who was consoling Bede.

Suddenly, Leon had an inspiration and turned to say:

"Chairman Rose, I have a good idea."

"Hmm?"

Rose glanced at Leon, his expression encouraging him to continue.

By the stands, Bede hung her head low like a schoolchild being scolded by parents, speaking in a cutesy voice:

"Master, I, I..."

"It's okay, you'll definitely win next time."

Sun cheerfully ruffled Bede's silver hair, saying brightly:

"You've got me."

"Mm!"

Hearing this, Bede finally lifted her head, showing a dependent smile.

Honestly, Bede's performance this year had left countless people dumbfounded.

An Elite Four member who could fight a Champion to a draw in just one short year!

And not just some minor League Champion, but a true Union Champion level!

You know, a certain forever-ten-year-old kid still lost to a League Champion after twenty years of traveling.

...

Up on the platform.

After hearing Leon's suggestion, Rose had a complex expression.

"This... isn't appropriate, is it? If we do this, your title as 'Undefeated Champion' will..."

Leon laughed openly, "I don't care about that title, and besides, isn't Mr. Sun also a Galar trainer? No matter who wins or loses, it brings glory to Galar."

Hearing Leon's analysis, Rose stroked his chin, pondered for a long while, then nodded in agreement:

"Alright, we'll do it your way."

"Thank you."

Leon stood and took the microphone from a staff member nearby.

"OK! Everyone, eyes on me, look at me, look at me!"

Leon's voice carried through the broadcast to countless spectators at the venue and watching screens.

As the spotlight shifted, all eyes turned to Leon standing on the platform beside Rose.

Under the spotlight, Leon held the microphone and said with a smile:

"First, I want to thank all the trainers who participated in this Galar Star Tournament, thank you for giving us so many exciting battles."

"And thank you to the audience here and watching on TV for your support of our Galar League."

As Galar's top idol spoke, the venue fell quiet.

Silently listening to his speech.

Sun's expression was a bit strange, worried that Leon's next words would be "I have an announcement! I'm an idiot!"

Then, Leon walked from the platform to the center of the arena, continuing:

"Bede and Raihan gave us an absolutely brilliant match, but the only regret is that I apparently won't be able to compete in tomorrow's finals."

"But! I have an announcement!"

Hearing this, Sun's expression grew even more interesting, wondering if Leon would really say those words?

Of course not.

Leon excitedly announced:

"Tomorrow, Mr. Sun and I will have an exhibition match to perfectly conclude this Galar Star Tournament! Please look forward to it!"

"Woah~!!!!"

At these words, the stadium and viewers at home were stunned for several seconds before erupting in thunderous cheers.

The man who defeated Cynthia, versus the "Undefeated Champion" Leon.

What kind of sparks would fly?

It was too exciting!

His childhood friend Sonia had a confused expression.

Thinking "Leon, are you looking for a beat down?"

...

...

That night, at the Wyndon Rose of the Rondelands five-star hotel restaurant.

"I'm sorry, Mr. Sun, actually after watching your battle with Cynthia, I really wanted to challenge you."

Leon said somewhat sheepishly.

After all, he hadn't consulted with Sun about this beforehand.

"It's fine, but from tomorrow on, you'll lose your 'Undefeated Champion' nickname."

The plates in front of Sun were stacked over two meters high, and he continued stuffing more food into his mouth.

Honestly, Leon challenging him, or rather, Rose agreeing to let Leon challenge him,

Sun was a bit surprised.

Because Rose's marketing approach for Leon was similar to that of an idol.

His image was built on being "Undefeated."

While losing wouldn't cause a complete collapse like with Sister Diantha or having a child,

It should still significantly impact Leon's image.

This is also why Leon and Lance,

One the 680 "Undefeated Champion," one the "Strongest Champion,"

Haven't battled in all these years.

Because winning would be fine, but once defeated, their popularity and prestige would plummet.

More importantly, the influence of the regions they represent would hit rock bottom.

For example, if Lance lost to Leon, there would definitely be rumors like "Kanto is inferior to Galar," "Why not move the League headquarters to Galar?" and such.

Because of this, even League President Charles Goodshow didn't want these two to battle.

The drawbacks seemed to outweigh the benefits.

However, Rose actually letting Leon challenge Sun,

It really surprised quite a few people.

"It's fine, we're both from Galar."

Leon hit the nail on the head.

Sitting nearby, Marnie, Bede, Klara, and Sonia suddenly realized.

Now they understood!

The League wouldn't let Leon and Lance battle because they represented different Leagues.

Once a winner was determined, it would affect the deterrent power of one League.

But with Sun and Leon, there was no need for such concerns!

Both were Galar League trainers.

In other words, no matter which of them won, it would bring glory to Galar.

Even in the worst case, if Leon lost,

He wouldn't lose face, since he lost to one of their own.

And they could use this chance to announce to the whole Pokémon continent that Galar League had produced another monster-level trainer.

Why not do it?

Sonia silently listened to their conversation.

Thinking there was no need for worst cases - Leon, you're done for!

Because Sonia could be considered a model supportive partner.

Every night, while Marnie, Klara, and Bede were busy training,

Sonia took care of their Pokémon and Sun's.

And currently, Urshifu's injuries from the previous battle hadn't fully healed, meaning Sun could only use those two.

— — —

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