Chapter 291: Chapter 291
March 15th, Alliance Calendar. The Pokémon Battle Tournament finally reached its conclusion with the awards ceremony.
In a typical Pokémon battle tournament, only the final victor stands on stage with their Pokémon, holding the trophy and basking in the cheers.
However, this wasn't just any tournament—it was organized by the Pokémon Alliance, and there was no comparison.
In the world of Pokémon, regional tournaments attract limited participants and audiences, but this tournament's scale and attendance were unprecedented, both now and for the foreseeable future.
Therefore, the awards ceremony was set to be even more grandiose.
"Now, let's welcome our top four competitors onto the stage to receive their awards!"
Perona, the Head Referee and judge of the Pokémon Battle Tournament, naturally presided over the final awards ceremony.
With her announcement, the four finalists entered the stage with their Pokémon.
Boa Hancock.
Dressed in a high-slit crimson qipao and maroon heels, Hancock stepped onto the stage, her expression as cold as the snake Pokémon beside her.
It was clear that a trainer's demeanor could often be seen reflected in their Pokémon. The snake Pokémon, just like Hancock, appeared indifferent to the noise and cheers, exuding an aura of pride.
Hannibal.
Hannibal's attire today was flamboyant and colorful, reminding Dak of the eccentric fashion trends of a certain era.
Hannibal and his Pokémon were the loudest as they entered, swaggering with cocky expressions. For those unaware, one might mistake them for a band of troublemakers.
Kuzan.
Having achieved his own goals, Kuzan only looked forward to his impending vacation, making him the most laid-back of the finalists.
Lost in daydreams of sunbathing and napping on a beach, Kuzan and his Ice-type Pokémon seemed to walk in a daze, clearly in a world of their own.
The Champion, Brook.
Among the four, Brook was the most "normal" as he casually waved to the audience.
While his actions were ordinary, his appearance was anything but. Even Hannibal couldn't quite match Brook's unique look.
As the four contestants took the stage, Perona continued to narrate, introducing each trainer and their Pokémon.
Once all four were on the platform, she made an announcement.
"Now, we have something of utmost importance!"
Floating mid-air with a microphone in hand, Perona captured everyone's attention. "To our four finalists, would you be willing to serve as the Four Heavenly Kings of the Pokémon Alliance in the Grand Line?"
Becoming a finalist didn't automatically mean being granted the title; their consent was required.
Dak felt certain that Kuzan and Hannibal would agree, Brook was likely to accept, but Hancock might refuse.
If Hancock declined, the title would pass down to one of the quarterfinalists. While they lacked the authority to nominate themselves, Dak would directly choose Saul, who would likely accept.
To his surprise, all four responded in unison, "Yes."
"Excellent! Then, today, the Four Heavenly Kings of the Pokémon Alliance in the Grand Line are officially established! Let's congratulate them!"
Perona wasn't surprised by their acceptance.
After all, the prestige and influence of the "Four Heavenly Kings" rivaled that of the legendary Four Emperors, and their actual authority was comparable to Admirals in the Navy—testament to the weight of this title.
"The top four contestants this year will not only gain the title of the Four Heavenly Kings but also receive 1,000 gold, resident IDs for Pokémon Island, a property in Yggdrasil, and a one-time right to apply for a valuable item."
Perona then announced the rewards.
The rewards for the top eight and top sixteen didn't need special mention; the Alliance would deliver them afterward. These announcements served to inspire more people to pursue the path of trainers, raising the tournament's stature in this world.
The impact was substantial—spectators in attendance and across the Grand Line began dreaming of competing in the next Pokémon Battle Tournament.
This inaugural tournament had sparked numerous ideas for future events, including Haki, Devil Fruits, and even abilities from other worlds.
"There's one more question for our new Four Heavenly Kings. The Alliance has proposed titles for each of you: 'Serpent King,' 'Ghost King,' 'Dark King,' and 'Ice King.' Do any of you have objections?"
Perona held out the microphone to the four.
They all shook their heads. Three of them seemed indifferent, accepting the titles without much concern.
Hannibal, however, cared deeply about appearances. But as he was more than satisfied with the title "Dark King," he didn't request a change.
"Then, one rule established by the first Alliance Leader: Starting from the next tournament, the top sixteen contestants will gain the opportunity to challenge the Four Heavenly Kings."
"If victorious, the challenger replaces the King; if defeated, better luck next time."
"The champion of the tournament will even have a chance to challenge for the title of 'Champion,' a position equivalent to department heads within the Alliance, the Fleet Admiral of the Navy, and ranking above the Four Heavenly Kings and the Eight Gym Leaders."
"To become the Champion, however, one must defeat all Four Heavenly Kings in formal 6v6 battles within a week."
Thus, the path to becoming the next Champion was laid out. From this moment, the "Road to Championship" was officially established by the Pokémon Alliance.
"What?! You have to beat all four Kings to become the Champion?"
"You've got to be kidding! Who could ever beat Admiral Kuzan?"
"Exactly. And let's not even mention Boa—each of the other three Kings is a specialist in their type. If you counter one, you might lose to another!"
"This practically forces Champions to be multi-type trainers. It's unlikely anyone can become Champion with a single specialization."
"Alright, I've decided. Next time, I'll challenge Boa. She looks like the weakest of the Four Kings."
Among the four, Hancock indeed appeared to be the least formidable, which made her a prime target for aspiring challengers.
Whether Hancock would defend her title next year depended on her dedication over the coming months.
Typically, the Four Heavenly Kings spent much time on Alliance duties, limiting their training opportunities. In return, the Alliance would supply them with valuable items free of charge.
For example, evolution items would be prioritized for the Four Heavenly Kings.
"And now, for the runner-up, Kuzan! Your special prize is the opportunity to choose a Pokémon from the Pokédex, and you will receive an excellent Pokémon Egg."
Perona handed Kuzan a booklet.
This simplified Pokédex contained only names, types, and images of each Pokémon.
"Hm…"
Though Kuzan appeared hesitant, his hands moved decisively.
"Hmph, that kid definitely stayed up all night studying the Pokédex," Garp observed from the audience, familiar with his colleague's habits.
"I'll take this one."
After a brief pause, Kuzan made a calculated choice.
Spheal
Type: Ice, Water
"Oh~ It looks like Kuzan has made his choice. Let's see… My, what an extraordinary Pokémon!"
Perona glanced at Kuzan's selection, her expression mischievous.
While she refrained from revealing the choice, Hannibal and Brook, who peeked over, now knew.
Brook didn't give it much thought, but Hannibal's eyes were gleaming.
'Is he planning to switch to Water-type training?'
Unable to contain his ambitions, Hannibal already envisioned his path beyond the Four Heavenly Kings, aiming for the title of Champion, then advancing to higher ranks, and ultimately, the role of Alliance Leader.
"Wahaha!"
Imagining his bright future, Hannibal let out a wicked, manic laugh.
Audience:
"What's with that Dark King? He looks like he's got a few screws loose."
"Hey, what Pokémon did the Ice King pick? I'm dying to know!"
"Enough with the mystery! Just tell us already!"
With Kuzan's choice concluded, the other three left the stage, leaving Brook, the final champion, with his Ghost-type Pokémon.
"Now, Mr. Brook, as the champion, you're entitled to request a rare item from the Alliance. What would you like?"
Perona extended the microphone to Brook.
At that moment, silence filled the venue, and even viewers across the Grand Line held their breath.
After all, this was a coveted rare item, rumored to possess the power to resurrect the deceased.
"Good question…"
Brook scratched his head, temporarily at a loss.
He had never expected to make it this far. Initially, he entered the tournament merely to create fond memories with his Gengar and friends.
"Gengar~ Gengar~"
"Whoa~"
His teammates encouraged him, each giving a thumbs-up.
"Yohohoho, what a splendid idea. My wish is for the Alliance's engineering team to build a unique house for me along the northern coastline of the Alliance City."
(End of Chapter)
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