Chapter 301: Master-Level Trainer Certification Assessment!
Without a doubt, the winner of the final match was Urshifu.
Lucario still had some fight in him after the brutal close-combat combo, but his stamina was far behind. A few more exchanges, and he was gasping for breath. Without his Aura-sensing abilities, he likely would have fallen much earlier.
His Trainer, Korrina, could only surrender with a wry smile.
As the final result was announced, the crowd's energy split in two: some erupted in cheers for Urshifu's victory, while others called out encouragement for Korrina's valiant effort.
Both Trainers recalled their Pokémon, exchanged respectful bows, and acknowledged each other's strength with mutual understanding.
Shortly after, Hu Ba, the Fighting-type National Gym Leader, stepped forward to officially declare the results of this year's Dragon-Tiger Cup.
Korrina, ever the energetic and straightforward girl, gracefully accepted the result.
Next came the award ceremony. The golden championship belt, symbolizing victory in the Dragon-Tiger Cup, was placed around Urshifu's waist.
Meanwhile, Ryō, the overly enthusiastic Trainer Hikaru had met on the way up the mountain, hadn't calmed down for a second. He stayed hyped the entire time, even shouting:
"I'm gonna enter the High School League with my Mienfoo! Then I'll train under Master Hu and start my 100-win streak!"
This surprised Hikaru. Ryō looked to be in his twenties with a bit of facial hair. But after checking with Aura, Hikaru discovered Ryō was only seventeen—he had just matured early.
No wonder he seemed so immature despite his appearance.
As the crowd began to disperse, Ryō turned to Hikaru with glowing eyes.
"If I could just catch an Urshifu... They say if you join Jingwu Hall and become a direct disciple, you might get one as a gift. Don't you want one too, Hikaru?"
Hikaru stood up, gazing at the arena.
"Not really. I already have Lucario. I believe in fate when it comes to choosing partners."
He began walking down the stands.
Ryō blinked, confused.
"Hikaru, where are you going?"
"To take the Master Trainer exam." Hikaru replied without looking back.
As exciting as the tournament had been, Hikaru hadn't forgotten the true reason for his visit.
He came here to earn his Master-level Trainer certificate.
"What?!"
Ryō froze in place.
Wasn't Hikaru the High School League champion from just a few months ago?
Already going for a Master-level certification?
"Wait up, I'm coming!"
He instinctively chased after him.
Meanwhile, the two Fighters from the finals were still surrounded by a group of fellow Trainers, exchanging battle tips and discussing strategies. Hikaru barely gave them a glance.
At that moment, Hu Ba returned to the arena floor.
Seizing the chance, Hikaru approached him directly.
At first, Hu Ba thought it was a fan asking for an autograph, but upon closer inspection, he recognized the boy immediately.
He had been a referee during the National High School League—and remembered Hikaru clearly.
In his booming voice, Hu Ba called out:
"Hey, you're Hikaru—the High School League champion this year, right?"
He walked over and clapped Hikaru on the shoulder with a hearty laugh.
"So, did you come to train Lucario's fighting moves?"
Back during the league, Hu Ba had been particularly intrigued by Hikaru's Lucario.
Fighting-types often struggled against Flying- and Ghost-types. Most of their power came from physical techniques, and without specialized moves, they had no way to deal with certain matchups.
While Pokémon like Blaziken or Emboar had secondary types and ranged attacks, pure Fighting-types were vulnerable.
But Hikaru's Lucario was different.
It could step through the air using condensed Aura, staying airborne with short hops.
Hu Ba had never seen anything like it.
He'd even requested slow-motion footage from the League broadcast.
He and Urshifu analyzed the recording frame-by-frame—but still couldn't figure it out.
In the end, he concluded Lucario was using condensed Aura platforms beneath its feet, allowing temporary aerial movement.
Hikaru didn't try to hide anything.
"I'm here to take the Master Trainer exam."
Hu Ba paused, stunned.
"You… what?"
Then he laughed.
"You looked so serious watching the match—I thought you were just here to enjoy the show!"
"No joke. I'm really here for the exam."
Hu Ba's grin faded. His tone turned serious.
"You know that Master-level assessments require the Trainer to participate directly in the battle, right?"
"I know." Hikaru nodded.
Even if Latias got banned, he wanted to try.
As for personal safety…
He had a life-saving trait. He wasn't worried.
Their conversation began attracting attention.
As a high-ranking figure, Hu Ba already had eyes on him.
Now, whispers began to spread.
And in that moment, the [Disguise Mask] Hikaru wore lost its effect.
In just a few seconds, murmurs swept through the crowd.
Fighting-type Trainers weren't shy—they were loud and direct.
Hikaru winced, hearing the chatter around him.
"This kid looks sixteen or seventeen. He's here to take the Master-level Trainer exam?"
"Don't underestimate him. That's the High School League champ! His Lucario is insane!"
"Insane how? Can it fly? Korrina's Lucario just got beat by Urshifu."
"Actually... it can fly."
"Pfft. Quit joking around!"
The growing noise drew even more attention.
Soon, the finalists—Kōsuke and Korrina—also walked over.
Both looked at Hikaru with clear curiosity.
As the champion of this year's Dragon-Tiger Cup, Kōsuke was also the front-runner to become the next National Gym Leader for the Fighting-type Gym.
That was why he had an Urshifu.
And Korrina, with her long blonde ponytail tied nearly to her waist, observed Hikaru closely, intrigued by this boy who had stolen everyone's attention...
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