If they hadn't seen it with their own eyes, it would have been hard to believe that one day they would be lifted high into the sky by a gigantic whale...
Even more unimaginable was the sight of a massive island, 10,000 meters above the ground, welcoming them!
...
...
"In order to make it easier for everyone to participate in tomorrow's Pokémon League Conference, all spectators are asked to disembark onto the island in an orderly manner, following the signs."
"You can obtain an ID number plate at the entrance. One per person."
"Holders of an ID number plate will receive free accommodation and meals on Celestial Island."
"If you have any other needs, please communicate with the nearest Rotoms."
As the clear, loud announcement echoed in their minds, a huge yellow star appeared before everyone, its arrow guiding them to proceed in an orderly fashion.
No matter where they turned or even if they closed their eyes, the arrow remained, pointing steadily in one direction.
This phenomenon caused the powerful figures, including Crocodile and Doflamingo, to frown. Seeing this made them uneasy.
The ability to invade their minds at will—did this mean that everything they saw might be what the island's owner wanted them to see?
Although they knew it was unlikely, this sense of intrusion made those naturally suspicious feel deeply insecure.
But there was nothing they could do about it.
"Is this a show of force?" Doflamingo asked, grinning after he unsuccessfully tried to use his Haki to resist the mental intrusion.
His smile was tinged with bitterness and self-deprecation.
Recognizing reality is one thing; accepting it is another.
Just stepping onto Celestial Island made him feel like one of those toy workers in Dressrosa, manipulated at the whim of the island's master.
After a brief moment of hesitation, Doflamingo finally accepted this feeling of helplessness. He gestured and led his men off the boat, blending into the crowd, and vanished from sight.
In the blink of an eye, the once-empty Celestial Island was bustling with activity.
Although the Pokémon League Tournament was still a day away, Leo had welcomed spectators to Celestial Island a day early to avoid any disruptions to the event.
Leo wasn't as indifferent to the competition as Doflamingo had imagined. After all, he was counting on this conference to skyrocket his points balance!
To accommodate the spectators, Leo had even spent a significant amount of points to Dynamax his Wailord, using it as a moving transport for the audience.
On Celestial Island, hundreds of Rotom appliances floated around, ready to assist any audience member.
What the spectators didn't know, however, was that Leo was observing all of them from the centralized control center of Celestial Island, categorizing them into different classes.
"...This noble from the Kingdom of Boer should be worth a few million Beli."
"President of the Kate Chamber of Commerce—maybe ten million..."
"What!? This person's total assets are only a few hundred thousand Beli!? How are you so poor? If you're not working hard to make money, how do you have time to watch the game!?"
In the centralized control center, Leo was using his system to check everyone's remaining wealth, instructing the Rocket Trio and Enel behind him to take notes.
Those willing to attend the game were likely interested in Pokémon, and having this data would make James and his team's job easier in the future.
Of course, notable figures like Dragon, Doflamingo, and Crocodile also caught Leo's attention.
"The Revolutionary Army's Leader? After our last transaction, the Revolutionary Army's funds are drained. Not worth it. Pass."
"Crocodile? With Robin gone, he can't have recovered that quickly. Pass."
"Doflamingo..."
Leo paused when he saw the close-up of Doflamingo on the screen.
"He controls a country's economic lifeline and has an extensive underground business network? Looks like it's time to make contact with this renegade Celestial Dragon."
As Doflamingo stood in line to get his number plate, he shivered suddenly. Little did he know that the moment he stepped onto Celestial Island, his assets had caught the eye of Leo, the dimensional merchant!
...
Throughout the day, more ships arrived in the sea area, all preparing to witness the grand event.
Leo welcomed everyone who came, transporting them along with their ships to Celestial Island, where they were accommodated in the temporary city created for this purpose.
The night passed without incident.
The following morning, at exactly eight o'clock, the Pokémon League Tournament officially began.
As colorful fireworks lit up the sky above the Celestial Gym, gentle music played over the island, calming the bustling crowd.
Hundreds of Rotom appliances, like tiny pokemon, guided every spectator to their seats in the competition venue, which resembled a Dragon Ball martial arts dojo.
It took two hours, until precisely ten o'clock, for all spectators to be seated safely.
Dozens of Rotom cameras hovered around the ring, ensuring no angle of the action went unseen.
A commentary booth comprised of four giant screen Rotoms appeared above the ring.
The fireworks had been going off since eight o'clock, filling the sky with vibrant colors.
The scene was truly spectacular!
"It truly is the work of a dimensional merchant," Dragon muttered to himself as he observed the excited crowd, a look of seriousness on his shoe-marked face.
Yesterday, he had gathered some information that dimensional merchants had met with several major media bosses on the Grand Line the previous night, granting them broadcasting rights for today's event.
The broadcasting rights for the Four Seas had been given away long ago.
If there were no mistakes, everything happening here was now being seen by people all around the world.
Indeed...
Pokémon had brought power and opportunity to the Revolutionary Army.
But at the same time, that same power and opportunity were now available to everyone in the world.
Even if the dimensional merchants had no current plans to trade with the World Government, the young and powerful Whitebeard was proof that their products were not exclusive to the Revolutionary Army.
In other words, while the Revolutionary Army was growing stronger, so too were other organizations around the world.
And that was precisely what worried Dragon.
Even if their plan to overthrow the World Government succeeded...
could the world really achieve the stability they envisioned?
Dragon's gaze swept over the faces of Doflamingo and Crocodile, one by one.
As he looked at these ambitious individuals with their eyes gleaming with desire, Dragon's heart filled with doubt and uncertainty.
However...
This world-renowned event would not pause for his doubts.
Just as Dragon had surmised, Leo had successfully linked the broadcast to the entire world.
With so many media outlets choosing to partner with him, this broadcast had reached a level of attention even greater than the future Marineford War in the original timeline.
Especially in the East Blue, the birthplace of Pokémon.
In the Goa Kingdom, Cocoyashi Village, Syrup Village, Loguetown, and various naval bases...
wherever there were people, broadcast screens had been set up.
This was the minimum requirement Leo had stipulated for allowing smaller media companies from the East Blue to broadcast the event.
By contrast, the other three seas and the Grand Line had fewer locations broadcasting the tournament, but it was still enough to satisfy the curiosity of most people.
At this moment, people all around the world were watching the big screen intently.
Although the competition hadn't officially started yet, even watching the fireworks show through the screen was enough to satisfy the curiosity and anticipation of these ordinary people.
Then, at precisely ten o'clock, a thunderous salute sent a massive firework soaring high into the sky.
Boom, boom, boom...
Suddenly, the fireworks covering the entire sky exploded, emitting a dazzling white light.
"Ah!? What just happened!?"
For a moment, the audience closed their eyes against the bright light, murmuring in confusion.
Just then, a strange voice came from the surrounding Rotom speakers:
"I heard someone say, 'Ah!? What just happened!?'"
"Since you asked the question sincerely!"
"Then I'll answer with great mercy!"
As the blinding white light dissipated, three figures suddenly appeared in the previously empty arena!
"It's Miss Jessie, Sir James, and Sir Meowth!"
Some of the trainers from East Blue immediately recognized the trio from Team Rocket.
This time, the Team Rocket trio wore stunning evening gowns, moving elegantly like performers in a stage play, striking various stylish poses.
"To prevent the world from being destroyed!"
"To protect the peace of the world!"
"A competition to uphold love and truth!"
"A cute and charming host character!"
"Jessie!"
"James!"
"We are the hosts of this Pokémon League Conference!"
"Thrilling battles await us!"
"That's right, Meowth!"
With a grand salute in the background, the Team Rocket trio captured the attention of the entire world.
As their familiar introduction concluded, the East Blue audience erupted into loud cheers.
In the past six months, designated by Leo to carry out trade activities in East Blue, the Team Rocket trio had gained significant popularity.
Their friendly and entertaining demeanor had won them a substantial fan base.
"Oh!!!! It's Miss Jessie!!! Miss Jessie, I missed you!!!"
"Sir James, you're so handsome today, Kyaaa!"
"Meowth, hehe (drooling), Meowth…"
On the stage, the Team Rocket trio, basking in the audience's cheers, smiled and proceeded with the planned agenda.
Jessie raised her arms high and shouted to the cheering crowd:
"Good morning, everyone!"
"Welcome to the Pokémon League Conference! So without further ado, let's take a look at the outstanding trainers who have made it to the competition this year!"
Whoosh!
Jessie wasted no time getting to the point.
As she finished speaking, a massive virtual screen appeared in the arena, displaying a figure at the top.
Wearing a Justice Navy cloak that billowed in the wind, his short, pale hair was neatly styled, and his face carried a touch of timeless cynicism.
[Monkey D. Garp]
[Rank: Black Iron]
[Win Points: 70]
[Winning Rate: 100%]
"It's the Navy hero Garp!"
The Marines in the crowd immediately stood up, saluting and shouting excitedly.
Amid the enthusiastic cheering, James picked up the microphone and called out:
"With a smile, he faces the heavens, and thousands of armies fall before him; a single punch seals the fate!"
"Let's welcome the trainer maintaining a 100% win rate and leading the Black Iron rank - Monkey D. Garp!!!"
Whoosh!
As James finished speaking, a white bolt of lightning shot down from the arena's dome, striking the solid stage like a meteor.
Peng!!!
The entire island seemed to tremble in response, and everyone felt their bodies sway.
When their vision cleared, a burly figure with a bright smile stood on stage.
"Bwahahaha!"
Garp laughed loudly, walking slowly to the far left of the ring as planned.
"This old man..."
Watching the energetic Garp on the stage, the seriousness on Dragon's face faded away. Remembering their recent father-son meeting, he couldn't help but feel bemused.
Just then, Meowth snapped his fingers.
Snap!
The figure on the virtual screen changed instantly, revealing a young man with sharp features.
Underneath an orange sunhat was a handsome face, his upper body covered in scars proudly displayed like a soldier's medals.
[Portgas D. Ace]
[Rank: Black Iron]
[Win Points: 66]
[Winning Rate: 98.5%]
Despite being occupied with the Big Mom Pirates since entering the New World, Ace's position as second in win points remained unchallenged.
Grinning widely, Meowth showcased his sharp fangs and enthusiastically introduced:
"In the name of the Flame Emperor, all fires in the world are forgiven."
"Next, let's welcome the supernova from the Grand Line, the king who commands the flames—Portgas D. Ace!!!"
Whoosh!!!
In the center of the arena, a blazing flame ignited.
A strong arm suddenly pierced through the fire, and Ace emerged from the flames.
Like Garp before him, Ace flashed a grin at the numerous cameras before striding toward the right side of the ring.
Next, under the Team Rocket trio's introductions, one figure after another appeared in the ring, each making an unexpected entrance.
"The king of a nation who acts with the dignity of an emperor!"
"Welcome His Majesty from Alabasta—Nefertari Cobra."
"The flowers always bloom, spreading the fragrance of all blossoms!"
"Welcome the dazzling archaeologist from Ohara in the West Blue—Nico Robin!"
"Nine mountains and eight seas, none like me!"
"The lightning that dances at my fingertips is my eternal creed!"
"..."
"..."
With the Team Rocket trio's passionate and lively introductions, the top 32 trainers from the qualifying rounds appeared in the ring one by one, taking their places.
Smoker, released by the Revolutionary Army...
Zoro, Sanji, Nami, Usopp, who all endured grueling hellish training...
And even Kuro and Joffrey, who performed slightly below expectations in special training but were still outstanding...
Although this wasn't a Pokémon Contest Spectacular, contestants like Ace and Zoro boasted a substantial fan following.
The ring grew increasingly crowded, the atmosphere in the audience reaching a fever pitch.
The excitement peaked until all 32 trainers finally appeared, signaling the end of the introductions.
The Team Rocket trio activated their microphones, quieting the crowd's cheers, and began to explain the tournament's rules:
"Now, I'll announce the format for the preliminaries."
"The 32 trainers will be divided into eight groups, A through H, via a lottery draw."
"Each group will consist of four trainers, who will battle against each other. A win will earn one point; a loss will not deduct points."
"At the end of the preliminary rounds, the top two trainers from each group, totaling 16 trainers, will advance to the main tournament."
"Trainers, please get ready and come to the center of the ring to draw your group numbers!"
Boom!!!
As soon as Meowth finished speaking, a giant gachapon machine appeared in the arena's center.
Under the spotlight, the 32 trainers approached the machine one by one to draw their group numbers.
With the exception of Garp, almost everyone appeared tense.
After all, half of them would be eliminated in the preliminary rounds. No one wanted to be just another face in this grand event.
...
...
"Group B..."
Smoker's eyes narrowed as he looked at the tag in his hand. He slowly turned his head toward Robin, who was waving to the fans from a distance.
Although Smoker hadn't participated in the special training at Celestial Gym, his good fortune had allowed him to qualify for the Pokémon League Tournament preliminaries, ranking 30th in the first qualifying round.
Due to his low ranking, by the time it was his turn to draw, most groups were nearly full. He recalled that Group B had two familiar players and Nico Robin, a figure known as one of the "Four Heavenly Kings" in the battle arena!
In other words, he would face this woman in the upcoming preliminary round!
Confident in his abilities, Smoker grinned. Ranked 30th, he didn't attract many fans along the way. Additionally, his relatively short tenure in Loguetown meant that even many locals in the East Blue hadn't heard of him. To most spectators, Smoker was just an unremarkable contestant. For this reason, he needed a strong opponent to prove his strength!
Smoker had many good qualities: he was friendly to the public and ruthless to wrongdoers. However, he was extremely self-assured about his prowess. Perhaps his perennial top ranking in the naval training camp fueled this pride. Even after several setbacks, his confidence remained unshaken.
As the saying goes: "So ordinary, yet so confident."
Smoker believed his previous defeat at Kuro's hands was merely due to his unfamiliarity with Pokémon. Now, he was a different man, and he wouldn't make the same mistakes again!
Smoker was already envisioning himself showcasing his skills in the next battle and astounding the world!
On the other hand, Usopp sighed in relief after watching Smoker's draw. With his Observation Haki, Usopp could easily gauge Smoker's strength, making him anxious about facing Smoker in the preliminaries.
Usopp, like the others, had undergone rigorous final training at Celestial Gym. He had deliberately avoided the final ranking sprint to keep some of his abilities hidden. Because of this, he didn't want to encounter a powerful opponent early on, which would force him to reveal his true strength.
The tag Usopp drew placed him in Group D. He had already defeated the other three trainers in that group and knew their abilities well.
"Looks like getting into the main field should go smoothly," Usopp thought, exhaling in relief as he glanced skyward.
At that moment, the last two trainers completed their draws. A massive virtual screen suddenly appeared in the sky, displaying the eight groups, ABCDEFGH, with the corresponding contestants listed.
There was someone in nearly every group that Usopp was interested in:
- Cobra in Group A
- Robin and Smoker in Group B
- Garp in Group C
- Sanji in Group E
- Nami in Group F
- Zoro in Group G
- Ace in Group H
Looking at the groupings, some astute observers noticed a pattern. To avoid strong trainers eliminating each other early, the Dimensional Merchant seemed to have arranged for the former and new Four Heavenly Kings to be in separate groups. It was a clear manipulation behind the scenes. But...
Who cares?
Seeing the groupings, the audience felt no dissatisfaction; instead, they cheered loudly. Knowing their favorite contestants were almost guaranteed to advance to the main draw was a comfort to them.
As the host, Meowth continued, "Alright! All contestants have received their group tags. Please remember your group numbers."
"Next, we'll begin the six-day preliminary round. Two trainers from each group will compete daily, totaling eight matches a day. Please refer to the big screen for the match schedule."
A flowchart detailing all 48 matches appeared in the sky.
Meowth's eyes gleamed, and the gold coin on his forehead glistened as he continued, "During the preliminaries, the audience can choose which group's match to watch based on their interests."
"Without further ado! Let's welcome the first two contestants from Group A: His Majesty, King Cobra of Alabasta, and His Majesty, King Joffrey of Coast!"
"Please, the rest of the contestants, exit the stage and leave the spotlight to our two kings!"
"Whoa!!!"
As soon as Meowth finished, the crowd erupted in excitement.
"Cobra and Joffrey!? Oh my god! It's a battle of the kings right at the start? This competition is going to be amazing!"
Despite the many big names present, most of the audience were ordinary folks from the East Blue, just here for the spectacle. To think that their usually distant kings would soon be clashing before their eyes—this shock was as thrilling as watching two beauties fight!
"Haha, who would've thought we'd be lucky enough to see a duel between kings?"
"Go, King Cobra! Take down that dog-headed king on the other side!"
"King Joffrey, show them the strength of the East Blue!"
As other contestants exited the stage, the audience roared, cheering wildly for their favorites.
(End of this chapter)