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The main venue of the Whirlpool Cup was entirely different from the preliminaries. This was a massive circular aquatic coliseum, built in an imposing style reminiscent of ancient Greece.
Each weathered stone seemed to carry the weight of centuries, exuding a deep, dignified sense of history.
The arena could host up to 20,000 spectators, all facing the central area a body of open seawater. Rising from the water's surface were a series of stone pillars of varying heights and widths, platforms for Pokémon and their Trainers to stand upon.
Compared to the minimal pageantry of the preliminaries, the opening ceremony of the main tournament was far more extravagant. Colorful fireworks exploded in the sky, and at the center of it all stood a stunning high priestess in ceremonial robes, holding a radiant golden scepter as she presided over the event.
By 9 a.m., the entire coliseum was packed. Thousands of spectators had arrived early, buzzing with anticipation.
Kai, Ash, Misty, and the other 61 finalists were ferried in on a fleet of sleek, narrow wooden boats that glided across the arena waters. As they entered, the crowd erupted into cheers, waving and applauding with contagious energy.
The competitors stood tall aboard their vessels, soaking in the crowd's support, doing their best to look confident and composed.
Then, a booming voice echoed across the arena—the male announcer signaling the start of the ceremony.
> "Ladies and gentlemen, feast your eyes upon the 64 warriors of the sea those who have conquered the preliminaries and now seek the title of Ocean Champion! For centuries, the Whirl Islands have carried a culture all their own. Here, we revere Water-type Pokémon and live in harmony with them! And this tradition continues through the guidance of our sacred guardian the High Priestess Maya!"
Until last night, after officially qualifying, Kai hadn't even realized that the Whirlpool Cup was more than just a tournament. It was a long-standing ritual where one Trainer would be chosen as the Ocean Champion a symbolic protector of the sea.
Hearing the announcer's voice, Kai turned toward the elevated ceremonial stage.
From his vantage point, he could see her clearly.
High Priestess Maya stood tall in a flowing azure gown, a golden scepter in hand. Her long lavender hair flowed in the breeze, and even from afar, her elegance and poise radiated unmistakable nobility.
Kai had experienced a similar ritual before back on Shamouti Island in the Orange Islands and had met a local shrine maiden there. So this wasn't exactly new to him. He viewed it more as a spectacle than spirituality.
Still, it added a unique flavor to the competition.
Ash and Misty followed his gaze.
"She's beautiful…" Misty whispered, resting her hands on her cheeks with starry eyes.
Kai wasn't sure if she was admiring Maya's grace, her status, or simply the attention she was receiving.
High Priestess Maya was stunning, but Misty, who always proclaimed herself the "World's Number One Beauty," certainly wasn't lacking. She was still growing, after all.
Just then, the announcer continued:
> "Now, let us welcome High Priestess Maya for the ceremonial blessing!"
The High Priestess took a step forward, raising her scepter high.
> "People of the sea! The triennial Water-type Pokémon Festival begins now! On behalf of the Whirl Islands, I welcome all who walk in harmony with the waves! Since ancient times, those who master the sea and bond with Water Pokémon have been honored as Champions of the Ocean. Each Ocean Champion receives the Blessing of the Sea's Soul the ability to connect deeply with Water-type Pokémon!"
Kai's eyes shifted to the scepter in her hands.
It was forged from pure gold, glinting under the sunlight. At the top sat a glowing blue orb, about the size of a fist, radiating a gentle but ethereal light.
> "So may your hearts be strong, and your will pure. May the Sea's Soul guide you!"
As she raised the scepter skyward, it flared with brilliant blue light, soft, not blinding, and a tranquil glow spread out over the entire stadium.
Even Kai couldn't help but look up in awe. For a moment, it felt like they were bathed in the ocean's spirit itself.
Was it real? Some magical power?
Or just a well-orchestrated light show?
In this world, both were equally likely.
Judging by the crowd's thunderous response, the audience believed it. They looked at the finalists with reverence as if they had already been touched by something divine.
Behind him, Ash stared at his glowing hands. "Do you think… we really got blessed?"
Misty rolled her eyes. "You idiot. Didn't you hear her? Only the final Ocean Champion gets the true blessing. This is just a light show powered by that gemstone!"
"Huh? Seriously?" Ash pouted, his hope clearly deflated. "That title sounded cool too… But if winning doesn't give me anything real, then what's the point?"
Misty sighed. "Did you even read the rules?! The Champion also gets a huge cash prize and a Mystic Droplet. That's the real reward! Though, honestly " she added with a smug smile, " you're not getting any of it. The winner's obviously going to be Kai!"
Misty was an unapologetic Kai fan.
If Kai was in a competition, she was all in no questions asked.
Kai simply chuckled, shaking his head at her blind confidence.
But he didn't correct her.
She wasn't wrong.
He was here to win.
That was always the goal.
And while Misty gushed, Ash predictably pushed back. "Hey! What's that supposed to mean?! I'm still in this too!"
They started bickering behind him, as usual.
Kai smiled to himself but his thoughts drifted to the Mystic Droplet.
According to the tournament details, the ultimate winner would receive a rare stone said to enhance Water-type moves when carried by a Pokémon.
It wasn't just valuable it was powerful.
And Kai had every intention of winning it.
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