Chapter 0583: So Lily of the Valley Island Doesn't Have Snow After All

May 15th, Saturday.

The announcement of the Lily of the Valley Conference contestant list caused an uproar online.

Regional conferences symbolize high-level league tournaments.

Naturally, many netizens focused on analyzing these top-tier trainers' strengths, predicting their strategies and starting lineups.

[Introducing a dark horse contestant - Tobias. He steamrolled through gym battles with strength likely rivaling the Elite Four!]

[Ash, who once dominated the Battle Frontier, is also participating. However, he's underperformed in past major tournaments. Could the Lily of the Valley Conference be his breakthrough?]

[Holy crap! Guess who I spotted on the list? Natsume-sensei!]

Instantly.

The last post shot to the front page, immediately igniting heated discussions.

"Hahaha! I was worried we wouldn't see Natsume-sensei, but he's actually coming!"

"League tournaments - also known as Natsume-sensei traps!"

"Using rookie team compositions for the Baby Cup... that's so on-brand 2333."

Perhaps this is a Champion's unique hobby.

But regardless, getting crushed is absolutely guaranteed!

Contestants immediately turned pale, tears streaming down their faces.

"Doesn't this make the conference champion feel preordained?"

"I'm numb. Is this the difference between regular test-takers and scholarship big shots?"

"At least scholarship big shots can see their rivals' backs... This is straight-up extraterrestrial-level dimensional crushing!"

Many contestants considered withdrawing.

But then they thought - it's not like I was going to win anyway.

Battling Natsume-sensei might give me bragging rights!

"I got swept by an Elite Four member. Elite Four members get swept by Natsume-sensei. Therefore, I have Elite Four potential. QED."

"I know this one - Natsume-sensei's here for the prize money. Gotta make that bread! Nothing shameful about it!"

"Didn't Pokémon Company donate most of their profits? Natsume-sensei might be frugal, but like me, he's kinda handsome!"

Whether fans or haters, everyone's developed affectionate teasing toward Natsume-sensei.

Besides, his participation follows all regulations, and we get to see a Champion's battle performance—

How awesome is that!

Optimistic fans declared: "We've got a chance to solo Natsume-sensei!"

"Can surrendering immediately get me an SR character card? He might advance, but I'll never lose..."

"Getting a common card signed by Natsume-sensei would instantly boost its rarity!"

With this mindset, many fans started hoping to match against Natsume-sensei during the conference.

It's like a 1v1 All-Star match - just getting to lane against Faker would be worth it!

A significant portion remained rational.

They believed Natsume-sensei's participation had one purpose:

Only by winning the conference could he challenge the Sinnoh Elite Four.

Upon defeating the Elite Four and then Champion Cynthia in the Champion League—

Sinnoh could witness the birth of a new League Champion!

"Holy shit, are we about to witness history?!"

"Ten years a Champion unknown, but one dirty strategy made him famous!"

"Natsume-sensei is god-tier!!!"

"Knowing Natsume-sensei," a ten-year fan wiped sweat, "he probably hasn't even considered reaching the Champion League..."

"Winning the Baby Cup would already count as success..."

……

The tournament approaches, and winds of change begin to stir.

The Lily of the Valley Conference Tournament Committee works overtime, burning the midnight oil.

Lucian adjusts his non-prescription glasses, barely hiding the dark circles beneath his eyes.

A cold breeze drifts through the office, sweeping past Cynthia’s empty desk.

A chill runs down his scalp—Is it snowing? Lucian wonders, glancing out the window.

But outside, summer sunlight bathes the island, and the wind carries the growing buzz of excitement from the lively streets of Lily of the Valley.

Lucian murmurs to himself:

"So… Lily of the Valley Island doesn’t have snow after all."

……

While the Tournament Committee worked overtime, contestants were also preparing for battle.

Ash returned to Professor Oak’s backyard to select his starting lineup for the Lily of the Valley Conference.

“Hahaha!” Ash sprawled on the ground with all four limbs splayed, buried under a pile of excited Pokémon. “Long time no see, everyone!”

Snorlax plopped right on top of him, making Professor Oak’s eye twitch violently.

T-This kid’s way too naturally talented!!

Bayleef puffed her cheeks in jealousy before thud!—shoving all the other Pokémon off Ash with a single headbutt. She then turned away with a huff.

“Bayleef! o(′^｀)o”

Ash sat up, grinning as he patted Bayleef’s neck. His gaze then flickered to Infernape, who stood slightly dejected nearby.

“I promise you.” Ash’s tone was uncharacteristically serious. “I will take you to victory against that guy, Paul.”

Infernape blinked in surprise before looking down at Ash’s outstretched fist. After a beat, it gently bumped its own against it.

“Infernape—!!”

Golden flames flickered in Infernape’s eyes, its fighting spirit burning brighter than ever!

Meanwhile, Paul held his phone in one hand, speaking to his older brother, Breeder Reggie.

“Yeah, I’ll need them. Thanks.”

Beside him, Electivire watched with concern, its expression uneasy.

Every Trainer and Pokémon had their own way of bonding.

But one thing was certain—when lives intertwined, something precious was always born.

Hanging up, the cold-faced Paul found himself thinking of Ash, that ever-burning wildfire of enthusiasm.

Maybe Chimchar would’ve been better off with him…

Paul shook his head with a tch, turning away.

“That runt wouldn’t stand a chance against Electivire anyway.”

……

At an offline club on Lily of the Valley Island...

Much like the "Pokémon Fan Club," enthusiasts of the Pokémon Trading Card Game had organized local PTCG clubs across the region.

Tobias had been elected as the Sinnoh Region's PTCG Club Chairman.

Now, his long hair flowing, he stared coldly at the cards in his hand.

"Attach a Dark-type energy to Darkrai."

He calmly played the card, his gaze icy as he locked eyes with his ashen-faced opponent.

"Use Dark Pulse on your Alakazam."

The man trembled, his remaining cards scattering across the floor as he gripped the table edge.

"I... I surrender..."

Tobias swept his hair back with practiced flair.

"With my deck by my side, victory was inevitable."

Hidden in Tobias' shadow, Darkrai—like some spectral bystander—sweatdropped.

You caught me... just to improve your card luck?!

Still... even Darkrai had to admit Tobias was a prodigy.

Leon had become Champion within a year; Tobias had reached Elite Four-level strength in record time too.

Though his primary motivation remained collecting (or acquiring) more rare cards...

"You do realize one of your opponents is Natsume-sensei, right?"

Darkrai's gravelly voice cut through as Tobias triumphantly gathered his cards.

"That terrifying man!"

It had briefly crossed paths with Natsume in Canalave City once... and nearly didn't make it back!

"Natsume-sensei..."

Tobias paused, envisioning the father of modern PTCG strategy, before suddenly looking up.

"Defeating him would guarantee access to rarer cards!"

Darkrai: "..."

"We have to win, Darkrai."

Tobias' voice turned deadly serious. "That man isn't invincible."

"We will claim..." His eyes darkened with ambition, "...the Lily of the Valley Conference Championship!"