In the finals of the Sootopolis City Contest, Johanna stepped onto the central stage in her elegant Contest dress. Across from her, Sam walked forward calmly.
Seeing him, Johanna smiled.
"Sam, I didn't expect we'd meet in the finals."
"That makes me a little sad, Miss Johanna," Sam replied with a faint smile. "I've been looking forward to facing you on stage."
Johanna covered her mouth and laughed softly. "Smooth talker. Alright, no more chatting—I won't go easy on you."
"Good," Sam said seriously. "Because I'm a real Trainer. I don't need anyone holding back."
"Are both contestants ready?" Host Vivian's voice cut in, the crowd already growing impatient.
"No problem," Johanna nodded.
Sam gave a small nod as well.
"Then—begin!"
The moment Vivian gave the signal, the battle officially started.
Under the dazzling lights and roaring cheers, the final match began.
The countdown ticked down. For the first time, even Sam felt his heartbeat quicken slightly.
This was the final.
The feeling… was completely different.
"3… 2… 1…"
"Go—Dragonair!"
"Please—Kangaskhan!"
Johanna immediately took the initiative.
"Kangaskhan, use Ice Beam!"
She didn't hesitate—perfectly targeting Dragonair's weakness.
A beam of freezing energy shot forward, turning moisture in the air into a streak of icy light.
"Guard," Sam said calmly.
Dragonair's eyes flashed, and a transparent barrier instantly formed, blocking the Ice Beam completely.
Johanna's gaze sharpened. "As expected… not that simple."
The shield faded.
Sam made his move.
"Dragonair—Dragon Dance."
Dragonair began a mysterious, flowing dance. Even from afar, the power within it was unmistakable.
Johanna's expression changed instantly.
"Not good—Kangaskhan, another Ice Beam!"
A second blast of freezing light shot forward, faster than before.
"Hold it," Sam said.
The Ice Beam struck Dragonair directly.
Frost spread across its body, making it tremble as the cold seeped in, suppressing its energy.
But Dragonair endured.
Because the Dragon Dance… was complete.
"Now—Dragon Rush!"
With its last reserves of strength, Dragonair exploded forward.
Its body was wrapped in violent dragon energy, turning into a blazing comet as it shot toward Kangaskhan.
The overwhelming aura caused Kangaskhan to instinctively step back—
And that single step decided everything.
By the time it tried to brace itself, it was too late.
"Boom!!"
Dragonair slammed into Kangaskhan head-on.
The impact sent Kangaskhan flying several meters before crashing to the ground.
Silence… then—
Vivian quickly checked the Contest condition and raised Sam's hand.
"The winner of this Contest has been decided! Congratulations—Sam!!!"
Applause erupted across the venue.
Even those who preferred traditional coordination couldn't deny what they had witnessed.
Raw strength… executed with precision.
It was just as breathtaking.
Johanna recalled her Kangaskhan and walked up with a warm smile.
"Congratulations, Sam. If you have the chance, come visit Sinnoh."
"Of course," Sam replied.
A few days later, Johanna and Dawn left Sootopolis City.
Before departing, Dawn excitedly invited Sam to visit Sinnoh in the future—and this time, he agreed without hesitation.
After all…
When both mother and daughter extend the invitation, refusing would just be rude.
That's all.
Definitely not for any other reason.