Episode 143: Ring Masters
A couple of days have passed since their encounter with a swimming Rhydon, and their journey to Olivine City continues on. They enter an intriguing little village called Rikishii Town. The town itself is modeled after an old Japanese village.
"This plae seems rather nice," Lillie said.
"What is this, exactly?" Sophocles asked.
"It's a village known as Rikishii Town. According to the guidebook, this town is famous for Pokémon sumo wrestling," Illima explained.
"Pokémon sumo wrestling?" Sora asked.
"Is it some kind of Pokémon battle?" Kairi asked.
"In some ways it is," Illima said. "But, instead of using different attacks in battle, they rely heavily with their physical strength. It caters mostly for heavyweight Pokémon such as Snorlax, Golem, and Rhydon."
"That sounds pretty fun. And I'm game for it," Sora said. Kairi and the Alolan nine all chuckled a bit. Not one of them was surprised to hear him say that.
"Thought you would like to take part of that since you have some heavy Pokémon at your disposal," Kiawe said.
"Which one are you going to go with?" Sophocles asked.
"The heaviest one I got; Snorlax," Sora said. He took out his Pokédex and he exchanged his Dunsparce for Snorlax. Once Snorlax had arrived, Sora was feeling confident to have fun in it.
Not wanting to be left out, Kiawe decided to enter it with his Turtonator.
"Don't think I'm going to pull any punches with you just because we're friends, Sora! Turtonator is going to push Snorlax like a boulder," Kiawe said.
"I don't expect it, Kiawe," Sora said.
"And not to mention, I kinda owe you for that stunt you pulled on me and Turtonator when your Gligar evolved," Kiawe stated.
Kairi and the rest of the Alolan nine knew this was going to be twice as intense since both of Sora and Kiawe are entering the sumo wrestling competition.
As they walked down the street to register, they heard something going happening. They saw it was a Pokémon battle between a Feraligatr and a Nidoking. It was a sumo style battle as the two large Pokémon tried to push each other out of the ring. Feraligatr threw Nidoking out of the ring. A tall muscular man wearing a red tank top and dark blue pants. He wore black shoes. His hairstyle appears to be a swirled cowlick and he has brown eyes. Sitting and observing is an elderly man who is bald on top and gray hair on the side of his head and he has a mustache. He is wearing traditional Japanese clothing. They were amazed to see the battles as Fearligatr had already bested a Lickitung, a Tangrowth, a Magmar, an Elctivire, a Heracross, and a Granbull.
"That's the spirit, Feraligatr!" The praised his Feraligatr. "Let's take a little break." He patted Feraligatr on the back.
"Feraliogatr!" Feraligatr said.
"Your Feraligatr has defiently grown stronger, Raiden," the old man said.
"You just mark my words, Shonosuke. This year, we're going to win the King's Rock," Raiden said.
"King's Rock?" Sora asked.
"It's an item that can held. It has a ten percent chance of making them flinch," Lillie explained. "Also, it makes a Slowpoke evolve into a Slowking when a Shellder bites on the crown of the King's Rock. And it makes a Poliwhirl evolve into a Politoed when wearing one."
"That makes sense," Sora said, crossing his arms. The group noticed that Lana is missing and she's marveling at Feraligatr.
"So cool," Lana said lovestruck.
"Lana! We really need to put a leash on you!" Sora said.
"Uh, excuse me. But, who are you?" Raiden asked.
"Sorry about that, man. Our friend here is just very enthusiastic when it comes to Water Type Pokémon," Sora apologized.
"It's quite okay. Anyway, you didn't answer my question," Raiden said.
"No. My name is Sora Ketchum and this is my girlfriend Kairi," Sora introduced.
"Hi," Kairi greeted.
"Pikachu," Pikachu greeted.
"Toge Toge," Togepi chirped.
"Pichu," the Shiny Pichu chirped.
"Pichu," the Spiky-eared Pichu also chirped.
"My name is Lillie."
"I am Illima."
"I'm Mallow."
"My name's Kiawe."
"I'm Lana."
"I'm Sophocles."
"My name's Acerola."
"Mina."
"And I'm Hapu."
"Nice to meet all of you. My name is Raiden and this is Shonosuke, he is the executive director of the Pokémon Sumo Society," Raiden introduced.
"That sounds pretty cool," Sophocles said. Shonosuke laughed.
"Only in title, son," Shonosuke said.
"We're very sorry if we bothered you. You probably have some training to do," Kairi said.
"Not at all. Stay and watch if you want. It never hurts to have an audience," Raiden said. He turns to his Fearligatr. "Okay Feraligatr, work out time."
"Feraligatr!" Raiden's Feraligatr nodded. It walked over to a thick pole and did some arm thrusts. Sora, Kairi, the Alolan nine and the Pokémon were mighty impressed by how strong the Feraligatr is. Sora took out Croconaw's Pokéball and Croconaw is let out.
"Look there, Croconaw. That is what you'll evolve into next," Sora said. Croconaw looked at his evolved form and was pretty amazed by how strong and powerful he looked. Croconaw wondered if he would be just like that.
"You and your friends are in luck. The conference begins today," Shonosuke said.
"You mean the Pokémon sumo wrestling competition?" Sora questioned.
"That's right, young man. That is what Raiden and Feraligatr are training for," Shonosuke said.
"And since you're the executive director, I was wondering where I should go to register," Sora said. He turned to Kiawe, remembering he was entering too. "Me and Kiawe I mean. I have a Snorlax I can use."
"And I have a Turtonator," Kiawe said.
"A Snorlax and a Turtonator, huh? Both of those Pokémon are just appropriate to enter the conference since they are heavy," Shonosuke said. "And if to answer your question, you two are to head for the Pokémon Center."
With that said, the group started to head to the Pokémon Center to enter the Pokémon Sumo Conference. Along the way, the group had spotted Nancy in town.
"Hey! Isn't that Matt and TK's mom?" Acerola asked.
"Yeah," Mina said.
"What's she doing here?" Sora asked. Nancy turned to see the group and their Pokémon companions with them.
"Hi there, kids. I didn't expect to see you here. Are you here to enter the Pokémon Sumo Conference?" Nancy asked.
"Me and Kiawe are," Sora answered.
"We didn't expect to bump into you either," Kiawe said.
"What brings you here anyway?" Kairi asked.
"I came here for a break and I thought I would have some fun watching a competition for a bit. And how are Matt and TK doing so far?" Nancy asked.
"They're doing good. Saw them several days ago," Mallow said.
"Glad to hear it," Nancy said.
They all headed to the Pokémon Center and they all saw there were others waiting in line to be measured. Sora and Kiawe had been registered and they both wait their turn.
"Attention everyone! If your Pokémon has finished the official weigh in, please move to the waiting room. If not, please step up to the scale," Nurse Joy instructed. It led down to Kiawe next.
"I think it's my turn now, Nurse Joy," Kiawe said.
"Oh, yes. Kiawe right? What Pokémon will you be entering?" Nurse Joy asked.
"I have a Turtonator with me," Kiawe said. He took out his Turtonator's Pokéball and he let out the blast turtle Pokémon. He steps on the scale and his exact weight is displayed.
"Wonderful! Your Turtonator weighs more than the required kilogram and is approved to participate," Nurse Joy said.
"Thank you," Kiawe said. "You ready to have a blast, buddy?"
"Turtonator!" Turtonator said.
"Next please," Nurse Joy said. Sora steps up to the young nurse. "Sora Ketchum, I presume?"
"Yes," Sora answered. Some of the competitors weren't surprised to see him take part of the tournament, since he won the Indigo Platue chamspionship, but Raiden became interested in him since he saw a bit of himself in Sora. "What Pokémon will you be entering in the Conference?"
"I will be entering my Snorlax," Sora said. He took out Snorlax's Pokéball and threw it in the air. Once Snorlax was let out, his weight smashed the scale. Sora, Kairi, the Alolan nine, Nancy and the Pokémon gasped at the sight and he feared he would end up being in trouble. "I am so very sorry, Nurse Joy."
"It's quite alright. Even when the scale is smashed, that means Snorlax is approved to enter the tournament, Sora," Nurse Joy said. That made him feel better to know he wasn't disqualified. Snorlax slept soundly.
Sora, Kiawe, Raiden along with the rest of the competitors all enter the ring with their chosen Pokémon. Shonosuke makes the announcement.
"Welcome to the 35th annual Pokémon Suno Conference! We have a heavyweight mantra of contenders who are are ready for sumo wrestling matches, but only one of them is will walk away the winner!" Shonosuke announced. Nancy sat with the rest of the Alolan nine as Kairi along with Pikachu and the Pichu stood along with the other coaches.
"Keep your cool, Sora," Kairi said in her thoughts. "You too, Kiawe."
"As always, the victorious team will win the confident King's Rock; in addition, the winner will win a year supply of Pokémon food!" Shonosuke announced. Snorlax perked up upon hearing about the mention of food. "Losing Pokémon will be elimnated and the winning Pokémon will advance forward until the final two Pokémon will face each other for the crown." Sora had to keep Snorlax under control since he knew Snorlax and food is a dangerous combination, especially when in the same place. "Good luck and may the best Pokémon win!" He concluded.
"Hey Kiawe. No matter which of us wins, just know we had a blast. May the best trainer win," Sora said.
"Thanks Sora. You too," Kiawe said.
"That's what I like to see. Two friends giving each other a friendly competition. I will admit your Snorlax and Turtonator are looking quite fit for sumo wrestling," Raiden said.
"Thanks Raiden," Sora said.
"It looks like your Feraligatr could mop the floor with the rest," Kiawe said.
"Maybe so, but this year, there's a crowd favorite in the ranks," Raiden said. Sora and Kiawe saw what he meant. It was a Blastoise. Both fully evolved Water Starters glanced a leer to each other.
"I'd hate to be caught in the middle between those two," Sora said.
"Pika," Pikachu said.
"We are now ready for the first sumo match to begin!" Shonosuke announced. A Gyoji steps in as Kiawe and Turtonator are in the first round.
From the east... Ursaring!
From the west... Turtonator!
"So, who are you going to root for during the conference?" Sophocles asked.
"If you're talking about Sora and Kiawe; it's going to be both of them," Lillie said.
"Face your opponents!" The gyoji instructed moving his gumbai. "Let the match begin!"
"Push it out, Ursaring!" Kiawe's opponent shouted. Ursaring charges towards Turtonator.
"Stand your ground and start pushing!" Kiawe instructed. Turtonator stood firmly in place and both Pokémon started to shove each other. Ursaring was strong, but Turtonator gave more horsepower pushing back the bear Pokémon. Ursaring pushed back, making a comeback. Turtonator made a comeback and managed to push Ursaring out of the ring.
"Turtonator wins the match!" The gyoji announced. The crowd starts roaring for the Fire Type trainer.
"Way to go, Turtonator! I knew you could do it!" Kiawe praised his partner.
"Nator!" Turtonator said.
Up next is Raiden and his Feraligator against an opponent with a Golem.
From the east... Feraligatr!
From the west... Golem!
"Golem weighs more than Feraligatr. I doubt this will be easy," Illima said.
"I think you're right. But, I don't think he's too worried about that," Nancy said.
"Face your opponents!" The gyoji instructed, moving his gambi. "And begin!"
"Let's go, Feraligatr!" Raiden called out. Feraligatr charges right in.
"Get in there, Golem!" Raiden's opponent shouted. Golem charges towards Feraligatr and both Pokémon are locked into combat. Golem had the advantage in weight, but Raiden had an ace up his sleeve.
"Let Golem get closer, Feraligatr!" Raiden ordered. Feraligatr waited for Golem to move closer. Once Golem did, Raiden had to make his move now. "Feraligatr! Strike now!" Feraligatr landed a chop on Golem, making it fall out of the ring.
"I can't believe it!" Golem's trainer gasped.
"Feraligatr wins!" The Gyoji announced.
Sora and Kairi were amazed by the display Raiden had displayed. Sora knew he had to use both the strengths and weaknesses of his first opponent. As the tournament raged on, it had proved to be intense. It led to Sora's turn. The next matchup was against a Poliwrath. Many of the girls in the spectors were all rooting for Sora to win.
From the east... Snorlax!
From the west... Poliwrath!
"Give it everything you've got, Snorlax! Show everyone you can throw your weight around!" Sora called out. The gyoji waved his gambi.
"Face your opponent and begin!" The gyoji instructed.
"Poliwrath! Go for the gut!" Poliwrath's trainer ordered.
"Stand your ground, Snorlax!" Sora called out. Poliwrath came towards the sleeping Pokémon with both speed and power, but Poliwrath went flying when Poliwrath made contact with Snorlax's belly. Poliwrath fell right out of the ring and that surprised Sora, his opponent, and his girlfriend. The gyoji was even stunned.
"Snorlax wins the match!" The gyoji announced.
"Way to go, Snorlax!" Sora cheered. Nancy and eight of the Alolan nine were amazed by what they just saw.
"Wow. Poliwrath just got bounced off like a Spoink on a trampoline," Hapu said.
"Snorlax's belly is pretty, pretty durable," Lillie said.
"That Poliwrath came at Snorlax with so much speed and power, but it's just no match for guts," Sophocles said. His friends all look at him.
"Was that supposed to be a pun?" Mallow deadpanned.
"Hey, Sora would say the same thing," Sophocles defended.
"He's right. He would," Illima agreed.
"Yeah," Mina added.
"Don't look now, kids, but I think Snorlax is heading for the food," Nancy warned them. Snorlax walked up to the Pokémon food to start wolfing it down.
"Oh no you don't, Snorlax! Sumo first! Eat later!" Sora said, taking out Snorlax's Pokéball. He quickly calls back Snorlax. "Too close." Raiden laughed a bit.
"That Snorlax may be a goofy Pokémon, but it can get the job done," Raiden said impressed.
"I think Snorlax just likes to eat and sleep more than you, Sora," Kiawe said in his thoughts.
The tournament continued to rage on with Snorlax, Turtonator, Feraligatr, and Blastoise being the four remaing contenders.
"The time has come for the semi-finals sumo matches. And here how it is going to go down: Feraligatr versus Blastoise; Snorlax versus Turtonator," Shonosuke explained.
"Sora, Kiawe," Raiden said to them. Both trainers turned to him. "I wish you both luck. And whoever wins, don't expect me to go easy on you."
"We don't want you to," Kiawe said.
"Wouldn't be challenging if you did," Sora said.
"Sora and Kiawe made it to the semi-final round. It feels like the P-1 Grand Prix all over again," Acerola said.
"Yes. But, Kiawe made it even further than I ever did," Illima said.
The rest of the Alolan nine all remembered that tournament very well. It was the match between Feraligatr and Blastoise.
From the east.. Feraligatr!
From the west... Blastoise!
"This is going to be amazing," Lana said with her eyes sparkling.
"Those two are powerful Water Types," Lillie said.
"Judging how this is going to go, it's going to end up being either way," Hapu said.
"Wrestlers ready? Face your opponent and begin!" The gyoji instructed.
"Let's go, Feraligatr! Charge it!" Raiden called out.
"Come one, Blastoise! Let's win this!" Blastoise's opponent shouted.
Both Water Type Pokémon charged into each other and they gave it everything they had. Not one was overpowering the other. Sora, Kairi, Kiawe, and the Pokémon were watching and saw how intense it was getting.
"Push it out!" Raiden called out. Feraligatr started to push even more, giving Blastoise more of a shove. Blastoise was getting closer out of the line.
"Blastoise! Jump on it!" Blastoise's trainer ordered. Blastoise jumps in the air to land on top of Feraligatr "Hurry up!"
"Dodge it, Feraligatr!" Raiden ordered. Feraligatr swerves out of the way before Blastoise could land on the big jaw Pokémon. "This is your chance, Feraligatr! Push it out!" Feraligatr gave a shove to Blastoise's shell, but it just skids on the dirt before Blastoise was completely pushed out.
"Blastoise! Pour it on!" Blastoise's trainer shouted. Blastoise pummeled Feraligatr with some arm thrusts, pushing Feraligatr closer to the line. Lillie, Illima, Mallow, Lana, Sophocles, Acerola, Mina, Hapu, and Nancy looked on anxisosly knowing how it'll turn out. "Go Blastoise!" Blastoise going to give Feraligatr one more shove outside the line.
"Palms together and twist!" Raiden ordered. Feraligatr ducks out of the way and grabs the large turtle Pokémon by the shell and gave Blastoise a mighty throw. Blastoise went flying out of the ring and landed on the lower shell.
"Feraligatr wins!" The gyoji announced.
"Hey! We did it again, old buddy!" Raiden praised Feraligatr.
"That was so close," Kiawe said.
"Yeah, it sure was," Sora agreed. Both Sora and Kiawe knew it was their turn to go in. Both trainers and Pokémon took their positions in the sumo semi finals.
From the east... Turtonator!
From the west... Snorlax!
"Man, this is going to be hard to root for both of them since both of them came so far," Sophocles said.
"Sora is good, but Kiawe's fire isn't easy to put out," Mallow said.
Nancy didn't say anything and looked at the two of them. She remembered how strong a trainer Sora is since he battled her ex-husband and and against Whitney.
The girls in the spectaors booth cheered Sora on, hoping to win the match.
"Face your opponent and begin!" The gyoji instructed.
"Turtonator! Move in!" Kiawe shouted. Turtonator charged right in.
"Stand your ground, Snorlax!" Sora called out. Snorlax did stand his ground. Both large Pokémon gave it everything they had. "Be careful with Turtonator's shell spikes! Push him out!"
"Don't underestimate Snorlax's size and speed! Use his weight against him!" Kiawe shouted.
Both Snorlax and Turtonator gave it everything they had, and there time that one had the edge over the other, but they kept on going. Turtonator was on the edge of winning, but Sora had an edge up his sleeve.
"Snorlax! Twist and turn!" Sora shouted. Snorlax grabbed Turtonator by the arm and gave the blast turtle Pokémon a toss out of the ring.
"Snorlax wins!" The gambi announced.
The crowd roars for Sora's victory. Raiden was so impressed by the display that the young trainers had shown. Sora and Kiawe shook hands.
"Not too bad, Sora. Got me again," Kiawe said.
"Thanks Kiawe. You gave me what you've got. You always do," Sora said.
The time had come for the final round of the match.
"You and how your Snorlax really come a long way, Sora. I came here to win this," Raiden said to him.
"I know. I'll be sure to give you what I've got, Raiden," Sora said. Shonosuke walked up to the two trainers.
"You should be proud, Sora. You're the very first newcomer to make it all the way to the final round. This is it. Just make sure you both give it your all," Shonosuke said.
"Yes sir," Sora and Raiden both said.
Sora and Raiden took their positions and awaited instructions for the final round.
From the east... Feraligatr!
From the west... Snorlax!
"I know you can do this, Snorlax," Sora said.
"Lax," Snorlax said.
Snorlax and Feraligatr looked at each other, knowing aonly one of them is going to walk away with that prize. Snorlax is in it to win it since he had all of that Pokémon food hanging in the balance.
Kairi had faith in him as always, knowing he was going to give it everything he's got.
"Face your opponent and begin!" The gyoji instructed.
"Get in there! Knock it out! Grab it, Snorlax!" Sora called out.
"Hang tough, Feraligatr!" Raiden shouted. "Knock Snorlax off balance!" Both Pokémon charged into each other. As Snorlax got close, Feraligatr moves to the left and Snorlax starts to lose his balance.
"Hurry! Regain your balance!" Sora called out.
"Throw it out!" Raiden called out. Feraligatr was about to push Snorlax out, but he quickly moves out of the way. Kairi never imagined Snorlax ever moving that fast before. Shonosuke was even surprised. "It can't be!"
"Way to go, Sora and Snorlax!" Kairi cheered on.
"Pikachu!" Pikachu also cheered.
"Toge, Toge!" Togepi also cheered.
"PICHU!" Both Pichu cheered.
"Snorlax may not look fast, but he is when he wants to be," Sora said.
"If you think that's fast, then wait till you see this, Sora! Go Feraligatr!" Raiden shouted. Feraligatr starts to throw some thrusts onto Snorlax, pushing him back.
"Snorlax is almost out of the ring," Nancy said.
"It's all over!" Hapu added.
"Snorlax is gonna fall!" Mallow exclaimed.
"Snorlax doesn't have the strength to beat Feraligatr. So, I'll have to use Fealigatr's weakness," Sora said in his thoughts. He just hoped that it works. "Snorlax! Take a deep breath!" Snorlax in hales in the air.
"What is he doing?" Raiden questioned.
Snorlax took in some air and his belly expaned causing Feraligatr to get pushed off. Feraligatr almost gets out of the ring.
"Did you just see that?" Lana asked.
"Just like Sora; whenever he gets in a fix, he always bounces right back," Sophocles said.
"I never seen a defensive move like that," Raiden said.
"Great move, Snorlax! We're back right in!" Sora said.
"Maybe, Sora, but not for long," Raiden said.
"We'll see about that, Raiden!" Sora said.
"Feraligatr! Go!" Raiden shouted.
"You too, Snorlax!" Sora called out.
Both Pokémon charged at each other again, but Feraligatr grabs the sleeping Pokémon by the arm.
"Throw it out of the ring!" Raiden ordered. Feraligatr gives Snorlax a powerful throw and the heavy Pokémon goes flying in the air. "This is it!" Snorlax lands on the ground before he even reached the ring limit. The whole stadium starts shaking. Kairi, Kiawe, and the Pokémon were trying to keep their balance. The rest of the Alolan nine and Nancy did the same thing; as did Shonosuke. Raiden and Feraligatr were affected as well.
"Hurry Snorlax! Push Feraligatr out of the ring!" Sora shouted. Snorlax charged at Feraligatr and gave the large crocodilian Pokémon a powewrful push. Feraligatr's right foot skids right outside the ring.
"Snorlax is the new champion!" The gyoji announced.
Many of the girls were all cheering to see had won the sumo wrestling match.
"Way to go, Sora!" Kairi cheered for her boyfriend.
"Don't feel bad, Feraligatr, you were great as always," Raiden said. It made Feraligatr feel better despite losing the conference. All of the participants all gathered with Sora and Snorlax in the winner's circle.
"And so in recognition in his triumph over Raiden and his Feraligatr, I proclaim Sora Ketchum and his Snorlax the winner of the 35th annual Pokémon Sumo Conference! And it is my honor to present Sora the King's Rock as a symbol of their victory!" Shonosuke announced. He presented Sora the King's Rock. "Concragulations, Sora."
"Thank you very much, sir," Sora said as he accepted his prize.
"And don't forget your other prize," Shonosuke said.
"A one-year supply of Pokémon food!" Nurse Joy added. With that being said, Snorlax didn't waste anytime wolfing down all the food. Nancy and the rest of the Alolan nine watched Snorlax quickly devour all of the Pokémon food, faster than Winnie the Pooh wolfing down honey. Once Snorlax had finished eating the last of the food prize, Snorlax had gave a loud yawn and fell right to sleep.
"I would be lying if I ever told you that I didn't see that coming," Sora said.
"The good news is, we don't have to carry all that food around with us all year round," Kairi added.
"Toge, Toge," Togepi chirped.
"And now Snorlax is full, he should be dead asleep by now," Kiawe said. Sora calls back his Snorlax and took out his Pokédex and sends him back to professor Oak in exchange for Kabuto.
"There. Now Snorlax is back home, he can sleep there as much as he wants. And wake up to whatever's around," Sora said. He knew that not one of them could afford to keep Snorlax fed and how Snorlax might wonder off and eat some food.
"Sora," Raiden said to him. He turns and he shakes Raiden's hand. "Congratulations on your win."
"Thanks Raiden. You were pretty tough yourself," Sora said.
"I hope you have the same success in all of your matches in the Johto Pokémon League," Raiden said.
"Thanks. I'll do my best," Sora said.
With that done, they headed down to the Pokémon Center's messhall to celebrate. Nancy even joined in it.
After a good night's sleep, the group said their goodbyes to Nancy and promised to tell both her sons she said hi to them. Their journey continues onward to Olivine City.