"The first to take the stage is the eighth-ranked Masters Eight member—
The inaugural Champion of the Alola region, the Flying-type Elite Four member of the Kanto region, a rare Trainer holding positions in the Pokémon Leagues of two major regions at once, a shining New Star, Pallet Town's Ash!"
Amid roaring cheers, Ash stood with Pikachu perched on his shoulder, wearing his trademark passionate grin as he waved to the spectators supporting him.
Among them were devoted "Ash fans" who had traveled all the way from the Alola region, as well as Pallet Town's cheering squad organized by Professor Oak. The gentle-looking woman was unusually fired up today; as Ash's mother, Hanako waved the flag in her hands with all her strength.
Right beside Pallet Town's cheering squad were Ash's former traveling companions from every region, as well as the friends he had met along his journey and forged deep friendships with—
Misty, Brock, Yao, Satoshi, Xiao Guang, Cilan, Serena, Clemont, Bonnie, Professor Kukui, his wife, and their son Lei, Lillie, Gladion... as well as Ash's other companions from Alola, and even Chloe from Sakuragi Laboratory.
Many other friends and rivals Ash had met during his travels had also come to the venue, such as Fula from Shamouti Island, as well as rivals like Harrison and Tyson.
Their expressions were filled with joy, relief, and complicated emotions.
No one had expected that the immature boy who had once declared he would become a Pokémon Master had truly stepped onto the stage that would determine the world's strongest Trainer.
This was especially true for those rivals. Many of them were still struggling in Pokémon League conferences, with only a few having improved their strength.
After Ash took the stage, the next to appear was Iris, introduced by the host as