The Pokémon World Championship Masters Eight Elimination Tournament opened with victory for Ash, the inaugural Champion of the Alola region, Kanto Alliance Flying-type Elite Four member, and eighth-ranked Masters Eight contender.
As the two contestants left the field, a pre-match interview with the renowned actress and Kalos League Champion Caronne was aired.
Before the cameras, Caronne carried herself with grace and said with a light smile, "Whether I win, or Ash—the recipient of the Lumiose Medal of Honor for his outstanding contributions during the Giant Rock Crisis in the Kalos region half a year ago, and the Lumiose Conference Champion—wins, I believe the people of Kalos will offer their sincerest blessings to the victor."
Those flawlessly worded remarks not only displayed Caronne's generosity, but also dispelled much of the resentment Kalos citizens felt over her elimination in the top eight. She also pointed out that no matter which of them won, it would benefit Kalos.
She won goodwill while bringing Ash a huge wave of supporters.
As expected of someone mainly involved in the entertainment industry.
Her public relations skills were incredible.
Many Kalos citizens watching from the venue also left comments.
"What a shame."
"Fight again next season!"
"Ash almost became the new Kanto League Champion back then. Close enough—he's one of us. Whoever wins, we don't lose!"
On the specially arranged VIP platform at Spikemuth Arena.
Damaranchi, the Kanto-Johto Alliance Chairman who had only been out of the ICU for a few days, cheerfully stroked his Santa Claus-like white beard as he accepted congratulations from the chairpersons of the other Pokémon Leagues around him, secretly delighted.
His eyes shifted as he approached Geeta, the Paldea League Chairwoman, who had barely spoken all this time.
Geeta was indeed in a poor mood. Sitting in her seat, she felt as