"We've finally reached Snowbelle City!"
After passing through the forest, Lu Ze and the others caught sight of Snowbelle City's outline in the distance.
"Should we challenge the Gym first? Snowbelle City's Gym is on the way into the city," Shota said.
After his battle with Ash ended, Shota had not chosen to leave. Instead, he followed Ash along, wanting to watch Ash's Gym Battle.
"Then let's challenge the Gym first!"
The moment Ash heard that, he grew excited and immediately agreed to challenge the Gym first.
"Clemont, remember to record Ash's Gym challenge for me."
"Huh? Aren't you going, Brother Ze?"
Everyone looked at Lu Ze curiously, but he merely smiled and looked toward Snowbelle City in the distance.
"Did you forget that I have an appointment with someone?"
"Oh, right!"
Once Lu Ze mentioned it, Ash and the others immediately remembered.
That day, Brother Ze had arranged to battle Champion Diantha in Snowbelle City.
"What appointment? With whom?"
Seeing that everyone else understood, Shota became even more confused.
"It's a battle with Champion Diantha."
After Clemont explained, he turned to Lu Ze. "Brother Ze, bring Little Clembot with you. How about having him record your battle with Diantha?"
"Sure."
Lu Ze nodded, took Little Clembot from Clemont's hands, and climbed onto Charizard's back.
"Then, let's both win our first battles!"
"Win our first battles!"
After Ash bumped fists with Lu Ze, the two parted ways.
Watching Charizard's receding figure, Shota thought for a moment before turning to Ash. "Can I have a battle with Brother Ze too?"
"Of course you can."
Ash nodded without hesitation. "But Brother Ze is really strong. Are you sure?"
"Of course. Just like when I challenged you!"
Shota smiled confidently. "You improve faster by challenging the strong, don't you?"
"That's true."
Ash smiled