"Xiao Ze, I want to challenge you!"
"Huh?"
Lu Ze, who had been leisurely drinking tea at Professor Oak's Laboratory, was startled when he heard that voice.
"Ash?"
Turning around and seeing Ash, who had just rushed in full of energy, Lu Ze was somewhat surprised as well.
But his surprise soon turned into a smile. "I can accompany you in a full six-on-six battle."
"But a Pokémon World Championships battle won't work."
Lu Ze smiled at Ash. "My Pokémon World Championships ranking has already reached tenth place. I'm in the Ultra Ball tier."
"I'm in the Ultra Ball tier too."
Ash excitedly took out his Rotom Phone and showed Lu Ze his Pokémon World Championships information.
"So I can challenge you now."
"Rank 64?"
Lu Ze froze. "We haven't seen each other for that long. How did you improve so quickly?"
"It's been a long time already, okay?"
Goh spread his hands helplessly from the side.
"A long time?"
"That's right. I successfully defeated Iris and Mr. Volkner before coming to challenge you!"
"You defeated both Iris and Volkner."
Lu Ze smiled. "But I'm in the Ultra Ball tier, so you still can't challenge me."
"Huh?"
Ash and Pikachu on his shoulder tilted their heads slightly. "But I'm in the Ultra Ball tier too."
"Hmm?"
Lu Ze was stunned. "How is that possible? Isn't the Ultra Ball tier only for the top thirty?"
"No, the top hundred are already in the Ultra Ball tier."
"Huh?"
Lu Ze was confused. After a moment of silence, he finally realized.
No wonder Cynthia had looked at him with that strange, half-smiling expression back then!
So that was why!
That damn Cynthia, she hadn't even told him.
Lu Ze helplessly pressed a hand to his forehead, suddenly feeling a little embarrassed.
Seeing Lu