The League Calendar year was drawing to a close.
Sinnoh Region, Lily of the Valley Island, the Lily of the Valley Conference!
At the island's center, three vast stadiums stood in a triangular formation.
Now, deep in the night, the moon and stars hung overhead. Their radiance spilled across the annual tournament grounds.
In the sky, a thirty-meter Wailord balloon drifted as though alive, a symbol of companionship.
Beside it, a Togekiss scattered "Serene Grace" beneath the light like a fairy.
The two smaller stadiums on either side glowed pink and blue, representing the Trainers who had gathered here.
At the center, the Main Stadium shone brilliant gold, a symbol of the glory and crown reserved for the Champion.
On the field and in the stands, countless eyes filled with longing, excitement, and emotions outsiders could hardly understand turned toward the stadium's highest point—the Sacred Fire Altar.
As stirring music swelled, the announcer's voice rang out. "...The Sacred Fire—"
"—has been lit!!"
In an instant, ceremonial robes waved and cheers shook the sky, turning the deep night bright as day.
Then—
"The Sinnoh League's Lily of the Valley Conference is officially open—!!"
"Finally. It's finally here!!"
On the field, Ash, wearing a limited-edition red-and-black cap with Pikachu perched on his shoulder, slowly looked around. His eyes brimmed with hunger for victory and confidence that he could claim it!
More than four years of study, more than four years of travel—eight whole years, a tenth of his life—all for this day!!
"I have to win!! I absolutely have to! Right, Pikachu?"
He clenched his fists and took a deep breath.
"Pika!!"
Pikachu answered from his shoulder, just as confident.
Ash's gaze shifted, and he spotted the three people on the raised platform—
Charles Goodshow, chairman of the Pokémon League Conference Committee!