"Ash, Gary, what are you two doing here?"
Ash called out happily, "I came with Professor Oak! My mom said it was okay, too."
Gary tilted his little head up, excitement in his voice. "Junior Martial Uncle, we agreed before, remember? I said I'd come watch you compete."
"And I kept my promise!"
Chen Shi smiled and ruffled their hair, about to speak.
Then he suddenly noticed Professor Oak walking up behind them. He quickly led the two little boys over to greet him.
"Teacher, what brings you here?"
"Teacher?" Steven and Cynthia, standing behind him, were stunned. They stared at Chen Shi in disbelief.
He was actually Professor Oak's student?
They both knew a little about Professor Oak. He was far more than just a professor.
Professor Oak had not started out as a researcher, but as a Trainer.
He had even been the Kanto League's previous Champion!
Only after stepping down as Champion had Professor Oak entered the field of research.
In both strength and standing, he could truly be said to stand at the pinnacle of the world.
Yet Chen Shi had just called him his teacher?
How could they not be shocked?
Only Pheobe seemed largely unaffected, curiously studying the little old man before her instead.
Professor Oak laughed heartily. "These two little fellows kept pestering me to take them to the Pokémon World Championships, so I brought them along."
"Besides, I'm not the only one who came this time. Almost every major region has sent an important figure."
"They're all at least members of the Elite Four. I had to come. I was worried you wouldn't be able to handle them!"
Chen Shi froze for a moment, then warmth filled his heart.
Professor Oak's meaning was simple: he had come to back him up.
Though