Once the opening ceremony ended, it was time to draw opponents.
Xia You and Ash left the stadium, met up with Chloe, Misty, and the others, and headed to the nearby draw hall.
Inside the hall stood five service counters, where several smiling, youthful, attractive staff members were attending to the Pokémon Trainers who came in from time to time.
This stage could be considered extremely important. For the weaker contestants, a lucky draw might even let them face still weaker opponents all the way through and advance with ease.
Seeing Xia You and the others, one staff member said, "Good morning. Sorry for the trouble, but could you please show me your Pokémon Trainer registration cards?"
Before Xia You could do anything, however, a figure flashed past him. With one quick stride, Brock had already darted to the staff member's side.
"Ah, beautiful miss, your sweet smile has already been registered in my heart. May I ask when you get off work? Would you like to have lunch together?"
"There he goes again!"
Misty pressed a hand to her forehead and pushed Brock aside, utterly speechless. Chloe couldn't help chuckling at the sight. It was her first time seeing someone so mature for his age display such a forward side. Remembering that Brock had been a Gym Leader, she found the contrast truly eye-opening.
He didn't often harass female Pokémon Trainers who came to challenge him like this when he was a Gym Leader, did he?
They handed their Pokédexes to the staff member. After working at her computer for a moment, she quickly found Xia You's and Ash's information.
Ash asked eagerly, "Um, who exactly is my opponent?"
"Ash, don't be so impatient." Brock broke free of Misty and leaned against the counter like a gust of wind.