Only then did Meisha notice Ash and the others.
"Oh, I remember you!" she said in realization. "Aren't you those kids from back then? So you know our big brother too?"
"That's right, that was us. Thank you for escorting us across the bridge back then." Brock nodded, then asked in puzzlement, "But why do you call him your big brother?"
Glancing at them, Meisha remembered her agreement with Xia You. Even though these people were his friends, she did not tell them what had happened back then.
She spread her hands and gave them a sidelong look, saying half-jokingly, "Of course, after he beat us, his incredible strength impressed us so deeply that we willingly accepted Boss Xia You as our big brother!"
"Oh, I see..."
Ash and the others were simplehearted and suspected nothing, taking her explanation as the truth.
Meisha turned back to Xia You and pressed her palms together. "Anyway, big brother, please give it your all. I believe you won't lose, no matter who your opponent is!"
Masha added, "Exactly, exactly! We'll always be your most loyal followers! Show everyone your greatness!"
"You people..." Xia You looked exasperated. "Do you really think I'm invincible? You're putting me on far too high a pedestal! Everyone who makes it to the tournament is strong. You mustn't underestimate any of them!"
Meisha and the others chuckled.
Despite what Xia You said, they had already seen him defeat several Team Rocket executives, as well as seen his Zapdos and Articuno, so naturally, they had complete confidence in him.
In the distance, an unusual news crew came over, perhaps thinking something had happened when they saw so many people gathered here.
The one holding the microphone was a stylishly dressed young woman with a shapely figure and beautiful features. Her