"Let me introduce everyone..."
Since Ash and his friends had never met them, Xia You introduced the two groups first.
"These are Ash, Misty, and Brock. They've been traveling together since Kanto. They came all the way to Johto this time to challenge the Silver Conference, just like me. And these two are Kenta and Marina, Pokémon Trainers who started out from Professor Elm's place in New Bark Town. We met during an incident and formed a deep friendship. As for this one... he's... he's..."
Xia You looked at the chubby boy, his brow furrowing slightly.
He remembered that Marina had introduced him when they last met, but they had known each other for so little time, and so much time had passed since then, that he had long since forgotten his name.
Fortunately, the chubby boy did not mind. Seeing Xia You look at him and stumble over his words, he quickly said with a smile, "Hello, everyone. My name is Jackson. Kenta, Marina, and I are childhood friends."
"Childhood friends, huh?" Misty's eyes lit up. "That's such an enviable relationship."
Looking at the three of them, Xia You smiled. "All three of you made it into the preliminaries. Professor Elm would be so pleased if he knew. Oh, right, the last time I passed through New Bark Town and stayed at his house, he mentioned you, too. He said you were mischievous as children and often went to his lab to play."
"Those really were days to look back on fondly. Everyone was so carefree. Unfortunately, we've grown up and left that place."
Jackson sighed wistfully as he spoke, stealing a glance at Marina as though hoping she would share the sentiment. Unfortunately, Marina was not looking at him at all. Instead, she turned her gaze toward Kenta.