Leaving through the Contestant Entrance, Xia You immediately spotted Ash and the others waiting outside.
As he appeared, Ash and the others began applauding. Misty had even bought a bouquet somewhere and presented it to him.
"What are you all doing?" Xia You said with a helpless smile. "With such a grand reception, I almost thought I'd won the championship."
Max was at an age when he couldn't keep anything to himself. Without caring whether Ash and Masamune were present, he spoke up first. "Mr. Xia You! You were amazing! Absolutely unbeatable! Two Pokémon, two three-opponent sweeps!! You didn't see it, but when you won just now, the atmosphere in the stands practically exploded!!!"
Both Ash and Masamune looked a little awkward.
Max's declaration that Xia You was unbeatable naturally included them. Although they knew they might not be able to beat Xia You, some things shouldn't be said to their faces. Masamune was one thing, but Ash had at least made the quarterfinals and would face Xia You sooner or later. Wasn't Max saying this now the same as assuming Ash would definitely lose?
Still, they had to admit that Xia You's performance had been outstanding. If they had been out there instead, they certainly couldn't have achieved results like his!
"You're exaggerating," Xia You said with a wave and a smile. "I wouldn't dare call myself unbeatable, but at least in this tournament, there probably won't be anyone who can stop me from taking first place."
Ash: ...
Masamune: ...
How was that any different from what Max had said?!
They had expected Xia You to be a little modest, but instead, he had admitted it outright!
Masamune hurriedly looked at Ash. He had already been eliminated, so however unwilling he was to accept it, it made no