At three thirty that afternoon, the semifinals of the Hoenn League's Ever Grande Conference officially began at Ever Grande Stadium!
Professor Oak, the group of mothers, and Mr. Norman and the others came to watch from the stands together.
Lorelei also brought the beautiful cheerleaders into a second-floor private box...
Young Master Mao's die-hard fans at the venue held up illuminated signs and banners, looking ready to take over the entire stadium.
The Ash fans scattered among them glanced around awkwardly, wondering why the spectators at a Pokémon League Tournament were all using concert-fan gear!
When they saw the Young Master Mao support T-shirts and caps, the Ash fans finally gave up hope.
Wasn't the gap in their gear a little too big...?
At a makeshift stall by the entrance, the Team Rocket Trio enthusiastically tossed out shirts and caps. "Support Young Master Mao! Free fan gear! Let's make some noise!"
"Do you have any Ash fan gear?" a fan occasionally asked.
"Huh?" Jessie put on a villainous face. "We don't have that stuff here! Shut it~ Keep yapping and I'll beat you up!"
"Meow-hahaha, she's too hotheaded. Don't be scared, meow. Stop shaking.
"Come on, be a good kid and put on this Young Master Mao support T-shirt. Look how nice it is, meow~"
With Meowth playing good cop and Jessie playing bad cop, this Ash fan ended up switching sides in a daze...
"Both competitors are entering! We can hear the tremendous cheers. Young Master Mao is as popular as ever!" the commentator marveled.
At the center of the field, Ash and Gary shook hands before the match.
"Well? Are you ready?" Gary asked seriously.
"Of course. I'll give it everything I've got and beat you!" Ash smiled confidently.
"Pipi-pikachu!" Pikachu obligingly clenched his little fists too.
"Well~