He knows Pokémon better than me.

Before they could even exchange a few words, Ah Xun suddenly adopted a defensive stance:
"Wait a minute! So, Ash, you're here for this festival too?"

Since that Lily of the Valley Conference, Ashin went to the Battle Frontier in the Sinnoh region and spent some time training in his father's Battle Facility, feeling that he had improved a lot.

Just then, the winds of this World Championships reached the Sinnoh region, so after emerging from seclusion, Ashun decisively participated. Not long after joining, he was about to reach the Super Ball level.

It's not that they lack the skill; it's just that there are too few participants from the Sinnoh region.

He even considered flying directly to the Galar region for a crazy upgrade.

Having heard about this wonderful place in the neighboring coastal city, Ah Xun came here as soon as he heard about it.

What happened to Ash?!
"That's right, I'm currently ranked around 3500, and I plan to reach the Super Ball level in one go."

Xiao Zhi answered truthfully.

This made Ah Xun scratch his head in frustration.

I thought I wouldn't be able to face someone like Ash in this competition, but I ran into him again right after I finished the training.

Can this be grounds for a fine?!

Like a flame extinguished, Ash frowned and walked onto the overpass with Ash, ready to watch the exhibition match before the main competition.

"Forget it, there's no guarantee we'll run into them!"

However, his mood was volatile. Seeing the lively crowd around him, he quickly became excited again. He was very happy to see an old friend and pulled Xiaozhi to squeeze into the front row.

At this moment, the area surrounding the rocky hill where the competition venue is located, as well as the area in front of the overpass, is already crowded with people.

Before they could even get their bearings, the exhibition match was almost over.

"Luckily, we arrived a day early."

Xiao Zhi squeezed into the front row and secretly rejoiced.

He had originally planned to greet Shinji a day in advance, but he ended up attending this exhibition match.

Some competition equipment, such as displays and cameras, has been set up on the small rocky hill in the center, and the boundary lines of the competition area have been drawn on the rocky ground.

A person was already standing on the reef, with short, light purple hair and a stern and mature face.

He was still wearing a blue-purple sports jacket and trousers, looking like a serious athlete or coach.

"Hello everyone, I am Shinji, the Gym Leader of the Seaside Dojo, and I am in charge of organizing this Seaside Festival."

Shinji held the microphone and gave the opening remarks, his eyes fixed, his voice devoid of any emotion.

"Pfft!" "Pfft!"

This scene made both Ash and Ash burst out laughing.

Having this guy as the emcee doesn't feel like hosting a celebration; it's more like organizing a serious funeral.

However, some cheers and applause could still be heard from the surroundings. Ash even heard someone shouting "Shinji-sama". Are there fans of the ascetic type in the Sinnoh region?
Shinji, who doesn't like to ramble, simply said "Next is the exhibition match" after a brief opening and then left the stage, walking back onto the nearby overpass.

And then, it walked directly toward where Ash and Ash were.

"Uh, have we been found out?"

Xiao Zhi quickly tugged at A Xun, suppressing his laughter.

Shinji frowned deeply and glared at the two of them as he walked up. They started laughing as soon as he spoke, making it hard for him not to notice.

Then, his gaze fell on Ash:

"Did you go back to the Sinnoh region too?"

Although it was a question, Shinji wasn't too surprised. As the organizer, he had seen Ash's name in the competition a few days ago.

"Hey, long time no see, Shinji. I didn't expect you to be a reliable Gym Leader now!" Ash laughed heartily and gave Shinji a thumbs up.

While you're at it, squeeze to the side to make room for the latter.

The latter glanced at the crowded people, but did not refuse, and stood to Xiaozhi's left.

"I heard you're in the Galar region now? Not even a Super Ball level in a place like that? Unbelievable. Humph."

Shinji subconsciously wanted to say his catchphrase, but when he thought about how he was defeated by his opponent at the Suzuran Tournament, he couldn't bring himself to say it.

"Haha, I've been busy managing the castle lately~"

Xiao Zhi scratched his head and laughed loudly.

Upon hearing this, Shinji immediately frowned. What the hell is castle management?

"Since you're a trainer, the only thing you should do is hone your combat skills, not do useless things!"

"Actually, building and managing a project is quite interesting!"

"Hmph, you really haven't changed."

Beside him, seeing the two of them start talking back and forth, Ah Xun kept pointing at himself, trying to interject.

Hey, hey, hey, can't you see yourself coming out of quarantine?!

Fine you two!
Soon, two people walked up the central reef, drawing thunderous applause from the entire audience. Both the powerful and fiery former Elite Four member, Daiki, and the handsome and cool new Elite Four member, Denji, were extremely popular in the Sinnoh region.

"Haha, old friend, finally I can have a battle with you!"

"Da Ye, let me show you my current strength!"

At the start, Dai-ye threw his head back and laughed heartily, while Den-ji looked serious and his expression was quite earnest.

shhhhhh!
In the air, Rotom has increased his flight altitude, acting as both referee and photographer.

The exhibition match is only relative to the seaside celebration, but it is also a qualifying match for the World Championships.

"The two players facing off are Daiya, ranked ninth in the Advanced Ball class, and Denji, ranked ninety-ninth in the Advanced Ball class!"

"Each player can use two Pokémon! Now, please release your first Pokémon!"

Xiao Zhi was taken aback. Wasn't Mr. Da Ye the eighth?
Seemingly sensing Ash's question, Shinji answered in a deep voice:

"He was eighth in the previous competition, so his ranking this year is naturally different."

For example, if a skilled player from another region defeats another top ten trainer, they will naturally squeeze into the top eight, and Da Ye's name will be ranked lower.

Ash nodded. If Mr. Denji was ranked 99th, it meant he was at the bottom of the High Ball class.
This is a high-level match between the top and bottom teams!

boom!boom!
Both players simultaneously threw out their Poké Balls. As longtime friends and rivals, they knew each other quite well.

Daigo's starting lineup is Magmortar, while Denji's starting lineup is Electivire, both of which are their signature partners, possessing both formidable strength and imposing appearance.

"By the way, Shinji, you have both of these Pokémon, right?"

Ah Xun, who was standing nearby, finally got a chance to speak and called out to Ash over his shoulder.

However, Shinji did not answer, remaining silent and staring intently at the arena, which made Asuka furious, like a boiling kettle.

Off the field, the battle has begun!

"Flammon, use Flamethrower!!"

"Electric Beast, use Thunder!!"

They unleashed their ultimate attacks right from the start: the Magmar's flamethrower arms unleashed scorching flames, while the Electivire raised its paws, unleashing a powerful surge of electricity! (End of Chapter)