He knows Pokémon better than me.

"Well done, Magiana!!"

As the verdict was announced, Ash rushed forward and hugged Magearna in celebration. The fighting spirit in her eyes dissipated, and as if switching forms, she swung her arms like a little girl, smiling as she accepted Ash's embrace.

Ash raised his hand and easily picked up Magearna, lifting her high into the air.

"Chirp chirp~!"

This action made Magiana even happier. It was clear that its weight was normal; it was just that the Electric Monster was too weak to lift it!

With one hand lifting Magearna, Ash took out his phone with the other and checked his latest ranking.

It improved from 957th to 857th, an improvement of exactly 100 places.

"This progress is pretty good!"

Xiao Zhi happily put his phone away. After playing six or seven more games, he figured he'd be able to play in the advanced level qualifying matches.

At that time, you won't be promoted directly; instead, you'll have to participate in a special "promotion tournament."

At the other end of the arena, Shinji sighed softly, his lips gradually softening as he reluctantly withdrew his Electabuzz.

"You did a very good job."

Nowadays, Shinji also acknowledges and encourages those who are useful.

He took out his phone and saw that his ranking had dropped from 880th to 930th. It wasn't a big deal; Shinji didn't care too much about these kinds of rankings.

Just as Shinji was about to walk to the center of the arena, he saw Ash supporting Magearna's waist with one hand and lifting her high, while looking down and swiping his phone with the other hand. Shinji paused.

Is it really that light?

Was the monster that was electrocuted just now throwing the match?

Ash's battle against Shinji was arguably the most exciting. Although there were a few more battles afterward, they were only so-so, leaving a feeling of emptiness after the climax.

"about there."

Shinji observed the audience's expressions and reactions. Seven rounds of competition were about right, since the seaside festival didn't have any substantial finals or championships.

If this continues, it will just be pure, boring fluff, and the audience will probably be demanding refunds.

He then stepped onto the central stage and announced the successful conclusion of the coastal celebration.

The audience applauded and celebrated, and as dusk fell, they began to leave.

"This time, Binhai City has really gained a lot of popularity!"

Shinji's lips curled into a smile, and the public opinion left behind by Denji was completely reversed from that moment on.

He looked down at his feet again. The reef, which had initially been higher than the surrounding viaducts, was now several meters lower, a testament to the intensity of the battle.

Most players were quite satisfied with this, and many successfully advanced from the Poké Ball level to the Great Ball level.

"Damn it, my cultivation is still not enough!"

Ah Xun shouted that although he lost once, he won a series of victories afterward. Ah Xun is currently ranked 999th, just in time to enter the Super Ball level.

Similarly, Xiaowang, Michael, and Kotetsu also reached the Ultra Ball level. After all, they are no longer rookies but elite trainers, so reaching the Ultra Ball level is quite easy for them.

However, the situation was similar to that during their previous trip; when they faced Ash and Shinji again, they were still no match for them.

"I'd better go find my older brother to cultivate with!"

Michael said goodbye to his new friend Ah Xun and went to find Da Ye for special training.

He could sense that Heatran's full strength had not yet been unleashed, and that he, as the trainer, was somewhat holding him back.

Xiaowang and Shangzhi came together to say goodbye; the two trainers wanted to have a good chat later.

"By the way, if you hear any news about Xiaoguang, please let me know as soon as possible."

Before leaving, Xiaowang reminded him that she already knew Xiaozhi planned to go to Tianguan Mountain to check things out next. Kotetsu also shouldered his pack; this time, he could finally leave in a hurry.

"Steel Island, here I come!"

He planned to find the legendary Yaxuan that Ash had mentioned, and train his Lucario properly.

During this time, Ash also greeted and said goodbye to many familiar Sinnoh Gym Leaders, as if he were still traveling in the Deep Olympia region in a dream.

However, standing next to him now is not the cute and lively Hikari, but Shinji with a mature look on his face.
That's a bit of a mood killer.

It was already dinnertime, but he wasn't in a hurry to go to Mount Tianguan. Instead, he stayed one last night in Binhai City, at the Binhai Dojo.

Ash originally thought that this reunion with Shinji would be another clash.

However, after spending the last two days together, he discovered that this Sinnoh rival seemed to have had his personality corrected, becoming unexpectedly much more peaceful.

In the past, they would have scoffed at their own training methods and fighting style.

Now, the two can discuss their Pokémon experiences and tips with each other like old friends.

At the dinner table, as they chatted, Shinji frowned and said:

"With so many mythical and legendary Pokémon like Ash in your lineup, you've really degenerated into a legendary Pokémon guy."

"Uh, but I used to be a mythical beast man."

Shinji: "."

"But your Electivire is really powerful. That Thunder Slam move, I think only Magearna in my new Galar team can withstand it right now."

"Hmm, Electivire keeps clamoring to have another match with your Infernape to avenge its previous defeat."

"My Infernape is still stronger."

"No, my Electivire is stronger."

The two started arguing about whether Electivire or Infernape was stronger. Fortunately, Infernape hadn't been taken to Kalos by Serena to be the face and instructor, so after dinner, Ash traded Infernape from the backyard.

At the seaside dojo, he and Shinji had another sparring match to help them digest their meal.

The process is omitted.

As for the outcome—

Infernape won decisively.

Ash's veteran teammates are far superior to Galar's rookies.

Infernape can manually enter Super Inferno mode at the start of the game, and a simple Flamethrower can have destructive power comparable to Flower Cannon.

Then came the Super Flame Charge, which even when Electivire activated its electric field and unleashed a powerful cross slash infused with lightning power, the attack was still forcibly broken through, rendering it unable to fight once again.

Shinji's brows were furrowed very deeply.

How come it's so vigorous even though it's kept in the backyard?
"Awooo!"

Infernape grinned at Shinji, revealing a smug smile.

Infernape has long since let go of its resentment towards its former trainer, and even dares to jump and bounce around in front of Shinji.

Shinji: "."

The Electivire that had been revived didn't continue to be hostile; instead, it hooked its arm around Infernape's shoulder and wandered around outside.

Back then, both of them were members of Shinji's team and were being groomed as the Sinnoh Twins' ace.

They have a good relationship; they were childhood playmates.

Seeing this, Ash and Paul exchanged a smile. That Sinnoh journey was indeed a precious memory! (End of Chapter)