He knows Pokémon better than me.

Although it was a bit unexpected, it's actually a good thing.

With mastery of moves combined with the Sharpness trait, and moves like Thousand Waves and Iceberg Wind, the Greatsword Oni's strength increases dramatically.

Finally, Ash couldn't resist adding a final reminder:
"I've basically mastered these powerful sword techniques. With more practice, I'll be able to use them completely proficiently."

Unfortunately, the Secret Sword: Thousand Waves is a move exclusive to the Greatsword Demon and cannot be copied from others; one can only figure it out on their own later on.

The same principle applies to other techniques.
Even when other Pokémon of Mei use Mastery moves, the same principle applies.

"Okay! I've got it!"

Mingyi looked delighted, then nodded seriously and carefully put away the remaining mastery seeds in the bag. After learning a few moves, the Greatsword Demon hadn't even used up many seeds yet!
The lesson ended, and the timing was just right.

Beep beep—!
Mr. Mime's Rotom phone suddenly vibrated; it was the alarm it had set.

"Cough cough. Barley."

So it had no choice but to inappropriately insert itself between the two, coughing as it interrupted.

The ship has docked; it's time to set sail.

Ash could only recall his Pokémon, and shrugged at Mingyi, saying:
"It's time, I should probably go now."

Mingyin's joyful expression at learning her new technique faltered, her eyes lowered, and a hint of melancholy crept into her voice:
"Time flies! Oh right, I'll deliver it then!"

Xiao Zhi didn't think much of it and nodded:
"Sure~"

Mingyi put away the Greatsword, and Xiaozhi's luggage was placed next to her. There was no need to go back to the lab; they could just pick up their luggage and set off.

The two walked side by side toward Luzi Wharf.

Mr. Mime, Pikachu, and Victini followed behind, chattering away.

Bictini, in particular, was the most excited.

"Piccoo~!"

It has never left the Unova region before, and today it can finally go out and see the world.

The large "V"-shaped ears on Victini's head were flashing orange sparkles with excessive excitement.

The pier is located in the southeast corner of Luzi Town, which is the outermost part of the town. From here, you can go out into the open sea.

Luzi Town actually has quite a lot of people, although it's not a commercial or trade center and can only be considered a tourist town.
If people from other areas are traveling to the Unova region, they can either fly directly to Fukiyo City or Tobira City and start their journey from there.
Many tourists also choose this seaside town in the southeast corner as their first stop on their trip.

When the two arrived at the dock, an ocean liner was moored at the shore, with steps already lowered at the front, and people were boarding one after another.

"Bari, bari~!"

Mr. Mime raised an eyebrow, gave Ash a mischievous wink, and then hurriedly pulled Pikachu and Victini to board the ship.

A Pokémon dressed in a suit, making a very human-like expression, pulls out its phone and shows the QR code for its ferry ticket.
Even the ticket inspector was taken aback.

However, this is the Unova region—

Whether it's a Pokémon wearing a suit or a human marrying a Gothic lady, it's all quite acceptable.

After a "beep" of ticket inspection, the Mr. Magic doll successfully boarded the ship.

Ash stopped and formally said goodbye to Mingyi.

"Mingyi, let's stop here then, I'm going up now."

"The next time we meet, you'll probably be the youngest Pokémon Professor in the Unova region, right?"

Looking at the boy in front of her, Mingyi's heart skipped a beat for no reason.

She pursed her lips, suppressing her emotions, before looking up at him and smiling softly, revealing her pearly white teeth.
"Then good luck with your World Championships too! I'm waiting to see you win the world championship trophy!"

Compared to the powerful Elite Four members or even regional champions among the contestants from various regions, she had no hesitation and believed that Ash would win.

"Of course!"

Xiao Zhi grinned and waved his hand:

"Then I'll go upstairs. You have so much work to do, you should hurry back to the research institute too~"

As Xiao Zhi turned to board the ship, Mingyi gently clenched her fingers, finally took a deep breath, and stepped forward. She raised her hand and gave him a big hug!

".?"

Xiao Zhi paused for a moment. The other person's movement was a bit sudden, and he didn't react for a moment. He didn't know where to put his hands.

They could only be held like wooden stakes.

A warm hug. Is this really the etiquette of Hezhong?

He didn't let go immediately; Mingyi buried her face in his chest.

Her face was obscured; only the tips of her ears were tinged with a light red.

When he turned his head, he could see Mr. Mime on the cruise ship deck, his eyes crinkling as he gave him a thumbs-up from afar.

As expected of my trainer!
Xiao Zhi: ".?"

(picture)

Half a minute later, Mingyi lowered her head, let go of her hand, took a step back, and her cheeks were completely flushed red.

She forced herself to calm down, turned her head away to avoid eye contact, and lowered her voice.

"Uh, Ash."

Anyway, be careful on the road!

Xiao Zhi, however, didn't notice anything amiss. He nodded and didn't think much of it.

"Don't worry~ Remember to say hello to Dr. Yew for me~!"

He turned around and boarded the ship. After a quick check of his ticket QR code, he got on board. As he walked to the deck, the Mr. Mime gave him a wink.

Xiao Zhi scratched his head, looking on with a sense of awe and confusion.

Arriving at the deck railing, seeing Mingyi still standing on the dock, Xiaozhi raised his hand, waved vigorously, and shouted loudly with a smile:
"Mingyi, see you next time!"

The ship's horn sounded, and the cruise ship set sail, slowly departing from the dock.

Mingyi smoothed her hair, gazing at the receding ship, the blush on her face finally fading considerably.

She exhaled softly and whispered:

See you next time.

I just don't know when we'll meet again.

But it's still very early in the morning.

Soon, Mingyi stretched, patted her cheeks, and cheered herself up.

I don't have time to be sentimental right now; I have a ton of research work to do.
Hmm, let's review the "mastered moves" that Ash taught us earlier one more time!
On the other side, on the cruise ship deck.

As the outline of Deer Town gradually shrank, Ash also turned his gaze away.

A plane can get you back to the Galar region in half a day, while a cruise ship would probably take another two and a half days.

"call--"

He shook his shoulders slightly, loosened his muscles and bones, and then exhaled, feeling much more relaxed.

Now I'm officially leaving the Unova region!

I originally just went to the Twin Dragons Dojo to play a promotion tournament, but I accidentally delayed it for a few more days.

but--

Xiao Zhi's lips unconsciously curled up into a smile.

Seeing that his two friends from the United States were both in good condition, he felt relieved.

Standing on the deck, Ash's gaze was already fixed on the distant horizon.

Next up is the second half of his Galar World Championships campaign! (End of Chapter)