Pokémon, Ash is going to become a perfect man from now on.

Honestly, it's threatening me with turning evil again. Is it addicted to competing with Lugia for my favor?!

"Chosen by two gods at the same time?!" Tapu Fini was initially surprised, then fell into deep thought.

"What should we do about these Pokémon in the sea that have been affected?" Ash didn't notice Tapu Fini's strange behavior. He kept staring at the groups of Pokémon that were surrounding him, his expression very serious.

Most of the Pokémon had ferocious expressions and bloodshot eyes, ready to launch an attack. One of them, with its tattered rudder entangled in seaweed, was spinning the rudder as violently as a propeller!

"Leave these to me." Tapu Fini spun around a few times, creating a water sphere clearer than the sea, and slowly guided it toward the surrounding Pokémon.

The water ball easily entered their bodies. Each Pokémon was stunned for a moment, then their expressions cleared up, and they scattered like birds.

"That's all we can do for now." Tapu Fini shook its head helplessly. "This incident has a wide impact, and there should be other Pokémon in the sea that have also been affected. We're going to be busy from now on."

"It's already very good that you managed to escape... and thankfully you did." Ash said with some lingering fear.

He had already realized that the opening of the spirit world gate on Bonnie Island was actually a pre-planned conspiracy!

Those resentful energies were initially aimed at Tapu Fini!

Tapu Fini is also a creature that deals with spirits; the mist it creates can even summon the spirits of the dead… If it were to be controlled by resentful energy, the gates of hell might be opened in the entire Alola region!

The crisis at that time would be even more serious than the ultimate energy riot!

"A human named Ash, I really have to thank you this time." Tapu Fini nodded dignifiedly to Ash, knowing the seriousness of the situation.

The situation was resolved so quickly thanks to Ash's timely intervention.

"If you really want to thank me, how about helping me solve the big challenge?" Ash asked with a smile. "That's exactly why I came to you."

Honestly, Xiao Zhi feels pretty lucky now.

He originally planned to have the little bag carry Tyranitar's egg, and also have a Draco Messia to slightly stimulate Tapu Fini's maternal instincts. If the other party was in a good mood, the big test would definitely be no problem.

Now that this incident has occurred, there's probably no need to do these things deliberately anymore.

To be honest, Ho-Oh's power is indeed quite useful...

hum~

As soon as he thought this, the rainbow feathers regained their seven-colored radiance, and the tips of the feathers swayed gently in the water... seemingly a little smug.

(You just found out?)

Well, looking at the feather that had dimmed again, Ash thought he must be hallucinating.

“The big test… is the bet with Cherry, right? I’ve heard about it too.” Tapu Fini said with a smile. “She even came to me privately, asking me to stall for time and make sure no island king is chosen.”

"I knew it..." Ash twitched his lips speechlessly.

"But you saved me, so I can't agree to her request... How should your big test be conducted?" Tapu Fini circled Ash a few times, seemingly considering the matter.

Suddenly, it seemed to have an inspiration!

"I've got it! Ash, you'll take over as the King of Poni Island!"

"What did you say...cough!" Startled by Tapu Fini's words, Ash choked on his saliva, his face turning bright red.

Are you kidding me? He came here to take a great test from the island king, not to become the island king himself, okay?

And... this is only our first meeting, why would Tapu Fini entrust me with such a responsibility?!

“Tapu Fizz…I’m sorry, I have to refuse you. I cannot bear the responsibility of being the king of the island.”

Xiao Zhi refused without even thinking; he couldn't do that kind of work.

It's not just that Ash has to stay home all the time and can't go on trips; Ash himself is also incompatible with positions like Gym Leader or Island King.

“Why?” Tapu Fizz frowned unhappily. “Your character and strength are impeccable, and you can perfectly match my power with the power of the Sea King. You are absolutely the most suitable candidate to be the King of the Islands.”

"You can't just list these objective conditions; the key is whether I'm willing or not," Xiao Zhi said helplessly.

"You dare refuse?!" Tapu Fini suddenly lost his temper. "In short, your test is to become the king of the island and then successfully put other challengers to a great test... If you're not willing, then just keep dragging it on!"

"Kap..."

"Fini!" Ash tried to argue, but Tapu Fini screamed angrily and then turned and left.

"Wait... why is he angry?" Ash was speechless, as he was so angry that he didn't even need telepathy anymore.

The island king is chosen by the guardian deity, and the chosen one cannot refuse, otherwise the guardian deity will be angry... This is indeed a game setting, but Ash never took it seriously.

Who would have thought that this kind of thing would happen to him?

But Tapu Fini is clearly being stubborn. It just swims ahead on its own, ignoring whatever Ash says behind it.

This is ridiculous...

Ash couldn't help but ask himself, "I have mastered various powers that can strengthen Pokémon, such as Viridian and Aura, so why do I feel so difficult to communicate with Legendary Pokémon when I encounter them?"

(Because you can't connect with them on a deeper level.) The management sprite suddenly interjected, (All the power you possess cannot allow you to truly achieve a spiritual connection with Pokémon.)

(A meeting of minds?) Xiao Zhi was a little confused.

(Your power works on ordinary Pokémon because they are naturally inclined to trust such power. It's not that they are opening their hearts to you; they just listen to whatever you say.)

(But legendary Pokémon are different. Each of them has lived for at least hundreds or thousands of years, and their personalities and ways of doing things are deeply ingrained. They cannot be easily persuaded with words.)

The so-called "management of Pokémon" theory, translated, means that most legendary Pokémon are strong-willed and difficult to train. But even if Ash knows this, can he really find the power to connect with their hearts...?

(It can be found!)

(What?!)

(The power to completely open up and connect with legendary Pokémon on a spiritual level truly exists... and that power is crucial to you!)

Chapter 412 Heart-to-Heart Talk, Decision Made!

The power of overcoming obstacles.

After listening to what the management sprite said, Ash actually remembered it too.

The power that allows hearts to connect truly exists; the guardians of the Mijna Ruins in the theatrical version of the original Diamond and Pearl arc possess this power.

When she unleashed her power, it was accompanied by an incantation, something like 'Overcome the laws of spacetime'...

The mind does not lie. Once the power of super resistance is activated, there are no secrets between the user and the legendary Pokémon.

As long as the user's will can withstand it, he can instantly know the thoughts of the legendary Pokémon, and at the same time, reveal his own heart to the other party without reservation.

In this process of spiritual exchange, the worries and anxieties of both parties are instantly known and understood, thus resolving many conflicts.

This appears to be merely a power for communication, offering no significant additional abilities to the user, but according to the managing spirits, it is the most important power in the world…

It's even more important than all the power Ash currently possesses combined!

Of course, Ash can't obtain the super-power right now, but with the guidance of his Pokémon, he has figured out the problem with the communication just now.

He was too hasty in rejecting Tapu Fini, but failed to tell the other party the real reason for his refusal.

"Tapui, wait a minute!" Having figured this out, Ash immediately sped up and blocked Tapui's path.

"I'm sorry I made you angry, but I still want to explain..." Ash pursed his lips and said sincerely, "I can't be the King of the Island because... I can't lose the battle."

"Fin?" Tapu Finfin was taken aback.

Ash's attitude was serious enough that Tapu Fini believed he wasn't just making things up.

However, this reason...

"That is indeed the reason why I am not up to the task." Ash decided to stop hiding it. "I can never lose a battle, so I cannot put others to the test."

"I admit, this might be a kind of morbid pursuit, but I choose to persevere! I will never lose a battle, and I will never let my friends lose their ability to fight!" Ash said resolutely. "To achieve this goal, I must ensure that I have a clear understanding of my own and others' strength at all times... and therefore refuse to fight battles that I cannot lose!"

"So... I'm really sorry, I've let you down and I can't become the king of the island!"

These were his true feelings, and he felt he had to explain his reasons clearly, regardless of whether the other party understood.

“You…” Tapu Fini was stunned for a moment, but quickly showed a helpless and angry expression, “Who told you that becoming the king of an island means you have to lose the battle?!”

"Uh...isn't that how it is?" Ash was a little confused. The current island kings are similar to gym leaders, right? Isn't losing to them a daily occurrence?

“Of course not!” Tapu Fini said irritably. “The island king is our chosen priest and chieftain who protects the island’s safety, not just a simple test examiner! We guardian deities are looking for those who can fight alongside Pokémon and be invincible in battle. Aren’t you one of those people?”

"You say you don't want to lose the battle, then take the big test in your own way and become an invincible island king, won't that be great?!"

"This... will work?" Ash was stunned.

He finally understood... or rather, he should have realized it sooner: all those great tests and tributes were just empty words.

As long as the guardian deity approves, whatever the island king does is right!

Ash has actually been enjoying the benefits of having his identity recognized, but he just hasn't realized it yet.

The hero of the Orange Islands once kowtowed until his head bled, but he still couldn't get Ho-Oh to come down... But Ash, who was recognized by Ho-Oh, was able to close the Spirit World Gate with just a single feather!

“Tapu Fizz, I’m glad you’re willing to acknowledge me… and I must be honest, aside from losing the Great Trial, becoming the King of the Island will bring me many advantages. With this title, I can more easily accomplish what I want to do.”

Ash explained his thoughts to the Guardian Spirit in detail: "However, even if I become the King of the Island, I can't keep fulfilling this duty and waiting for challengers to come and put me to the test forever. I will be leaving Alola soon, and although I will come back later, it will be difficult for me to stay here forever."

"In short, if you can accept this, I can become the king of Pony Island!"

"You don't need to stay here all the time. Just come back regularly and ensure that you save Pony Island in the previous incident. As for the big test, anyone can do that. You can always find a deputy to take your place."

Tapu Fini's attitude was very firm; he was determined to make Ash the king of the island.

He's absolutely perfect for the job!