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

In comparison, Ash is much stronger... even superhuman.

He won the match with just one Blastoise, and his partner can not only change forms but also fly freely in the air and unleash incredibly powerful cannon fire...

It's practically a war machine with no blind spots!

Chapter 497 The Whirlpool Islands, Epilogue, and Fulfillment of the Contract

"He lost... but there's nothing we can do about it, after all, it's Ash Ketchum~"

After recalling the Gyarados that was unable to battle, Misty was only disappointed for a short time before regaining her relieved smile.

There's nothing to be resentful about. Ash was invincible among his peers, and it's not like she only found out about this today.

No one, not even himself, Gary, or any other trainer of the same generation, can match Ash!

Nowadays, the only ones capable of defeating Ash in official battles are probably those who have been famous for a long time but dare to challenge him regardless of their status...

Furthermore, they need to set limits in advance; Ash absolutely cannot use cheat codes, otherwise he'll get utterly crushed.

So compared to the frustration of losing a match, Xiaoxia is now more happy.

She witnessed Ash's full power once again, and it was her favorite Water-type Pokémon's full power!

She witnessed the future potential of Water-type Pokémon, and Ash's incredibly powerful and versatile performance when teaming up with Water-type Pokémon, which undoubtedly captivated her...

Both body and mind.

"Xiaoxia..." After encouraging his teammates who were fighting hard, Xiaozhi took the initiative to come to the girl.

"Did you enjoy the game?" he asked with a light laugh.

"Yes, I'm very happy!" The girl nodded firmly. "It's just that two-on-two isn't enough. I wish it could be longer."

“There will be other opportunities in the future. We can continue to participate in official competitions, so we can continue to battle like this, and even have all of us battle together,” Ash suggested with a smile. “If you’d like, it’s not too late to prepare for the Silver Conference now.”

To be honest, Xiao Zhi had some selfish motives.

He didn't want Xiaoxia to follow the same path as in the original story, where she was stuck in the Cerulean Dojo because of her three unreliable older sisters.

That place is too small to allow Xiaoxia to move around freely. Confining her there will not help her improve her strength at all!

She needs to travel more and see a wider world.

She is a mermaid, and what she longs for is the freest ocean outside, not being locked in an aquarium in a gym every day, only able to spin around in vain!

"Why are you bringing up the Alliance Conference again... Didn't I say I just wanted to enjoy the trip with you this time?" Xiaoxia seemed to have thought of something and couldn't help but smile. "Besides, now is not the time for you to give your opinions. You have to keep my promise first."

She smiled playfully and whispered something in Xiaozhi's ear.

"Ah, this..." Xiao Zhi was stunned.

"What, you're not happy?" Xiaoxia rolled her eyes at him reproachfully. "You said you liked me yesterday, but you can't even afford to give me a prize from the competition?"

"I'm not reluctant to part with it," Xiao Zhi quickly explained.

He doesn't care how much he gives Xia as long as she's happy.

He just felt that Xiaoxia's request was far too simple.

The promise to give her the champion's prize, the mysterious water droplet, seems far too easy to fulfill!

...

"The Whirlpool Islands Tournament has come to an end. Now, let's witness the birth of a new hero of the sea!"

As the closing ceremony of the competition began, the host excitedly invited Xiaozhi to the high platform, where a simple podium had already been set up.

Xiaoxia, who was the runner-up, was also allowed to go, but she stood to the side, which meant she could watch the ceremony from the closest possible position.

"Congratulations, Ash!" Priestess Maya congratulated Ash, touching his chest with her Sea Soul Staff in prayer, "O ocean, and all those brave souls who share a bond with Pokémon, please continue to protect Pokémon and humanity!"

hum! !

As soon as she finished speaking, the Sea Soul Pearl in her hand shone brightly once again, more dazzling than ever before!

The sea near Kaco City also suddenly became turbulent, and a huge tornado suddenly shot up from the sea!

Woo~

Everyone present seemed to hear a long chant, and they subconsciously looked towards the tornado, feeling as if there was a giant bird with outstretched wings in the eye of the storm.

When the light of the Sea Soul Pearl completely dimmed, the storm at sea quietly subsided, turning into a torrential downpour.

“This is…” Priestess Maya seemed to have noticed something, but she did not point it out and continued with the award ceremony.

She picked up the mysterious water droplet from the box and gave it to Xiaozhi.

“Please accept this; it’s a reward for the winner,” Maya said with a smile.

"Thank you." Ash gratefully accepted it, but then suddenly asked, "Excuse me... may I give it away?"

"Of course, this is your prize, you have full authority to handle it."

"Well... Misty, this is for you." With her approval, Ash immediately turned to Misty and presented the mysterious water droplet like a treasure.

This scene undoubtedly attracted the attention of everyone present, and almost everyone was looking forward to what would happen next.

I heard that the newly crowned champion and the runner-up are a couple?

So, is this a live confession?

Well, although they're just a boy and a girl, they're still over ten years old and considered 'adults'... Let alone a confession, even if Ash proposed on the spot, it would be perfectly reasonable and legal!

"Okay, then can you help me put it on?" Xiaoxia took the initiative to come to Xiaozhi, her face showing the unique coquettishness of a young girl.

The mysterious water droplet is shaped like a pendant, and can be worn as a necklace.

Xiao Zhi immediately complied with Xiaoxia's request. He picked up the mysterious water droplet and carefully hung it around Xiaoxia's neck.

The light blue pendant has a crystalline sheen and sparkles in the sunlight, perfectly complementing Xiaoxia's liveliness and beauty.

Upon closer inspection, Xiao Zhi was momentarily stunned, feeling as if his eyes were filled only with the girl in front of him…

But at that moment, Xiaoxia suddenly stood on tiptoe, wrapped her arms around his neck, and offered her lips to him!

"Mmm..." Xiao Zhi shuddered involuntarily. By the time he came to his senses, all he could feel was the soft, sweet touch on his lips...

Therefore, nothing around me matters anymore.

Since this is Xiaoxia's choice, all he can do now is give her the warmest response!

The two were completely absorbed in their own world, ignoring the dumbfounded priests and the audience who went from stunned to in an uproar, wanting only to indulge in this sweet interaction.

"Huff... Ash..." After a long while, Misty, panting heavily, finally stepped back and looked at Ash with dazed eyes.

"Ok?"

"I like you..." Xiaoxia seemed to murmur softly, but her tone was incredibly firm, "I like you so much! So much that you're the only one for me, and we have to be together forever!"

At this moment, Xiaozhi needed no more words. He once again pulled Xiaoxia into his arms, giving her a warmth that could melt everything!

Whether it will cause secondary damage to the scene or delay the progress of the awards ceremony, none of these matter anymore!

In this moment, the girl longs for him to take things further and hopes to stay by his side forever…

This was his greatest takeaway from his trip to the Whirlpool Islands!

Chapter 498 Starting Again, Azure City

"This should be it..."

On the turbulent sea, huge whirlpools kept churning, but they could not affect the people at the center of the whirlpools in the slightest.

Ash rode on Lugia's back, with Blastoise beside him, its bent spoon pointing straight at the very center of the whirlpool...

After the Whirl Islands Tournament ended, Ash didn't leave immediately; he had one last thing to do.

Blastoise's path to becoming stronger lies hidden within this vortex!

"Let's go." After confirming that his partner was ready, Ash activated the power of Poseidon and dived into the sea with Lugia and Blastoise.

They are now at the very center of the Whirlpool Islands, where the four great whirlpools converge. The water here is very clear, and as they dive deeper, Ash can even clearly see the swirling whirlpools not far away.

It was as if four tireless turbines were constantly churning the water, while simultaneously repelling all foreign impurities.

Clearly, Blastoises would also be considered impurities by them.

If Lugia hadn't led the way, and if Ash hadn't used the power of Poseidon to calm it down, those terrifying vortexes would probably have immediately swept over it, tearing at its body relentlessly.

They dived down to the seabed—an open area covered by four whirlpools, seemingly calm but actually turbulent.

This is the training ground guided by the bent spoon, and also Lugia's former residence.

“This is it,” Lugia nodded. “This place is surrounded by whirlpools, so there will be no one to interfere. You can train here without worry… However, the water pressure and turbulent currents here are very strong, so Blastoise might suffer a bit.”

After all, it's the lair of a first-level god; only Lugia could possibly enjoy this place.

Let alone ordinary Pokémon, even its son Silver can't stand it now!

"What's your opinion?" Ash asked Blastoise.

For such an unconventional way to become stronger, he would definitely carefully consult his partner's opinion to ensure that he genuinely wanted to take this step.

"Kame!" Blastoise nodded firmly.