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

Chapter 694 Teaching, Reminiscing... and the Star Child of Light and Darkness!

Sure enough, Nanami perked up immediately upon hearing that Serena wanted to become a Coordinator.

"Let me tell you, the Contest of Grandeur... especially the Contest of Hoenn, no matter how high-level they boast about it, the core is actually just that little bit."

When talking about her professional field, Nanami showed extraordinary pride.

"The first round of review, which focuses on the so-called charm of Pokémon, is really only looking at their appearance and skills. Everything else is just fluff."

According to Nanami, to participate in a Pokémon Contest in Hoenn, a Pokémon must possess at least one of the following qualities: cuteness, elegance, or beauty.

Don't try other styles; they're not helpful for beginners at all.

Of course, if the trainer also has a good appearance, they will undoubtedly have a greater advantage... However, the audience and judges will not admit this.

They're professionals, how could you give them scores based on looks?

The techniques are targeted combinations of special moves based on the three physical characteristics mentioned above, and basically consist of things like sprinkling powder, setting off fireworks, and acrobatic performances.

Pokémon with different appearances must be paired with moves of the corresponding direction; otherwise, there will be a lack of universal recognition.

For example, Ash's move of using Milotic's Mud Shot to smear Green's face when fighting Green was indeed a powerful weapon in flashy battles, but using it in the first round of the performance would draw a lot of criticism.

Such beautiful Milotic shouldn't be associated with mud or stains; this is a common perception, or you could call it a stereotype.

As for anything outside of the performance, Nanami doesn't need to explain anything at all.

Even a spectacular battle is still a battle. With Ash, who surpasses even the Champion, guiding her, Serena is bound to become the nightmare of all Coordinators.

"Hmm, I think I understand..." Serena said with a hint of regret.

Nanami's explanations emphasized practicality too much, almost extinguishing the girl's hard-won dream.

Indeed, there is a gap between dreams and reality.

Turning a hobby into a career always requires sacrificing some romance...

"Salina, what I'm saying may sound pragmatic, but if you can't achieve results, no matter how ambitious you are, it's useless," Nanami earnestly advised.

Coordinators have a distinct performative quality, but it is people—the judges and the audience—who determine the success or failure of a performance.

The differences in the level of grand competitions in different regions ultimately stem from the varying levels of appreciation abilities among the local people.

To gain recognition for one's performance philosophy, in addition to ensuring one's ability, one also needs the support of fame and honor.

Most trainers don't need to do this. If you're not convinced, just fight me. I may not win the championship, but I'm still better than you.

On the other hand, the Coordinator... you've been around for so many years and you don't even have a Ribbon Trophy. Who can believe your boasts?

So what if you can beat me? I just think your performance was bad, and I'm not the only one who thinks so.

Therefore, a novice trainer must first learn to cater to popular tastes... and then must win the ribbon trophy as soon as possible!

Only top-tier coordination trainers are truly considered beginners, qualified to pursue their own goals and promote their ideas to others.

If you can reach the level of Michael, no matter how you act or how outrageous your clothes are, you will have countless fans.

"In addition, there are many top Coordinators in various regions who are no longer competing but are still active. You should take the opportunity to learn from them in person." Nanami gave valuable advice. "Aren't you going to Hoenn again soon? I happen to have some connections and can introduce you."

"Uh... I think Nanami-neechan teaches very well." Serena didn't actually want to change teachers frequently.

“The main reason I took you to them was to support you,” Nanami explained. “If they just praise you a few times in professional magazines, your performance will at least be treated fairly, and you will face much less pressure in the first round of auditions.”

"Oh..." Serena nodded, seemingly understanding.

Nanami's first lesson didn't involve much fighting; it was all about interpersonal relationships and social dynamics, which Serena needed some time to process.

However, she also confirmed that even if she saw the true nature of the Coordinator, she would still continue on her path and was determined to achieve something!

Then let her do her best!

...

After leaving the two girls to practice one-on-one, Ash went out to visit his close friend, who was much older than him, in the area…

"Wang?"

That's right, Ash was talking about the long-haired dog.

When Ash arrived at its home, it was sunbathing while keeping an eye on Litten as it trained its Blaze Fang.

Upon seeing Ash, the long-haired dog immediately sat up and barked excitedly.

"Meow?" Litten stopped practicing and trotted over to rub against Ash's pant leg.

"Hello," Ash greeted, but didn't start playing.

Kittens have this kind of personality: they're fine with being affectionate with you on their own initiative, but if you take the initiative, they'll get annoyed.

After half a year, both the long-haired dog and the fire-spotted cat are doing quite well.

Before leaving, Xiao Zhi specifically instructed someone to take care of them. The place where they live now has been renovated and looks like a carefully built kennel in the wild.

Both Pokémon were quite healthy, with Litten being particularly shiny and healthy, clearly indicating excellent nutrition.

However, the long-haired dog became even weaker...

That's caused by aging; conditioning can only alleviate the symptoms, not cure it completely.

"Firefly, go play with your friends!" "Woof!"

Ash sent out Rockruff, which greeted Litten familiarly.

"Meow... Meow!!" Litten was still twitching its whiskers, thinking that this Pokémon captured by humans wasn't all that great, it hadn't changed in half a year... but then Rockruff evolved into Wolf of the Day.

Perhaps feeling it wasn't impressive enough, it immediately transformed into a night wolf and defiantly brandished a powerful fang.

Now, not only the Fire-spotted Cat, but even the long-haired dog was in an uproar!

After half a year apart, the difference between the two Pokémon has become like a chasm!

"You two go for a walk together," Ash winked at Lycan. "Teach Litten the Flame Fang move from earlier in more detail."

"Woof!" Lycanroc understood and immediately carried Litten to the nearby forest, leaving Ash and his dog alone.

"Long-haired dog, your health is becoming increasingly worrying," Ash said sincerely, then unleashed his Psychic power. "I have some other methods that might help you..."

"Woof!" Before he could finish speaking, the long-haired dog, sensing his mood, once again insisted on refusing.

(Child, don't waste your precious energy on me.)

(But…)

(It's okay.) The long-haired dog shook its head indifferently.

Nowadays, Ash has many ways to help long-haired dogs.

It can share its life force, or request Ho-Oh to revive it after it dies...

You could even wait until you find Jirachi and use a wish to help the long-haired dog go back to its youth.

But the long-haired dog refused all of them.

All it wants now is to entrust Litten to Ash and then spend its final days in peace.

Since they've met this time, it hopes that Xiao Zhineng will officially tame the Fire Spotted Cat and let this little cat find its true home!

"Sorry, you've rejected me twice. This time it's my turn to reject you." Ash shook his head seriously. "I can guarantee to provide Litten with everything a trainer can do, but I won't catch it now."

"Wang?"

"It needs your company... and you need it too." Ash smiled gently. "Let it stay with you as much as possible, witness its growth during these last moments, until you're sure you can leave in peace, okay?"

"Woof~" The long-haired dog whimpered softly and gently rubbed against Xiaozhi's palm.

Xiao Zhi now has a Z-Crystal in his hand.

Colorless crystals are generally Z.

According to the long-haired dog, this was picked up by Litten when it went out to play, and now it's a perfect gift for Ash.

“I will cherish this opportunity. Take good care of yourself. I will come to see you whenever I have time… Lycanroc will also stay here and will officially begin teaching Litten starting today.”

"Woof!" Ash's arrangements were very meticulous, and the long-haired dog had no objections.

"That's all for now, goodbye."

After finishing his reunion with his old friend, Ash couldn't tell whether he should be sad or happy, but he would respect the long-haired dog's choice and would definitely fulfill its last wish!

Next, we need to plan Litten's growth in detail...

While pondering the key points of raising kittens, Ash unexpectedly encountered the second guardian deity of Alola while passing through a forest.

Tapu Koko on the main island, and Tapu Fini, who is nominally Ash's superior.

"What are you two doing... Wait! That's a Cosmog?!"

Ash was about to ask a question when he suddenly sensed an unfamiliar aura, and then found the little guy fast asleep in Fizz's arms.

The color scheme of the universe, the cloud-shaped Pokémon, the legendary Star Child!

“You really did recognize it,” Tapu Fizz remarked. “Then let’s get straight to the point. This was entrusted to us by the Sun God and the Moon God, who hope you can protect the Star Child… but they didn’t explain the specific reason.”

"Protect Cosmog..." Ash couldn't help but fall into deep thought.

There is this scene in the anime, where Ash was seen in a dream by the Sun and Moon gods... but he didn't have a similar dream himself.

Besides, isn't this a bit too early?