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

“Next time, I mainly came to convey Ash’s message.” Nanami shook her head seriously, “Dalno and Cynthia, Ash doesn’t want you to accept the challenge.”

"Why?" Cynthia asked, frowning.

“The problem has been solved. Mr. Watari will personally participate in the battle,” Nanami explained with a smile. “With him, a champion who oversees two leagues, backing us up, the identity of the third challenger can be more flexible. If you two are willing, you can just cheer him on a bit more.”

“Shouting encouragement is fine, but we won’t be clamoring to marry him, okay?” Karuno teased with a squinting smile, instantly making Nanami blush.

“We’ll cheer him on, and please tell Ash when you get back…to thank him,” Cynthia said gratefully.

She and Karuno were well aware of Nanami's intentions.

Ash must have already anticipated that they might want to help, which is why he sent Nanami to stop them personally.

These two female champions are not in a stable position in their respective leagues. If they really lose to Ash in front of everyone, who knows what kind of disdain they will face when they go back?

There's no such problem if Lance is involved; his reputation in the Greater City is on par with Ash's, so it doesn't matter who wins or loses.

Furthermore, he still remembers Ash's idea of ​​a major league, and he can't wait to lose to Ash so that Kanto, Johto, and Alola can be officially merged into a major league, with Ash becoming the champion!

Thus, three candidates were selected for the Royal Champions match, with only one remaining to be determined.

But just as everyone was anxiously waiting for the ceremony to begin, some rumors started circulating from somewhere.

For example, "Ash has already infiltrated Alola, so his championship is predetermined," and "Ash is going to compete in Gakuen this time to secure an enclave for his hometown"...

Some of the messages circulating online even explicitly stated that Ash would definitely challenge Steven!

Everyone knows he's at odds with Hoenn and recently committed a major crime in Larousse, so they'll definitely take this opportunity to put Hoenn down...

Just as these malicious rumors were gaining traction, the competition organizing committee officially announced the final participant.

United Champions, Adej!

Chapter 851 Before the Ceremony, the Movements of All Parties

"Investigate! Whoever is deliberately spreading rumors must be thoroughly investigated and brought to the bottom of this!"

Inside the competition organizing committee's office, Nanami's face was frosty, and the oppressive atmosphere surrounding her made even Biko and the others afraid to say a word.

Everyone had worked together to get to this point, and the problems were being solved one by one. Only the final ceremony remained, but then something went wrong. How could Nanami not be angry!

"Nanami-neechan, calm down first. Let's solve the problem first," Xiao Lan, who was with them, quickly advised.

It should be said that not all of those circulating privately are rumors.

The Alola Champion title was indeed predetermined, decided by Ash's skill and the favor of the four Guardian Deities.

As for Ash's infiltration of Alola, just look at Nanami; this powerful businesswoman has almost completely taken control of the Aether Foundation.

Although Biko was nominally an organizer, she didn't dare to breathe loudly if Nanami glared at her.

The fact that those hidden mice would spread such rumors shows that they do know something about Ash to some extent.

As for their origins, it's actually quite easy to guess that they are definitely related to the families of Hoenn.

Otherwise, why would they want to criticize Daigo?

And then there's Larus. Bringing up that story at a time like this is clearly the usual tactic of some media outlets in Hoenn—they're back to their usual tearful attempts to gain sympathy.

However, Xiao Lan didn't care about these clowns; dealing with them would be easy for her.

With her abilities, she could easily trace back to the IP addresses of those rumor-mongering posts, then pinpoint their device locations, and catch them red-handed.

Moreover, even if she doesn't make the arrest, someone related to her will definitely come forward at the press conference.

Spreading rumors in the athletes' village is such a low-level tactic; at best, it's just a rather clumsy prelude.

The real focus of their operation was the subsequent on-site statement to the world!

"Miss Blue, please catch these people as soon as possible," Bicka pleaded anxiously. "This not only concerns Mr. Ash, but it will also affect the entire Alola League. We absolutely cannot let them cause trouble at the press conference!"

"There's no need for that. We just need to pinpoint the suspect's location." Xiao Lan shook her head with a smile. "They'd better dare to come forward at the press conference... Just trust Xiao Zhi. He's just waiting for a chance to unleash his power."

Ash has almost all the evidence in his hands. If it turns out that it was indeed a reporter from Hoenn who caused the trouble, he certainly wouldn't mind sharing Larus's true colors with the world at the press conference.

"In short, everyone can rest assured that the following procedures will go smoothly, and neither Ash nor the Alola League will be affected in any way."

Xiao Lan's attitude seemed nonchalant, but it actually revealed a strong sense of self-confidence... while also concealing deep anger!

She actually values ​​Xiaozhi's coronation ceremony more than anyone else.

She will definitely not let them get away with causing trouble at this time!

“We will definitely do our job well,” Biko immediately assured, and the other committee members nodded in agreement.

Most of them came from the Ether Foundation and had already experienced Blue's power firsthand in the past.

The rumors certainly caught us off guard, and Ash, as the person involved, needs to avoid suspicion... But as long as Blue is around, no one can turn Alola upside down!

Meanwhile, in another VIP room, Kukui and Lance, along with Gary, were having a detailed conversation with Alder, who had agreed to participate in the battle that evening.

“Mr. Adek, thank you so much for accepting the challenge,” Kukui said gratefully on behalf of the group. “We thought only Mr. Wataru would respond…”

"Ha, a stage of this caliber is one you'd regret for the rest of your life if you missed it," Adek laughed heartily. "Besides, even Wu lost to Tomotaro in the preliminaries, so as his teacher, I naturally want to redeem my disciple's honor."

That's what they said, but they all knew in their hearts that Adek was offering his help on his own initiative.

After all, those rumor-mongers are indeed insidious. Even if Ash didn't have that intention, they would still try to undermine Steven, ultimately forcing him to participate in the battle.

What they really wanted was this move. As long as Daigo dared to go on stage, no matter what he said, it would be too late to explain.

Aldak's acceptance of the challenge at this time was like sending charcoal in snowy weather.

However, his way of addressing Xiaozhi is really speechless...

“In any case, thank you very much.” Kukui thanked him again.

“Dr. Kukui, I have a question,” Adeke suddenly asked. “The rumors outside are rampant, and the Hoenn media’s coverage of the Larus incident is quite detailed… Under these circumstances, are you still willing to trust Chitaro? Is it simply because he is the so-called King of the Island?”

“That’s only one reason. We believe the Guardian Spirit won’t misjudge people!” Kukui nodded firmly. “More importantly, Ash has indeed put in countless hardships for Alola and the whole world, which is common knowledge. But there are always some villains who constantly slander and defame Ash because Ash has harmed their own interests!”

"Now that Ash has become the champion of Alola, I can guarantee that all Alolans, including myself, will unconditionally support him! We will never tolerate anything like this again!!"

"Our Kanto-Johto League will not tolerate this either. Ash has always been our senior investigator and the bulwark of the entire League. I will not let this go lightly!" Lance was clearly furious. He had probably guessed which faction the rumor-mongers belonged to and was itching to teach them a lesson.

"I experienced what happened in Larus firsthand," Shigeru added, confirming. "That battle tower was a den of iniquity and should have been completely razed long ago!"

He briefly explained the situation to Adek, who frowned deeply after hearing it.

"If what Motaro said is true, then what Tomotaro did is truly gratifying," Adek concluded with a sigh.

Of course, his way of addressing Xiao Mao is equally both funny and absurd.

As time progressed toward the evening ceremony, with the help of many people such as Xiao Lan and Xiao Mao, although there were some rumors circulating on the artificial island, they did not escalate into a bigger incident.

Xiao Zhi stayed indoors during this time, avoiding suspicion while patiently waiting for the ceremony to begin.

However, Xiaoyao did come to see him.

Seeing the girl's hesitant expression, Xiaozhi guessed her purpose.

"Is it Mr. Senri or Mr. Daigo's request?" Ash asked with a smile.

“It was… the champion who personally asked me to…” Xiaoyao stammered, “He wanted me to convey his apologies, and said… he really didn’t know anything about what happened this time…”

“Mr. Daigo, you really didn’t have to do this…” Ash shook his head with a sigh. “He is him, Larus is Larus, Hoenn is Hoenn. I’ve always kept those distinctions. Besides, he was also one of the ones who were tricked in this incident.”

“In that case…” Xiaoyao’s face showed a hint of joy.

She had been very nervous, but seeing that Xiaozhi didn't seem angry, she gradually relaxed.

"Please pass on this message for me... If this whole thing is just Larus orchestrating it, I won't involve Hoenn, just because of the name Daigo Zuvoki."

"Yes!" Xiaoyao nodded immediately upon hearing this; this was definitely the best news.

With Hoenn on one side and Ash on the other, May is starting to feel trapped and unable to move forward. She sincerely hopes that they will stop their hostility from continuing.

Thankfully, Ash wasn't angry, that's really great...

"Also, next time if anything happens, have him contact me directly," Xiao Zhi continued to instruct. "Why did you have to be dragged into this? It makes you so worried."

“Eh…” Xiaoyao was taken aback. She could indeed feel Xiaozhi’s care; he completely understood her difficulties.

A warm feeling gradually welled up in Xiaoyao's heart.

"Alright, you can go back now," Xiao Zhi said with a smile. "Don't forget to cheer me on tonight!"

"Definitely!" the girl happily agreed, skipping and hopping away from the room.

After May left, Ash's expression gradually became serious.

Suddenly, a majestic lion appeared behind him.

"Did everything all happen at once...?" Ash looked out the window; the sun was already very close to the horizon...

Just now, Solgaleo sensed a disturbance in the Ultimate Aura... and the location was above the Manaro Arena!

Chapter 852 Coronation, Royal Champions Clash!

In Alora at dusk, the setting sun steadily sinks below the distant horizon, gradually dimming its last rays.

But at this moment, the Manaro Arena was brightly lit, with countless fireworks exploding in the sky, the colorful lights rivaling even the red glow of the sunset.

All the spectators waited excitedly, counting down in their hearts for the grand ceremony to begin…