Ash, with his invincible physical body, wants to become a Pokémon Master.

Chapter 361 Pokémon Contest

After the thank-you ceremony, Musashi, still feeling unsatisfied, thought about his prized hair and kicked the rice spoon snake a few more times.

"Jessie, this Pokémon's personality is too nasty. If it stays here, it will definitely continue to bully other Pokémon."

"It's rare that you managed to defeat it. Why don't you try taming the Sparrow Serpent and raising it?"

Hearing Kojiro say this, Musashi glanced at the Eel at his feet and thought of Arbok from the past, his eyes softening instantly.

"Fine, they're all snakes after all."

She immediately threw out a Poké Ball, and the Seviper was captured before it could struggle for long.

"Consider yourself lucky. I, Jessie, a future superstar, am currently lacking Pokémon."

"From now on, you'll take Arbok's place and contribute well to my Contest of Fame journey, hahaha!"

Suddenly, Musashi felt a little lost.

"Sigh, I wonder how Arbok is doing these days."

Although she was holding a Seviper Poké Ball, Jessie's mind was filled with thoughts of Arbok.

Sadly, even the Pokémon world has its own stand-in literature.

"If it's Arbok and Weezing, I was contacted by staff members involved in the construction of the protected area not long ago."

"They observed traces of a large group of Pokémon, consisting of Koffing and Ekans, moving and inhabiting the forest."

"The leaders among them are Arbok and Weezing. You can go and take a look when the time comes."

"Ah, that familiar voice!"

Only then did Musashi and his group notice Ash and his friends, and quickly waved to greet them.

"Oh, so you guys are here too, boss."

"That was a beautiful fight, Musashi."

"Yes, Miss Musashi is amazing!"

Ash and May returned the Pokémon to their Poké Balls and then applauded Jessie's performance.

But then Xiao Sheng raised a question.

"Can a trainer charge into battle carrying a Pokémon?"

"Of course, Xiaosheng, isn't this normal?" Xiaozhi said seriously.

"Is this normal? —"

Although he still had some doubts, since Ash had said so, Brock could only assume that he was not skilled enough and quickly went to applaud Jessie.

"Hehehe, thank you for the compliments. I, Musashi, am destined to become a top-tier Coordinator, so being beautiful and strong is only natural!"

Musashi remained as confident as ever, accepting all praise and compliments without question, regardless of whether they were flattery or not.

"But Ms. Musashi, what is a top-tier Coordinator? Is it related to your flashy battle style just now?"

"What?! You new girl, you don't even know about Trainer Coordinators and Contests?!"

"My name is Haruka—"

"I know."

Musashi simply liked to call all girls younger than her "little girl".

"Big sister, let me tell you, the Hoenn region is the birthplace of Pokémon Contests. As a local of Hoenn, you should at least know a little about it."

When Musashi heard Haruka's question, he was as surprised as if he were hearing a girl whose family owned a cosmetics shop say that she had never worn makeup before.

But there was nothing she could do; Xiaoyao had always only been interested in which places had delicious food and where cute dolls were sold.

Because of childhood trauma, she even deliberately avoids anything related to Pokémon.

However, perhaps because of the admiration in Haruka's eyes and the earnestness with which she clapped earlier, Musashi, for once, played the role of a caring older sister and gave Haruka a lesson.

"That Pokémon Contest, you know, it's about making Pokémon sparkle and shine, and then the trainers get all excited too!"

"----,ah?"

"Oh, Musashi, who would understand what you're saying?"

This guy has always been enthusiastic but lacks knowledge, and in the end, Kojiro has to explain things to him.

"May, the Pokémon Contest is a competition that allows trainers to fully showcase the beauty and cuteness of their Pokémon—"

"Whether it's cuteness, strength, intelligence, or beauty, whoever can best showcase the charm of Pokémon is the winning Coordinator."

"Wow, that's amazing! It showcases the beauty and cuteness of Pokémon. It sounds fantastic!"

May listened intently, her eyes shining, much more so than when Ash was explaining the rules of the gym challenge.

"So, Ms. Musashi, are you planning to become a Pokémon Coordinator now?"

"Of course! I'm already preparing for the next grand competition, aiming to win at the grand, spectacular celebration that everyone's watching!"

"That's not easy. Being a Coordinator is no easier than being a Battle Trainer."

At this moment, Xiao Sheng pushed up his glasses and came over to add to the discussion. Compared to his sister, he had much more knowledge.

"As far as I know, you need to collect at least five ribbon medals to participate in major celebrations."

"And in each grand competition, only the winner receives the magnificent ribbon medal."

"Each tournament has at least a hundred trainers participating, and it is already quite difficult to win, let alone to obtain five medals."

"Then, during the grand celebration, you'll have to compete with other excellent Coordinators who have also collected all five Ribbon Medals—"

"Yeah, it's really not easy." Ash compared it to the League tournament and realized it was no easier than the League tournament.

Xiaoyao was completely stunned.

"That's so complicated."

"Of course, sister. Battle trainers and coordinators are the two most mainstream paths for Pokémon trainers today, so the competition is naturally very fierce."

"Miss Musashi, what you just demonstrated was the technique used in the Pokémon Grand Battle during the second round of the Grand Contest, right?"

"That's right, it takes a long time to train to perfectly control the interaction between the missile needle and the seed machine gun."

Musashi devoted a great deal of effort to training for this, and Kojiro was even blown away by the blast several times.

"But no problem, no problem, who do you think I am!"

"The Pokémon Contest is a globally popular and highly anticipated competition. Whoever becomes the top Coordinator is the star among star trainers!"

"And from now on, the biggest star in the world will definitely be me, Musashi!"

"Oh ha ha ha—" Musashi suddenly burst into laughter as he spoke.

She could almost see herself becoming a top coordination trainer, gracing the covers of fashion magazines, receiving countless endorsement deals, and feeling "amazing" every day.

Previously, because Kojiro's machine malfunctioned and blew the entire building into the air, the three of them were once again plunged into debt.

They even overspent Ash's salary until the second half of the year, and Sundae almost tore them apart.

The Grand Contest is a rare opportunity for them to turn their lives around; it would be too painful to return to poverty after enjoying a good life.

Kojiro and Meowth: "Musashi, you absolutely have to succeed!"

The three of them seemed to possess a magical power; no matter how high their salaries were, money could never stay with them.

"But as long as I can become a top-tier Coordinator, I won't be afraid of any more debt in the future. Kojiro, Meowth, do your best to assist me!"

"Meow, that's what they say, but usually it's Kojiro and me who are in charge of taking care of the Pokémon."

"But having confidence is a good thing." Ash smiled as he looked at the trio who had shaken off their bad mood and were full of energy again.

"That's good. If you've finished everything you need to do, Musashi, then go ahead and pursue your dreams!"

"Your ability to become a top-notch coordination trainer will also be a great benefit to the company."

"Really? Boss!"

"Meow meow, we will definitely do our best!"

They had submitted their application, but it hadn't been approved yet, which made Musashi very anxious. But now Ash had personally agreed.

"Um, if you could provide a little more financial assistance, boss—"

At this moment, Kojiro approached with a fawning expression, but was decisively rejected by Satoshi.

"Get lost, no discussion!"

"Ah, I knew it!"

Trying to squeeze money out of Ash for things that aren't related to Pokémon? Dream on.

As an adult, you should be responsible for your own affairs and pay your own debts.

The big explosion was caused by Kojiro and his friends trying to skip out on their meal because they forgot their money. It's already pretty good that Ash didn't kill the three guys.

However, since they were his contracted beasts after all, Ash, as their master (the real Ash), still made a promise.

"If Musashi can make it into the top eight at the major festival, I will give you all a bonus."

"Yay!" ×3

After the three of them finished eating lunch, Ash immediately pulled Jessie and James to help him continue training for doubles battles.

The opposing team used Seviper and Lava Hound, while Ash used Treecko and Taillow.

After the Swellow stepped in to save the Treecko, their relationship has improved a lot.

Even if they accidentally hit each other again due to poor coordination, they will not immediately fall into an angry quarrel that affects the battle.

After multiple rounds of battles, they became increasingly coordinated.

"Spiked Snake, use Black Mist!"

"Desert Naya, use the poison needle now!"

The Seviper on the field released a large amount of black smoke, successfully concealing the two Pokémon.

Meanwhile, Desert Nyarlathotep moved rapidly back and forth, unleashing a barrage of poison needles towards Treekia in an instant.

"Greek, jump onto Tailspring's back to dodge the attack."

Treekie and Swellow exchanged a knowing glance, and Treekie immediately jumped onto Swellow's back, flying into the air to evade the attack.

"here you go!"

Their teamwork had finally reached a point where it didn't require special attention, and Ash immediately gave instructions.

"Toughswan uses its wings to blow away the smoke, and Treecko takes the opportunity to use its slap!"

"Spar!"

"Squeak!"

The powerful gust of wind generated by the flapping of its wings instantly blew up the black smoke, revealing the silhouette of the Spoon Snake.

The Treekie immediately leaped off the back of the Swellow, using gravity to accelerate its spin and swing its tail at the Scyther's head.

"Ah, Desert Nyarlathotep, hurry and rescue us!"

"Proud Swallow, wing attack!"

The moment Seviper fell, Nyx Assassin was also knocked away, and both Pokémon lost their ability to battle at the same time.

[Ding! Wood Gecko: Affection +2; Intimacy +2]

[Ding! Aoguyan: Favorability +2: Intimacy +2]

Upon its victory, the Taillow immediately took flight in celebration, while the Treecko remained cool, still holding a twig in its beak.

But when the proud swallow flew over and stretched out its wings to clap hands with it, the tree gecko still silently extended its hand.

With a snap, their friendship officially began.

"Boss, we've finished five matches, can we go now, meow?"

Meowth, acting as an off-site participant, is responsible for treating Pokémon that have fallen to the ground.

Since the start of the battle, it has been lifting the heavy head of the Spoon Snake and the spiky, round body of the Desert Nyarlathotep until its claws are sore.

After another battle, it asked Ash with an expectant tone.

"You've won all five matches, boss. Even if we let Kojiro and the others fight again, it won't be of any training effect. So please let us go."

"Yeah, boss."

"Alright, alright, I got it. That was the last match. You don't need to fight anymore."

To be honest, Kojiro and his friends are still better at battles than May was before, but Ash isn't some kind of demon, so seeing how tired they were, he naturally let them go.

"By the way, Musashi, do your best in the upcoming Grand Contest."

"Don't worry, boss, I'll definitely win and show you!"

After saying that, they left happily, ready to go and see the place where Arbok and Weezing were said to be.

"Miss Musashi has such a commanding presence; her confidence is truly enviable."

Watching Musashi and the others walk away, Haruka couldn't help but sigh.

She has been in a state of aimlessness since the start of her journey. Even when she went to challenge the gym, it was only because Ash wanted to go. She didn't know what to do and just blindly followed along.

But not long ago, something seemed to have suddenly been touched within her.

For the rest of the afternoon, May kept thinking about the Pokémon Contests, and even stole Winston's Pokémon Navigator to watch several recorded Pokémon Contests.

Finally, before going to bed at night, Xiaoyao awkwardly came to the campfire and sat down next to Xiaozhi.

"Hey Satoshi and Brock, I have something I'd like to discuss with you guys."

"It's about the Pokémon Contest, isn't it?" Ash and Max said in unison.

"Oh, how did you know?"

"You're being too obvious."

Ash had been watching May's excited expression when she heard James and the others talk about the Grand Contest.

"If you want to go, then go for it, Haruka."

"I will support you in whatever you decide to do."

[Ding! Xiaoyao: Affection +2]

"Ash, thank you!"

"Well, I always knew that my sister wasn't cut out to be a battle trainer, so it's good to change her target."

"Hey, I just found what I really wanted to do. Don't make it sound like I'm deliberately avoiding battles because they're too difficult!"

Originally moved and wanting to hug Ash, May was instantly drawn away by Max's hatred.

The iron fist smashed down on the younger brother's head, and the two siblings started arguing again.

"But May, even if you want to become a Pokémon Coordinator, you can't slack off on battle training."

"An excellent Coordinator is often also an excellent Battle Trainer."

"That's right, just like that famous Michael."

Taking advantage of the opportunity to escape from his sister's clutches, Max agreed with what Ash said.

"Mickey is not only a top-notch Coordinator, but also an outstanding fighter."

"And there are rumors that he has started challenging the Hoenn Champion League. I wonder what the outcome will be."

"Oh, I know about that."

This matter is quite famous; even Xiaoyao has heard of it.

"I heard that Mr. Mikuri and Champion Daigo have been friends and rivals since the beginning of their careers, and their strengths are very similar. Their duel is really something to look forward to."

"I want to fight both of them, Michael and Steven!"

Upon hearing the names of two powerful trainers, Ash's fighting spirit was ignited.

"Xiaoyao, you can't be distracted during training tomorrow. Your physical training is about to begin, and I'm going to be very strict."

.

"Don't worry, Ash, I'll definitely keep going!"

The lively and erudite May is now embarking on her journey to becoming a top-tier Coordinator!

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