Pokémon, Ash's art style is off!

Xiao Zhi asked curiously.

"Eh? Does Miss Rika have any suggestions?"

"A large-scale 'Martial Arts Tournament' will be held on the outskirts of Yuhong City in about a week."

Rika said slowly, her gaze seemingly glancing at Ash's eyes, which had suddenly lit up.

"Martial Arts Conference?!"

Xiao Zhi's tone suddenly rose, and his body unconsciously leaned forward.

"Yes, although it is not an officially certified league by the alliance, it is jointly sponsored by the Yuhong City government and several well-known chambers of commerce, and it has a good reputation among fighting enthusiasts in Kanto and even a wider range of areas."

Rika spoke slowly and deliberately, observing Ash's increasingly fervent expression.

"Ash, your ultimate goal should be to win the tournament, right?"

"If that's the case, participating in such a competition that emphasizes the atmosphere of a major tournament between gym challenges would be an excellent opportunity to gain valuable experience."

"That sounds amazing!"

Ash could already picture the intense competition in his mind.

"Is it one of those... tournaments where a lot of trainers gather together and battle with Fighting-type Pokémon?"

“It’s not limited to Fighting-type Pokémon,” Rika corrected with a smile. “Pokémon of any type can participate, but the competition rules focus more on close combat and on-the-spot adaptability, encouraging direct clashes of power and skill.”

"It's a great exercise for both the trainer's and Pokémon's physical fitness and willpower."

"Although the history of the tournament is not very long, it has produced several renowned champions."

She paused slightly, as if recalling something.

"One of them was Mr. Mastad, a legendary trainer and martial artist from the Galar region who later became world-famous."

"Mastad?!" Xiaoxia exclaimed, "Is he the former champion of the Galar region and the mentor of the current champion, Dante?"

“It is him.” Rika nodded, then added another name, “There is another one, who is one of the Four Heavenly Kings of our Kanto region, Master Shiba.”

"Hiba!" Ash's breathing quickened, his fists clenched, and his eyes burned with fighting spirit. "Master Hiba participated too?! And he even won the championship?!"

"That was something from Master Shiba's youth."

Seeing that Ash's fighting spirit had been completely ignited, Rika knew the time was ripe and asked in a gentle tone.

"How about it, Ash? Interested in staying and giving it a try? The tournament starts in a few days, so it won't interfere with your schedule too much."

"I'll participate! Of course I'll participate!"

Xiao Zhi was filled with enthusiasm.

"Being able to battle Fighting-type trainers, and maybe even encounter an opponent with a style like Master Shiba! That's awesome!"

He turned eagerly to his travel companion.

"Xiaogang, Xiaoxia, what do you think?"

Xiao Gang didn't have any objections.

It was just Xiaoxia.

She hesitated, sensing something amiss in Lijia's eyes.

"in addition……"

Lijia turned her gaze to Xiaoxia, as if mentioning it casually.

"It just so happens that the department store in downtown Yuhong is holding a large-scale promotional carnival these days, and many Kanto region exclusive products will be on display."

Her tone became lighter as she continued to drop bombshells.

"Furthermore, our most renowned perfume workshop in Yuhong City will also be holding a special experience session at the department store, where you can personally blend your own unique perfume."

"Department store carnival! Rare items! And you can even blend your own perfume?!"

Xiaoxia's eyes lit up instantly, and her earlier hesitation vanished immediately.

She couldn't help but grab Xiaozhi's arm and shake it.

"Did you hear that, Ash? We absolutely have to go!"

Ash was still lost in his fantasy of the martial arts tournament, nodding blankly.

"Huh? Oh, okay..."

Xiao Gang blinked, first looking at the enthusiastic Xiao Zhi, then at the excited Xiao Xia, and finally casting a hopeful glance at Li Jia.

They all offered tempting terms.

And what about me? What about me?

There should be something, right?

He ignored Xiao Gang's gaze.

Lijia seized the opportunity to build the railway.

"Since you two have decided to stay, I'll arrange your accommodations for the next few days."

"You have come from afar and experienced such a... intense battle at the dojo."

"As the head of Yuhong Dojo, it is only right and proper for me to do my part as a host and treat you well."

"There are private guest rooms behind the dojo, specifically for visiting trainers, scholars, or guests. The environment is quiet and elegant, and the facilities are complete. It's also convenient for you to prepare for battle and rest in peace. What do you think?"

"Huh? Is that alright? Won't that be too much trouble for you?"

Xiao Zhi scratched his head somewhat embarrassedly.

"Of course not, it would be our honor."

Lijia had a gentle smile.

"It's settled then."

"I'll take you to the guesthouse to settle in now."

As he spoke, he led the way.

They gestured for Xiaozhi and Xiaoxia to follow.

"Detailed registration process, competition rules, and guide map and reservation method for the Department Store Carnival and Perfume Workshop Experience."

"I'll compile a complete document later and send it to your room..."

The sound grew farther and farther away.

The three chatted as they walked, leaving Xiao Gang still standing there, bewildered.

"???"

106. Ash... fell down!

The next day.

Morning, Yuhong City.

Ash walked out of the Pokémon Center with Pikachu and Misty, and Brock followed behind.

As for why Xiaogang was also there—

That was naturally because last night at dinner time, Xiao Zhi couldn't bear to see Teacher Gang all alone, so he insisted.

Lijia reluctantly arranged accommodation for Xiaogang.

Although the process involved some persuasion, the outcome was ultimately positive.

As he stepped out the door, Xiao Zhi suddenly grabbed his collar, brought it close to his clothes, and sniffed it repeatedly, his brows furrowed tightly.

"I still feel like I smell like Gloom!"

"Is there?"

Xiaoxia leaned closer in puzzlement and gently sniffed his shoulder.

"I didn't smell anything. Haven't you already taken several showers?"

Pikachu jumped onto Ash's shoulder.

It sniffed around carefully, then raised its little paw and nodded affirmatively.

"Pickup!"

"That only shows that your cultivation is still not up to par!"

Ash's tone was confident, but his expression showed great distress.

In fact, the scent had been clinging to him ever since he left the dojo.

Even though he had already rinsed himself repeatedly in the shower room at the Pokémon Center.

After breakfast, the three of them had originally agreed to wait for Rika to lead them on a tour of Yuhong City.

But no matter how long he waited, she never appeared.

In the end, it was Ash who smelled something amiss in the air.

Following the scent, we went to find it.

The three of them arrived at a room in the dojo that was marked with the words "No Trespassing - Storage Room".

The moment the door was opened, a strong, pungent stench hit us.

Lijia was lying on the ground.

The stench was coming from the safe in front of her.

Judging from the situation on site.

Xiaoxia analyzed.

She must have accidentally spilled a bottle while retrieving the concentrated osmanthus extract.

Then, unable to withstand the smell, he collapsed on the spot.

In the end, Ash held his breath, ventured deep into the dangerous area, and dragged the already marinated Rika out of the room.