Pokémon, Ash's art style is off!

Let me tell you something you might not know.

"All I can say is that the future looks promising. As for how to train, well... why don't you just follow Ash's example and train hard?"

.....

"Thank you, King Shiba!"

Xiao Zhi bowed deeply, his face full of gratitude.

This guidance was like the sun breaking through the clouds for him.

All I can say is that Dragonite is incredibly reliable, and Lance is also... in good health, yes, in good health!

Shiba waved his hand and smiled nonchalantly.

"Don't thank me yet."

His gaze fell meaningfully on Xiaozhi.

"What I just told you are the most basic things—how to recognize a Pokémon's talent and how to teach it according to its aptitude."

"Any experienced trainer knows these things."

He paused, then emphasized his words.

"But, to defeat that Alola..."

Ash's eyes lit up instantly, and he took a step forward.

"Do you have a solution?"

Shiba's lips curled up slightly, and he crossed his arms over his chest.

"That depends on whether you're willing to learn."

He took a step forward, deliberately drawing out his words.

"I have two profound secrets here."

"Once you master it, your Pokémon's strength will double in a short period of time."

Xiao Zhi's eyes widened, and his breathing became rapid.

"I want to learn! Please teach me!"

Shiba nodded, but his expression became reserved.

"But this... it's a great secret, a closely guarded secret."

He tilted his head slightly, making a gesture that said, "I'm in a difficult position."

"It's hard for me to tell this to just anyone..."

Xiao Zhi paused for a moment, his excitement fading slightly, replaced by a look of disappointment.

"I see..."

Xiaoxia watched this scene silently from the side, her lips twitching violently.

She couldn't bear to watch any longer, so she turned to Xiaozhi's ear, covered her mouth with her hand, and whispered in a tone full of helplessness.

"He wants to take you on as his apprentice!"

"what?"

Xiao Zhi was taken aback, turned his head to look at her, his eyes full of confusion.

Can't you tell?

Xiaoxia counted on her fingers, explaining each point to him in a quick and easy manner.

"First, they take the initiative to offer guidance—this is a demonstration of their strength."

"Then they say the basics are covered—this is the groundwork."

"Then they throw out the 'great secret'—that's bait; finally they emphasize the 'secret that is not passed on'—that's raising the price."

She lowered her hand, her face resolute.

"Isn't this just a blatant way of waiting for you to ask to become my apprentice?"

Shiba's ear twitched slightly.

On the surface, he maintained that nonchalant and aloof demeanor, but inside he was overjoyed.

This girl is savvy!

Yes, yes, that's it! Quickly persuade him!

He tried hard to keep his expression straight, not letting the corners of his mouth turn up too obviously, but his eyes couldn't help but drift towards Ash.

Then he heard Xiao Gang speak.

"Indeed, this is somewhat similar to the plot of the book I read."

"So that's how it is..."

Xiao Zhi nodded in sudden realization.

Ignoring Xiao Gang's words, Shiba was secretly delighted.

Become!

This kid has finally figured it out!

Then he heard Xiaozhi continue speaking.

"Becoming an apprentice is such a big deal, I need to prepare properly!"

Shiba almost lost his composure.

what to prepare?

No preparation needed!

Now! Bow now!

He resisted the urge to say it aloud, and simply nodded reservedly.

"I need to call my mom first and tell her."

Shiba nodded again.

Yes, I should say so.

After all, becoming an apprentice and receiving instruction is a major event!

The encyclopedia connected, and a gentle female voice came from the speaker.

"Oh, it's Ash. What's up?"

Why does that voice sound so familiar?

Shiba's eyes twitched slightly, and he couldn't help but glance at her furtively.

This glance had a significant impact.

The moment I saw that familiar face on the screen, my body trembled violently.

"Oh, Mom, I have something to tell you..."

Before Ash could finish speaking, Shiba rushed forward and pressed down Ash's Pokédex call button.

A fine layer of cold sweat began to appear on his forehead.

"Um...who is your mother?"

His voice was a little dry.

"Hanako."

Xiao Zhi was still wondering why Shiba had hung up on him.

"Hanako from Pallet Town?"

"Huh? How did you know?"

Shiba was silent for three seconds.

Hanako.

Hanako of Pallet Town.

That Hanako?

That woman with unparalleled fighting prowess, who single-handedly defeated Yukinari Oki and forced him into retirement more than a decade ago?

That woman!?

Shiba's face turned pale.

"King Shiba?" Xiaoxia keenly noticed his change and tilted her head to look at him. "What's wrong? You don't look well?"

"I'm not the Heavenly King! You are the Heavenly King!"

Shiba suddenly came to his senses.

He pointed at Xiaoxia, speaking with righteous indignation.

"What nonsense are you just spouting!"

"What do you mean by 'taking a master but not accepting disciples'? How can you say that? I, Shiba, am upright and honest. How could I take advantage of someone in distress?!"

Xiaoxia's eyes widened.

Sheba didn't even look at her and continued his impassioned speech.

"I just can't stand that Alola guy coming to Kanto to bully us! When did it become the place for outsiders to bully our Kanto trainers?"

He walked up to Ash and patted him on the shoulder.

"So I'm teaching you these things purely out of a senior's desire to mentor a junior, and out of a sense of loyalty among Kanto trainers!"

"It has absolutely nothing to do with whether or not you become an apprentice!"

Xiao Zhi blinked, somewhat moved.

"King Shiba..."