Pokémon, Ash's art style is off!

"Hehe! You flatter me, Dr. Kukui!"

Upon hearing this, Xiao Zhi grinned and gave a thumbs up.

"However, that was truly a fantastic battle!"

"Roar!"

The Fiery Roaring Tiger standing to the side also gave a thumbs up.

Me too!

Although we lost, it was such a satisfying game!

Kukui, on the other hand, was much more reserved. He nodded in agreement, his gaze lingering on Ash for a moment.

He sighed.

"I only realized today that there is still so much for me to learn."

In the Alola region, thanks to over a decade of training experience—

He's still too proud!

He thought his strength was at least among the top in the region, and that with his years of tacit understanding with Blazing Roaring Tiger, he could at least hold his own against the masters of Kanto.

The results of it?

He was beaten up like this by a teenager.

Just by coming to Kanto, I was able to meet someone like Satoshi.

Then let's not even talk about other regions.

It seems that heroes are indeed as numerous as carp crossing a river!

Kukui sighed softly.

"By the way, Ash, how long have you been traveling?"

How long will the trip last?

Xiao Zhi tilted his head and thought for a moment.

I haven't really thought about this question carefully.

"Leaving Pallet Town...hmm?" He frowned, trying to recall carefully, "It doesn't seem like...that long?"

"How long is 'not long'?"

Kukui pressed for an answer.

He thought that with Xiaozhi's strength, he should have to train in places like Kanto and Chengdu for a few years.

Three years? Five years?

Or longer?

After all, the path of a trainer is always honed over time.

Which of those who stand at the top didn't climb up step by step?

"Pickup!"

Pikachu, standing nearby, had already started counting on its fingers.

One claw isn't enough, so I'll use two.

They even counted until they couldn't count on their own fingers anymore.

It even reached out its paw and pulled Ash's hand over, continuing to count.

Xiao Zhi let it do whatever it wanted.

"It hasn't been long."

Ash casually remarked, watching Pikachu still struggling with its fingers.

"Maybe a few months? I can't quite remember, anyway, I was busy fighting and collecting Pokémon the whole way."

Kukui's smile froze.

"...a few months?"

"correct."

"Not a few years?"

"No."

"..."

Kukui remained silent.

A long silence followed.

Incineroar looked at its trainer with concern and gently patted his shoulder with its paw.

"Roar."

Cheer up.

Although I've been following you for seventeen years now.

But it's okay, I don't mind.

In one sentence, Kukui suffered another devastating blow.

Seventeen years.

Seventeen years!

How can someone else's few months equal seventeen years of yours?

He stood there like a stone sculpture that had been weathered by the sea breeze for seventeen years.

Xiao Zhi scratched his head, somewhat confused.

"Dr. Kukui? What's wrong?"

Kukui mechanically shook his head.

"No, it's just that I suddenly feel the world of trainers is just too cruel!"

He looked up at the sky, and something seemed to be glistening in the corner of his eye.

"I suddenly realized that I might be better suited to research than to being a trainer."

After all, Professor Oak himself said that if one can combine martial arts with academic pursuits, one has a bright future!

Doing research is so much better; it's peaceful and stable, without having to suffer these kinds of setbacks.

While Kukui was immersed in self-doubt—

A tall figure walked over.

Shiba.

His steps were steady and powerful, each step carrying the oppressive feeling unique to a fighting master.

That aura—just standing there makes you feel pressured.

He stopped in front of Xiaozhi.

Then--

The corners of his mouth rose slightly.

"You did a good job, kid. You didn't embarrass me."

He then casually tossed something to Ash.

"This is the winner's reward."

Ash caught it with lightning speed, then looked down—

It was a gleaming golden belt!

It is finely crafted and has a high-quality feel. The belt buckle is even engraved with the logo of the fighting style.

"Oh!"

Ash's eyes lit up.

"Thank you, Brother Shiba!"

Shiba nodded.

But he did not leave.

Instead, she looked at Xiaozhi, her face showing a mixture of wanting to ask a question but being too embarrassed to ask.

That expression was very awkward.

I wanted to speak up, but I felt a little embarrassed.

If I don't speak up, I feel restless and itchy inside.

"Brother, is there anything else you need?"

Ash, who was taking photos with Pikachu and Abandoned while wearing the belt, noticed that Shiva hadn't left yet.

The abandoned monkey was wrapping the belt around its waist, while Pikachu watched enviously from the side, its little paws occasionally poking the fighting symbol on the belt buckle.

"Ahem! No, I just wanted to ask, before me, did Du... teach you anything?"

Xiao Zhi was stunned for a moment.

"Brother Du?"

"Ah."

"They did teach some things..."

Shiba's expression changed!

really!

That feeling was actually right!