"Dear viewers and friends watching from home—welcome to the grand opening of the Quartz Conference, right here in the Kanto region!"
"What kind of dazzling battles will these trainers bring to us this year? Let me tell you—almost every participant this time comes from one of the Eight Great Families of Kanto!"
"Even prominent figures from other regions have gathered here—all for one reason: to witness Kanto's strongest prodigy, Ash ketchum!"
At around ten o'clock the next morning, the Quartz Stadium was packed to the brim. The announcer's voice rang with excitement as he introduced the prestigious event.
But when the name Ash Ketchum was mentioned, the crowd erupted into deafening cheers.
"Master Ash! You're the best! Master Ash, you're unbeatable!"
Thousands of spectators waved banners with Ash's name, chanting in perfect unison, as if they had rehearsed.
"His popularity is remarkable," said Skye Draconis, watching the broadcast from the reception room.
"In all the regional leagues I've attended, I've never seen a scene like this."
"Jia Kang, I heard you're attending the Quartz Conference too?" asked Professor Oak, turning to the elderly man beside him.
This man was Sada Varenza, the head of the Varenza family from the Sinnoh region. His strength was said to be at the Champion's Peak.
The "Varenza" title, originally used by an underground organization, had long since become synonymous with their powerful lineage.
"Haha, yes," Elder Sada replied. "I heard that the grandchildren of several of you old folks are competing this time. I figured I'd bring my grandson to broaden his horizons—and maybe humble him a bit."
"Professor Oak, what about Cynthia? Haven't seen her yet," asked Masao Yoto, grandfather of Cynthia.
"She's in the stands," Oak replied with a knowing smile, eyes returning to the live broadcast.
...
"Now, contestants, please enter the arena! Each of these trainers has earned eight Gym Badges—twelve of them even possess Silver Badges from official League Gyms!"
"One of the most noteworthy competitors this year is Ash Ketchum, holder of seven Gem Badges. Because the Dark Gym was destroyed, he couldn't collect the eighth—but according to League officials, if he wins the Quartz Conference, he will qualify to challenge the title of Strongest Trainer in Kanto!"
The crowd roared as the trainers entered.
When Ash's name was called, the cheering reached a fever pitch.
Next came the knockout stage—each contestant would compete across four arenas before advancing to the main tournament. The early rounds always drew a mix of hopefuls and cannon fodder.
Ash was assigned to the Water Arena, just like in the original timeline. He couldn't help wondering if his opponent would be as interesting as he remembered.
...
Thirty minutes later—
"The third match of the Water Arena is about to begin! Please welcome Ash Ketchum and Mandi, The Astounding!"
As the announcement echoed, the crowd once again erupted with thunderous cheers.
"ASH! ASH! ASH! ASH!"
The chanting was so loud it shook the stands. Ash smiled faintly as he stepped onto the trainer's podium. His reputation in Kanto had already reached legendary levels.
"In the green corner, representing Pallet Town, we have Ash Ketchum—one of the strongest contenders for this year's championship!"
"In the red corner, from Celadon City, we have Mandi, a star trainer famous for his dazzling performances and stylish techniques!"
The crowd responded with another wave of cheers, most of them clearly favoring Ash.
His self-developed battle techniques and the now-famous match against Blaine had made him a sensation.
"The battle rules: Each side may use three Pokémon, one at a time. The match begins now!"
Mandi smirked confidently. "It's showtime! I don't know how you got your fame, but thanks for giving me the honor of defeating you!"
He threw out his Poké Ball—
A burst of white light revealed his choice: Exeggutor.
"Well, clowns will always be clowns," Ash said coolly, unfazed.
"Especially the kind who underestimate others."
He hurled his own Poké Ball.
A flash of light illuminated the arena—and standing gracefully atop the floating platform was the majestic Suicune, the embodiment of the north wind.
...
"Whoa—what are we seeing here?! Ash's first Pokémon is Suicune, one of the three Legendary Pokémon of Johto!"
The commentator's voice exploded with excitement.
"This is unbelievable! Ash is the first trainer in the Quartz Conference to ever use a Legendary Pokémon in an official match—let alone capture one!"
"What? He actually has a Legendary Pokémon?"
Duo Wu's expression twisted in disbelief. His arrogance from before faded instantly—if he lost now, it wouldn't just sting his pride, it would humiliate him in front of the entire region.
"Suicune! Suicune! Suicune!"
The entire stadium erupted in cheers. The graceful blue Legendary stood poised on the water's surface, its ribbons flowing elegantly with the wind. Even the spectators who came for other trainers couldn't help but be captivated by its presence.
...
"I can't believe it… your grandson actually captured a Legendary Pokémon. I thought it was just a rumor that they had a close bond."
Masao Yoto spoke in awe as he watched the broadcast.
Professor Oak nodded slightly, his eyes reflecting pride.
"Well, Ash has always had a connection with the extraordinary. Talent and heart—he's never lacked either."
Masao Yoto exhaled deeply. Despite the shock, he harbored no resentment over Ash's engagement with Cynthia. After all, Ash's background and potential easily rivaled that of any major family's prodigy.
And with the Oak family's generous marriage offering—the transfer of 20% of their profits from psychopharmaceutical research—the Yoto family could hardly refuse.
Such a proposal was simply too tempting; few families in Kanto or Sinnoh could turn down that kind of alliance.
...
TN:
⚡ Pa-treon-com/LordMerlin (Support me! 😊)