The registration hall of the Indigo League Conference was bustling with activity, Trainers from all over the world gathered here to draw their opponents for the first round of the competition.
Ash pulled down the brim of his cap and took a deep breath, Pikachu gently rubbed his cheek on his shoulder.
"Don't be nervous, Ash," Brock patted his shoulder, "With your strength, the first round will definitely be no problem."
"I'm not nervous!" Ash grinned, but his palms were already slightly sweaty.
This was his first time participating in a formal League Competition, and it was being broadcast worldwide.
Xiao You stood by, her gaze sweeping over the bustling crowd in the hall.
"I heard the rules for this competition are very special, allowing the use of any one of Mega Evolution, Z-Moves, Dynamax, or Terastallize," she turned to Ash, "Have you decided which system you're going to use?"
Ash shook his head, his eyes firm: "I want to win based on my and my Pokémon's strength first.
It's not too late to use those systems when I encounter truly powerful opponents."
"Just as expected of a blockhead," Xiao You mumbled softly, but a smile played on her lips.
The electronic screen began to scroll, assigning battle matchups, and Ash's name quickly appeared — the first match in the afternoon, on the Water Field, his opponent was Trainer Tao Wu.
"The Water Field, huh..." Brock stroked his chin in thought, "This has both advantages and disadvantages for your team."
Ash quickly checked Tao Wu's registered Pokémon: Exeggutor, Golbat, and Seadra.
His eyes lit up: "I've decided, I'll use Dratini!"
"Dratini?" Xiao You exclaimed in surprise, "Is it going to evolve?"
"Not yet, but it's already very strong!" Ash confidently patted his chest.
Meanwhile, in the commentary booth, Kanto Champion Lance was adjusting his microphone, with Hoenn region's star Coordinator Lucia sitting beside him.
Lucia had specially worn a light blue dress today, which complemented her snow-white skin.
"I heard there are a few Trainers in this competition who are particularly worth paying attention to," Lance said, his gaze sweeping over the list of Trainers.
Lucia nodded slightly, her eyes involuntarily lingering on Ash's photo.
"Yes... especially Trainer Ash from Pallet Town, his Pikachu is outstanding."
Lance keenly noticed the unusual tone in Lucia's voice, but merely smiled without pointing it out.
The bullet comments in the live stream, however, had already exploded:
[Why does Lady Lucia keep mentioning Ash?]
[I'm jealous! What's so special about that Trainer with the hat?]
[Haven't you noticed? Lucia's voice softens every time she says Ash's name]
In the Kalos region, Serena was sitting in front of the TV, her hands tightly clasped.
When she heard Lucia's tone discussing Ash, her brows furrowed unconsciously.
"This Lucia..." Serena bit her lower lip, "The way she looks at Ash..."
She remembered her promise with Ash — to travel together when he came to the Kalos region.
This promise filled her heart with both sweetness and apprehension.
Delia from Pallet Town was also sitting in front of the TV, knitting a sweater while watching the live broadcast.
When she noticed the commentator Lucia's special attention to Ash, and the occasional glimpse of Xiao You's expression in the audience, she sighed.
"This child, why does he attract girls everywhere..." Delia shook her head, but couldn't help but smile, "But these three girls are all good, if only Ash's blockhead could open up."
The afternoon matches quickly arrived.
On the floating platform of the Water Field, Ash and Tao Wu stood at opposite ends.
Tao Wu was a tall young man with striking red hair.
The sunlight above the Indigo League Water Field was reflected by the huge display screen, scattering across the shimmering water.
The stands were packed, and cheers rose and fell like waves.
In the Trainer passages on both sides of the field, Ash and Tao Wu walked out simultaneously, greeted by even more enthusiastic applause.
"Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the third round of the Indigo League Water Field!" The referee stood on the floating platform, his voice echoing through the entire venue via a loudspeaker, "This match will follow 3v3 Singles rules.
Neither Trainer may use the four systems.
When one side's Pokémon loses its ability to battle, it must be immediately replaced.
Now, both Trainers, please take your positions!"
Ash pulled down the brim of his cap, a confident smile on his lips.
He looked towards the coaching area, where Brock and Xiao You were waving at him.
Xiao You's golden hair glittered in the sun, and she cupped her hands around her mouth, shouting: "Ash, show them what you've got!"
In a cozy living room in the Kalos region, Serena gripped her hands tightly, staring intently at the TV screen.
"It's about to start..." she whispered softly, as her mother, Grace, smiled and handed her a cup of tea.
"Don't be nervous, Ash will definitely win," Grace comforted her.
The live broadcast switched to the commentary booth, where Kanto Champion Lance and Hoenn's renowned Coordinator Lucia were ready.
The live stream's bullet comments instantly exploded, with the screen filled with messages like "Miss Lucia, I love you."
"Hello everyone, I'm Lance," the red-haired Champion said calmly.
"Hi everyone, I'm Lucia!" Lucia winked at the camera, triggering another wave of bullet comments, "I'm so happy to witness this battle with all of you today! Especially to see Trainer Ash's rare Shinny Dratini."
Lance took over the conversation: "Indeed, Shinny Pokémon are already rare, and a pink Dratini is even more uncommon.
I wonder what kind of performance it will bring us today."
In the center of the field, the referee raised a flag: "Both Trainers, please send out your first Pokémon simultaneously!"
"Go, Exeggutor!" Tao Wu was the first to throw his Poké Ball, and the three-headed plant Pokémon landed heavily on the floating platform.
Ash took a deep breath, taking the special Poké Ball from his waist: "Dratini, I choose you!"
A red light flashed, and the pink Dratini gracefully hovered over the water, the sunlight passing through its translucent scales, refracting a dreamlike glow.
Gasps of astonishment erupted from the audience, and even Tao Wu's eyes widened.
"Oh my! It really is a pink Dratini!" Lucia excitedly stood up in the commentary booth, "The color is so beautiful!"
Lance's gaze, however, was sharper: "This Dratini... seems to be quite unusual."
The referee announced: "Exeggutor versus Dratini, battle start!"
Tao Wu made the first move: "Exeggutor, use Seed Bomb!"
The three heads simultaneously opened their mouths, spitting out dozens of green-glowing seeds.
Ash remained calm: "Dratini, Dragon Pulse!"
The pink Dratini condensed a blue-purple energy wave in its mouth, sweeping across and detonating all the seeds in the air.
In the smoke of the explosion, Dratini's figure was faintly visible.
"A beautiful counter!" Brock exclaimed from the sidelines.
Xiao You, however, bit her lip nervously: "Exeggutor is Grass/Psychic type, so Dragon-type moves are generally not very effective... How will Ash deal with this?"
Tao Wu sneered: "Is that all? Exeggutor, Psychic!"
A blue glow appeared in Exeggutor's eyes, and a powerful Psychic attack rushed towards Dratini.
Ash, however, showed a confident smile: "Now, Ice Beam!"
Dratini suddenly dived down, spewing an icy cold beam from its mouth, hitting Exeggutor's legs directly.
The ice spread rapidly, freezing all three of Exeggutor's legs to the floating platform.
"What?" Tao Wu was greatly alarmed, "How does it know an Ice-type move?"
Lance nodded in the commentary booth: "A clever choice.
Ice Beam not only has a type advantage against Exeggutor, but also restricts its mobility."
"Dratini, keep attacking, Dragon Pulse!" Ash pressed his advantage.
The frozen Exeggutor couldn't dodge and took the full force of the attack, shaking its three heads in pain.
Tao Wu quickly shouted: "Quick, use Synthesis to recover!"
Exeggutor's heads began to absorb sunlight, but Ash wouldn't give it a chance: "Dratini, another Ice Beam, aim for the middle head!"
The intensely cold beam accurately hit Exeggutor's main head, and ice crystals quickly covered most of its body.
Exeggutor's movements became slower and slower, eventually stopping completely.
After checking, the referee raised the flag: "Exeggutor is unable to battle, Trainer Tao Wu, please send out your next Pokémon!"
"Great job, Dratini!" Ash punched the air in celebration.
Dratini happily spun in a circle in the air, its pink scales glistening in the sunlight.
In Kalos, Serena breathed a sigh of relief, a smile on her face: "That's amazing!"
She hadn't noticed that she had already squeezed the cushion out of shape.
Grace looked at her daughter's expression and smiled thoughtfully.
Tao Wu grimly recalled Exeggutor: "Don't get cocky, this is just the beginning.
Go, Golbat!"
The giant purple bat spread its wings, emitting a piercing Supersonic.
The referee announced: "Golbat versus Dratini, battle start!"
"Golbat, use Air Cutter!" Tao Wu made the first move.
Golbat flapped its wings, and countless sharp wind blades rushed towards Dratini.
Ash reacted quickly: "Dratini, get in the water!"
The pink figure dove underwater, the wind blades only stirring up a series of splashes on the surface.
Tao Wu frowned: "Do you think you're safe hiding in the water? Golbat, use Supersonic!"
High-frequency sound waves penetrated the water, and Dratini was clearly disturbed, its movements becoming erratic.
Ash clenched his fist: "Hang in there, Dratini! Use Rain Dance!"
Even underwater, Dratini could still use its moves.
It tilted its head back and let out a clear Dragon cry, and the sky instantly became overcast, with rain pouring down.
"Oh? Changing the weather?" Lance showed an interested expression, "This is to set up for Thunder."
"Golbat, use Venoshock now!" Tao Wu commanded.
Golbat spewed purple venom from its mouth, but its vision was obstructed by the rain, and the attack went off target.
Ash seized the opportunity: "Dratini, Thunder!"
"What? Oh no! Thunder in the rain is a guaranteed hit!" Tao Wu's face changed drastically.
Dratini leaped out of the water, its body enveloped in golden electricity.
With a deafening clap of Thunder, a thick lightning bolt descended from the sky, striking Golbat directly.
After the electrical light dissipated, Golbat fell, emitting black smoke.
After checking, the referee announced: "Golbat is unable to battle, Trainer Tao Wu, please send out your next Pokémon!"
The audience erupted in enthusiastic applause and cheers.
In the commentary booth, Lucia clapped excitedly: "That was amazing! A perfect combination of Rain Dance and Thunder!"
Lance, however, stared at Dratini, his brows furrowed: "This Dratini... the combination of moves it just used..."
Tao Wu gritted his teeth, recalled Golbat, and threw out his last Poké Ball: "Seadra, it's all up to you!"
The blue and white Seadra gracefully slid into the water.
The referee announced: "Seadra versus Dratini, battle start!"
"Seadra, use Hydro Pump!" Tao Wu roared.
A high-pressure water jet shot out from Seadra's mouth, and Ash quickly shouted: "Dratini, dodge it!"
The pink figure narrowly avoided the water jet, but its tail fin was still grazed slightly.
"Seadra, use Hydro Pump continuously!" Tao Wu pressed his advantage.
Facing the continuous high-pressure water jets, Dratini seemed to be struggling.
Brock anxiously shouted from the sidelines: "Ash, you have to find a way to counterattack!"
Xiao You suddenly thought of something and shouted a reminder: "Ash, do you remember that?"
Ash's eyes lit up, he nodded at Xiao You, then turned to Dratini: "Are you ready? Use Dragon Dance!"
Dratini suddenly stopped dodging and began to perform an ancient and mysterious dance in the air.
Its body emanated a colorful glow, and its aura steadily rose.
"This is...!" Lance suddenly stood up from his seat, his eyes filled with disbelief, "Dragon Dance? This is impossible!"
Lucia asked curiously: "Mr. Lance, what is Dragon Dance?"
Lance's voice trembled slightly: "It's a mysterious dance of ancient Dragon-type Pokémon from legends, capable of comprehensively boosting the user's abilities.
But it has been lost since the end of ancient times... How does this Dratini know it...?"
The bullet comments in the live stream instantly exploded, with various speculations and exclamations constantly flooding the screen.
In Kalos, Serena gasped in surprise, covering her mouth: "Ash's Dratini actually knows such a powerful move?"
Professor Oak and Delia in the Kanto region looked thoughtful: "This Dratini... it's the descendant of that ancient Dragonite from Bill's Lighthouse."
On the field, the Dratini, having completed its dance, looked refreshed, emanating a powerful aura.
Tao Wu's face was grim: "What a show-off! Seadra, Hydro Pump with maximum power!"
"Dratini, Ice Beam!" Ash commanded simultaneously.
The strengthened Ice Beam instantly froze the incoming water jet and continued forward, freezing all the water around Seadra into ice.
Seadra was trapped on the ice, unable to move.
"Final attack, Dragon Pulse!" Ash waved his hand and commanded.
Dratini condensed a blue-purple energy wave in its mouth, several times more powerful than before, directly hitting the immobile Seadra.
After the explosion, Seadra lay on the ice, its eyes turned into swirls.
After checking, the referee raised the flag: "Seadra is unable to battle, therefore the winner is Trainer Ash from Pallet Town!"
The entire venue erupted in thunderous applause and cheers.
Ash ran towards Dratini and hugged it: "We won, Dratini! You were amazing!"
Dratini affectionately rubbed Ash's cheek, letting out joyful Growls.
In the commentary booth, Lucia excitedly said: "What a wonderful battle! Trainer Ash and Dratini's teamwork was simply flawless!"
Lance was still in shock: "That Dratini... and Dragon Dance... I must talk to Ash..."
In Kalos, Serena finally released her tightly clasped hands, a brilliant smile blooming on her face: "I knew you could win..."
Grace looked at her daughter's expression and softly asked: "Serena, do you... like Ash very much?"
Serena's face instantly turned as red as her hair ribbon, and she stammered, unable to speak.
Grace smiled gently: "When Ash comes to Kalos, you must treat him well."
Meanwhile, at the competition venue, Xiao You and Brock rushed onto the field to celebrate with Ash.
Lance walked down from the commentary booth, approaching Ash with a serious expression: "Ash, can I have a word with you in private? About your Dratini..."
Ash knew Lance was there because of Dragon Dance and directly stated the reason: "It's because it's the descendant of an ancient Dragonite.
I met an ancient Dragonite that survived from ancient times at Bill's Lighthouse, and I gained its approval and received this Dratini."
Lance suddenly understood upon hearing this: "I see, no wonder."
After speaking, Ash and the other two walked towards the Pokémon Center.
Lucia had wanted to follow, but because she had to commentate on the upcoming matches, she didn't go, and sat gloomily in the commentary booth.