Elite members...
If all the elite members are trainers of your level, then Ash really has to wonder how Team Galactic managed to establish themselves in the Hisui Region.
But oh well.
Since Rei is determined to seek a beating, he can't refuse him, right?
—It's time to bring some modern trainer shock to the people of the Hisui Region!
"...The rules for this battle are one-on-one, until a hit is scored!"
"Ash, be careful."
The first sentence was the rule announced by Professor Laventon to the two standing on the training field.
And the latter sentence was a separate reminder to Ash from Cynthia.
She was telling Ash to be careful, not because she was afraid he would get hurt by the opponent, or be defeated.
But because she was worried that Ash might, without caution, knock his opponent into paralysis...
The Pokemon Ash had with him, even the weakest one, was of Champion Level.
As for his opponent, whether he even had the level of an elite trainer was another matter entirely!
Therefore, Cynthia definitely had to remind Ash, urging him to be mindful of the force he used.
But Rei interpreted Cynthia's words as recognizing his strength.
This made him feel quite smug, even wiping his nose in a rather cool manner.
Yes, he's just that strong.jpg.
"Alright, let's begin!"
"Go, Pikachu!"
Rei tossed out the Pokeball in his hand that seemed to be made of wood.
In a flash of light, a small, cute yellow mouse appeared on the field.
The Pikachu on Ash's shoulder curiously observed the opponent.
It found that the Pikachu across from it looked almost no different from modern Pikachu.
Originally, it thought, maybe ancient Pikachu would look a little different.
Who would have thought, after a thousand years, the Pikachu lineage still looked exactly the same.
Indeed, cuteness is ingrained in their bones, unchanging for millennia.
"As for me... I've decided on you, Pikachu!"
The Pikachu at Ash's feet leapt up, landing steadily in front of him, signaling it was ready to take the field.
Currently, the only Pokemon Ash had left was Pikachu, so if Pikachu didn't go on, Ash would have to enter the field himself...
The opponent, Rei, assessed Ash's Pikachu and said, "Your Pikachu looks pretty good, but haven't you tamed it yet?"
"I see you haven't put him in a Pokeball."
Professor Laventon timely reminded from the side, "Rei, they're from overseas, and there aren't any Pokeballs there yet."
Rei suddenly realized and smacked his forehead.
"Oh right, you guys don't have Pokeballs over there yet!"
"No worries, after this battle, I'll give you some!"
"We've got plenty of Pokeballs from Team Galactic!"
Ash nodded, a grateful smile on his face.
"Thank you in advance."
"But my Pikachu prefers freedom, and probably wouldn't like staying inside a Pokeball."
"Besides..."
He crouched down, patting Pikachu's head beside him, and the little one narrowed its eyes comfortably.
"Pikachu and I are the best partners, there's no such thing as taming between us, our bond has never been about separation."
"Pika pika~~"
These words seemed quite unbelievable to Rei's ears.
Untamed, but still obedient?
And what about no separation?
These people from overseas, what they say just gets more and more mysterious.
But he didn't think much further, anyway, once they battled, strength or weakness would be evident.
"Enough with the chit-chat! Let's begin the battle!"
Rei struck a pose he thought was quite stylish for the battle.
Ash grinned, beckoning with his finger.
"Bring it on."
"Just right, let me teach you what a real Pokemon battle is all about."