Ash, debuting as a champion! He made up for the regret shown in the video and won the very first major championship of his life! Indigo Plateau Conference Champion—Ash!
Even after the trophy ceremony concluded, a look of slight disbelief still lingered on Ash's face. He had imagined winning this tournament many times, and he genuinely felt that with his current strength, taking the Indigo Plateau Conference title wouldn't be an issue.
But now that he had actually defeated Gary and won the championship, a strange, surreal feeling washed over his mind.
Had he... broken the chains of destiny? From a trainer who once struggled to even make it past the Top 16, he had transformed into the absolute champion of today! All of this had been brought to him by the historical database of the Heavenly Dao!
"What are you daydreaming about, Ash? Look over here, they're taking photos!"
Gary, standing firmly on the runner-up podium, called out to snap Ash out of his daze. Ash blinked, instantly flashing a massive, brilliant grin right into the camera lens in front of them.
...
"How does it feel to win the championship?"
On the trek back, Red mentioned that he wanted to walk alone with Ash, letting everyone else head back to Professor Oak's laboratory first to wait for the next broadcast to begin. The first thing he asked was how Ash felt about finally securing the title.
"It's kind of... surreal. That's the only way to describe it."
"Oh? Right now, you could comfortably be called the top trainer right below the Elite Four threshold, yet it still feels surreal to you?"
"It doesn't really have anything to do with my actual power parameters. It just feels like... from this moment on, my entire destiny has shifted!"
In his original timeline, prior to the Alola region—outside of the minor regional victory in the Orange Archipelago—he had traveled for years without ever securing a primary conference crown.
But here, he had debuted at the absolute peak, directly capturing the Indigo Plateau trophy! If he maintained this exact trajectory, as long as a supreme trainer like Red didn't actively enter the standard regional conferences to clear the board, Ash could theoretically sweep every single regional tournament moving forward!
His destiny... had quietly reshaped itself a long time ago!
"From the exact moment the historical database materialized in the sky, you were no longer bound by your original fate," Red noted calmly. "Your current mindset is solid. You aren't letting the title go to your head, which is exactly how a true trainer should carry themselves."
Hearing Red's praise, Ash scratched his cheek and muttered, "How could I even get arrogant? I get completely taken apart and beaten by you every single day, Brother Red. Where would I even find the room to gloat?"
"Pika, pika~" Pikachu, sitting comfortably on his shoulder, nodded in profound agreement.
To let success go to your head, you typically need a continuous, uninterrupted streak of easy victories.
Just like the records showed, during his original journey, he had traveled far and even become a Champion, occasionally letting his pride cloud his focus until his conversation with Professor Kukui in Alola brought him back to his roots.
But in this current reality, he didn't have a single opportunity to get arrogant. Why? Because he was getting thoroughly outclassed in sparring matches every day! Anyone would stay completely humble under those conditions!
"Ahem... that is a very fair point," Red coughed slightly to break the awkwardness, before his expression turned deeply serious. "The real reason I asked you to walk with me alone was to discuss the individual calling himself Tobias from yesterday's broadcast."
"Even looking through a viewing screen, I could clearly perceive a profound, malicious aura radiating from that person."
"To be honest, I could feel it too..." Ash remarked, a bit heavily.
That twisted smile, that erratic expression, and the sight of his petrified Gengar—anyone with eyes could see that the individual was completely enveloped in an evil presence.
Red continued expressionless, "Listen carefully and don't interrupt."
"Oh..."
"I find the structural origins of that person highly suspect. Just as different realities contain contemporary versions of you and me, Tobias might actually originate from an entirely separate world."
"The validity of parallel dimensions has been thoroughly confirmed ever since I crossed over into this specific reality. Therefore, the probability that this version of Tobias belongs to an alternate world is exceptionally high."
"As for why he is actively targeting you... it is highly probable because you are the central anchor of this world, the focal point where its primary luck and destiny reside.
By systematically breaking your spirit and defeating you, it becomes vastly easier for outside forces to actively invade this world!"
Ash's eyes went completely wide. "Whoa, whoa, whoa! Brother Red, don't scare me like that! A full-scale world invasion? That's completely insane!"
Ash was thoroughly caught off guard by Red's deduction. How could their peaceful world suddenly be on the verge of an interdimensional invasion?
"It is merely a logical hypothesis. We will ascertain the exact details once the relevant chapters of the broadcast play out later.
Regardless, those events take place several years in the future, giving you more than enough time to prepare.
If you, possessing advanced knowledge of the future and direct rewards from the database, still find yourself unable to defeat an invader, you might as well pack your bags and go farm in Pallet Town."
Hearing this, Ash's anxious heart gradually settled down. It was true; if one were suddenly faced with an unprecedented interdimensional threat without any warning, it would be an incredibly grueling, uphill battle.
However, knowing about the crisis years in advance changed the entire strategic equation! With the database systematically laying out future world crises and events, they could easily implement flawless preventative measures well ahead of time!
But then again, why had Red immediately jumped to the conclusion of a world invasion? Could it be...
"Your intuition is correct. My original world has actually experienced an external infiltration before. However, the forces they sent were merely minor scouting units, and they were promptly neutralized before I even had a practical reason to deploy my full roster.
They emerged from spatial anomalies known as Ultra Wormholes."
"At the time, I was somewhat uncertain about the exact origins of those entities. It wasn't until I arrived in this world that I fully understood the structural reality of parallel universes.
The baseline state of your world is remarkably peaceful by comparison; the forces that attempted to infiltrate my reality carried a deeply corrupted, abnormal energy signature—remarkably similar to the aura surrounding that Tobias. That is why the visual triggered the memory."
Following Red's solemn confirmation, Ash finally understood the full picture. Red had actively encountered an interdimensional threat in his own timeline, which was why his deductive reasoning immediately leaned in that direction.
Tobias... a multi-world invasion... No matter what challenges lie ahead, he would protect his partners at all costs! Thinking back to the tragic sight of his petrified Gengar on the screen, Ash's fists clenched tightly. He would never allow an event like that to manifest in reality!
"By the way, Ash, regarding the theory we just discussed... make sure you do not mention it to anyone else for the time being."
"Why?"
"I want to avoid triggering widespread public panic. For now, it is best if only the two of us remain aware of the hypothesis."
"Pika-pika!"
"Oh, right," Red smiled faintly, looking at the shoulder. "And Pikachu."
...
By lunchtime, the two finally made their way back to the laboratory. Since the daily broadcasts typically commenced around five o'clock in the afternoon, and to ensure Ash's team received optimal nutrition during their rigorous training, Delia had traveled over to the Oak Laboratory to manage the kitchen.
Diantha and the other Champions had initially offered to assist, but after a brief self-assessment, they realized they lacked any practical culinary skills. Ultimately, Brock took the lead, assembling a massive, high-tier banquet before the afternoon break.
After enjoying lunch filled with casual laughter and discussion, the group immediately returned to their intense training routines. This time, there was a brand new member integrated into Red's high-level sparring sessions—Ash's newly caught Gengar!
Gengar's baseline power metrics were undeniable; its structural output was so high that even Ash's Pikachu found it exceptionally difficult to secure a clean victory in a straight one-on-one exchange.
However, its primary tactical drawback was its limited stamina pool and its current lack of fluid synchronization with Ash's commanding style, requiring extensive mechanical practice to smooth out the operational wrinkles.
Soon, the clock struck five in the afternoon. Under the collective, focused gaze of the global audience, the massive screen materialized majestically across the sky once more.
[Super Large Inventory—Ash's Masters Eight Road (4) officially begins.]
[Subtitle for this entry: The Legendary Heroes of Sword and Shield! Save the Dual Champions of Galar!]
[Notice: This segment may feature active question-and-answer prompts and live quizzes. Viewers are advised to prepare accordingly.]
[Notice: Due to the immense scope of this specific event, the segment will be broadcast in sequential parts.]
[Successful participants will receive profound system rewards.]
[The broadcast officially commences.]
The fourth core stage of Ash's journey toward the Masters Eight tournament was finally underway!
In the footage—
The introductory footage accurately resumed from the exact moment Ash successfully contained Eternatus within a Poké Ball, followed by Zacian and Zamazenta retreating deep back into the forest after expending their energy to suppress the Darkest Day, leaving behind only the historic Rusted Sword and Rusted Shield resting quietly on the altar.
Subsequently, Chairman Rose was systematically placed under arrest by regional law enforcement.
Regardless of his underlying ideological motivations, the massive architectural destruction and structural chaos inflicted across the Galar region were a direct consequence of his unilateral actions.
Therefore, despite his immense socio-economic standing, he could not evade legal accountability.
Upon regaining his composure post-crisis, Rose actually experienced a deep sense of internal regret.
The volatile, cosmic energy parameters of Eternatus were simply not something he, or even a top-tier trainer like Leon, could ever hope to comfortably control or harness.
It was an energy tier that completely transcended human command structures.
Even with the combined mechanical output of four Champion-level trainers working in perfect sync, the group had still been pushed to the absolute limit of their defensive capabilities. Attempting to forcefully harness Eternatus was, without a doubt, a catastrophic miscalculation.
Following Rose's formal detention, Gary, Ash, Cynthia, and Leon gathered inside Professor Magnolia's research facility to discuss the permanent custody parameters regarding Eternatus.
"Ash, by all standard competitive metrics, the Eternatus that you and Gary successfully subdued should technically remain under your collective jurisdiction to manage.
However... you have personally witnessed the raw, world-altering scale of Eternatus's power. If it remains inside a standard trainer inventory, there is no telling what unpredictable anomalies might manifest down the line..."
Leon's face carried a look of deep, structural concern. He harbored absolutely no personal desire to wield or control the power of the Darkest Day himself.
However, if Eternatus were to gradually regenerate its energy reserves inside a Poké Ball and abruptly shatter the containment seal, it would trigger a localized disaster of catastrophic proportions!
Leaving it in the custody of young trainers like Ash or Gary, or even keeping it within the standard regional infrastructure, carried immense systemic risk.
The most logical, safe alternative appeared to be placing it under a permanent, high-tech security seal deep within Professor Magnolia's laboratory.
"I completely understand your perspective, Leon. If Eternatus is truly that—"
"Just leave it entirely in Ash's care!" Gary suddenly interrupted, speaking with absolute certainty.
The surrounding group turned their heads to look at Gary in surprise.
Leon had just explicitly detailed the world-threatening parameters of Eternatus—this was an entity that completely bypassed standard human taming mechanics, displaying absolutely zero inherent willingness to obey human commands.
If it were left in Ash's active inventory and an accidental containment breach occurred, Ash would be the very first person caught in the epicenter of the destruction!
Cynthia paused for a brief moment before nodding in agreement. "I concur. It would be vastly safer to leave Eternatus under Ash's personal supervision."
"Why would you say that..." Leon asked, thoroughly perplexed. He could understand Gary making such a statement out of a deep, lifelong bond of friendship and absolute trust in Ash's potential.
But why would Cynthia, the reigning Champion of the Sinnoh region, actively support leaving a world-ending legendary entity in the hands of a young trainer?
"Because Ash's inherent affinity with legendary entities is vastly stronger than anyone else's in existence!" Gary stated firmly.
"Because if it is Ash, he will undoubtedly find a way to guide Eternatus away from its destructive impulses!" Cynthia added almost simultaneously.
Although their phrasing differed slightly, their underlying core assessment was completely identical. They were recalling the data shown when Eternatus was contained... Ash possessed an extraordinary, unquantifiable ability to reform and connect with even the most volatile entities!
Having grown up alongside Ash since early childhood, Gary was intimately aware of this unique, almost miraculous trait.
Cynthia, too, had shared numerous high-stakes journeys alongside Ash. Back during the catastrophic spatial crisis in the Sinnoh region, Ash, Dawn, and their companions had successfully stabilized the fabric of reality, actively pacifying the rampaging Dialga and Palkia.
His baseline affinity with high-tier mythical entities was an established, absolute fact.
Furthermore, even if they chose to store Eternatus within the high-tech vault of the Magnolia Research Institute, who would actively guard the perimeter? Secrets of that magnitude could never be kept completely airtight.
Once the data regarding Eternatus's physical location leaked out to malicious global organizations, the seal could be forcefully breached, falling into far more dangerous hands. That would result in an infinitely more complicated crisis!
Therefore... whether it was Gary or Cynthia, both absolute experts placed their total, unwavering trust in Ash's capacity to manage the entity safely.
"Miss Cynthia, Gary... I don't know, an entity of this magnitude is a massive responsibility..."
"Hey, Ash! You've always been the most fearless, confident trainer I know! Since when do you back down from a challenge?" Gary teased, offering an encouraging grin.
"He's right, Ash. Keeping it close to you is structurally much safer than leaving it stationary inside a research facility. If an evil organization attempts to steal it down the line, they will have to go through you first—which means they face an incredibly difficult battle to ever get their hands on it!"
Leon remained silent for a long moment, processing their arguments, before slowly nodding his head in complete consensus. "Very well. We will officially leave Eternatus under Ash's custody! If any operational anomalies manifest, contact me immediately!"
At this specific point in the timeline, Leon wasn't deeply acquainted with Ash, given that their paths had only crossed a handful of times.
However... Ash's unique, magnetic presence and his unwavering moral compass throughout the crisis were qualities that compelled Leon to believe in him.
Furthermore, with a veteran Champion like Cynthia actively endorsing the decision alongside Ash's own co-hero, Gary, the consensus was clear. Even if a formal vote were called, keeping the entity contained at the laboratory was no longer the optimal path.
Ash held the specialized Poké Ball containing Eternatus firmly within his palm. Through the dense structural casing, his Aura passively sensed that the cosmic dragon was slowly and peacefully stabilizing its massive energy reserves inside.
He gripped the device tightly, flashing a brilliant, confident smile toward the three trainers.
"Leave it entirely to me! I promise I will take absolute, flawless care of Eternatus!"
With the custody parameters finalized, the two regional Champions immediately submitted an official application to the Pokémon League administration to grant Ash an exceptional, permanent authorization slot for an additional Poké Ball on his person.
Securing this bureaucratic variance wasn't an issue. Originally, the standard rule limiting a trainer to six active Pokémon was established because extensive League data proved that six was the maximum threshold an individual could simultaneously nurture, train, and maintain a deep emotional bond with.
Additionally, since official tournament formats maxed out at six-v-six line-ups, the carrying capacity was standardized.
While malicious organizations frequently bypassed these carrying regulations entirely, the Eternatus in Ash's possession was strictly being held under a security quarantine rather than active competitive deployment. Therefore, allocating an exceptional extra slot to his baseline inventory was entirely logical.
[Lance: Leaving a cosmic entity like Eternatus entirely in Ash's custody? That is an incredibly far-sighted piece of judgment!]
[Caitlin: Absolutely. Given Ash's bizarre, almost unnatural affinity for mythical entities, even the creator Arceus considers him a trusted friend! Compared to that, pacifying an Eternatus is practically a walk in the park!]
[Professor Oak: Gary, having grown up alongside Ash, understands his unique potential perfectly, which explains his immediate endorsement. But Cynthia's sudden, absolute alignment with that position is highly intriguing!]
[Diantha: Hehe, Cynthia simply possesses exceptional vision! Even without viewing the historical records beforehand, her fundamental assessment of Ash's character led her to know he could guide Eternatus onto the right path!]
[Caitlin: Oh~ Is that so? Could it perhaps be… the power of love?!]
[Cynthia: ??? Caitlin, I suggest you think very carefully about what you are implying. The sole reason I endorsed the decision was that I personally witnessed Ash's profound interactions with Dialga and Palkia during the Sinnoh crisis!]
[Cynthia: It was precisely because I have observed his peerless affinity with legendary entities firsthand, coupled with the immense respect and trust I have naturally accumulated for Ash over our journeys, that I put forward that recommendation!]
It was safe to say that Cynthia's analytical self-assessment was completely spot on; her baseline reasoning perfectly mirrored the exact thought process displayed by her future self on the screen.
However...
[Caitlin: Oho,the immense trust accumulated over their journeys. You've certainly shared a great deal of significant experiences with him, haven't you, Cynthia?]
[Cynthia: ...]
The moment she found a break in her tournament schedule, she was going to have a very serious, hands-on sparring session with Caitlin to clear her head!
In the footage—
With the long-term custody parameters of Eternatus officially settled, the group prepared to go their separate ways.
Leon needed to immediately oversee the extensive structural reconstruction of the Galar region's infrastructure, which had sustained significant damage from the rampaging Dynamax Pokémon.
As for the financial resources required to fund the massive rebuilding effort... those would naturally be drawn directly from Chairman Rose's seized corporate assets! Since Rose was entirely responsible for initiating the crisis, utilizing his vast capital reserves to repair the region was an absolute no-brainer.
Cynthia prepared to return to the Sinnoh region. Just as the Galar incident concluded, a brand new localized anomaly appeared to be manifesting back within her home territory.
As the reigning Sinnoh Champion, her operational schedule was immensely packed; after actively assisting with the resolution of an international crisis, she had to immediately pivot back to secure her own region.
Gary continued forward on his personal research journey toward securing his official doctorate. Judging by the immense academic and practical achievements he had demonstrated throughout this crisis, the next time Ash encountered him, he would likely have to officially address him as Professor Gary!
Meanwhile, Ash commenced his return journey to the Kanto region, heading straight home to Pallet Town! His mother had undoubtedly been gripped by immense worry after witnessing the broadcast coverage of the Galar crisis on live television.
Although Ash had immediately called Delia to confirm his safety the moment the battle concluded, he knew she wouldn't be truly at ease until she could see him standing safe and sound in front of her with her own eyes.
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