Ash and his group finally arrived at the foot of the Indigo Plateau.
Looking up, the entire plateau had been completely refurbished, decorated with colorful banners fluttering in the wind, and filled with a bustling crowd. Trainers from all across the Kanto region had gathered here, and the air was thick with excitement and anticipation.
"So this is the venue for the Indigo League?" Misty gazed up at the magnificent complex of buildings and could not help but marvel. "It's even more spectacular than I imagined!"
Brock checked the event guide in his hand. "According to the schedule, the Torches relay will be held this afternoon. It's said that the flame comes from Moltres and symbolizes the everlasting bond between Pokémon and their trainers."
As they made their way up the mountain path, three large processions approached from ahead.
At the front was an elderly man with white hair, yet full of vigor. He held high a torch burning with a bright orange flame.
"That's Charles Goodshow!" Brock immediately recognized the chairman of the Pokémon League.
The Sacred Flame relay team stopped in front of them, and Charles smiled as he looked at Ash and the others.
"Young trainers, would you like to take part in the Sacred Flame relay? It is one of the most important traditions of the League Conference."
At once, memories from Ash's previous life surfaced in his mind. During this relay, Team Rocket would attempt to steal the Sacred Flame.
He stepped forward and spoke solemnly, "Mr. President, I have some important information to report."
He invited Charles aside and lowered his voice. "I've received reliable information that someone plans to seize the Sacred Flame during the relay."
The president's expression immediately turned serious. "Are you certain? The Sacred Flame is the symbol of the Conference…"
"I have a plan." Ash's gaze was firm. "We can set up two routes, one visible and one hidden. The visible route will have volunteers carrying fake torches to draw attention, while the hidden route will have trustworthy trainers escort the real Sacred Flame."
Charles pondered for a moment, then nodded. "It's a bold plan, but worth trying. Ash, I'll leave the arrangements to you."
Over the next hour, Ash skillfully organized the entire plan.
Through the system, he exchanged for a special "Sacred Flame-shaped burst device." When subjected to strong impact, it would release dazzling fireworks without causing any harm.
The purpose of this was to play a little trick on Team Rocket.
"Remember," Ash instructed the volunteers acting as decoys, "if someone tries to take the torch, don't resist. Just hand it over."
The real Sacred Flame, meanwhile, was secretly escorted along a different route by several trainers carefully selected by Ash.
Sure enough, just as the decoy team carrying the fake flame passed through a remote stretch of road, the Team Rocket trio descended from the sky.
"Since you asked so sincerely!" Jessie struck her signature pose.
"We'll kindly tell you!" James followed up.
"To protect the world from devastation! To unite all peoples within our nation!" Meowth leapt forward. "Hand over the Sacred Flame, meow!"
Following the plan, the volunteers pretended to panic and handed over the torch.
Jessie smugly took it, but the moment she raised it high, the torch suddenly burst apart, exploding into a dazzling display of colorful fireworks that left Team Rocket scorched black from head to toe.
"Wha… what just happened?" James stood there, dumbfounded.
At the same time, the real Sacred Flame had already safely reached the vicinity of the main stadium. Seeing Ash's plan succeed, Charles patted him on the shoulder with satisfaction.
"Young man, your wisdom and courage have left a deep impression on me. I've decided that you will be the final runner of the Sacred Flame!"
Under the gaze of tens of thousands of spectators, Ash accepted the torch carrying Moltres's Sacred Flame.
The moment he held it, a warm energy coursed through his entire body, as if he could feel Moltres's life force pulsing within it.
"So this is the power of the Sacred Flame…" Ash murmured.
He sprinted along the final stretch of the track, while thunderous cheers erupted from the crowds on both sides.
Pikachu stood on his shoulder, excitedly crying out, "Pika pika!"
Just as they were about to reach the flame altar, the Team Rocket trio suddenly burst out from the crowd once again.
"We're not giving up just like this!" Jessie shouted in frustration.
But this time, before Ash could act, the surrounding spectators and trainers spontaneously formed a human wall, blocking Team Rocket's path.
"We won't let you ruin this grand event!"
"This is a moment of honor for all trainers!"
With everyone's help, Ash successfully reached the Sacred Flame platform.
He took a deep breath, raised the torch high, and then slowly lit the flame basin.
The orange fire surged upward instantly, shining brilliantly under the sunlight.
Charles stepped up to the microphone and announced in a loud, resounding voice, "I declare that this Indigo Pokémon League Conference is now officially open!"
The entire stadium erupted into thunderous applause and cheers.
Standing beneath the flame altar, Ash gazed at the blazing fire, his heart surging with an indescribable excitement.
"This is only the beginning," he softly said to Pikachu on his shoulder. "Next, we give it everything we've got in the actual battles!"
As Ash looked toward the Sacred Flame, the regrets he had once seen on television in his previous life flashed through his mind like a movie, nearly missing participation in the Top 16 due to interference, and the helplessness of Charizard losing its fighting spirit…
This time, Ash would never allow any of that to happen!
...
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