----
"Thanks."
Hearing Quackenpoker's words, Kai didn't hesitate. He reached out, took the Gyaradosite, and slipped it into his pocket.
Even though he hadn't yet mastered the power of Mega Evolution, simply having a Mega Stone was already a significant step forward.
This meant that when the time came, he'd be ahead of the curve one step ahead of others right from the start.
"Alright, I need some rest. If fate allows, we'll meet again."
Quackenpoker turned away, lifting the flap of his tent.
As he did, Tracey instinctively took a step forward.
Pokémon Watchers were rare, and even though their time together had been brief, Tracey felt a deep sense of connection to Quackenpoker.
Even though he said, "We'll meet again," Tracey knew, given their different travel paths and Quackenpoker's age, this might be the last time they ever saw each other.
A sincere look appeared in Tracey's eyes.
"Mr. Quackenpoker, please take care of yourself!"
Quackenpoker paused for a moment, but he didn't turn back. Instead, he simply waved a hand over his shoulder and then disappeared into his tent.
With that, the campsite fell into silence.
Kai and the others, carrying their belongings, retraced their steps along the riverbank, eventually arriving back at the coast.
By now, the Gyarados and Magikarp had long since disappeared.
With everything they had experienced together, it was finally time to part ways.
Compared to their previous farewells, however, Misty was clearly more reluctant this time. But there was nothing she could do. She still had to continue travelling with Ash.
As much as she treasured her friendship with Kai, she couldn't just abandon Ash.
She gazed at Kai with a mix of affection and hesitation, about to say something when—
Ash suddenly shoved in between them, completely oblivious.
"Kai! I'm heading straight to challenge Luana! You just wait, I'll catch up to you soon!"
Kai barely had a chance to react before—
THWACK!
Misty hammered her fist onto Ash's head, making him stagger in pain!
"OW! Misty, what was that for?!"
Ash rubbed his head, completely clueless as to what he had interrupted.
Seeing his utterly oblivious expression, Misty could only grit her teeth, muttering under her breath, "Nothing! My hand just itched. Felt like hitting you!"
Her brutal reasoning naturally sparked Ash's protest.
"Misty! That's so mean!!"
Watching them bicker playfully, Kai couldn't help but smile it was a familiar, comforting sight.
"Relax, Ash." Kai chuckled. "Traveling isn't a race. Take it step by step, grow at your own pace, and don't rush things."
"Maybe, but…" Ash clenched his fists with determination. "You're a Champion, Kai! Of course, I have to aim to be like you!"
"You?" Misty scoffed. As Kai's most devoted supporter, she mocked mercilessly. "Please! You'll never catch up to Kai. Give up already!"
Kai laughed softly, placing a gentle hand on Misty's head before turning his gaze toward the horizon.
His expression grew distant.
"The Indigo League wasn't that tough," he admitted. "I only won because I never faced a truly strong opponent, I didn't face the elite four because of that reason, I was too weak to face them"
Then, his lips curled slightly as he looked back at Ash.
"Honestly… Ash, listen up. You have potential, there's no doubt about that. Your determination and connection with your Pokémon are what set you apart. But raw talent and heart alone won't make you a Champion. You need to refine your strategy, anticipate your opponent's moves, and master adaptability."
"Train smarter, not just harder. Work on type matchups, but don't rely solely on them battle instincts and unpredictability can turn the tide. Pay attention to battlefield conditions; sometimes, the terrain can be your greatest ally or your worst enemy."
"Most importantly, trust your Pokémon. They're more than just teammates; they're partners. Know their strengths, recognize their limits, and push them to new heights without breaking them. A true Champion doesn't just fight to win he fights to grow, to evolve, and to inspire"
"If you unlock your full potential, maybe you will be the next champion or more than a champion"
"…Huh?"
Ash blinked in pure confusion, pointing at himself.
"Champion, Me?"
Kai nodded firmly.
The moment he said this, everyone, Ash, Misty, Tracey, and even Sabrina looked at him in shock.
That was… a huge statement.
After all, Ash's best tournament result so far had been Top 16 in the Indigo League, while Kai had swept the competition and claimed the Championship.
Whether it was Misty, Tracey, or Sabrina, they couldn't quite understand why Kai held such strong faith in Ash's future.
After all, anyone could see the gap in strength between them.
But Ash—
He was trembling.
Not with fear but excitement.
"Kai…" His voice quivered, his fists tightening.
"I swear, I won't let you down!" His eyes burned with conviction.
"I'll work harder than ever! Someday, I'll become the trainer you believe I can be!"
Kai smiled warmly.
"I believe in you," he said. "But don't rush it make sure to take every step carefully."
With that, he patted Ash's shoulder, then turned his gaze skyward.
Raising a hand, he signalled to Charizard, which quickly descended to his side.
As he and Sabrina climbed onto Charizard's back, he cast one final look at the group.
"Alright, time for us to go. Safe travels, guys. Until next time!"
Before anyone could respond, he gave a gentle tap of his heel—
WHOOSH!
With a powerful flap of its wings, Charizard shot into the sky, rapidly shrinking into the distance.
On the beach, Ash and Misty watched in silence, their eyes following Charizard's flight until it disappeared over the horizon.
Their emotions were different but in both their hearts...
A fire had been lit.
---
Pummelo Island, The Heart of the Orange League
Pummelo Island lies in the northwestern part of the Orange Islands.
Geographically, it was a bit remote, and being relatively small, it had a low population barely a mid-sized town at best.
However, despite its size, its status in the Orange Islands was unparalleled.
Both the Orange League Headquarters and the Winner's Cup Stadium were located here, making it one of the most significant islands in the entire region.
After several hours of flight, Charizard finally descended into a dense forest on Pummelo Island.
Kai recalled Charizard and, alongside Sabrina, made his way into town.
Instead of heading straight to the Orange League Headquarters, they first booked a stay at a hot springs inn.
There, they ate well, soaked in the baths, and after a restful night, shed the fatigue of their journey.
The next morning, feeling refreshed and fully energized, Kai finally made his way to the Orange League Headquarters to register for the challenge.
Interestingly, unlike other Pokémon Leagues, the Orange League didn't have a fixed tournament schedule.
Because of its unique system, a trainer who earned all four Gym Badges had to personally apply to challenge the Winner's Cup.
Only after the League Champion confirmed their availability, the Orange League would prepare the stadium overnight, and the next day, the Winner's Cup battle would commence.
Since trainers challenged year-round, it wasn't uncommon for the Winner's Cup to be held multiple times in a single year sometimes back-to-back for weeks!
This was what made the Orange League so different from other regions.
And now...
It was finally Kai's turn to step onto the grand stage.
----
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