Pokémon: Ash's New Journey

Ash's guess was correct—Elesa was indeed interested in watching his match against Tucker. Originally, she had planned to leave with the television crew after her business concluded, but now, watching this battle seemed like a worthwhile detour.

Good looks can make a positive impression anywhere, and when paired with natural charisma, the effect is even stronger.

Ash steadied himself and opened the other door. At this moment, Brock, Misty, and May were already seated with Scott on a special viewing platform, ready to watch the battle. This area provided a full view of the battle arena! Elesa had also arrived, though she was in a different area from Scott and the others.

The announcer was fully prepared to kick off this exciting match.

With a loud "Boom!" the music began, and countless spotlights suddenly focused on Ash's entrance. A shadow stretched across the floor.

"Finally, the man of the hour is here!" the announcer's voice rang out as the audience fell silent, captivated by the moment.

"He was once the champion of the Orange League in the Orange Islands of the Southern Seas!"

"He has challenged and defeated many powerful Pokémon Gyms!"

"He achieved high rankings in the Kanto League's Indigo Conference, the Johto League's Silver Conference, and the Hoenn League's Ever Grande Conference!"

"Driven by an indomitable spirit, he's here from Pallet Town, bringing a storm to the Battle Frontier!"

"This determined challenger's name is Ash!"

Ash entered with a smile but didn't wave enthusiastically to the audience like he might have in the past. He was here for one reason: to challenge the Battle Dome as part of his quest to conquer the Battle Frontier. He simply smiled and introduced himself with a calm, "I'm Ash."

But that was enough.

In Tucker's fan base, young women were the majority, and while they admired his graceful battling style and flashy moves, his looks couldn't compare to Ash's youthful charm. Tucker's fans loved him for his style and techniques—not just his appearance.

Ash thought to himself, Today, I'll show everyone whose moves are more dazzling, whose techniques are bolder!

In the crowd, voices could be heard saying:

"This challenger is so handsome! He's too charming!"

"I hope Ash can hold his own against Tucker for a while!"

"I can't wait to see this battle!"

Ash was taken aback by the audience's reaction. Did that +10 to Charm really work this well? Even Tucker hadn't drawn such enthusiasm when he entered! The spotlight operator, noticing Ash's popularity, decided not to cut the lights on him just yet.

Now it was Tucker's turn to make his grand entrance.

"Pokémon battles are like fleeting flowers."

"As the Battle Dome's artful warrior, I invite you all to lose yourselves in the beauty of elegant techniques and brilliant strategies! Presenting the star of the Battle Dome—Tucker!"

Tucker's entrance stirred excitement from the audience as well.

"Beautiful people, welcome to the Battle Dome!" Tucker announced with flair. "Today, please join me in enjoying a truly spectacular match!"

But Elesa wasn't particularly impressed by Tucker's dramatic entrance. She knew he was strong but thought his entrance style was a bit over the top. Her eyes stayed on Ash, wondering what kind of battle he would deliver.

"Now, let's invite Tucker to introduce the Pokémon he'll use today!"

"Ash, I heard about you from Scott. Your spirit is admirable, so today, I've chosen a theme for this battle: fiery yet cool, the union of fire and water!"

Tucker then revealed his Pokémon—Swampert and Arcanine, just as in the original storyline! Ash quickly checked their levels; both Pokémon were at level 50, proving they were indeed powerful opponents!

The announcer asked Ash if he wanted to have his own Pokémon transported in, but Ash declined.

Ash had already prepared the perfect strategy for battling Tucker.

Earlier, he had sent for his Heracross from the Pokémon Center! Facing off against Swampert's Protect, he was ready to counter with Feint Attack!

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