SATURDAY

The interview

That morning our heroes got up early, when they approached the kitchen to have breakfast they found the whole family waiting for them

- Good morning guys, I hope we have not woken you up with the noise - said Burnet

- Lei likes to get up early - Prof. Kukui apologized

- Don't worry, there's a lot to do to sleep in anyway - said Ash - Mallow sent me a message inviting us all to have lunch at the restaurant

- Great, the interview is not until 4 pm, there is plenty of time - Kukui said - Will you go to the Pokémon center?

- Yes, I think we can go there first, and then if we have time to walk a bit on the beach before going to Lana's - Ash replied - Will you have lunch with us?

- Sure, but we have things to do ... We'll see you there

This is how we meet our heroes entering the Melemele Pokémon Center

- Alola Ash, great seeing you ahain - Nurse Joy greeted - Alola guys

- Alola!

- I suppose you come to check your arm, the other nurse Joy sent me all the details and told me what happened

- Yes, I would like to know when I can take off this sling, it is already driving me crazy

- Hahaha, I guess so .. come, let's check

- I'll be right there - Ash answered and then turned and went to Misty and Goh - guys, could you call Tracey while I'm with the nurse? I will need Charizard, Squirtle and Bulbasaur for the interview this afternoon ... that way we will have more time to wander before lunch

- Sure Ash - Goh answered

- Ah ... Lucario and Greninja too, I would like to continue with our special training

- You still haven't told us what you've been training with them - Misty said

- No, because it is a surprise ... - after he saw Misty's irritated look he added - I must go with Nurse Joy

After Nurse Joy check him out and took new X-rays, she came to the following conclusion

- Well Ash, everything seems to be going very good. Your shoulder has healed a lot in just a week, in fact we will change the sling for one that will allow you to start moving your arm little by little, but keeping the shoulder firmly in place, it also goes under the clothes

-- Great, thank you nurse

- Your wrist has also improved a lot, in fact the small fracture has healed almost completely, I would like you to keep the splint for another week, just as a precaution - Nurse Joy said as she put the new sling on Ash - remember that you can start to move your arm, but without forcing it ... As soon as you feel that it begins to hurt you stop ... Little by little you will regain strength and mobility, do not force it

- I'll do that, thank you very much Nurse Joy

- How did it go? - Misty asked when she saw Ash return

- All good, and I can start to move my arm a little

- That's great Ash - Goh said

- Here - Misty said, handing Ash 5 Pokeballs

- Thanks guys - Ash thanked, securing the Pokeballs in his belt - we still have a lot of time before lunch ... We could go to the beach or walk through the market ..

- The beach! - Misty responded excitedly

- hahaha ... Do you realize that you will have a beach for two weeks, right? - Ash asked

- Of course I do, I'm not stupid Ash ... But I love the beach ... We can see the market another day.

- It's fine by me - Goh said

After spending a few pleasant moments strolling along the beach, the group headed to Mallow's family restaurant.

Upon entering the restaurant they were greeted by his former classmates Mallow, Kiawe, Sophocles and Lana

- Alola!

- Alola guys! - Ash greeted - How have you been?

- Fine ... How have been your battles of the world championship? - asked Sophocles

- Ehm, good ... Although I haven't had a battle in several weeks ...

- And why not? - Kiawe asked surprised

- I've been busy with other things .. - Ash replied thinking about Eternatus

- Will you be ready for the festival battles? - asked Lana - the truth is that it has not yet been announced publicly, but the Professor told us that you would have some battles for the festival

- Really? I thought they would have already announced it everywhere ... I thought they were the main show of the festival - said Goh

- They are - said Kukui, who had just enter the restaurant in the company of Burnet and Lei - but we still keep them a secret. People know that there will be a "special guest" to the festival and that there will be many surprises, but nothing more.

- Oh ...

- Today during the interview we will announce some of the surprises - Kukui clarified

- Just a few? - asked Misty

- Of course, we have to save some for next week - Burnet replied, looking at Kukui in a conspiratorial way.

- You're getting even more anxious, aren't you? - Misty asked Ash, recognizing that look that always illuminated his face before a great battle or new challenge

- You can bet on it

After a lively lunch, with many anecdotes to share, it was time to go to the interview

- I think it's time to go Ash - said Professor Kukui - we can't be late

- It's true ... - Ash replied - I'm sorry guys, we'll see you another day - he added, saying goodbye to his former teammates

- What are you talking about Ash ... We go with you ...- Lana clarified

- Prof Kukui got us tickets to the TV show - added Sophocles

- You didn't think we would let Misty and Goh have all the fun, did you? - Kiawe continued

- That's right, we will be part of the public - Mallow said

- As I was saying ... We should go, we can't be late - Kukui repeated

After a few minutes of walking, the group finally approached the television station building.

Kukui approached the guard and said

- Alola, we are here for the program that will be recorded in a few minutes. They come as audience - he said pointing to the boys - and we must meet Mary, she should be waiting for us - he added, pointing to Ash and himself

- Sure, she told me yoi were coming. I'll inform her that they are already here - said the guard while calling by radio to notify the arrival of those important guests

Just a few minutes later, a woman approached them

- Alola, my name is Mary and I am the producer of the show - said Mary, greeting those present - guys, you should go to the studio and sit where you want in the audience - she explained addressing the others - Karl (the guard) will show you the way ... you:ll have to wait a bit, since the recordings start in half an hour

- Isn't the show live? - asked Lana, who usually watched the show with her family

- Usually it is ... But today's episode will be recorded, since we will present it in primetime tonight ... - Mary clarified - Okay, Ash and Kukui come with me

- We'll see you later Ash, we'll be supporting you ... try not to make a fool of yourself in primetime - Misty said, knowing that this comment would make Ash relax and do his best.

- Ha ha ... Very funny - Ash said sarcastically, but thanking Misty's comment ...

He had started to get a little nervous when he heard that the interview would be in prime time. Having a battle in a stadium full of people did not make him nervous, that was his environment ... But speaking on television always made him a little nervous

- I suppose Prof Kukui put you up to date on what today's interview will be like - asked Mary

- Yes ... He told me about the idea of focusing on the beginnings of my journey

- That's right, but we'll cover other things as well,-- Mary replied. Seeing Ash's worried face she added - Don't worry, our hosts Bill and Sandra will guide the interview ... You just have to worry about answering

- Okay...

The show stage consisted mainly of two small armchairs on the right side, where the hosts sat, and a large central sofa where the guests sat. There was also a small table in the center with glasses of water for everyone, and a large giant screen on the left

The audience, about 60 people, was mostly children accompanied by their parents or trainers who had come to see the current champion of the League. Sitting in the front row were Ash's friends

- Welcome to a new edition of "Alola surprises you", today at a special time since our guest is very special - Bill began

- That's right ... He is the idol of many of the little ones, and not so little, fans of the Pokémon battles in Alola - Sandra continued

- He was the first champion of our League - said Bill

- With you, Ash Ketchum! - presented Sandra

Ash and Pikachu appeared from one side of the stage.

The audience was insane clapping and cheering for Ash

- What a welcome - Sandra commented - Alola Ash

- Alola - Ash greeted the josts, and then addressed the audience - Thank you all for that welcome - Ash said a little embarrassed

- Thanks for being here with us tonight Ash - said Bill, inviting Ash to sit in the sofa. - Tell us ... Are you currently participating for the badges of any League?

- No ... I am participating in the world championship - Ash answered - I have been having many battles to go up in the ranking and thus be able to face Lionel

- Wow, you have a great goal ... - Sandra said

- It is ... It's my goal at the moment ... But my real goal is to become a great Pokémon Master

- Heavens, that's a great goal - added Bill

- I know ... But it has been my goal since I was little, and I am sure that with the help of Pikachu and my other Pokémon we will one day be able to achieve it - Ash said with conviction

At this the audience burst into applause

- I am sure that you will have many fans supporting you on the way Ash - Sandra assured when she saw the reaction of the public

- You said that this has been your goal since childhood, isn't it? - asked Bill - at what age did you start your journey?

- I started shortly after turning ten

- We know that you are a native of Kanto ... specifically of Pallet Town - Sandra added - What was your initial Pokémon ... Charmander, Squirtle or Bulbasaur?

- Ehm .. - Ash replied looking at Pikachu - none of them ...

- Really? According to my notes - Sandra said checking her cards - you have a Squirtle, Bulbasaur and Charizard

- It's true, but I captured them. The truth is that the day I started my journey I fell asleep - Ash answered a little embarrassed - when I got to the laboratory they had already been chosen by other trainers

- Oh I see...

- There was only Pikachu left - Ash said, scratching Pikachu behind the ears - at first we didn't get along very well - Misty's laugh could be clearly heard in the middle of the audience - but then we started to become good friends, and now we are the best ones isn't it Pikachu?

- Pika!

- I see ... and from what I have heard Pikachu is very strong - said Bill - here we have some images of Pikachu in battle

On the giant screen, various images began to appear, images of Pikachu during the battles of the Indigo League.

- But you say you got the three initials of Kanto anyway - said Bill

- Yeah, i did...

- You can tell us a little more about them ?

- First it was Charmander ... His old trainer had abandoned him in the rain - Ash said with a bit of sadness and anger as he remembered how small Charmander's flame was - after we took him to the Pokémon Center, he decided to come with us ... Later it evolved into Charmeleon and then into Charizard

- I think we have some images of Charizard in one of his battles in the Indigo League - Sandra said

- Oh no .. - Ash replied

On a giant screen to one side of the stage, Charizard could be seen standing in front of a Pikachu ... Richie's Pikachu ... After a few seconds the audience could see how Charizard refused to fight and Ash lost the match

Some of the public began to laugh at the images, especially Misty, but most began to murmur surprised by what they had just seen

- Could you tell us what happened - asked Bill

- Sure ... You see, when Charmander evolved into Charmeleon he stopped obeying me, and when he evolved into Charizard it only got worse - Ash acknowledged - he didn't trust me, and I wasn't good enough for him back then

- And now? - Sandra asked

- Shortly after the Indigo League, we went to compete in the Orange Islands ... There we were able to resolve our differences and become great friends. Now Charizard is one of my strongest Pokemon without a doubt. He has been training for several years in the Charicific Valley

- What a great story - said Sandra - what can you tell us about Squirtle?

- We met Squirtle in a small city in Kanto ... He was the leader of the Squirtle Squad, a gang of Squirtles abandoned by their trainers who caused problems in the city. After some adventures together, Squirtle decided to come with us while his companions stayed in charge of Officer Jenny as the city firefighters - Ash commented - Some time later, when we were traveling through Johto we ran into them, and we could see that they were missing their leader to be able to work well as a team and thus fulfill their tasks as firefighters. Since then she has been with them and Officer Jenny, although he is always happy to return if a big battle warrants it.

- Wow, another great story ...- said Bill - on the screen you can see scenes of some Squirtle battles

"Luckily I don't have any humiliating battle with Squirtle" - Ash thought.

- I guess your meeting with Bulbasaur also has a great story - Sandra said

- Hahaha yes, I think so .. - Ash said, thinking about how to tell the story without revealing much information about it - We met Bulbasaur in a place called the Hidden Village, in it a girl takes care of injured or abandoned Pokémon and then let them go back to nature; Bulbasaur lived in the Village and was its guardian, protecting everyone else, especially the weakest. Due to the large number of abandoned Pokémon that Bulbasaur had seen, he had very little trust in trainers, so after some adventures together, the girl in charge suggested to Bulbasaur that he should come with us.

- Oh, and did he agree? It trust you?

- Not at first, but over time we created a very special bond. Currently Bulbasaur lives in Professor Oak's Laboratory, where he acts as a mediator between all the Pokémon that live there ... He is a great leader - Ash added proudly as images of Bulbasaur began to appear on the screen.

- I understand that these wonderful Pokémon are accompanying you today - Sandra said

- That's right, I have them here with me - Ash said pointing to his belt - do you want them to come out to say hello?

- I don't know ... Let's see what the public thinks

Clearly the audience went wild at the question

- We will take that as a yes - said Bill - there is enough space on the side here Ash - he said pointing to the free space in front of the giant screen

- Get out all! - Ash said releasing his three initials of Kanto

As they got out of their Pokeballs, the three Pokémon looked around in surprise. Ash had released them on the beach a while ago to comment on the interview this afternoon, and to warn Charizard not to use his flamethrower, but they had not imagined that the public would be so excited. Pikachu happily approached his friends to tell them how the interview was going, and from Charizard's scared face and Squirtle's laughter, he must have told them about Charizard's videos from the League

- Don't worry Charizard, that was a long time ago - Ash reassured him when he noticed what was happening

- Wow Ash, everyone looks very strong, especially Charizard - said Sandra

At the comment, Charizard out of habit was about to throw a flamethrower into the air, but Ash managed to stop it in time.

- I have a question ... you said that they had decided to go with you ... so you didn't have a battle with them to capture them? - Sandra asked

- No, only with Bulbasaur who wanted to be sure if he could trust in me or not - Ash said looking at his little friend

- A very peculiar way to catch Pokemon - Sandra said. In the background, Misty's laugh could be heard again

- The truth is that is not so strange to me ... most of my Pokemon have decided to come with me, there are only a few with whom I have fought to be able to capture them - Ash said thinking about all his Pokemon - First we become friends, that's what more important ... and if they decide to be part of the team much better

The audience could not stop applauding, they were all very interested listening to Ash's stories ... Most thought that catching a Pokémon was something as simple as just throwing a Pokeball {Especially Goh)

- I have another doubt ... If these four Pokémon have been with you for so long, and they are as strong as you say ... Why has only Charizard evolved and the others have not yet? - asked Bill

- The answer is simple, because none of the three wants to do it - Ash said, smiling proudly at his Pokémon - They decided not to do it, and I have respected that

Listening to Ash, there were a few moments of silence ... Everyone in the audience was too shocked and confused to react, and the hosts weren't much better. Fortunately Pikachu broke the ice by jumping on Ash's shoulder to thank him for respecting his decision

- Wow, that's a very surprising decision Ash - Sandra said

Given this, the public finally reacted by applauding the Pallet Town trainer

- Some would say that it could be somewhat risky, since they may not be as strong as their evolved versions - added Bill

- The truth is that I'm not so sure about that ... Apart from them I have many Pokémon in my team that have decided not to evolve, and all have become stronger in their own way - Ash said proudly - most have defeated their evolved versions or really powerful Pokémon

- Really? - Bill said somewhat skeptical

- Of course .. Pikachu for example has defeated some Legendary, Singular or Mega Evolved Pokémon - Ash clarified - and it is not the only one of my Pokémon who have not wanted to evolve with great victories in their history

With each answer from Ash the audience got more and more excited

- It's true, I remember that last year they defeated Tapu Koko - Sandra added

- You're right, with a spectacular Z move - said Bill, watching the giant screen where they were repeating the final battle with Tapu Koko

- Tell us Ash, you have participated in several Leagues, haven't you? - Sandra asked - You started in Kanto, right

- That's right, my first League was in Kanto

- And you finished in the top 16, a great achievement for the first try - said Bill

- Thank you, but I wouldn't have gotten that far without the help friends Brock and Misty - Ash said, looking at Misty with a smile

- After that you competed in Johto, right?

- No, not really - Ash replied - we went to the Orange Islands ... But that is not an official League, so you may not have heard of it

- Oh, I see ... - Sandra said - it is actually not in my notes

- And how did it go there? - asked Bill

- We were champions - Ash replied - Thanks to them and some of my other Pokémon - he added, pointing to Pikachu and the others

- Champion on your second try! - Sandra said, very astonished

- it's a shame that we don't have images of that

- After that we went to Johto, and we finished in the top 8

- Surprising - Sandra said, more and more in her fan mode

- Luckily we do have some images from Johto - Bill added, pointing to the giant screen where they were reviewing some of the best moments of Johto's battles

- After that would come Hoen, where you finished in the top 8 again - said Bill, who was looking at the images on the giant screen - Very good battles

- Thanks

- Then you went back to Kanto? - Sandra asked

- That's right, for the Battle Frontier

- For those who do not know, this is a competition with a higher level of difficulty than that of a League. In fact, ttainers must be invited to participate ...- clarified Bill

- That is a great merit Ash, from what I understand there has been no one who has managed to win the 7 symbols in 3 or 4 years ... - Sandra added, confirming the information in her notes

- Really? I didn't know ... - Ash replied

- How many symbols did you manage to win? - Bill asked, apparently that information was not in his notes

- The 7 - Ash answered with a big smile - it wasn't easy, but we did it, didn't we guys? - He added looking at his Pokémon, who clearly remembered their victory against Brandon

- Won? - Bill said somewhat confused, this was not in his notes ... Apparently this interview would have many surprises, and not only for Ash

The audience couldn't help but be excited, the idol they admired so much for his battles in the League and in front of Professor Kukui was even more fabulous! Among those surprised were Ash's friends, except Misty ... Apparently Ash had not told them of all his achievements

- They inform me - Sandra said, pointing to the small earpiece in her ear - that we have some images of your battles ..

At that moment on the screen an Articuno appeared who was fighting with Charizard

- Did you face Articuno ?! - Bill asked very astonished

- Charizard managed to defeat him, it was a spectacular battle - Ash said remembering the battle

The images changed to show Ash's different battles.

"I didn't know that Scott had recorded the battles .." thought Ash

The last images showed a summary of the final battle against Brandon

- Wow, without a doubt these four are very strong - Sandra said pointing to Charizard and the others At this Charizard gave a small grunt of approval.

- You don't stop surprising us Ash - said Bill

- Then came Sinnoh ... And you finished in the top 4 - Sandra said, checking her notes

- Let's see some images This time the images showed some of Ash's best moments in his battles against Paul or Tobías.

- You managed to defeat Darkrai and Latios! - Sandra said

- Yes, but Tobías still had 4 other Pokémon, and I didn't have any left ... - Ash said - although at least we were the only ones to defeat Darkrai in the entire championship

"If the idea of this interview is that Ash will win fans ... I must say it is working perfectly" Misty thought, looking around at the audience who were looking at Ash with absolute admiration.

- Continuing with your journey ... then it was Unova ... here you went back a bit, remaining among the best 8 - said Bill

- Yes, it was a different trip ... Among other things it was the first without my friend Brock and it took me a bit to get used to some things at the beginning - Ash said while the audience saw some images of their battles in Unova

- But after that you vindicated yourself. In Kalos you managed to be the runner-up

- Yes, that time we were really very close to achieving it - Ash said, that last battle with Alain still hurt a little

- Megaevolutions are very common in Kalos, do you have any megaevolutions?

- No, not really ... But I have something better - Ash said proudly

- What are you talking about?

- I will explain it to you after you see the images, it will surely be there

As Ash thought, in the mix of images they haven:t left out his Greninja wrapped in a vortex of water and then reappear in his Greninja-Ash form with a large water shuriken on his back.

Seeing Greninja Ash, and how powerful he was, the audience went wild again

- But I thought that Greninja does not have a Mega Evolution - said Bill, very confused

- No, he doesn't have it - Ash clarified - that's an ability that Greninja and I have, where thanks to our strong bond he can take that form ... My friend Bonnie called him as Greninja-Ash - Ash said, a little embarrassed

Charizard was among those who looked at the images of Greninja-Ash in disbelief. In the audience, Goh finally understood what Bonnie was referring to, but he was more confused than before.

- Wow, that's ... Amazing - Sandra said

- Thanks

- After that you came to Alola, didn't you? But you came before Professor Kukui announced the creation of the League ...- said Bill

- Yes, that's right ... I came to carry out a commission from Professor Oak, and I stayed at the Pokémon school

- Really? After all your travels, was it really necessary? - Sandra asked

- There were many things that I already knew ... But there were also others that were new to me, such as the special forms of Alola and Z -moves --; Ash clarified - plus I was able to meet my classmates, and new Pokémon

- I understand that you also carried out the trials of the Islands

- That's right, on my first day in Melemele, Tapu Koko gave me a Z Ring ... After my friends explained everything about it and how important the Island ttials are, I decided to take the challenge. Tapu Koko had trusted in me and I couldn't let him down

- You were also part of the Ultra Guardians, right? - asked Bill

- Yes, thanks to the help of Solgaleo we were able to save Lusamine

- And everyone else in Alola - Sandra added

With this the public went crazy again, they did not know that Ash had been part of those who had saved Alola

- I know that everyone remembers these meetings well, but let's review some images of the League and of your battle with Professor Kukui

- You have mentioned several times at your friends .. - Sandra said - I suppose you have had some traveling companions

- That's right ... For Kanto and Johto I traveled with Misty and Brock, they were the first to give me advice and teach me a lot about battles and strategies. Misty is the Cerulean Gym Leader and Brock was the Pewter Gym Leader and is now studying to become a Pokémon Doctor.

- Certainly great mentors for a rookie

- In the Orange Islands we were accompanied by Tracey, who is now Professor Oak's assistant - said Ash - after Johto Misty had to return to the Gym, so only Brock accompanied me to Hoen, there we met May and his brother Max. May is a coordinator and Max is beginning his journey. They also accompanied me during the Battle Frontier trip. In Sinnoh, Brock and I traveled with Dawn, who is also the coordinator.

After a short pause in which Ash remembered his friends, Ash continued with his answer

- After Sinnoh Brock stayed to start studying, so only Pikachu and I went to Unova. There we met Cilan and Iris. Cilan is a gym leader alongside her siblings, and Irirs is training to be a Dragon Master.

- In Kalos we travel with Serena, Clemon and her sister Bonnie. Serena is a Pokemon Performer, Clemont is Leader of the Lumiose Gym and Bonnie will soon begin her journey

- I see that you have always had great travel companions

- Ajaj that's right, and very good friends - said Ash - here in Alola I met my classmates Sophocles, Lana, Lili, Kiawe and Mallow. And I am currently traveling with Goh, we are both research associates of Prof. Cerise

- Oh dear, I didn't know that you also liked research

- It is always fun to learn new things about Pokemon - Ash replied

- I imagine that your friends have been an important part of your career

- Of course, I have learned something from each of them, they have all had a direct or indirect influence on my battle strategies or on the invention of some movements

- What are you talking about?

- For example ... Some of my combinations of movements resulted from training with May or Dawn, or from being a spectator in one of their contests ... It turns out that the combinations are not only beautiful, but very useful in battle

- I see .. Have you ever participated in a contest? - asked Bill

- Yes, in a couple ... Mainly becsise Buizel wanted to try - Ash explained - Buizel was initially Dawn's, but he liked battles more than contests, and I had an Aipom who loved contests, so We decided that it was best to trade them. But Buizel wanted to try the contest anyway ... We didn't win, but Buizel did a great job

- I think we have some images about it - Sandra added In the Images of the Wallace cup, you could see Buizel making his Ice Aquajet

- Well Ash, I must say that so far you are the one who has surprised us all with your great achievements and stories, but it is time to surprise you ..

- That's right, the next two other guests will join us have great surprises for Ash and for all the inhabitants of Alola

- A big round of applause for Professor Kukui and Mr. Goodshow - said Sandra

Once the new guests were seated, Bill continued

- Thank you very much for being with us Mr. Goodshow. For those who do not recognize him, he is the President of the Pokémon Leagues

- Thanks for inviting me

- I guess you already knew Ash - Sandra asked

- Of course I did, we met a long time ago, shortly before Ash's participation in the Indigo League ... And since then I have been very aware of all his achievements ... I knew he would go very far

- Professor Kukui, tell us a bit about how is having Ash as a student - Sandra asked

- It was a great contribution to the group, although Ash is a bit hyperactive - he said looking at Ash - his knowledge about Pokemon and battles was of great help to his teammates, guiding them and moving them to be better trainers.

- And why are you and Mr. Goodshow here tonight? - asked Bill

- As you know, during the next two weeks we will have the Manalo Festival, to promote a new version of the Alola League that will take place in a few months - said Kukui - we will have various activities in all the Islands, but we will also have some surprises

- I like that part! - Sandra said - with what will you surprise us?

- We will have Exhibition Battles between the Kahunas and Ash! Each island will be the host of one of the battles. Battles 3 vs 3, which will also be broadcast on TV.

Upon hearing this news, the public began to applaud

- We want trainers from other regions to get excited and come to participate in our League, and what better way than with battles between Ash and the Kahunas

- It's really a very good idea! - Sandra said - the dates and times of the battles are appearing on the screen, as well as the way to get the tickets

- But that's not all! We will have other activities that we will inform in due time, for now they are a surprise, but I can tell you that this festival will be unforgettable - Kukui added, very excited

- In addition, for all those trainers who wish to participate in the League we have very important information - said Mr. Goodshow - As you know, last year the first version of the League was held, and as the first version it had some ... exceptions

- What do you mean? - As it was announced without much anticipation, and we wanted to promote the participation of many trainers ... There were no major requirements to participate - explained Mr. Goodshow - but for this year we will have some modifications

- We will have new rules. Rules that will make our League more competitive and be at the level of the other regions - added Kukui

- During this week we will work on the modifications together with our special guest - said Mr. Goodshow pointing to Ash - and next week we will make them known to the public ... Along with the occasional surprise.

- Will Ash help you with the new rules? - Bill asked, looking at Ash who had remained silent and seemed a bit overwhelmed with so much information.

- That's right ... He is the current champion of the League ... And as you have reviewed today, he has a lot of experience in other leagues, and in other areas

- That can help us to create rules that are perfectly adapted to our region - Kukui added

- Isn't that right Ash?

- I will try to help as much as I can Professor

- Well, unfortunately our time is up and we must start saying goodbye - said Bill

- But not without first choosing our winners today - Sandra added - Two lucky members of the audience will be able to take pictures with Ash and his Pokémon once the show is over

At that moment Sandra brought a small plastic cube with all the names of the audience attendees

- Well Ash, you choose

- Oh, okay ... Pikachu, do you want to choose one? Bulbasaur do you choose the other? - Ash asked his Pokémon

- The winners are ... Nicky, from seat 32 - Sandra said, reading the name of the winner chosen by Pikachu - and Alex, from seat 45 ... Congratulations, como closer when the show is over.

- And with this we say goodbye for today, thanks for watching us - said Bill

- And get ready to celebrate the Manalo Festival that comes with many surprises

- See you next week!

With this the cameras were turned off and the public began to vacate the studio. In no time only Ash's friends and the lucky winners remained.

Misty led the others on stage, to introduce them to Mr. Goodshow.

As for the winners, both were children of approx, 8-9 years old, who, accompanied by their parents, approached the stage

- Hello guys, congratulations on having won - Sandra congratulated them - come and meet Ash

- Alola guys, thanks for coming today - Ash greeted them happily - did you enjoy the show?

- Yes!

- Do you want to come and meet my Pokémon? - he asked the children

Both children were a bit hesitant, and their parents too, Charizard looked very imposing

- Don't worry, Charizard is really only rude when he needs to be ... Or when he wants to impress someone . Come on

The kids finally approached the group of Pokémon, a bit shy at first, but they quickly started petting Pikachu and Bulbasaur, then Squirtle, and finally Charizard as well. They both took several photos with Ash and his Pokémon, event

in one of them they posed on Charizard back (after Ash manages to convince Charizard to allow it)

- Bye Guys, I hope you can go see the Battles! - Ash said goodbye

When he turned around, he found his friends chatting animatedly with Professor Kukui and Mr. Goodshow. The latter noticed that Ash had finished with the photos and approached him.

- It's good to see you Ash

- Thank you, Mr. Goodshow, I'm also happy to see you

- It is very comforting to see how good you are with your little fans

- Yes ... I still get excited when I meet great trainers. Although I'm not used to them feeling that about me ... but if I can make them happy with a simple photo, why not ...

- It seems to me that you will have to get used to the attention, Ash - said Mr. Goodshow with a knowing smile

- What do you mean?

- Oh, nothing ... What I wanted to talk to you is something else ...

- What?

- No, not now. Tomorrow morning we will have a meeting with Kukui, to resolve some details about the new rules of the League. There we can talk about many other things too

- Ok ... - Ash answered intrigued

- Excellent, I'll see you at 8:00 at the offices of the League

- I didn't know there were League offices here in Alola

- Of course they are, but they are relatively new - said Kukui, who had been approaching

- Oh ...

- Well, see you tomorrow - Mr. Goodshow said goodbye

- Were you surprised to see Mr. Goodshow? - Kukui asked

- Yes, I was not expecting thay- Ash replied - was that the surprise you were talking about?

- Part of it, the rest you will found out tomorrow - Kukui replied

As Ash saw that Kukui did not intend to give him more details, he turned to put his Pokémon in his Pokeballs. When he turned around again he found his friends approaching him

- That was a great interview Ash - Misty congratulated him - the audience was crazy with everything you said

- Of course they went crazy! - added Sophocles - even we were surprised with many of the things you said

- It's true, why didn't you tell us that you had won the Battle Frontier? - Lana said

- Or that your Charizard had defeated Articuno! - Kiawe said, still in shock about it

- hahaha - Misty river

- What's so funny Misty? asked Mallow

- Oh, nothing ... I was just thinking about how you would react if yoi knew about Ash's real adventures

- Misty ... - Ash warned

- What are you talking about? asked Lana

- Nothing ... Only that what you heard today are his most boring stories ... The most exciting ones he does not like to share eith anyone - explained Misty

- Misty, that's enough ... - Ash said, before turning around and going to the dressing room that had been assigned to him

The other watched Ash walk away and then at Misty, trying to understand what happened.

- He'll be fine, don't worry ... I'll talk to him later ... - Misty said, feeling somewhat guilty

- What did you mean Misty? - Goh asked

- You all know Ash ... Adventurer and defender of the whole world ... In these years he has had many incredible adventures - Misty began to relate - but for some reason he does not like to talk about them very much ... And I should have respected that ... I'll go apologize to him ... We'll see you outside in a bit

- Knock Knock ... May I come in? - Misty asked, leaning into the small room where Ash and Pikachu were.

- Yes...

- Sorry Ash, I shouldn't have mentioned it ...

- It's okay Misty ... - Ash replied, a little discouraged

- Are you okay?

- Yes ... I think so ... It's just .

- I know, I know you don't like to talk about it ... But they are your friends Ash, we are your friends ... We are the people you should trust to be able to tell anything ...

- I know ... But with them it's not that simple, not like how it is with you, Brock or Tracey ...

- Because? What about May, Max or Dawn ... Or everyone else? What's the difference?

- I don't know .. well, yeah ... It's a bit embarrassing, don't laugh

- I won't, I promise

- Brock, Tracey and you have known me from the beginning, you have seen me improve little by little ... With you it is simple ... I must not meet expectations, because you have seen me start from scratch ...

- But not the others, they have you as a role model ... - Misty concluded

- Yes ... When I met May and Serena they didn't even know what they wanted to do, Max has me on a pedestal where only his dad is better than me ... Dawn was sure that she wanted to be a coordinator, but anyway she had me as a mentor at the beginning ...

- I understand ... And the guys from Alola also saw you as a role model since you arrived, they hardly had a Pokémon back then ...

- That's right ... During the classes, whenever Professor Kukui had to demonstrate something about battles or attacks he asked me to demonstrate it ...

- And I suppose the problem then is not wanting to disappoint them ...

- No, is not that...

- Then what happens Ash ...

- It's just that I don't want them to think even higher of me ... I know it sounds a bit ridiculous, but they already have me as a role model, saving the world only increases it ...

- And be the chosen one too - Misty said with a smile

- Yes, that too ... And in that case I'm afraid of disappointing them ...

- Ash ...

- When you have a person on a very high pedestal, anything can make them fall ... And that disappointment is very painful

- Ash ...

- And with you guys it's different, you've seen me save the world, but you've also seen me do stupid things like trying to catch a Pidgey with a Caterpie ...

- Ash! Take a deep breath and relax. You're putting yourself in scenarios that I'm sure will never happen. Your friends, new or old, we all admire and trust you, but we also all know that you are a clueless, gluttonous and hyperactive trainer

- Thanks?

- What I mean is that we know that you are a human being, a person who, like everyone else, makes mistakes sometimes. But above all we know that you are someone very brave and loyal, and that you will always defend those who need it. So I highly doubt that you will do something that will make you fall off the pedestal that Max has you on, unless you do something as stupid as join Team Rocket ... and we know that will never happen.

- ... Pika ...

- Relax, everything will be fine ... And if you don't want to share your stories with thre others yet, that's fine ... They will be happy to hear them when you feel ready to share them

- Thanks Misty

- Come on, they're all waiting for you outside ... Can I tell them the story of Caterpie and the Pidgey? - Misty asked with a laugh, trying to raise Ash's mood

- Misty!

- Oh come on ... It's a battle worth remembering ... Almost as much as Metapod vs Metapod - she added laughing out loud

- Pi i kaaaa! - Pikachu said laughing too

- Thanks for the support Pikachu

Outside the buildong, Kukui and the others were waiting for them, to be able to say goodbye properly before going to their respective houses for dinner.

- It was a great interview Ash - said Sophocles

- Thanks guys, it was great to have you in the audience, it helped me a lot not to get nervous

- What if you all come to the farm tomorrow? We can have ice cream and walk around the island - asked Kiawe

- Yes, ice cream! - Misty responded excitedly

- Sorry guys, but I'll be busy in the morning - Ash said

- In fact you will be busy throughout the day - Kukui said - we have important activities scheduled for tomorrow

- Oh ... - Misty said disappointed

- But go without me, have fun and bring me some ice cream - Ash said quickly

- Great, we'll see you tomorrow then

That night after having dinner and playing with little Leí, Ash decided to walk along the Beach, so that he could think about what he had discussed with Misty. Upon reaching some rocks that created a small hiding place, he decided that it was the ideal place to practice with Greninja and Lucario.

A couple of hours later, Ash decided it was time to go to bed, it had been a long day and tomorrow apparently would be too.