In the tranquil town of Pallet, a seventeen-year-old Ash was enjoying some downtime at home. After his victory in the Alola League, Ash set his sights on conquering every other league to measure his growth and skills. To the amazement of all, he emerged victorious in the Kanto League, Johto League, Hoenn League, Sinnoh League, Unova League, and Kalos League. His stunning performance earned him the title of the next Pokemon Master from numerous media outlets. The title of current Pokemon Master was currently held by Leon, the champion of the Galar region.
"Alright,"Ash's voice filled the air as he shouted. He dashed down the stairs with his loyal Pikachu trailing close behind. The aroma of his mother's cooking greeted him, and though he was now grown, his appetite for her meals remained unchanged.
A sudden doorbell rang out, Ash sprang into action, offering to answer the door, where he encountered an old man wearing a lab coat - none other than Professor Oak.
"Good morning, Ash," greeted the professor.
"Good to see you, Professor Oak. Please, come inside," Ash warmly invited, making way for the professor.
"I didn't expect you to drop by, Professor," Delia said, busily setting the table. Pikachu assisted in arranging the plates.
The professor chuckled, "Oh, I was just passing by and couldn't resist the aroma of your delightful food."
"In that case, you must join us for breakfast," Delia kindly offered, and the professor graciously accepted, taking a seat at the table. All three of them, along with Pikachu, gathered around to enjoy a breakfast of fluffy pancakes, buttered toast adorned with delectable jam, and refreshing fruit drinks. Pikachu, of course, clung to its beloved ketchup.
"How's your training progressing, Ash?" Professor Oak inquired with genuine interest.
"Absolutely superb, Professor. Many of my Pokémon have evolved into their final forms during our training, and I've also made some new friends," Ash replied, alluding to his latest addition to the team.
Over the years, Ash had undergone remarkable growth. No longer did he impulsively throw Pokéballs at every Pokémon he encountered. Instead, he sought to build genuine connections with them, patiently forging bonds of friendship. He believed in capturing Pokémon only if they expressed a genuine desire to join him on his journey.
The professor's smile grew wider as he listened to Ash's heartfelt stories about his Pokémon. Oak couldn't help but feel an overwhelming sense of pride in witnessing the transformation of the once inexperienced boy who was once late on his first day of his journey and struggled to connect with his Pokémon. Now, he stood before the professor as a seasoned and accomplished trainer. Moreover, Ash's bond with his Pokémon extended beyond mere battles, making him a true inspiration in the current world.
After breakfast, Professor Oak inquired about Ash's future plans. Delia, with the assistance of her trusty Mr. Mime tidied up the table, while the air hummed with anticipation.
"Well, I've been considering participating in the Galar League. It's the only league I haven't challenged yet," Ash shared, his eyes shining with determination.
The professor's tone took on an air of mystery as he added, "I have something even more exhilarating for you—a challenge that might just be the hardest of your life." His words captured Ash's full attention, knowing that the thrill of overcoming arduous trials was what invigorated him the most. For Ash, the more daunting the challenge, the stronger he emerged from the crucible of adversity.
Professor took out a paper from his lab coat pocket and handed it to Ash. His eyes remained fixed on the paper as he read the words before him,
World Coronation Series
A competition to determine the strongest Trainer in the world
Register Now
"What is this, Professor?" he asked, his voice tinged with disbelief and excitement.
"Just as it says, Ash. A competition to determine the strongest trainer," the professor confirmed with a warm smile.
This was the chance he had longed for all his life. This was the very key that could unlock the door to his most fervent aspiration—to ascend to the pinnacle and be crowned THE STRONGEST, the epitome of a Pokémon Master.
"Professor, I want to participate in this competition," He declared. The fire in Ash's eyes was undeniable, and the Professor saw the unyielding determination that simmered within the young trainer.
"Of course, Ash. However, let me remind you that this competition differs greatly from any others you've faced before." Ash listened intently.
The professor explained that the World Coronation Series was unlike any other league. Trainers were categorized into four classes based on their win/loss ratio: Normal, Great, Ultra, and Master. Battles were judged by the Drone Rotom, and rankings were updated after each match. The top eight ranked trainers would then engage in a single-elimination tournament, the Masters Eight Tournament, to determine the Monarch.
That night, Ash couldn't sleep, so get out of the house and laid on the grass behind his house. Gazing at the night sky, thinking about the tournament that was about to happen that would make him finally earn his lifelong dream. If he wins this tournament he'll become the youngest Poekemon Master.
As the first light of dawn crept over the horizon, Ash reluctantly pulled himself from the ground. "It's morning already," he mumbled, brushing off the grass from his clothes. He stood up, stretching his body in preparation for the day ahead.
"Today will be a long day," he said to himself. After changing out of his pajamas and readied himself.
"Let's go, Pikachu," he called out to his loyal companion. The yellow rodent hopped onto his shoulder, occupying its customary perch.
With a quick farewell to his mother, Ash set off for Professor Oak's ranch, the place where all his cherished Pokémon resided. His heart raced with excitement at the prospect of sharing the thrilling news of the upcoming tournament with his team.
Upon reaching the ranch, he whistled which echoed through the air, calling out to his Pokémon. One by one, they emerged from various corners of the ranch, drawn by the familiar sound of their trainer.
Suddenly, Ash found himself embraced in a warm, enthusiastic hug. It was his Meganium, a Pokémon he had raised since its Chikorita days. Despite its evolution, Meganium retained its adorable habit of tackling Ash with affection. Among all his Pokémon, Meganium's fondness for him was unmatched, even surpassing that of Pokémon like Muk and Gliscor.
"Hey, Meganium," Ash greeted his gentle giant, though the Pokémon seemed too engrossed in nuzzling and showering him with love to pay attention to his words. After a few moments of blissful affection, Ash's trusty Bulbasaur intervened, using its vines to gently pull Meganium away from its trainer. "Thanks, Bulbasaur," Ash expressed his gratitude, regaining his footing.
Surveying his Pokémon, Ash couldn't help but feel immense pride in their growth and achievements. Pidgeot and Greninja, once again become active members of his team. The sight of his majestic Charizard filled him with awe, standing tall and strong as ever. His once-timid Gible had evolved into the mighty Garchomp, a true testament to their bond. And among the new additions to the team, Dragonite and Lucario, stood with undeniable confidence.
With the attention of all his Pokémon now focused on him, Ash knew it was time for the announcement. Pikachu, ever the first to stand by his side, jumped from Ash's shoulder and joined the others.
"Listen up, everyone," Ash declared, a glimmer of excitement in his eyes. "We have some thrilling news. We're going to participate in the World Coronation Series—a tournament to determine the strongest trainer in the world."
His words hung in the air, and every Pokémon's eyes widened with a mixture of astonishment and determination. Helping Ash become the strongest trainer meant much more to them; it symbolized their own strength and prowess as Pokémon. A strong trainer meant strong Pokémon, and they were ready to prove it to the world.
A surge of energy filled the atmosphere as Ash boldly declared, "And we're going to win it!" The resounding cheer that followed proved that the unwavering faith he had in his team was reciprocated by the Pokémon themselves. Some might see it as overconfidence, but Ash knew the potential of his Pokémon, and he firmly believed that with hard work and dedication, victory was within their grasp.
With newfound determination, the team delved into intense training. Ash led by example, giving his hundred percent in every session. He ran laps with his Pokémon, embraced sparring matches with his Fighting-type companions, and challenged himself to push beyond his limits.
As the sun climbed high in the sky, Ash decided to call it a day for the training session. "Alright, guys, that's enough," he announced, and his Pokémon immediately ceased their exercises. Some sought refuge under the cool shade of trees, while water Pokémon found solace in nearby ponds, taking a refreshing dip to cool off after the intense training.
In the midst of this peaceful scene, a familiar voice called out to Ash. Turning around, he was delighted to see his old friend and former traveling companion, Tracey. The tall, dark-haired boy donning a light green T-shirt and beach shorts had now found a role as an assistant to Professor Oak.
"Tracey!" Ash's face lit up with joy at the sight of his friend.
"Heard you're going to participate in the Coronation Series," Tracey remarked.
"That's right! It's the tournament that could make my dream come true," Ash replied with a determined glint in his eyes.
Tracey couldn't have been happier for his long-time friend. Having witnessed Ash's journey through all its highs and lows, seeing him now on the precipice of achieving his dream was truly special. There were no better words than these to convey his support, "Well then, give it your best shot."
"You bet I will," Ash said with unwavering confidence.
Suddenly, Ash remembered something important. "By the way, have you seen Professor Oak? I need to talk to him about something related to the Coronation Series," Ash inquired.
"I just saw him in the lab," Tracey replied, pointing in the direction of the nearby laboratory.
"Thanks, Tracey. See you later," Ash said, getting up from where he was seated and heading towards the lab.
"So, Ash, what is it you want to talk to me about?" Professor Oak inquired, his eyes attentive and welcoming.
"It's about the Coronation Series," Ash replied.
The professor smiled, not surprised by the question in the least. In fact, he had been expecting it. "What do you want to know, Ash?" Professor Oak asked.
Ash hesitated for a moment before asking a crucial question that had been weighing on his mind. "Where do I even start my journey?"
Until now, Ash's path had been defined by challenging gym leaders to qualify for various Pokémon leagues. However, the World Coronation Series presented a different challenge altogether. With no clear opponents or roadmap, he felt a bit lost.
The professor took a moment to consider the question carefully. "The best way to move forward would be to focus on cities known for their strong gym leaders," Professor Oak suggested. "Strong gym leaders tend to attract formidable trainers. By heading to such cities, you are more likely to encounter suitable opponents and gain valuable experience to raise your ranking."
Ash's eyes lit up with understanding, "Thank you, Professor. I will do just that."