Ash stretched his arms and sighed, feeling the familiar comfort of Pallet Town settle around him as he and Pikachu walked up the path to his house. His adventure to catch every Pokémon had been intense, and though he hadn't quite completed his goal, he'd certainly come close. Pikachu let out a happy "Pika!" as they approached, clearly glad to be home.

"Mom! We're back!" Ash called, pushing open the front door.

Inside, he was greeted by laughter and the sound of his mother, Delia, chatting with two unfamiliar women. Both looked up as he stepped into the room. The first woman was dressed in a black pantsuit with socks and loafers of the same color, blue gloves and a yellow necktie on her blue shirt. Her glove has a sun emblem on it. The second woman was young and slender with long green hair in a low ponytail and red eyes. For clothing, she wears a gray button-up shirt, a black necktie, black pants with suspenders, brown shoes and matching black gloves. She wears a ear piercing and earrings and is shown wearing glasses when she is working under Geeta.

"Oh! Ash, come over here," Delia said, waving him over. "I'd like you to meet Geeta and Rika from the Paldea region."

Geeta gave Ash a polite nod, her deep eyes assessing him with interest. "Hello, Ash. I'm Geeta, chairwoman of the Naranja Academy in Paldea."

"And I'm Rika," the green-haired woman added with a grin. She stepped closer to Ash and began sizing him up in a way that left him blinking in surprise. Without warning, she patted his shoulders, gave him a quick glance up and down, and nodded approvingly. "So, you're the new Monarch. Not bad."

Ash laughed, a little taken aback. "Uh, thanks? I guess?"

Pikachu watched Rika curiously, tilting his head as if to say, Who's this?

Satisfied with her inspection, Rika stepped back, folding her arms with a grin that sparkled with confidence. Geeta cleared her throat, bringing their attention back to her.

"Ash, I came here with Rika today for a specific reason," she began, her tone direct but friendly. "We wanted to invite you to visit Paldea and our academy. You see, we've heard a great deal about your accomplishments as the new World Champion, or Monarch, as it's called here in Kanto."

Ash's eyes lit up. "Wow, really? I'd love to see Paldea! And a school for Trainers? That sounds awesome!" His thoughts were already racing with excitement. New Pokémon, new battles, maybe even new friends...

Geeta raised a finger. "However, there is one condition," she said, her voice taking on a slightly competitive edge. "We'd like to test your skills before extending the invitation fully. A simple challenge, if you will."

Ash grinned, clenching his fists in anticipation. "A test? Bring it on! Right, Pikachu?"

"Pika-pika!" Pikachu agreed, sparking with enthusiasm.

Rika chuckled, amused. "I knew you'd go for it. You've got that 'never-back-down' spirit I've heard so much about." She exchanged a quick glance with Geeta, who gave her a nod.

Geeta moved to the center of the living room, and Rika backed up to give them space. "I hope you don't mind us doing this here, Mrs. Ketchum," Geeta said with a polite nod to Delia.

Delia smiled warmly. "Of course, go right ahead! I'm sure it's nothing a quick dusting can't fix."

Geeta turned back to Ash. "Are you ready, Ash?" She took out a Poké Ball from her belt and held it out. "Let's make this a one-on-one match. This will give me a sense of your bond with Pikachu and how you two work together."

Ash's excitement bubbled over. "We're more than ready. Let's show her what we've got, Pikachu!"

"Chu!" Pikachu took his battle stance, his cheeks sparking as he focused on Geeta.

With a flick of her wrist, Geeta released her Pokémon. "Go, Kingambit!"

In a flash of light, a powerful, armored Pokémon appeared, standing imposingly with its blade-like arms crossed and its dark steel body gleaming in the light. Its serious, calculating eyes locked onto Pikachu.

"Whoa!" Ash breathed, scanning the Pokémon with awe. "I've never seen that one before."

"Kingambit is a Steel- and Dark-type," Geeta explained. "It's known for its resilience and strategic mind. Think of it as the knight that never backs down."

Ash smirked, his mind already working on a strategy. "Pikachu, let's show them what we've got! Start with Quick Attack!"

Pikachu bolted forward, a blur of yellow streaking across the room toward Kingambit. But as he got close, Geeta gave her first command.

"Kingambit, Sucker Punch!"

Kingambit moved with blinding speed, striking Pikachu before he could land his own attack. Pikachu stumbled back, visibly shaken but quickly regaining his footing.

"Alright, Pikachu, let's take it up a notch! Use Iron Tail!"

Pikachu's tail gleamed with a metallic glow as he spun, swinging it down at Kingambit with precision. The blow landed with a resounding clang, and though Kingambit took the hit, it held firm.

Rika whistled from the sidelines, impressed. "That's some strength Pikachu's packing! But Kingambit's just getting warmed up."

Geeta gave a slight smile. "Kingambit, show them your Stone Edge!"

Sharp stones rose from the ground and shot toward Pikachu, who leapt nimbly to avoid the first few but took a hit from the last stone, sending him rolling back. Ash clenched his fists. He could see Kingambit's power, but he knew Pikachu could handle it.

"Pikachu, let's give it our best shot! Thunderbolt!"

Electricity crackled around Pikachu as he unleashed a powerful bolt of lightning at Kingambit. The electric surge hit, and Kingambit staggered under the force, but still stood tall, its eyes sharpening with determination.

Geeta nodded, clearly impressed. "You have skill, Ash. And Pikachu's power is undeniable. But let's see how you handle this. Kingambit, Iron Head!"

Kingambit charged forward, its head gleaming with a metallic shine. Pikachu dodged at the last second, rolling out of the way as Kingambit skidded to a halt.

Ash saw his opportunity. "Now, Pikachu! Use Electro Ball, full power!"

With a spin, Pikachu launched a glowing orb of electricity that sailed straight toward Kingambit. The attack struck with explosive force, enveloping Kingambit in a burst of electricity. As the smoke cleared, Kingambit swayed slightly, then sank to one knee.

Geeta raised her hand. "Kingambit, that's enough. Well done, Ash."

Pikachu leapt into Ash's arms with a proud "Pika!" as Ash hugged him, laughing.

"You were awesome, Pikachu!" Ash praised, holding him up with a smile.

Geeta returned Kingambit to its Poké Ball, giving Ash an approving look. "You've impressed me, Ash. Your connection with Pikachu is remarkable, and your skills are worthy of any challenge in Paldea."

Rika grinned, stepping forward and clapping Ash on the back. "You'll fit right in over there. I can't wait to see how you take on the Champion's Assessment."

"Champion's Assessment?" Ash asked, his curiosity piqued.

"It's a special test," Rika explained. "A gauntlet of battles against Paldea's Elite Four. To be recognized as a Champion in Paldea, you'll have to face and defeat each of us in succession, all without a break."

Ash's eyes sparkled with excitement. "Now that's my kind of challenge!"

Geeta extended her hand to him. "So, what do you say, Ash? Will you accept our invitation and come to Paldea?"

Ash shook her hand firmly. "You bet I will! I can't wait to see what Paldea has to offer!"