svetikya Chapter 542 With Shinji, the Choice of Pokémon in the Final Battle
Chapter 542 With Shinji, the Choice of Pokémon in the Final Battle
The setting sun cast a warm, yet slightly desolate, orange-red hue over the Sinnoh landmass.
Not far from the backyard of the Pokémon Center, a secluded path winds its way to the registration area where tomorrow's finalists will go. This path is located in a remote area and is usually deserted, but it seems even more secluded now.
The afterglow of the setting sun filtered through the branches and leaves of the trees along the road, casting dappled shadows on the rocky path and elongating the lonely figure standing ahead.
Xiao Zhi unconsciously slowed his pace a little.
The Infernape beside him seemed to sense something as well. Its steps, which had been lightened by victory, became steady. The flame on its head, symbolizing its power, burned quietly, and its golden eyes gazed ahead with a complex and unfathomable emotion.
It's Shinji.
He stood sideways in the middle of the road, his back to the setting sun, most of his body hidden in shadow, only his outline outlined with a golden edge.
He didn't put his hands in his pockets as usual, or adopt a cold and aloof attitude; he simply stood there calmly, as if waiting for something.
Xiao Zhi understood.
After the match ended today, amidst the cheers of the crowd, he clearly saw Shinji's hesitant expression as he looked at him.
However, his attention quickly shifted to the upcoming semi-final, so he stayed there to watch Dacdo's match.
Shinji probably sensed what he was thinking at the time, so he didn't go up to disturb him and chose to leave first.
Xiao Zhi guessed that he would most likely be waiting for him here.
At this time, no one would come to this place except for trainers who are going to participate in the competition tomorrow.
Ash stepped forward, with Infernape following closely behind.
If Ash hadn't let Pikachu rest in the room, Pikachu would probably have made a soft cry to break the silence in this situation.
As Ash and Shinji drew closer, Shinji turned around as if he had noticed something.
The setting sun's rays illuminated his face, softening his usually gloomy expression.
His gaze first fell on Ash, lingered for a moment, and then turned to Infernape behind Ash.
The scrutiny and criticism of the past were gone, replaced by a deep sense of approval.
"..."
Shinji opened his mouth as if he wanted to say something, but then paused, as if he was organizing his thoughts.
This is extremely rare for Shinji, who is usually straightforward and direct in his speech.
Finally, Shinji took a deep breath and spoke, his voice less cold than usual and more solemn and subtly relieved.
"Congratulations, Ash," he said, his words simple yet extremely rare.
Ash was genuinely surprised that Shinji would offer words of congratulations. Even Infernape beside him seemed to be seeing its former trainer for the first time, its mouth agape in a daze.
Immediately afterward, Shinji's gaze focused entirely on Infernape, his deep eyes reflecting an appearance that was completely different from what he remembered.
"And you, Infernape." Shinji's voice remained steady, but the content made Infernape's lips involuntarily curl into a smile.
"Congratulations, you are no longer the cowardly and weak person you used to be, hiding in a corner and trembling."
He paused, as if carefully observing Infernape's reaction, before continuing, "Now you are truly capable of standing on your own, to have achieved this in such a short time..."
Shinji closed his eyes, as if recalling the day he threw Chimchar's Poké Ball to Ash.
"This means that you and him are indeed more compatible. To meet the most suitable trainer for you in that kind of situation... I have to say, you... or rather, you are both very lucky."
"OKI!"
Upon hearing this, Infernape let out an excited growl, pounded its chest, and the flames above its head suddenly shot up higher.
When it was traveling with Shinji, it was just a little Infernape and all it wanted was Shinji's approval. Even now, after evolving into Infernape, it is still happy to receive Shinji's approval.
"..."
Shinji looked at the genuine smile on Infernape's face, fell silent for a moment, and then, to Infernape's surprise, extended his fist towards it.
The Infernape stood there, seemingly unsure how to respond.
Fist bumping between Pokémon and their trainers is common for most trainers and Pokémon, but it's rare to see such a close physical interaction between Shinji and his Pokémon.
In Infernape's memory, it seems that only Electabuzz and Shinji had ever punched each other, and when it saw this scene, it showed an expression of longing and envy.
I remember Shinji's reply to it back then was: "You're not qualified yet. Wait until you get my approval."
They rejected it with such a strong attitude and language.
I thought that matter would never be mentioned again.
Unexpectedly, on this occasion, Shinji brought up that past incident himself.
"Congratulations."
Infernape stared blankly at Ash beside it. When it saw Ash looking at it with the same encouraging and congratulatory gaze, Infernape knew what it had to do.
It looked at its fist, and after making sure it wasn't dusty from the journey, it stretched out its fist and gently touched Shinji's fist.
As it bumped fists with Shinji, it also glanced at Ash beside it out of the corner of its eye, recalling the scene of bumping fists with Ash when it was still a little Chimchar, also under the setting sun.
It seems exactly the same as it is now.
.......
It was over with just one simple action.
After retracting his fist, Shinji couldn't help but look at the back of his hand that had bumped fists with Infernape, and a sense of emotion welled up within him.
"It's the same action, but now I can feel that bond that you've always believed in. It's incredible."
"I'll experience that again in the future," Ash said. "As long as I don't forget what I'm thinking now, this special feeling will be integrated into every single moment I spend with my Pokémon."
"..."
Shinji and Ash both fell silent at the same time, with Shinji seemingly pondering Ash's words.
However, there isn't much time for Shinji to think things through now, as Ash also has questions he wants to ask Shinji.
"By the way," Ash broke the silence first, looking at Shinji and asking the question that concerned him. "Speaking of which, what are your plans after the tournament ends?
Upon hearing this, Shinji shifted his gaze from Infernape to the distant horizon, which was dyed red by the setting sun, where the last glimmer of light was gradually swallowed by the night.
"If it were tomorrow, I would watch your game live," he replied simply.
"That's not what I meant..." Ash asked again, somewhat helplessly, "I meant after the Lily of the Valley Conference is completely over, what are your plans for the future?"
Shinji remained silent for a moment, seemingly pondering Ash's question. The twilight light cast intermittent shadows on his face, making his expression unreadable.
"There doesn't seem to be anything worth answering." He answered decisively without any hesitation. "Of course, I will continue to participate in the League Tournament. Although I failed this time, just like my brother, my desire to win the championship in the League Tournament will not be diminished. I will not give up until the day of victory arrives."
Ash breathed a sigh of relief, seemingly amused by his own silly question.
"And what's the destination? Have you decided where to go?" Ash pressed.
All Ash knew at the time was that after Shinji finished battling Ash, he returned to Snowpeak City to challenge Mr. Kamishiro. After that, Ash wasn't quite sure where Shinji's next destination was.
Shinji seemed stumped by the question, and he fell into thought again. Clearly, he hadn't decided on his next destination yet.
This time, however, he didn't look into the distance, but instead turned his gaze back to Ash.
After a long while, Shinji slowly closed his eyes.
"It's not entirely decided yet," he said in a low voice, "but... I think... I'll probably choose the Kanto region and challenge the Kanto Alliance."
Kanto region?
Ash was surprised by Shinji's answer.
Actually, when Ash asked Shinji, the question was also Ash's own question.
Before Ash could say anything more, Shinji threw the question back at him, posing the same difficult question: "What about you? What are your plans after the finals? Are you planning to go to a new region?"
"Hmm... I'm not completely sure yet," Ash answered honestly. "Although I'd like to explore further afield, I'll probably end up choosing the Unova region."
"Unova..." Shinji repeated softly, nodded, and said nothing more.
The last rays of the setting sun began to fade.
"Tomorrow." Shinji's voice broke the silence.
"Don't lose against Darko."
"I will watch your match from the stands."
Xiao Zhi smiled slightly, revealing a confident smile.
“Of course!” he replied firmly, his voice full of confidence. “I’m fully prepared, so just watch from the stands!”
He paused, his gaze fixed intently on Shinji, and said, word by word:
"Look at me holding the Lily of the Valley Championship trophy!"
"OKI—!!!"
At the same time, Infernape let out a powerful roar, its head ablaze with flames, as if cheering on its trainer.
Shinji looked at them, at the identical, burning fighting spirit in their eyes that seemed capable of burning everything, and the corners of his mouth turned up slightly in an almost imperceptible arc before quickly returning to calm.
He didn't say anything more, but just took one last deep look at Ash and Infernape, then turned around, took a step, and his figure quickly disappeared into the fading sunset.
Ash watched Shinji leave until his figure completely disappeared at the end of the path.
"We should go too, Infernape."
"OKI~"
After watching Shinji leave, Ash walked resolutely to the registration desk to register the Pokémon he would be using in the next battle.
Speaking of the Pokémon that will be used in tomorrow's battle, Ash has actually thought about it for a long time. Even now, he is not fully prepared, which is different from what he said to Shinji before.
Pikachu, Charizard, Sceptile, Primeape...
The list of Pokémon he has confirmed for the battle consists of only the above four.
Although Infernape is strong enough, it has already gone through a fierce battle today, and it is unknown whether it will be able to unleash its full power tomorrow.
Even after receiving treatment from Nurse Joy, Infernape still looks like it's in pain even when it raises its arm. Today's battle was indeed too difficult for Infernape, and the injuries it sustained will be hard to heal in a short time.
Tomorrow's opponents might all be legendary Pokémon, and any mishap could lead to a crushing defeat.
At this moment, Ash somewhat understood how Shinji felt when he couldn't send Tsuchikuri back when he was battling him.
Among the remaining Pokémon, the Pokémon Ash ranked first was Salamence, after all, it has the trump card of Mega Evolution, and after training for so long, Salamence's strength has reached the top tier.
Following Salamence is Snorlax. Ash had brought Snorlax with him today, intending to have it appear in the battle against Paul, but unfortunately neither Snorlax nor Gliscor had the chance to show up today.
"Let's go with Salamence..."
Ash looked at the Poké Ball in his hand with a hint of worry and apologized to Infernape.
There is one spot left.
Should we choose Snorlax or one of them to send out...?
Ash's mind conjured up images of Deoxys and Darkrai.
If it were a regular legendary Pokémon, Ash was confident he could win with Charizard and Pikachu.
However, there is one problem that Xiaozhi has to consider.
Did Darkroc actually capture that even more powerful legendary Pokémon?
After pondering for a long time, Xiao Zhi finally came to his senses when the staff member opposite him woke him up. After realizing how foolish he had been thinking, he couldn't help but slap his face.
Thinking about such trivial questions is really not his style.
The last spot was indeed—
Just as Ash picked up his pen to sign the name of the last Pokémon, a voice from a staff member outside the registration desk stopped him.
"Excuse me, sir... this is a designated area for contestants, you can't..."
The "old gentleman" who was stopped by the staff did not pay attention to what the staff said, and simply said in a gentle voice: "But we came here specifically to help, so we should also be considered participants, right?"
That sound?
Upon hearing that familiar voice, Xiao Zhi put down his pen and walked outside.
Ash's eyes lit up slightly when he saw the two figures standing outside the tent.
"Long time no see, it's...you...?"
.......