Greninja's level had risen, and the special "Ash-Greninja" form faded away for now.
Wulfric walked over, his sharp eyes shifting back and forth between Ash and Greninja.
"Hm? You two look familiar somehow… but never mind that. Ash, take this—it's the Iceberg Badge, proof of your victory at the Snowbelle Gym. You said this was your eighth badge, right? That means you can now participate in the Kalos League. Wonderful, truly wonderful! The bond between you and Greninja… it's enough to make this old man's blood boil with excitement!"
Laughing heartily, Wulfric handed Ash the gleaming Iceberg Badge.
The reason he didn't immediately recognize Ash was simple: at his age, he didn't pay much attention to small details anymore. Even his Mega Evolution Key Stone and Mega Stone for Abomasnow hadn't been obtained through effort—they were gifts from a friend.
"Excellent. The Iceberg Badge. With this, all eight badges are complete. That means we can now head for the Kalos League!"
"Pika-Pika!"
Ash exchanged a look with Pikachu, then glanced over at Hawlucha, Talonflame, and Greninja. Their eyes all burned with the same excitement.
"Ash-senpai, that was incredible! I never imagined that Wulfric's strongest Pokémon would be his Abomasnow, and it could even Mega Evolve! When I challenged him, I didn't get that kind of treatment at all… you really are on another level!"
Sawyer's eyes gleamed with admiration. But deep down, he was already forming his own resolve. He had decided—he must obtain a Key Stone and Mega Stone, no matter what. One day, his Sceptile would Mega Evolve too!
He didn't yet have enough Poke Coins to buy them, but he wasn't far off. And there were always other ways to acquire such treasures.
"Say, Sawyer, what are your plans now?" Ash asked.
The group left the Snowbelle Gym and began heading toward Lumiose City—the host of the Kalos League this year!
"Ash-senpai, I'm still not strong enough. I want to train more and meet you in the finals at Lumiose City. That means I'll have to separate from you all for a while." Sawyer clutched his notebook tightly, determination written all over his face.
Ash nodded, and Clemont, Bonnie, and Serena all expressed their understanding as well.
So Sawyer departed, while Ash's group didn't head straight for Lumiose City. Instead, they stopped by a forest to conduct intense training sessions.
After all, there was still a full month before the Kalos League began. Ash needed this time to raise the levels of his newly caught Pokémon.
Clemont took full responsibility for preparing three hearty meals each day.
Serena, meanwhile, made delicious Poké Puffs for the Pokémon and sweet treats for the group, while also reflecting on her own path.
Should she seek out Palermo, to learn more about the life of a Performer? The question lingered in her heart.
"Ash, focus completely on training your Pokémon. Leave everything else to me," Clemont said, thumping his chest with pride.
Currently, Ash's team consisted of:
Shiny MetagrossLucarioPikachuGarchompSerperiorPigniteAnd from Kalos itself: Talonflame, Greninja, Hawlucha, Goodra, Noivern, Salamence, and even a colossal Red Gyarados.
This time, it wouldn't be possible to use every single Pokémon.
The truth was, the Kalos League wasn't hosting a massive turnout—barely over a hundred Trainers had registered to participate.
"Greninja, you and I will focus on sharpening our bond and coordination first."
"Krooo!"
Greninja nodded firmly.
"Hawlucha, Noivern, Talonflame—you three form a training squad. Explore the forest and battle wild Pokémon. Remember, don't go too hard—sparring is the goal. Gain experience, not injuries."
"Cha!"
"Roooaah!"
"Taloooon!"
The three gave spirited replies and darted off into the forest.
"Lucario, I'll need you to monitor everyone with your Aura. Pay close attention to all teammates. If anything unusual happens, report back immediately."
"Lucaaa!"
Lucario nodded confidently. By now, its Aura powers could easily cover a ten-kilometer radius, making it the perfect scout.
"Metagross, you lead Salamence, Goodra, and the others. Spar among yourselves. In one week, I'll check your progress personally. Let's push ourselves hard and ensure we're ready to defeat every single opponent in the Kalos League!"
Ash's voice rang with determination.
Though deep down he knew—his true strength already far surpassed most competitors—there was still one regret.
His battle with Alain. Greninja vs. Charizard. That clash had ended unresolved.
And Ash would never forget it.
That's why now, with this precious time before the League, he would help Greninja master its ultimate trump card—fully forming and controlling the Golden Water Shuriken!
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