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Because of Ash's injuries, Liam and Delia had temporarily stopped their journey and stayed in the forest to take care of the wounded boy.
By the third day…
"Mii~"
As Liam and Delia were preparing breakfast outside the tree hollow, a crisp cry suddenly rang out. They quickly looked up and saw a cute green Pokémon darting swiftly among the branches. It chirped from time to time, circling warily around the tree hollow but too timid to approach.
"Wow! What a cute little one! Liam, Liam, what kind of Pokémon is that?"
Delia's face lit up with affection when she saw Celebi, and she grabbed Liam excitedly to ask.
"Hm? That's Celebi! Has it fully recovered already? In that case… Ash! Come out, Celebi is outside."
Liam held back the eager Delia, muttering softly, then called into the hollow.
Seeing Celebi appear, Liam realized this might be the time Ash would soon have to leave.
"Ah! Celebi is here?"
Hearing Liam's call, Ash stumbled out clumsily, Greninja right behind him.
"Slow down, your injuries aren't fully healed yet!"
When Delia saw Ash rushing out carelessly, she immediately shouted, and Ash obediently froze in place, looking like a good child, which left Delia very satisfied.
"Mii~"
As soon as Ash appeared, Celebi let out a joyful cry, flapping its translucent wings before zipping to Ash's side, happily circling him.
"Haha~ Long time no see, Celebi! Have you regained your strength? Then when can we go back?"
Seeing the energetic Celebi, Ash eagerly asked.
"Mii~"
Celebi hovered in front of him, patted its chest proudly with its tiny hand, showing there was no problem—it was ready to set off at any time.
"Great! Then let's go back right away!"
Ash shouted in excitement.
"Wait!!"
But the next second, Liam stopped him.
"Uh… Mr. Liam?" (remembering their agreement not to reveal Liam's true identity)
Ash looked at him in confusion, not understanding why he was being stopped.
"Your wounds aren't fully healed. If you return now, it'll be dangerous. I think you should recover completely before going back…"
Liam pulled Delia a few steps closer to Ash, pointing at the bandages still wrapped around him, speaking sincerely.
"Mii~"
Celebi, who had been about to fly up to open a time-space passage, was clearly displeased at being interrupted. After hearing Liam's words, it snorted dismissively, then quickly flew to Ash, placed its small green hand on his shoulder—and suddenly, a dazzling green light flared!
Liam: "..."
Delia: "Wow! It's glowing, it's glowing!"
...
The dazzling light soon faded. When it was gone, a fully healed Ash stood before them. Celebi crossed its tiny arms proudly, looking smugly at Liam.
"Mr. Liam… I know you're worried about me, and I hate to part from you too. But I must return—my mom is waiting… Serena is waiting… everyone is waiting! As the Champion of Alola, it's also my duty to go back and protect the place I love! So… please don't stop me."
Over the past few days, Liam had learned that Ash had finally become a Champion—though in Alola.
"I wasn't trying to stop you. I was just worried, that's all…"
Looking at the completely healed, energetic Ash, Liam smiled wryly.
Ash hesitated for a moment, his eyes flickering with struggle. Then he suddenly remembered something, lifted his head with a grin, and spoke to Celebi in the air.
"Celebi, it'll be soon—can you wait for me a little longer? I want to do one thing first…"
"Mii? Mii~"
Celebi tilted its head in puzzlement, then nodded in agreement.
"Yeah! Thanks!"
Ash beamed, then turned to Liam with a face full of excitement and seriousness.
"Mr. Liam! I heard from Professor Oak that you were once the Champion of Kanto, with incredible strength! And now I'm also the Champion of Alola—I have some confidence in my skills. I know you're worried about me, but if we battle, you'll see my strength! Will you accept my challenge?"
Liam: "..."
For a moment, Liam was silent. Various emotions flashed across his face—excitement, passion, helplessness, pride… They mingled together, and finally, he broke into a confident smile.
"Very well! I accept your challenge!"
...
"Since you only have Greninja with you now, let's make it a one-on-one battle. The match ends when one side loses the ability to battle or surrenders. The battle can start anytime…"
In the clearing before the tree hollow, Liam and Ash faced each other. Greninja had already stepped forward.
"Mii~ Mii~ Mii~"
Beside Ash, Celebi floated excitedly, cheering him on with great enthusiasm.
"Liam! Ash doesn't know any better—go easy on him!"
From behind Liam, Delia cupped her hands around her mouth to shout. Clearly, she thought Liam was bullying a kid…
Liam: "..."
Ash: "..."
"Ahem, just as Delia said… do you need me to hold back?"
Liam took out a PokeBall, coughed lightly, and smiled at Ash.
"Of course not! I want a fair and square battle! Mr. Liam, please send out your Pokémon!"
Ash shook his head quickly, then shouted loudly with determination.
"Heh, that's just like you. Fine then—I won't hold back! Come out, Garchomp! Show our opponent your power!"
Ash's answer was no surprise to Liam. After all, if an opponent asked for mercy, it wouldn't be Ash anymore.
"Rooaar!!"
With a flash of light from Liam's PokeBall, a mighty roar followed as Garchomp's imposing figure appeared before Greninja.
"Kuaa!!"
Greninja, who had been standing tall, suddenly felt the immense pressure from its opponent. It instinctively stepped back before quickly dropping into a battle stance, its expression serious.
"That's… a Garchomp?! Its color is unusual… Is this your ace, Mr. Liam? Just as powerful as I imagined!"
Ash's eyes widened in admiration.
"Yes. This is Garchomp, my strongest partner. Be careful not to get hurt in our battle…"
Liam smiled proudly. He had never doubted Garchomp's strength.
"Don't underestimate us, Mr. Liam! Greninja has the type advantage against Garchomp! Who gets hurt is still uncertain!"
Ash quickly retorted.
"Oh? Then we'll see soon enough!!"
Liam's expression sharpened as he gave a low roar:
"Prepare yourself! Battle begin!"