Chapter 58: Paul, Gary, The Rivals Appear!

After arriving at the Scientist Town with Ash and the others, Zhang Feng saw the very doctors he had only ever seen on television! There was Professor Oak from the Kanto region; Professor Nimoku from the Orange Islands; Professor Soramoku from the Chengdu area; Professor Odagaki from the Hoenn region; Professor Yamanashi from Sinnoh; and Professor Tojibayashi from Unova!

As for Professor Bratano from Kalos and the subsequent professors, they seemed to be absent. Perhaps, on the current timeline, the various continents were not as well connected, or maybe those professors had yet to join the Pokémon League.

Nonetheless, it was rare to see the professors from six major regions gathered together. When Ash spotted Professor Oak, he exclaimed joyfully, “Gary, you’re here too!” Indeed, the spiky-haired young man following Professor Oak was none other than Gary Oak, Ash’s lifelong rival and Professor Oak’s grandson.

Upon seeing Ash, Gary couldn’t help but smirk. Truly, the Ash-Gary rivalry was genuine. After a brief moment of reflection, Zhang Feng stepped forward and greeted Professor Odagaki. Under his guidance, he then introduced himself to the other professors.

“Ah, so you’re Zhang Feng! Odagaki’s been telling me how impressive you are, even that you defeated Ash before. You’re truly an outstanding trainer!” praised Professor Oak. Receiving Oak’s commendation, all the professors turned their attention to Zhang Feng, nodding in approval. Even Gary, upon learning Zhang Feng had bested Ash, showed a spark of competitive spirit.

“Professor, I only lost before. If I battle Zhang Feng again, I won’t lose!” Gary declared. Seeing Ash’s dissatisfaction, everyone exchanged knowing smiles.

At that moment, a shadowy youth approached slowly. Looking at the vibrant Zhang Feng and Ash, he suddenly remarked coldly, “What’s there to boast about defeating such a reckless fellow?” Zhang Feng turned to see Shinji, his lips twitching in annoyance. “That guy really has an irritating personality,” he thought.

With a hint of displeasure in his eyes, Zhang Feng responded, “If that’s the case, then let a match decide who’s stronger.”

Ash, filled with fury, retorted, “Hey, what did you say? If you look down on me, then battle me first!” Gary, witnessing his friend’s slight, shook his Poké Ball and grinned, “Such an arrogant guy! I’ll join the fun too, how about that?”

Faced with challenges from Zhang Feng, Ash, and Gary, Shinji was about to release a Pokémon. “So many of you? If you’ve got the guts, come at me together!”

The professors exchanged glances, and finally, Professor Oak stepped forward and addressed everyone present. “Everyone we’ve invited here is an excellent trainer from their respective regions. Such trainers naturally hold pride and respect no one’s superiority. Since that’s the case, let’s wait a few days until everyone arrives and hold a small league tournament following Pokémon League battle rules.”

“The ultimate winner will receive gifts from us old folks. How does that sound?”

Hearing Professor Oak’s proposal, Zhang Feng retracted his Poké Ball, crossed his arms, and looked at Shinji. “I hope in a few days you don’t end up in my hands — just a coward whose heart was crushed by Kamishiro.”

Shinji’s face twisted in rage, snapping, “Bastard, what did you say?”

Truth be told, Zhang Feng knew the weaknesses of these characters. Shinji’s main flaw was the psychological shadow cast by seeing his brother, Raiji, crushed by Kamishiro. Though Shinji had come to respect Ash after losing to him, his character remained troublesome.

“To be honest, I think Ash is much stronger than you. Even if his current strength is average and he’s a bit dense, his willpower far exceeds yours. He never gives up, so against Ash, you might not stand a chance.”

After casting a sharp glance at Shinji and ignoring his outburst, Zhang Feng turned to leave. Ash and the others, seeing Zhang Feng defend Ash but sensing something odd, smiled awkwardly and followed. Shinji remained behind, clenching his fists and looking at Zhang Feng with deep competitive fire. “That bastard!”

...

Three days later, all the excellent trainers invited by the various professors had arrived at Scientist Town. From Kanto, Professor Oak brought Gary and invited Ash and Brock. Professors Nimoku and Soramoku, also from Kanto, had not invited others since the Chengdu League and Orange Islands were reportedly merging back with Kanto, with Yulongdu serving as Kanto champion. The selection for the Elite Four was underway with great intensity.

Since Professor Oak invited three, Professors Nimoku and Soramoku refrained from additional invitations.

In Hoenn, as the host region, Professor Odagaki invited Zhang Feng, Tetsuya, Ye Yue, Masamune, and May. May’s inclusion was incidental—she was a rookie trainer this year, and if not for being the daughter of Mr. Senri, plus Ash and Brock’s presence, she likely wouldn’t have come.

From Sinnoh, Professor Yamanashi invited Shinji, Raiji, and his grandson Azumi. In Unova, Professor Tojibayashi invited Iris, Koteku, and Kenny.

Upon reflection, these excellent trainers were all Ash’s rivals — either having defeated him or been defeated by him.

Once everyone was assembled, Zhang Feng greeted Ye Yue. Ash was surprised that the two knew each other, though upon learning Zhang Feng was also a rookie trainer this year, everyone’s expressions shifted slightly.

Ultimately, fourteen participants were set for the friendly tournament.

The first round would be a three-on-three format with random teams; winners advanced to the next round. The second round involved a draw among the remaining seven, with one player getting a bye, and the others competing to determine three winners. The third round, the semifinals, would be six-on-six battles among all, deciding the final two. The last round was the final.

The champion would be entitled to choose any starter Pokémon from the regions represented by the professors.

In other words, if Zhang Feng won first place, he could acquire several regional starter Pokémon!

Just thinking about it was exhilarating.

...