The battleground for the ultimate match of the Masters Eight finals had already been left in ruins by one fierce battle after another. Shattered rocks, lingering streaks of electricity, and still-glowing halos of Dynamax energy mingled together, while the air remained charged with the thrilling afterglow of battle.
The boy stood firmly at the center of the arena. The brim of his signature deep-blue cap dipped slightly, a few strands of black hair damp with sweat falling over his forehead. A little dust from the battle clung to his cheek, but nothing could dim the brilliant fire burning in his dark eyes. His breathing was slightly ragged, yet his back remained straight, like a banner that had weathered countless desperate battles and still refused to fall.
Pikachu's Fluffy body pressed close against his neck on his shoulder. The red electrical sacs on its cheeks shimmered with tiny golden sparks, and its tail stood high as its clear, proud cry of “Pika-chu!” pierced the thunderous cheers filling the arena.
This was Ash from Pokemon Journeys, standing at the summit of the world.
He had shed the recklessness of his younger days and gained a steadier judgment, yet he still held on to his purest passion and his unwavering trust in Pokemon.
“The results are in! The final winner of this Masters Tournament, the strongest Trainer in the world and the new world No. 1, is Ash from Pallet Town!”
