Ten minutes later, Ash returned on Pidgeot and quickly had Rebecca take him to the registration site.
On the way, Misty and the others finally had time to ask Ash what he had been up to.
Ash said he was just going to exchange a Pokémon.
Hearing this, the two of them thought for a moment and realized what Ash was up to.
If nothing unexpected had happened, Ash must have exchanged for Primeape!
After all, in the Fighting Type, Ash only had Riolu and Primeape. Since Ash chose not to use Riolu, it must mean he was going with Primeape.
Rebecca led the group to an arena set up by the roadside not far away and submitted Ash's personal information for registration.
Even Ash didn't expect that his registration information would cause such a sensation with the organizers!
Because his reputation had gradually spread throughout Kanto!
In less than two months since his debut, he had consecutively defeated five Gyms, one of which was the notoriously difficult Saffron Gym!
There was also a rumor from the Vermilion Gym leader that when Ash challenged him, it was against his main Pokémon—a Professional Level Pokémon!
At that time, Ash had only been traveling for just over a month and was already capable of defeating Professional Level Pokémon. Subsequently, he used unknown methods to defeat that monstrous Trainer at Saffron Gym...
The battle at the Celadon Gym was relatively uneventful, but clearing five Gyms in less than two months was still an extremely terrifying feat.
The official personnel at the Fighting arena received Ash's information and quickly had the staff prepare a marketing strategy.
When Ash arrived at the arena entrance the next day, he was stunned by a banner at the entrance.
'Genius Newcomer Trainer Ash will participate in this Fighting competition, earning five Gym Badges in two months, rumored to have Elite strength!'
Ash: ...
Even with Ash's showy personality, this banner rendered him speechless.
"Hey, hey, hey, isn't this a bit exaggerated? What's with this 'rumored to have Elite strength'! I'm not that strong!! Who spread the rumor that I have Elite strength?" Ash exaggeratedly complained, then looked for the entrance staff to inquire.
Finally, he learned that it was entirely the organizers' speculation because he had defeated the Saffron Gym, which, as everyone knows, never goes easy, and its true strength is at Elite Level.
No matter what method Ash used to defeat Saffron Gym, the fact that he won means saying he has Elite level strength isn't completely inaccurate.
Ash finally understood how that top Kanto Fighting Master got his reputation. With such shameless officials, promoting it this way seemed natural.
He twitched the corners of his mouth, then provided some proof, and entered the venue.
To be fair, even though it was a minor league competition, the surrounding stands were packed, and with good marketing, they didn't have to worry about income.
Not to mention, the organizers also posted news about him—the Trainer with 'Elite' strength—participating in the event.
In just over half a day, they even sold a bunch of standing-room-only tickets!
Marketing geniuses!
Participating contestants had to have their Pokémon by their side, so Ash released the Primeape he received yesterday and spotted Anthony and Hitmonchan.
Anthony also saw Ash at the same time. His tall frame shrunk, and his face showed shock and confusion.
'How did this guy show up too?!'
Just yesterday, he had lost to Ash, and today Ash showed up to compete. His confidence plummeted in an instant.
Even though Riolu seemed out of breath yesterday, in reality, Anthony was being beaten the entire time and didn't even touch Riolu. Riolu was panting purely out of its own exertion.
If there were another match, Anthony didn't feel like there was any hope of winning.
It seemed close, but that gap he could never cross.
However, this time it seemed Ash had switched to a different Pokémon—a Primeape from Kanto. From that Primeape, Anthony sensed an even stronger presence than Riolu's.
Riolu's strength wasn't in its power but its techniques; this Primeape seemed stronger, but if its technique didn't match Riolu's, it might not be as formidable.
Anthony silently compared the fighting strengths of both sides in his mind, and his confidence slowly returned.
He could win! Without Riolu, he could win!
Thinking of this, Anthony gave Ash a 'friendly' smile. Ash was a bit puzzled but smiled back and then began observing the surroundings.
It's worth mentioning, the Pokémon participating in this competition were truly diverse. Ash initially thought this was a Fighting-type-only tournament, but then he saw Geodude was participating!
Hey, buddy, why is Geodude allowed to compete? Just because it has fists as big as a boxer's?
Doesn't that seem a bit illogical?
"Alright! The annual P1 Grand Prix is about to begin!"
"The matches will conclude in one day, the battles are quite urgent, testing not only the strength of each Pokémon but also their willpower. The winner will receive the title of toughest Fighting Master, as well as the P1 Fighting Championship belt as a reward!"