Ash and his friends finally arrived at the foot of the Indigo Plateau.
Looking up, the entire plateau was decorated anew. Colorful flags fluttered in the breeze, and the air was filled with the deafening roar of a massive crowd. Trainers from all across Kanto had gathered there, creating an atmosphere thick with excitement and anticipation.
"Is this the venue for the Indigo Plateau Conference?" Misty asked, gazing up at the magnificent architectural complex in admiration. "It's even more spectacular than I imagined!"
Brock looked over the guidebook in his hand. "According to the schedule, the Sacred Fire Torch Relay will be held this afternoon. It's said that the Sacred Fire comes from the flames of Moltres, symbolizing the unquenchable bond between Pokémon and Trainers."
As they made their way up the mountain path, a grand procession approached from the opposite direction. Leading the group was a white-haired but spirited old man, holding a torch high that blazed with a vibrant orange flame.
"It's President Charles Goodshow!" Brock recognized the President of the Pokémon League.
The relay team stopped in front of the group. President Goodshow looked at Ash and the others with a smile. "Young Trainers, would you like to participate in the torch relay? It is one of the most important traditions of the League Conference."
Ash's mind immediately flashed back to memories of his past lifeduring this specific relay, Team Rocket would attempt to steal the Sacred Fire.
He took a step forward and said solemnly, "President, I have important news to tell you."
He pulled President Goodshow aside and whispered, "I've received reliable information that someone plans to steal the Sacred Fire during the relay."
The President's expression instantly turned serious. "Are you certain? The Sacred Fire is the very symbol of this conference..."
"I have a plan," Ash said, his gaze firm. "We can set up two routes: one overt and one covert. The overt route will consist of volunteers carrying a fake torch to attract attention, while the covert route will be handled by reliable Trainers who will escort the real Sacred Fire."
President Goodshow pondered for a moment before nodding. "It's a bold plan, but it's worth a try. Ash, I'll leave the arrangements to you."
Over the next hour, Ash skillfully laid out the entire strategy. He used his system to exchange for a special item: a "Sacred Fire-shaped Firework Bomb." This device would erupt into a brilliant display of fireworks if it were subjected to violent shaking, but it wouldn't cause any actual harm. Its sole purpose was to play a trick on Team Rocket.
"Remember," Ash told the volunteers acting as decoys, "if you encounter anyone trying to steal it, do not resist. Just hand over the torch."
Meanwhile, the real Sacred Fire was being escorted in secret by several Trainers handpicked by Ash, moving along a different path.
Sure enough, as the decoy team passed through a remote stretch of the road, the Team Rocket trio dropped from the sky.
"Since you have asked so sincerely!" Jessie struck her classic pose.
"We shall answer with great mercy!" James followed up.
"To prevent the world from destruction! To protect the world's peace!" Meowth leaped out. "Hand over the Sacred Fire, Meow!"
Following the plan, the volunteers feigned panic and handed over the torch. Jessie took it triumphantly, but the moment she raised the torch high, it suddenly exploded. A barrage of colorful fireworks burst forth, leaving the Team Rocket trio with faces charred black.
"W-What happened?" James asked, staring in shock.
At the same time, the real Sacred Fire had safely reached the vicinity of the main stadium. Seeing that Ash's strategy was a success, President Goodshow patted him on the shoulder with relief. "Young man, your wisdom and courage have impressed me. I've decided that you shall be the final Torch Runner!"
Under the gaze of tens of thousands of spectators, Ash took the torch burning with Moltres's flame. The moment his hand gripped the torch, a wave of warm energy surged through his body, as if he could feel the very vitality of Moltres pulsing within.
"Is this the power of the Sacred Fire...?" Ash murmured to himself.
He ran along the final stretch of the track as the audience on both sides let out deafening cheers. Pikachu stood on his shoulder, chirping an excited "Pika Pika!"
Just as they were about to reach the torch stand, the Team Rocket trio suddenly lunged out from the crowd once more.
"We aren't giving up that easily!" Jessie screamed, exasperated.
But this time, before Ash could even move, the surrounding spectators and Trainers spontaneously formed a human wall, blocking Team Rocket's path.
"We won't let you ruin this grand event!"
"This is the moment of glory for all Trainers!"
With the help of the crowd, Ash smoothly arrived before the torch stand. He took a deep breath, raised the torch high, and slowly ignited the cauldron. Orange flames surged instantly, shining with a dazzling light under the sun.
President Charles Goodshow walked to the microphone and announced in a booming voice, "I declare the current Indigo Plateau Pokémon League Conference... officially open!"
The entire stadium erupted into thunderous applause and cheers. Ash stood beneath the cauldron, looking at the roaring flames as an indescribable excitement welled up in his heart.
"This is just the beginning," he whispered to Pikachu on his shoulder. "Next, we have to give it our all in the official matches!"
Ash kept his eyes on the Sacred Fire. The regrets he had seen on television in his past life surfaced like a movie before his eyes: the way he had been nearly barred from the Top 16 due to interference, and the utter helplessness he felt when Charizard lost its will to fight...
Ash would ensure that none of that happened this time!
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