Ash was immensely looking forward to this trip to the Petalburg Gym, thinking about how he would get to see Max and Norman again. In particular, he remembered Max relentlessly mocking his Top 8 finish in the Johto League and boasting that he could definitely win if he were in his shoes. To make matters worse, Max had even mistaken him for someone named Ralph. But now, he was a Champion! He couldn't wait to show off and flex a bit in front of Max.
"We've finally reached Petalburg City! I heard you currently have three Pokémon on hand, Ash—are you planning to challenge the Gym this time?" Natsuki asked curiously.
"About that... I haven't decided yet," Ash replied, falling into a dilemma. In his memories, the first time he came to challenge this Gym, he couldn't do it because he didn't have three Pokémon. But things were different this time, so Ash intended to figure out how to handle it.
Chapter 39