Pokémon Journeys has been a cameo festival of fan-favorite characters from seasons past (except Serena), and now it looks as though two more iconic characters will soon make their return. The newest intro for the upcoming episodes of the Journeys saga was recently released and features appearances from Ash's greatest rival Paul and perhaps his strongest Pokémon, Greninja. These two blasts from the past have Pokémon fans foaming at the mouth for their grand returns to the unending adventures of Ash Ketchum.
The Pokémon Journeys anime has felt like a victory lap and a farewell tour at the same time. The globe-trotting adventures of Ash and his new friend Goh have featured countless run-ins with some of Ash's oldest friends. Brock, Misty, Dawn, Iris, the entire Alola gang and even Gary Oak have made nostalgic reappearances as Ash and Goh hop from one region to another doing fieldwork for Professor Cerise. Ash and Goh's adventures show no sign of slowing down, and now there seem to be even more classic reunions in store for the aspiring Pokémon Master.
Paul Could Be In The World Coronation Series Too
At the time of writing, Ash is currently ranked 15th out of the original 10,000+ entrants in the World Coronation Series. As his goal is to reach the Top Eight, Paul's return may be Ash's final challenge to enter the Master Rank Tournament, which will decide the new Pokémon Monarch -- aka the official greatest trainer in the world. Ash has already battled a bevy of former rivals, friends and even Gym Leaders during the World Coronation Series, and a showdown with his greatest rival would be the perfect final test to reach the Master Rank.
Paul hasn't been seen since he lost to Ash in the Sinnoh League, after which he went to rechallenge Brandon the Pyramid King in Snowpoint City. A popular but controversial character, Paul's habit of abusing his Pokémon to make them stronger was the bane of Ash's existence during his Sinnoh campaign. However, Ash's love of Pokémon was infectious enough to get Paul to ease up on his harsh methods. Paul and Ash didn’t get along for most of the time they knew each other, but they parted ways with mutual respect. As he departed, Ash asked Paul for another battle someday, and that battle just might be coming with entry to the Master Rank on the line.
A Reunion Between Ash and Greninja Is Long Overdue
While it's frustrating when Ash releases his strongest Pokémon, he generally does so for the greater good, either for the Pokémon itself or some higher purpose. In Greninja's case, Ash left his Kalos companion behind to clean up the remnants of Team Flare's attempt at world domination alongside Zygarde. As a Froakie, it would refuse to stay with the beginner trainers who picked it as their Starter Pokémon. When it met Ash, it deemed him worthy of its loyalty, and the two went on to form possibly the strongest non-Pikachu bond Ash has ever had with one of his Pokémon.
Ash's Greninja has an unusual Bond Ability, which allows it to power up in battle as well as transform and take on a bit of Ash's appearance. This ability was far stronger than Mega Evolution, and Greninja even gave the Kalos Champion's Mega Gardevoir a hard time before Ash and Greninja passed out from the strain of the Bond Ability. While Greninja would be a tremendous asset in the World Coronation Series, it seems unlikely that it will join Ash for a battle. Ash has been sticking with his newly caught Pokémon for each of his WCS battles, meaning Greninja's return might just be a brief reunion in the Kalos Region.
