Shadao
Aim to be a Pokémon Master
Yeah, but Alain didn't have to return.I truly would rather Ash not battle Alain because I want something that’s actually new rather than a retread of the same thing yet again except Greninja isn’t even here to win. Like, in what world is anyone going to take Ash winning seriously if it’s not for the weird bitter vindication that XY and Greninja fans need for Alain to lose? Alain isn’t the only one of these trainers Ash has lost to before, and he’s here for continuity and because they probably looked over their character options and decided he was a worthwhile choice.
This road doesn’t need to be taken yet again. The Alain battle was six years ago. It’s time to move on.
In fact, the whole reason why the reserve debate was revived with full force is because of Alain's inclusion to the Master 8.