Ash Ketchum hails from Pallet Town in the Kanto region. He began his journey as a Pokémon Trainer at age ten, receiving Pikachu from Professor Oak. His initial inexperience evolved through travels across multiple regions, where he forged bonds with Pokémon and pursued his goal of becoming a Pokémon Master. Before the Crown City events, he competed in several Pokémon Leagues, securing victories in the Orange League and Battle Frontier challenges, honing his battle strategies and deepening his understanding of Pokémon welfare.

During the Crown City incident, Ash, accompanied by Dawn and Brock, encountered a distressed Zorua separated from its caretaker, Zoroark. Amid escalating chaos caused by media manipulator Grings Kodai, Ash prioritized reuniting the pair. He demonstrated tactical coordination in confrontations, directing Pikachu and Piplup against Kodai's forces while protecting Celebi. Trusting Brock's navigation through sewer shortcuts proved crucial for their timely arrival at the stadium.

Ash consistently exhibited protective instincts toward Pokémon. He physically intervened to shield Zorua from Kodai's henchman and later pleaded with the injured Zoroark to endure for Zorua's sake. Following Celebi's healing of Zoroark, Ash acknowledged Zorua's vital role in their victory and joined its pledge of eternal friendship to Celebi. His leadership extended to coordinating the city's guardian Pokémon against Kodai's Mismagius, utilizing Pikachu's Thunderbolt and Volt Tackle to break psychic holds.

The resolution reinforced Ash's defining traits: compassion for human and Pokémon allies, reliance on trusted companions, and steadfast resolve during crises. His subsequent declaration to visit the Unova region aligned with his ongoing journey to explore new territories and strengthen his skills as a Trainer.