Diantha and Leon in “Whittle While you Work!”

It seems quite possible that Ash is evolving during this battle as well.

I agree. He's putting on quite a display of Aura power. But facing the Sinnoh Champion, she's not one you beat with power alone. [looking at you, Paul, Flint, Aaron, Lucian and others who tried that stunt and failed...]

Of course, Cynthia...[recalls Cynthia mentioning about retiring after the Masters Eight tournament to Diantha]