So here’s the thing.

As it’s been seen during the last 20 years, Ash doesn’t talk much about his previous friends to his new ones. Usually when they re encounter Ash, the new friends don’t know about their existence. First thing coming to my mind was how none of the Alola gang knew about Misty and Brock (considering they’re Ash’s most important/popular friends in the franchise).

And yet… He talks about Goh. The Alola gang knew who Goh was because Ash already talked about him. And not only to them, but to Kukui and Burnet as well.

Whether we’re blessed with a canonization of the couple (which I know is not likely) or not, this here is one of the reasons why Ash and Goh’s relationship is something special.