Champions and members of the Elite Four carry immense prestige—but with that honor comes equally heavy responsibility.
Every Champion and Elite Four member across the regions doesn't simply sit on their titles; they shoulder the burden of leadership. They dedicate themselves to safeguarding their region's peace, ensuring the continued prosperity of their League, and inspiring the next generation of Trainers.
Steven and Wallace, whom Gary had met in the Hoenn Region, embodied that spirit perfectly. Both were willing to sacrifice themselves for the sake of Hoenn's safety.
He who wears the crown must bear its weight.
Glory never comes without sacrifice.
That was why Gary had already made his decision. He had no desire to participate in the standard League Challenge anymore.
Instead, he planned to enter the World Coronation Series, the ultimate stage where the strongest Trainers across all regions gathered to vie for the title of the World's Mightiest.
That path would allow him to chase power and recognition—without binding himself to the political and administrative burdens of being Champion.
As Professor Oak hung up the phone with the League, Gary's curiosity got the better of him.
"Grandpa, what did the Trainer Association say?" he asked.
"They said they'll consider your request," Professor Oak replied with a thoughtful nod. "We should have an answer before evening."
Gary simply nodded. "Alright."
He didn't press the matter further and instead went to the backyard, where his Pokémon were training diligently under his watchful eye.
By nightfall, the response finally arrived. The Kanto League's Trainer Association had agreed to Gary's condition.
They would send him a Gible as his requested reward for serving as the temporary Gym Leader of Viridian City.
The Poké Ball was transmitted through the Laboratory's teleporter that very evening.
"Gary, this is Gible's Poké Ball." Professor Oak carefully removed it from the machine and handed it to him. "This one was raised in the breeding facility run by the Dragon Masters' family. It was originally meant for one of their younger heirs, but Mr. Lance agreed to entrust it to you."
Gary blinked. "Lance…?"
He hadn't expected the favor to reach that high. The Dragon Masters clan, Lance's family, was famed for breeding dragons. In Kanto, only their lineage could provide rare Dragon-types like Gible.
Instead of opening the ball right away, Gary glanced at its data first:
[Pokémon: Gible]
[Type: Dragon/Ground]
[Level: 5]
[Potential: Elite]
[Ability: Sand Veil (Increases evasion in a sandstorm)]
[Moves: Tackle, Dig]
[Egg Move: Metal Claw]
[Friendship: 100 / 255]
Gary tilted his head. "An inherited move, huh? Metal Claw… not that impressive. Gible can learn Iron Tail naturally anyway, and that's twice as strong. But still, better than nothing."
Finally, he pressed the release button.
"Gible, come out!"
A flash of light burst forth, and a small blue Dragon Pokémon appeared, looking around curiously.
"Giiiiiible!"
Its red underjaw gleamed, and its little dorsal fin twitched as it glanced between Gary and Professor Oak. In the breeding house, it had been told it would be sent to a powerful Trainer—but both humans before it radiated strong auras. Which one was its new partner?
Gary knelt down, smiling warmly. "Hey, Gible. I'll be your Trainer from now on. Let's get along, okay?"
"Giiiii?"
Gible squinted at him suspiciously, waddled closer, and—CHOMP!—sank its teeth lightly into Gary's knee.
"Hsss—!" Gary hissed in surprise but didn't flinch. The bite wasn't hard enough to injure him, more like a playful nibble.
Professor Oak chuckled. "It seems to like you already. That's how Gible shows affection."
Gary laughed too, reaching down to pat its head. "I'll take that as a yes."
Satisfied, Professor Oak returned to his office to work on his research papers, leaving Gary and his new partner to bond.
Back in his room, Gary placed Gible on the floor.
"Gible, do you want to learn some new moves?" he asked.
"Gii…?" Gible tilted its head, confused. It only knew three techniques so far, and it had learned them over months of effort. Could new moves really be taught so easily?
"Just say yes or no," Gary coaxed. "If you want to learn, I'll teach you."
"Giii!" Gible nodded vigorously. More moves meant more power—and no Dragon worth its scales would turn that down.
Gary smiled and gently placed his hand on Gible's head. "Alright then. Let's start with this one… Shadow Claw."
A surge of dark energy pulsed from Gary's palm into Gible, resonating with the little dragon's potential.
"Giii—?!!"
Gible staggered, startled, and looked up at Gary with wide, questioning eyes.
"Don't panic," Gary reassured him. "That's one of my special abilities. Try moving your claws—you should feel the energy flow."
Gible blinked, raised his stubby arms, and concentrated.
Shhhk—!
A shimmering purple-black aura enveloped his claws.
"Giiiible!!"
He swung them through the air, the spectral claws cutting an arc of darkness.
Gary's chest swelled with pride. "Perfect. You've already got the hang of it. With practice, you'll make that Shadow Claw lethal."
"Giiiii!" Gible roared happily, swiping the air again and again, clearly thrilled with his new technique.
Gary chuckled. Watching his Pokémon grow like this gave him a deep sense of satisfaction, almost paternal in nature.
The next morning, Gary rose early. After breakfast and some final preparation, he mounted his bike and began the ride to Viridian City.
The route from Pallet Town had been modernized—paved roads, safety rails, and rest stops dotted the once rugged path.
As a result, the journey that once took half a day could now be completed in just a couple of hours.
By 10 a.m., Gary rolled into Viridian.
The Gym stood at the city's heart. Once, it had been an imposing fortress of dark wood and stone, reflecting Giovanni's reign. But after its renovations, it looked different—simpler, humbler, blending with Viridian's natural charm.
"Guess this'll be my home for the next two months," Gary murmured as he approached.
The door wasn't locked. Pushing it open, he heard faint voices echoing from inside. Following the sound down a long corridor, he entered the main battle arena.
"Hypnosis!"
The command rang sharply. Gary's eyes widened as he spotted two figures battling inside the Gym—Agatha, one of the Elite Four, and Ash himself.
On the field, Agatha's Gengar loomed with glowing red eyes. Across from it, Pikachu swayed unsteadily, its body succumbing to the psychic waves.
"Piii…kaaaa…" Pikachu slumped, completely hypnotized.
"Now, Dream Eater!" Agatha snapped.
"Gengaaaaar!"
Gengar's spectral form split, a phantom double diving straight into Pikachu.
"Pikaaaaa—!!"
Pikachu let out a tortured cry as its energy was drained away. It collapsed limply on the floor, unable to continue.
The referee, a stout middle-aged man, immediately raised his flag. "Pikachu is unable to battle! Victory goes to Agatha and Gengar!"
Ash dashed forward, scooping Pikachu into his arms. "Pikachu! Are you okay?" he asked anxiously, checking his partner for injuries.