The chapter opens with a flashback, taking us three days into the past. Glen, accompanied by his Flareon, was deep in the Viridian Forest after hearing rumours of bug catchers being attacked and losing their Pokémon. He suspected it was the work of Team Blitz. He had already dealt with a few weak grunts who tried invading Viridian City, so he figured it was just going to be another routine day.
While scanning the area, Glen noticed a Kricketune crying as though it were injured. Being the kind-hearted person he was, he approached with a potion in hand, only for the Kricketune to slash him across the chest. Shocked, Glen stumbled back. Kricketune lunged again, but Flareon reacted quickly, landing a strong Quick Attack that knocked it back. Still thinking it was just a wild Pokémon acting out, Glen aimed to subdue it without causing serious harm.
Then, without warning, a sharp pain tore through his back. Glen screamed out. Flareon turned instantly, only to see a Beedrill withdrawing its stinger from Glen's back. From the trees, the same two Team Blitz grunts from the last chapter emerged.
And that moment led directly to when Dango arrived and stepped in, ending the flashback. Back in the present, Glen is seen lying in bed, telling the full story to Dango. He expresses his gratitude for saving his life and says he truly wishes he could give Dango the battle he deserves, but Nurse Joy made it clear he needs to stay away from battling until she gives the green light.
Dango, hearing this, couldn't help but think about how he had wasted three days, and how Rose had probably already gotten her Gym badge. Determined to catch up, Dango prepares to leave, telling Glen he'll be back for their battle soon, but Glen stops him, saying he couldn't just let him go empty-handed. Glen hands Dango something, though it's left a mystery for now. Dango, with Axew trailing closely behind, sets off toward Pewter City's Gym.
As Dango walks through Viridian Forest, he battles several trainers along the way, taking the time to build up his experience. After what feels like a long journey, he finally exits the forest and reaches Pewter City. But before he can even step into the Pokémon Centre to heal his team, a girl about his age blocks his way at the door. Dango tries to walk past, but she steps right in front of him, much to both his and Axew's annoyance.
Dango: "Yo, what's your problem?"
Girl: "Are you a trainer?"
Dango: "Yeah, you got your answer. Now, if you don't mind, I need to heal my Pokémon."
Dango gently pushes her aside, walking past her to the counter where Nurse Joy is waiting. He hands over his Poké Balls, and while he waits for them to be healed, the girl reappears, walking up to him with an eager expression.
Girl: "So, you're a strong trainer, right?"
Dango: (thinking) "Oh my god, is she serious? Her voice is so high-pitched, it's unbearable." (Speaks) "Yeah, I guess so... but not really."
Girl: (Cutting him off) "Really? This is perfect! I just turned 13 a week ago, and you know what that means... I'm finally old enough to become a trainer! But the thing is, I don't have a Pokémon of my own."
Nurse Joy: "Your Pokémon are all healed."
Dango takes his Poké Balls back and releases Axew, who stretches out beside him. As they leave the counter, the girl follows them, not taking the hint.
Girl: "So, do you think you could catch me a Pokémon?" (She gets way too close to Dango's face) "Please."
Dango: "Uhhhhhh?"
Before Dango can even respond, Axew leaps up and bites the girl's hand, latching onto it. The girl screams and begins running around frantically, trying to shake Axew off. Dango calls for Axew to let go, and in a few moments, he's holding Axew back, while the girl stands a safe distance away, still shocked. Dango, though reluctantly, agrees to catch her a Pokémon—but only after he's defeated the Gym. The girl beams, explaining that the last trainer she asked to help lashed out, calling her annoying, before leaving the city.
Dango, immediately sensing it was Rose, asks for a description of the trainer, and to his surprise, it was indeed her. Rose probably already had her badge, so Dango knew he had to hurry. They reach the Gym, and the girl finally introduces herself as Maylin. She's excited to cheer Dango on as he faces the Gym challenge.
As they enter, the lights flicker on to reveal an older Brock, now 37 years old. He greets them, assuming both are challengers, but Maylin quickly clarifies she's just here to watch. Dango sets Axew down to face Brock, but before he can take his first step, a young boy jumps out from behind a pillar. He throws out a Geodude, declaring that Dango has to defeat him first before he can challenge Brock.
Dango sends out his Axew, who charges toward Geodude, leaping high to land a Dual Chop. But Geodude catches the blow mid-air and counters with a heavy Mega Punch, sending Axew crashing backwards. Axew regains balance just in time to spot another Mega Punch coming—he dodges at the last second, then, following Dango's command, opens his mouth and fires a fierce Dragon Rage that lands square on Geodude, knocking it out. The boy returns his Pokémon, not angry, saying Brock would've crushed him anyway, and steps aside. Dango smirks, cocky, pointing directly at Brock.
Dango: "I challenge you, Gym Leader Brock."
Brock responds with a smirk of his own, then leaps down from his perch, accepting the challenge. He strikes a classic pose and tosses out a Poké Ball, summoning a Rhyhorn. The ground trembles slightly as the heavy Rock-type lands with a snort. Dango stays cool and sends Axew back out, his eyes sharp and determined.
Rhyhorn lowers its head and charges in fast with a brutal Horn Attack. Axew evades at the last second, flipping over Rhyhorn's horn, then counterattacks instantly, unleashing three blasts of Dragon Rage that slam into Rhyhorn, forcing it backwards across the field.
Axew lands on all fours, panting and ready. Rhyhorn, unfazed, stomps its feet, shaking the whole arena. Then it lets out a roar as sharp, jagged rocks rain from above—Rock Slide crashes down. Axew tries to dodge, but it's too late—he's buried under the rubble.
Boy: "Haha! Send out your next Pokémon."
Maylin: "Shut up."
The rocks rumble. A cloud of dust rises. Then Axew bursts from the rubble, bruised and staggering, but still conscious. Dango, seeing the toll, returns him and quickly throws out Starly.
The boy, now revealed to be named Johnny, laughs and mocks Dango for sending a Flying-type against a Rock-type. But Dango doesn't flinch. Rhyhorn charges again, horn locked onto target. Starly flits in the air, just out of reach, dodging every rush with fast flaps before striking with a pair of Quick Attacks, then escaping before Rhyhorn can retaliate.
Brock narrows his eyes. He realises Dango's plan—he's buying time for Axew to recover. Not on his watch. Rhyhorn slams the ground, triggering Rock Slide again. Massive stones fall from above. Starly ducks, weaves, spirals left and right, barely escaping the crushing weight.
Dango: "Starly, Aerial Ace!"
Starly tucks its wings and dives in—blinding speed, a sharp silver streak aimed right at Rhyhorn. But it was a trap. The falling rocks were bait. Rhyhorn braces itself.
Brock: "Rhyhorn, dodge and use SmackDown!"
Rhyhorn steps aside and leaps above Starly, then crashes down with a devastating smash, shaking the battlefield. Brock nods, acknowledging that Starly's lasted longer than expected—but the battle ends now. Rhyhorn lunges, fangs sparking with electricity, going for a brutal Thunder Fang.
Dango calls for Starly to dodge, but he's already too hurt to react in time. Rhyhorn lands the Thunder Fang, electricity crackling on impact and sending a shockwave through the arena. A thick cloud of dust erupts from the ground, and as it settles, Starly is lying motionless, with Rhyhorn looming over it.
Johnny: "Haha, your Pokémon's done. I knew you couldn't beat the great Brock."
Maylin: (Thinking) "Dango still has one Pokémon left… but Axew's already taken heavy damage. Can he really beat Rhyhorn and Brock's final Pokémon?"
Brock calls out to Dango, telling him to send out his last Pokémon. In his mind, he wonders why Rose was in such a rush, expecting Dango would need at least three attempts to win. Dango stares down at Starly, its eyes barely open. He quietly pleads for it to get up. Starly sees his trainer's determination, and rises.
Starly pushes to its feet, feathers tattered and wings trembling. Then, to everyone's shock, its body begins glowing blue. It shifts, stretches, and evolves into Staravia.
Johnny and Maylin: "He evolved!"
Johnny: "Doesn't matter—he still can't beat Brock."
Brock: "Impressive. Your Starly evolved through your will and his own. That's real strength."
Dango: "Starly... no—Staravia. Let's finish this!"
Staravia: "Staravia!"
With matching smirks, Dango and Staravia lock eyes and move in sync. At Dango's command, Staravia uses Double Team, scattering illusions across the battlefield. Rhyhorn, confused, lashes out with Horn Attack at one image—but hits a wall, horn stuck deep in the stone.
Staravia takes to the sky, eyes focused. It dives with precision—Aerial Ace, once. Then again. Then again. Five strikes in total. Rhyhorn crashes to the ground, defeated.
Brock: (Recalling Rhyhorn) "Not bad. I can see now why your friend was in a hurry."
Dango: "Rose?"
Brock: "Yeah. She's found a powerful rival in you. But I'm done holding back."
Brock throws his final Poké Ball—Onix bursts out, massive and intimidating. He immediately orders Stone Edge. Onix slams its tail down, and jagged rocks explode upward, launching like missiles. Staravia dodges with grace, weaving between the shards. Brock raises an eyebrow, surprised at its speed. Staravia's wings glow—Steel Wing, heading straight for Onix. At the last second—
Johnny: "Brock, dodge!"
Maylin growls and yells at Johnny for interfering. Brock calmly tells him not to interfere in his battle. Johnny shrinks back, embarrassed. The match resumes. Staravia charges again with Steel Wing. But this time, Brock doesn't tell Onix to dodge. The attack lands hard, and Onix is pushed back, groaning from the hit. Brock explains with a smirk—it was compensation for Johnny's interruption. Everyone silently thinks how cool Brock is, but only one voice says it out loud.
Johnny: "You're the best, Brock!"
The chapter ends as Maylin clamps her hand over Johnny's mouth while Dango and Brock—along with their Pokémon—prepare for the final clash.
To Be Continued!