The voice wasn't loud.
But it carried a strange kind of weight—cutting through the silence and instantly drawing everyone's attention.
All heads turned at once—
On the edge of the crowd stood a boy in a red cap, walking forward slowly.
Under the brim, his eyes were bright and sharp, like burning flames.
"That's the rookie trainer who caught the Shiny Butterfree!"
Someone in the crowd cried out in recognition.
"Yeah, that's him!"
"His name's Ash! Today's the first day of his journey!"
A girl with a bow in her hair added excitedly.
She had already dug up every bit of info she could about Ash.
Her admiration was practically shining through her eyes.
"This young man..."
Clearly, nearly everyone present knew who he was.
In Grandpa Yanagi's deep, world-weary eyes, a flicker of surprise and interest passed through.
He spoke gently, "May I ask what brings you here?"
Hearing that kind tone—
"Hello, Mr. Yanagi."
Ash greeted him politely, then got straight to the point.
"Since the battle competition hasn't been officially declared over… may I step up and challenge the current stage champion?"
Seeing Ash's unwavering gaze, Grandpa Yanagi paused in surprise.
He'd clearly heard the other trainers mention that Ash was a complete rookie.
Had he not seen how powerful Paul had been just now?
Even veteran trainers from Viridian couldn't do anything against him.
There was no way a beginner could stand a chance.
"Don't worry, Mr. Yanagi." As if reading his concerns, Ash continued,
"I understand my opponent is strong."
"This challenge is more about learning for me."
"I want to personally experience the gap between myself and a truly high-level trainer."
"And if it gets too dangerous, I'll surrender before anyone gets hurt."
Ash spoke calmly and humbly.
He made sure to present himself as a rookie eager to learn.
Showing both respect for the strong and concern for his partner's safety.
That kind of honesty and self-awareness…
Left Grandpa Yanagi unable to refuse.
"Ash, don't do this!"
"That guy's an Elite-level trainer!"
Even though she said it—Yumi couldn't help shouting out from the crowd.
"You're rushing in too early! You should wait until you've built up more experience!"
As a High-tier trainer herself, she knew just how terrifying an Elite-level opponent could be.
That Drapion's performance earlier had been Gym-level, no question.
Combined with Paul's ruthless command—
Toxic Spikes to lock down movement, Pin Missile for long-range suppression, and a finishing blow with Poison Fang...
From what Yumi had seen, even if she threw all her Pokémon at once, she'd have no chance.
That kind of cold, methodical, and brutally efficient strategy...
Was something no rookie could handle.
Let alone learn anything useful from it.
One careless move, and a Pokémon could be seriously injured.
"Yeah, Ash~"
"The future's yours—you don't have to rush~"
"Right! Raise that Shiny Butterfree first, then challenge him again!"
Voices echoed from the crowd.
Everyone was encouraging and supporting Ash.
They didn't want to see this rising star get crushed in such an uneven match.
"Damn it, why…"
That tidal wave of support and care being thrown at Ash—Made Paul, still standing on the battlefield, grit his teeth in frustration.
He was the one who had just crushed nine challengers in a row!
Why was that guy the one everyone was focused on now?
A cold, burning mix of resentment and jealousy swelled in his chest.
He clenched his fists tightly and said coldly—"I accept your challenge!"
Facing Ash from across the battlefield, Paul decided to get serious.
Dead serious.
He was going to end this match in the most crushing, brutal, and unforgiving way possible.
He'd shatter Ash completely—Not just on the battlefield...
But mentally.
He'd destroy every bit of glory and admiration the crowd had wrapped around Ash.
Shinji was going to show everyone—In this world where the strong rule, real power is the only thing that matters!
The only thing worthy of respect!
"Then let's battle."
Even as Shinji radiated cold, overwhelming hostility—Ash didn't flinch.
He stepped forward onto the battlefield.
And just like that—The crowd went silent.
No one tried to stop him anymore.
The entire front yard of the breeding center was enveloped in an eerie hush.
Because trainer battles were sacred.
Once both sides stepped onto the field—The match wouldn't end until someone surrendered or ran out of usable Pokémon.
No one else had the right to interfere.
To do so would be utterly disrespectful.
"No way, they're really gonna fight?"
"One's a monster from Sinnoh, and the other is Kanto's rising star..."
"Give Ash a year, and it'd be anyone's game!"
Everyone believed in Ash's talent.
They couldn't help it—his potential was just too bright.
Given enough time, he was sure to surpass that brooding jerk.
But now...No one thought he'd win.
They just hoped he wouldn't get hurt.
And that…That made Paul's jealousy burn even hotter.
What did that guy have that he didn't?
Why did everyone like him?
Fine then.
He'd show them all!
In the world of Pokémon battles, only strength matters!
"Go. Drapion."
Paul stood tall and issued the command coldly.
Ash gently patted the Pikachu on his shoulder.
"Pikachu, I choose you."
Seeing that—Paul couldn't help but let out a mocking laugh.
"You're using that Pikachu… to fight my Drapion?"
...
[End of Chapter]