Seeing Red salute, Agatha's expression remained unchanged.
Professor Oak, however, smiled warmly and greeted him.
"So you're the newly appointed Gym Leader of Songzao Gym? I've heard about you—truly impressive for someone so young."
"Grandpa, my injury wasn't—"
Gary tried to explain to Red , but Oak immediately cut him off.
"My child is still young and doesn't know his limits. Thank you, Gym Leader Red , for taking care of him during this time."
"Now that he's been injured , I plan to take him back to Pallet Town to recover."
Hearing this, everyone present couldn't help but admire Professor Oak's magnanimity.
Look at that—what a broad-minded elder!
His own grandson was injured , yet he wasn't angry at all, and even spoke so politely.
Meanwhile—
Red 's expression changed slightly as he cursed internally:
Damn it! This old man is here to steal my disciple!
"He's still a child"—
Wasn't that just a way of saying Gary's apprenticeship didn't count?
Take him back to Pallet Town to recover?
If you take him away, will I ever see my precious disciple again?!
Without Gary, where am I supposed to get points to improve my Pokémon's talent?!
You're not taking Gary—you're taking my lifeline!
Red quickly responded:
"I understand your concern, but my disciple's Pokémon training has just reached a critical stage—it's not suitable for him to leave right now."
"Songzao City's medical facilities are also excellent."
"As both his Master and Gym Leader, I guarantee that he will receive the best treatment—with no lasting effects!"
Hearing Red repeatedly emphasize my disciple—
Professor Oak's smile stiffened slightly.
These young people are getting more and more cunning…
He keeps saying 'my disciple'—but he's still my grandson!
On the surface, both of them smiled warmly—
But internally, they had already insulted each other hundreds of times.
"Professor Oak, I believe we should respect my disciple's wishes…"
"Gym Leader Red , children are impulsive. At his age, his words shouldn't be taken too seriously…"
The two exchanged verbal blows for quite a while—
Neither gaining the upper hand.
In the end—
Red unleashed his ultimate move.
"Oh right—Ash, as Gary's friend, what do you think? Should Gary go back home to recover, or stay at the Gym to train?"
"That's right, Ash! Don't you think it's better for Gary to go home?"
Seeing Ash, Professor Oak's eyes lit up.
He subtly shot him meaningful looks.
Ash rubbed his chin, thinking seriously.
Then he said:
"Professor Oak, I think Gary should stay at the Gym and train."
"Nurse Joy already said his injuries aren't serious."
Professor Oak froze.
…Did I just get betrayed?!
Red burst into laughter and patted Ash on the shoulder.
"Well said! Injuries are normal for trainers—training is more important!"
"I think so too, Master."
The moment Gary said "Master"—
Professor Oak stared at Red in disbelief.
Inside, he was already raging.
You shameless brat! Pallet Town only produced two promising kids in recent years—and you're taking both of them?!
Looking at Ash's cheerful grin and Gary trying to speak—
Professor Oak knew—
There was no way he was taking Gary back today.
With a sigh, he said tired ly:
"Gym Leader Red makes a good point. I'll head back to Songzao City first."
Watching Professor Oak leave—
Red finally smiled triumphantly.
"Trying to fight me? You're still too green."
"Didn't expect that, did you? Even Ash is on my side now!"
After Professor Oak left in frustration—
Agatha suddenly burst into laughter.
"Hahaha!!! You brat is quite something!"
"It's been years since I've seen that old man suffer like this!"
"Kid, you're not bad at all."
Looking at Red , even the wrinkles on her face seemed to relax.
"Alright, I was just here to take a look. This forest is too gloomy for my old bones—I'll head back to the Pokémon Center."
With that, she left just as quickly.
Watching both elders come and go—
Ash scratched his head in confusion.
"What were Professor Oak and that old lady here for?"
Gary looked helpless.
The injured one was him—
Yet he hadn't been able to get a word in.
Meanwhile, Misty and Brock turned to Ash curiously.
"Ash, why did you suddenly decide to become Gym Leader Red 's disciple?"
"Yeah, aren't you going to continue your journey?" Brock asked.
Hearing that, Ash froze.
"…Wait, yeah. Can I still travel after becoming a disciple?"
The moment Misty and Brock brought it up—
Red immediately sensed danger.
You two are trying to poach my disciple too?!
Before Ash could think further—
Red stepped forward and explained seriously:
"Don't worry. I'm not asking you to stay in the Gym forever."
"But right now, you're not ready to continue traveling."
"You need to build knowledge, improve your abilities as a trainer, and learn how to properly train Pokémon."
"Traveling is meant to test your growth—not the only way to become stronger."
"Oh… I see."
"As expected of Master—you're right!"
Ash scratched his head sheepishly.
Red smiled and nodded.
Then he glanced at Misty and Brock, thinking to himself:
Don't even think about stealing my disciple.
But looking at them—
A new thought suddenly crossed his mind.
Should I take more disciples?
Then he glanced at pale, injured Gary—
And the clueless Ash.
He sighed.
"…Forget it. I should focus on training these two first."
"Neither of them lets me relax."
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