----
Kai slept like a rock until well past 4 PM.
When he finally woke up, Chloe didn't mention what had happened with Goh earlier that day. She wasn't the type to mock others, especially not a childhood friend, and while it had been a funny scene, it wasn't worth teasing him over. Besides, Goh probably considered it a traumatic experience more than anything.
Still, Gengar spilled the beans.
Gengar recounted the moment with gleeful laughter. "I wanted to give that loudmouth a lesson myself, but Gyarados got there first!"
Kai didn't think much of it. "Let him learn the hard way. That's Goh; after all,, you never know what's going to come out of his mouth."
The rest of the day passed peacefully. After dinner, Chloe returned with snacks and tea, and they sat together chatting. Kai told her about some fun moments from his recent travels and even showed her a few photos. It wasn't until her mom called a third time that she reluctantly said goodnight and left.
And the next morning, before Kai had even touched breakfast, Chloe showed up again at the Cerise Lab.
Professor Cerise sighed with a chuckle. "This girl… doesn't show up for days, then suddenly she's here every minute."
Well-rested and recharged, Kai knew it was time to head back on the road.
He said his goodbyes to Professor Cerise, the staff, and a reluctant Chloe— then made one last adjustment before leaving: he left Gyarados behind at the park.
As one of his most powerful Pokémon, Gyarados no longer needed intense training. It would serve better to protect Cerise Park and give his other Pokémon room to grow.
---
North of Cerulean City – Nugget Bridge
The famous Nugget Bridge was a stunning pedestrian walkway renowned for its golden hue at sunrise, its round decorative motifs, and its sweeping views of the river below and surrounding forests.
After leaving Vermilion City, Kai had come here for one reason: to try to find Mewtwo.
He couldn't remember exactly where Mewtwo had hidden itself, but this was the general area. Maybe, just maybe, he'd get lucky.
He stepped onto the bridge, taking in the tranquil scenery the sunlight dancing on the water, birdsong in the trees, and the breeze tousling his hair. It was calm, serene, almost too perfect.
He took out his Pokégear and snapped a few photos.
But halfway across the bridge, five figures ran in from the side and blocked his path.
Five young Trainers none older than sixteen. The youngest looked around eight. Their clothes gave them away immediately: Bug Catcher Cale, Lass Ali, Youngster Timmy, Lass Reli, and Camper Kevin. Each had a confident smirk and a Poké Ball at the ready.
Kai stopped.
"Something I can help you with?"
The one in front of Timmy, in a green cap and red scarf—stepped forward. "You look like a Trainer. We are too. Let's battle!"
His tone was bold and practiced, like he'd done this dozens of times before.
Kai sighed. "What if I'm not in the mood to battle right now? Will you let me pass?"
"No way!" shouted Cale, gripping his net. "A real Trainer never backs down from a challenge! If you're not gonna battle, then don't bother crossing this bridge!"
Kai raised an eyebrow. He did remember these five. In the games, they were notorious as easy XP practically tutorial opponents.
But this was real life, and the Pokémon beside them, Sandslash, Persian, Arcanine, Golduck, and Venomoth, were all fully evolved.
This wouldn't be a walk in the park.
Then Reli narrowed her eyes at him. Her expression shifted to shock.
"Wait! I know him! He's the Champion from the Indigo League finals!"
The others turned, realization dawning.
In Kanto, Kai was a celebrity. His face had been plastered all over the region during the tournament commercials, news, and even billboards.
"Whoa! It really is him!"
Before they could ask for autographs or selfies, Kai calmly released Dragonair, Larvitar, and Scyther.
"If we're doing this, let's go. All of you at once I'm on a schedule."
Without waiting, he pointed forward.
The three Pokémon surged ahead.
The five young Trainers scrambled to react.
Boom. Boom. Boom.
A furious battle broke out in the middle of the bridge. Thankfully, it was built to last.
After a few minutes of flurrying moves and thick smoke, the dust settled.
All five of their Pokémon were down.
Kai's team stood tall. Larvitar had a few scrapes. Scyther was panting lightly. Dragonair looked like it could go another five rounds.
Kai gave a soft whistle and walked right past them, not sparing a glance. His Pokémon fell into step behind him.
The group stared after him, stunned.
Kevin finally said, "So that's what a real Champion looks like… three Pokémon took us all out."
Ali nodded slowly. "We may have gotten wrecked, but hey we battled the Champion. That's gotta count for something, right?"
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