"If it carry the best Magnet, it can fire a Zap Cannon...!"
Gary muttered to himself while flipping through his notebook, running calculations in his head.
Zap Cannon already had a base power of 120. With Magnezone's new EX Analytic ability, the damage could skyrocket. If Magnezone struck last in a battle, the power would reach nearly 240. If it struck first, the boost was still significant—222 in power.
The destructive potential of a single move like that was frightening. To most Trainers, that was comparable to the raw, all-or-nothing force of a Self-Destruct.
He leaned back in his chair, tapping the pencil against his chin. "If Magnezone had an even stronger move than Zap Cannon… it could truly be unstoppable. A god-slayer among Pokémon."
But then he sighed. Unfortunately, Magnezone did not have access to Steel Beam, the devastating Steel-type move that was Duraludon's exclusive signature. Without it, this was probably Magnezone's peak—unless Gary could find another way to draw out its potential.
Magnezone hovered nearby, tilting slightly as its magnets hummed.
"Magnezone: Zzzzt?"
The Electric/Steel-type gave a curious cry, sensing Gary's intensity. Its eye flickered uncertainly.
Seeing Gary's serious, almost horrified expression, Magnezone was confused. Its abilities had been enhanced, yet it didn't feel any different. After all, EX Analytic and EX Magnet Pull only activated in battle conditions. Even EX Sturdy required it to take a direct hit to reveal its effects.
Gary noticed the puzzled look. He chuckled, deciding to keep the full truth hidden for now.
"You'll understand soon enough. You're far stronger than before, Magnezone. After lunch, we'll continue practical training in the afternoon. That's when you'll start to feel the difference."
Magnezone bobbed slightly, letting out another thoughtful buzz.
"Magnezone: Zzzzt…?"
Was Gary tricking it again? He had a habit of holding back surprises, but… Gary never broke promises to his Pokémon. That trust was unshakable.
So Magnezone decided to believe him. It let its magnets hum eagerly, already thinking about sparring against Charizard.
Later that afternoon, the two Pokémon faced each other on the practice field.
Charizard spread its massive wings, letting out a fiery roar.
"Charizard: Rooaaar!(Don't think your typing gives you the edge! I'll crush you with sheer power!)"
Its flames burned hotter, ready for a test of strength.
Gary smiled. "That's the spirit, Charizard. Don't hold back. Magnezone needs real pressure to grow."
Despite Magnezone's recent boost in abilities, the gap was still clear. Charizard had reached level 70, a massive leap above Magnezone's current standing. Even with its defensive enhancements and boosted offense, Magnezone couldn't simply leap over such a chasm.
But that didn't matter. The training wasn't about victory—it was about discovery.
For the next several days, Gary stayed at Professor Oak's Laboratory. He supervised daily training, tended to the Pokémon, and even handled small chores around the Lab. It was a fulfilling routine, though Gary knew it was only temporary.
Meanwhile, Ash was still traveling back. Having just left the Hoenn Region, Ash would need to take a ship to Vermilion City and then travel overland to Pallet Town. Even with faster transport along the way, it would take at least two weeks before he returned.
Gary chuckled to himself. "By the time Ash comes back, Magnezone will be a whole new force."
That noon, after feeding the Pokémon their meals, Gary sat down at the dining table. Professor Oak and Tracey Sketchit were already there, the aroma of food filling the room.
Professor Oak looked up with a warm, grandfatherly smile.
"Gary, come sit," he said kindly.
Gary froze slightly. His grandfather only smiled like that when he had something up his sleeve.
Suspicious, Gary narrowed his eyes. "Alright, Grandpa… what do you want from me?"
Professor Oak chuckled, stroking his chin. "You see right through me. The League reached out and asked me to pass along an offer."
Gary tilted his head. "What kind of offer?"
"The Pokémon League wants to appoint you as the temporary Gym Leader of Viridian City."
The words hit Gary like a Thunderbolt.
"…What?"
Had he misheard?
"You're fully qualified," Oak continued. "Your experience, your strength—it's more than enough. It would only be temporary. Two months, to be exact. During that time, the League will cover all your expenses."
Gary leaned back, still processing. Gym Leader. Him?
"But Grandpa," he said slowly, "I don't really want to be a Gym Leader. My goal is still to travel to other regions. I don't want to be tied down."
Oak raised a hand reassuringly. "It's only temporary. Think of it as doing the League a favor. And yes—you'll be compensated for your service."
Gary arched an eyebrow. "…Can I choose my reward?"
"That depends," Oak said carefully. "If your request is too excessive, the League won't approve."
Gary smirked. "Don't worry, I won't ask for something impossible. I only want one Pokémon."
Tracey blinked, tilting his head. "One Pokémon? Gary, you've already caught more than forty. What could you possibly want that you can't capture yourself?"
Professor Oak was curious too. "Yes, what Pokémon?"
Gary didn't hesitate. "Riolu. Or Gible."
Oak's eyes widened. Tracey nearly dropped his fork.
Those were incredibly rare Pokémon.
Gary explained, "I've been thinking about my team for the Sinnoh League. I already have five Pokémon prepared. But I'll need one or two more additions to balance the lineup. The only non-Legendary Pokémon from Sinnoh that are worth investing in are Lucario and Garchomp. Both are powerful, versatile, and respected even at Champion levels."
He sighed. "But finding them in the wild? That's like trying to find a single grain of sand on the beach. Wild Riolu and Gible are so rare they might as well be myths. Even during my journey through Hoenn, I never found a single wild Bagon or Beldum. I only got Salamence because of Meteor Village."
He leaned forward. "So instead of wasting time searching endlessly, I'd rather negotiate directly with the League. If anyone can source them, it's the League."
Professor Oak rubbed his chin, thoughtful. "The two Pokémon you've requested are indeed rare. They aren't native to Kanto at all. Still… I'll ask the League on your behalf. But no promises."
Gary shrugged. "If they can't provide either Riolu or Gible, then forget it. I won't serve as a temporary Gym Leader."
His tone was matter-of-fact. He had no interest in gym duties unless it benefited his long-term goals.
Oak raised an eyebrow. "So that's your condition?"
"Exactly. I'm not interested otherwise," Gary said flatly.
Professor Oak could tell Gary wasn't bluffing. He sighed. "Very well. I'll contact the Trainer Association this afternoon."
After lunch, Oak called the Kanto League's Trainer Association, explaining Gary's situation.
The officials on the other end were surprised. They had expected Gary to accept the Gym Leader position with gratitude. Instead, he had made a bold request—one that required serious consideration.
The Trainer Association deliberated. Appointing Gary, even temporarily, was already a big deal. His potential was undeniable, and if he officially joined the League, he could one day rise to the rank of Champion.
But Gary had made no such commitment. He wasn't pledging loyalty to the League, merely negotiating for two months of service.
That made the decision far trickier. Should they invest heavily in someone who might never stay?
The League had faced this dilemma before. It wasn't that Kanto lacked Trainers strong enough to fill the vacant Champion seat. The issue was that only those formally bound to the League could hold such positions. Outsiders, no matter how skilled, weren't eligible.