Although Scott often invited powerful Trainers to challenge the Battle Frontier, he never truly wanted them to clear all of it.
After all, if every challenger succeeded too easily, the Frontier's reputation as an elite proving ground would crumble.
So far, fewer than twenty Trainers had received Scott's invitations to challenge the Frontier. Not one of them had managed to complete it.
Even Ash Ketchum himself—despite his remarkable progress—had needed several attempts before clearing all seven Facilities. The last two, in particular, were infamous for their difficulty.
At the Battle Tower, Ash had to challenge twice before winning.
At the Battle Pyramid, he failed three times before finally earning his Symbol.
"I lost," Spenser said after their fierce battle, his tone neither bitter nor regretful. "This is your proof of victory—the Spirit Symbol."
"Thank you."
Gary accepted the golden badge and nodded respectfully.
[Ding! Mission completed. Rewards have been distributed to the Space Backpack.]
Scott folded his arms and grinned. "So, Gary… the next step is the Battle Tower. When do you plan to head there?"
"I'll go this afternoon," Gary replied casually.
It was only ten in the morning. That gave him enough time to return to the island's Pokémon Center, heal his team, have lunch, and make his way to the Battle Tower before nightfall.
If everything went smoothly, he could begin his challenge tomorrow.
"You just finished a long, intense battle with me," Spenser reminded. "Are you sure you don't want to rest? The next two Frontier Brains are much stronger."
Gary shook his head. "No need. I still have other Pokémon ready to fight."
Spenser fell silent for a moment.
How… demoralizing.
It didn't even feel like Gary had been exerting himself.
Did I even wear him out at all?
For a man who had once been proud of his Frontier title, this loss stung more than he expected.
Where on earth did Scott find this monster of a Trainer?
After their battle, Gary and Scott returned to the island's Pokémon Center.
Scott skipped lunch, handed Gary a printed map with the Battle Tower's location, and immediately boarded a ferry ahead of him. She was required to be present for every Frontier match, so she had to arrive in advance.
Meanwhile, Gary handed his Pokémon over to Nurse Joy for treatment, then prepared lunch for the rest of his team. He sat with them, sharing food in the shade near the beach.
Once everyone had eaten their fill, it was time to focus again.
"System," Gary said. "Exchange for the TM—Earthquake."
[Ding! Skill exchanged successfully.]
He'd planned to redeem that move back when he challenged Lucy at the Battle Pike but hadn't found the time.
Now, before facing the Battle Tower's Frontier Brain, he needed to strengthen his team's move pool.
The Tower's Brain was Anabel.
In the anime, she might have appeared calm and gentle—but in truth, anyone chosen to command the Battle Tower had power nearly on par with a regional Champion.
And Scott, who clearly didn't want Gary clearing the Frontier too easily, would definitely have warned Anabel in advance to use her full team.
That meant Gary had to prepare carefully.
He stood and moved from one Pokémon to another, teaching each of them the powerful Ground-type move.
Almost every member of his team could learn it. Only his Nidoran♂ couldn't—not yet. Once it evolved into Nidoking, that would change.
After a long training session, Gary checked his watch. It was already 1:30 p.m.
He mounted his Charizard, took off into the blue sky, and set course for Celadon City—the nearest hub to the Battle Tower.
The Battle Tower was located just south of Celadon City, in the central area of the Kanto Region. Traveling on foot would have taken half a month, but with Charizard's speed, Gary covered the distance in just over an hour.
"Good work, Charizard," Gary said as they landed on the outskirts of the city. He gave Charizard a gentle pat before recalling him into his Poké Ball.
He turned toward the Pokémon Center, ready to rest and resupply—when the automatic doors slid open in front of him.
And standing there was a woman in a sleek blue suit, short lilac hair glinting in the sunlight, and round glasses reflecting the city's neon glow.
Gary froze for half a second.
Her face was all too familiar.
"…Isn't that the manager from the Celadon Game Corner?" he asked under his breath.
The woman smiled politely, though her eyes betrayed a flicker of recognition.
It was Matori, Giovanni's personal secretary—and one of the key administrators of Team Rocket.
Years ago, when Gary had just begun his journey as a Pokémon Trainer, he had encountered her during an incident at the Celadon Game Corner. Back then, he'd managed to outwit Team Rocket's grunts and even tricked them into handing over two Eevee.
He hadn't expected to run into Matori again after all this time.
But for her to appear openly in a public Pokémon Center… she must be confident—or reckless. As Giovanni's secretary, she undoubtedly knew countless Rocket secrets, yet she moved around Celadon City without a trace of caution.
Gary kept his composure, but inside, his instincts were on full alert.
Matori, on the other hand, felt her pulse quicken. She knew exactly who Gary Oak was now—and just how dangerous he could be.
She knew of his accomplishments, his victories, even the destruction of Team Rocket's partnership with Aether Foundation a year ago.
And worse—according to recent intelligence, Gary had fought Rayquaza alone and lived.
Rayquaza.
Even Team Rocket, armed with their advanced technology, wouldn't dare face such a creature head-on. But Gary had done so using only his Pokémon.
That made him far too dangerous.
If he ever discovered the secret Rocket base hidden beneath Celadon City, Matori knew it would be obliterated within hours.
"Mr. Gary," Matori said sweetly, breaking the silence. "What an unexpected meeting. Are you here to enjoy the Game Corner again? I can offer you one hundred thousand free chips—as a gift."
Gary blinked, taken aback by her friendly tone.
He remembered how cold and manipulative she'd been the last time they met.
Why the sudden kindness?
Perhaps there were no Executives stationed in the underground base right now. That might explain her calm demeanor.
Still, Gary's instincts told him she was trying to keep him from growing suspicious.
He smiled faintly. "No need. I'm not interested."
He started walking past her.
In truth, Gary hadn't visited the Game Corner in years. Back then, he'd gone to win Pokémon from the prize exchange system—and he'd even had Sabrina's help, which made it almost unfair.
But gambling wasn't a path to success.
Nine out of ten players lose. The only way to win is not to play.
Matori's smile faltered slightly. "Ah, I see. Well, Mr. Gary, please visit whenever you like. The Game Corner will always welcome you."
With that, she turned and walked away, disappearing into the crowded streets of Celadon.
Gary watched her leave, puzzled.
Something about her behavior was off—almost forced.
Why had she suddenly changed her attitude toward him?
Why risk being seen here at all?
He couldn't shake the feeling that Matori was hiding something.
Gary decided to ask Nurse Joy about it. He stepped inside the Pokémon Center, where the familiar scent of disinfectant and polished floors greeted him.
Nurse Joy looked up from behind the counter, smiling warmly. "Welcome. How can I help you today?"
Gary placed three Poké Balls on the counter. "These are my Pokémon. They need full restoration."
"Of course," Joy replied, her voice calm and gentle. She placed the Poké Balls onto a small cart, then pressed a button beside her workstation.
Moments later, a cheerful Chansey emerged from the treatment room, pushing another cart. It gently loaded the Poké Balls and wheeled them away to the back.