"Listen up! Before long, the Kanto League's official Gym qualification inspector will be arriving in our city. Before that happens, no matter what it takes, we must crush Kaz Gym!"
The flat-headed, lanky man knelt on the wooden floor. In front of him sat a group of stern-faced subordinates, all dressed in the signature suspender-style uniforms of Yas Gym.
"One city doesn't need two Gyms. We cannot give those thugs from Kaz Gym even the slightest chance. Understood?" the tall man roared.
"Understood, Leader!"
The resounding chorus of replies pleased him, and he nodded in satisfaction.
"Mr. Yas, this is bad!"
At that moment, the sliding wooden door was yanked open from outside. A blue-haired girl wearing a red-and-white baseball cap rushed in, her face full of urgency.
The solemn rally atmosphere was instantly shattered. Yas's expression darkened slightly. In a low voice he said, "Ann, haven't I told you? If you want to become an outstanding trainer, you must learn to stay calm. Even if the sky falls, you must remain composed…"
The girl named Ann Chovy had delicate, pretty features, yet there was a streak of boyish spirit between her brows. A red ribbon circled her neck, and she wore the same green suspender uniform of Yas Gym.
She swallowed, bowed slightly, and said apologetically, "I'm sorry, Mr. Yas. I was too rash. But I have very important news to report."
Seeing her sincere apology, Yas's tone softened somewhat. "Don't tell me those scoundrels from Kaz Gym are plotting against us again?"
Ann was Yas's only female disciple. Because she was attractive and sweet-looking, Yas often sent her to Kaz Gym to gather information. Hot-blooded young men tended to loosen their tongues in front of a pretty girl's requests, revealing far more than they intended.
Thanks to Ann, Yas Gym had often gained the upper hand in their frequent street brawls.
"It's not about Kaz Gym…" Ann shook her head firmly, her expression grave. "I just saw notices posted outside many shops and on the city bulletin board…"
"What?!" Yas shot to his feet, fury flashing across his face. "You're saying another Gym has opened in Dark City?"
"Exactly." Ann nodded. "And the name is incredibly arrogant. It's called 'Second to the World Gym.' They're inviting all trainers in Dark City who consider themselves outstanding to join."
After hearing the full report, Yas was furious. But beneath the anger, he couldn't help thinking. He hadn't heard of any notable trainer coming to Dark City recently.
Dark City was an economically underdeveloped fourth-tier backwater. Trainers with bright futures would never willingly come to such a godforsaken place.
Before Kaz Gym and Yas Gym rose to prominence, there had been several other small-time Gyms in the city. They were all driven out through the joint efforts of Kaz and Yas. Yet once the competitors were gone, the former allies quickly turned on each other for profit.
And now some fool had come looking to cut in?
Yas was cautious by nature. Without knowing the opponent's true strength, he had no intention of making the first move.
"Kaz must've gotten the news too. With his temper, there's no way he'll tolerate it. He's probably already sent his men to smash that new Gym."
A smug grin crept onto Yas's face.
"Heh. Let those two fight each other to the death. Yas Gym can just sit back and reap the rewards."
With that thought, a perfect plan formed in his mind. His gaze drifted to the slender blue-haired girl before him, and the corners of his mouth lifted.
"Ann!"
"Yes!" She straightened instantly.
"Relax." Yas's face turned gentle, his voice warm and almost fatherly. "Among all my disciples, you are the most outstanding—and the one who has contributed the most to Yas Gym. I've always valued you highly. If one day Yas Gym becomes an officially recognized League Gym, I intend to appoint you as vice leader."
The room erupted into murmurs. The kneeling disciples shot jealous looks at the stunned girl by the doorway.
"Is… is that true?" Ann covered her mouth, disbelief written all over her face.
"I never joke about such things." Yas folded his arms proudly, then beckoned her closer. "I have an important mission for you—one that concerns whether Yas Gym can become an officially recognized League Gym…"
"I guarantee I'll complete it!"
Ann Chovy didn't hesitate. The promise of becoming vice leader had left her too exhilarated to think clearly. In any case, this mission was no different from what she'd done before—stir up conflict between the newly opened Gym and Kaz Gym.
Watching her departing figure, Yas gave a disdainful snort.
"Vice leader? That naïve little rookie… does she really think she stands a chance?"
...
"Boss, that new 'Second to the World Gym' is really here?"
Along a path cutting through a sea of green bamboo, three young men in tight blue uniforms of Kaz Gym strode forward. The one who spoke was the green-haired youth on the left.
The yellow-haired man in the middle grinned, waving a notice in his hand. "See for yourself. It's written clear as day. That so-called 'Second to the World Gym' opened at the old rundown dojo in the southern outskirts. The leader told us to weigh the guy's worth. If he's got no real skill, we smash the place."
"Boss is right!" The red-haired youth on the right nodded repeatedly, a defiant smirk on his face. "Definitely some trash Gym. Calling themselves 'Second to the World'? Hah. We'll smash that plaque first thing. Once we're done, the leader will definitely look at the three of us differently."