The three yellow-, green-, and red-haired brothers crossed the arched stone bridge. The sprawling dojo grounds—covering nearly five mu—were now right before them.
The green-haired one looked at the imposing, newly restored complex and felt a flicker of unease. Lowering his voice, he muttered, "Big Brother, I remember when we passed by here last year, this place was falling apart. How'd it end up like this?"
"Like hell it's impressive." The yellow-haired man sneered. "That bastard who opened this Gym probably had a bit of cash and renovated it. We'll smash it soon enough. Let's see how long he keeps acting so arrogant."
The leader of Kaz Gym had once intended to purchase this large dojo as Kaz Gym's official headquarters. Unfortunately, the price was far too steep. The elderly mayor despised the troublemakers who had thrown Dark City into chaos, so he quoted an astronomical sum—5 million. Not a single dollar less.
The dojo's former owner had donated the property to the city, meaning only the mayor could decide its fate. Kaz Gym might be domineering, but even they wouldn't openly seize municipal property. If the old man got angry and reported them to the League—
A small local gang daring to seize government property? That would be asking for death. The League could dispatch a single elite investigator and wipe Kaz Gym out with ease.
...
At the dojo's main gate stood two lifelike stone statues of Arcanine, seated proudly on either side.
In wealthy households of this world, placing Arcanine statues at the entrance was an old custom. In ancient times, people believed they warded off evil and ill fortune, while also displaying the family's status.
Arcanine's majestic build, flowing mane, and thunderous roar radiated an awe-inspiring presence. In ancient Kanto, people widely regarded it as a sacred beast that brought good fortune.
Powerful, imposing in appearance, and fiercely loyal—recognizing only one master in its lifetime. These traits had captivated countless trainers throughout history.
Above the gate hung the plaque:
Second to the World Gym
It was a name almost begging to be punched.
In truth, the title had come to Kael on a whim, with more than a hint of mischief. It was also meant to spread quickly throughout Dark City—draw attention, attract hostility, and then sweep up both Kaz Gym and Yas Gym in one decisive move.
Cole had already gathered some information from a Nurse Joy in Celadon City. Barring unexpected complications, her cousin—the Gym qualification inspector this time—would arrive in Dark City next week for a discreet investigation.
That meant Kael had only one week to deal with Kaz Gym and Yas before the inspector arrived.
If Inspector Joy came to assess the city and found it in complete disorder—learning that private Gyms were brawling for official status and stalling development, leaving residents miserable—she might report it to the League in anger. And the League could very well cancel its plans to establish an official Gym in Dark City altogether.
"should we smash that plaque right now? Just looking at it pisses me off," the hot-tempered red-haired youth growled.
"Relax. Even when we challenge a Gym, there's a proper process," the green-haired one said calmly. "Who smashes the sign without even announcing themselves first? That'd make us look unprofessional."
"Second Brother's right…" The yellow-haired leader nodded approvingly. "We go in, issue the challenge, beat the Gym Leader senseless, and smash the plaque on our way out. That way we look professional—and stylish."
The three brothers boasted at the entrance, unaware that a pair of bright, watchful eyes were observing them from within the bamboo grove.
"Aren't those the Matt brothers from Kaz Gym?"
Hidden among the bamboo, Ann Chovy recognized them instantly.
"Mr. Yas was right. Kaz Gym couldn't resist testing this 'Second to the World Gym' first."
"Let them both suffer heavy losses," she murmured softly. "Yas Gym is the one truly fit to become the League's official Gym."
With that, she carefully circled around from behind the bamboo, intending to slip into the compound and investigate the background of this newly opened Gym.
...
Back Courtyard
Kael sat cross-legged inside a tatami-lined pavilion. From time to time, he picked up a round pellet of Pokémon food from a nearby bowl and tossed it into the rock pond.
Each time, a yellowish-brown fish Pokémon speckled with darker spots burst from the surface.
Feebas had been living comfortably in the spacious pond these past few days. Every day it had its favorite food and pokeblocks—and companions who never mocked its appearance.
"Lucky~"
Chansey stood solemnly in the pavilion. Kael had told her that morning he would conduct a physical examination and record her body metrics. Not wanting to leave a bad impression on her new trainer, the steady and meticulous Pokémon had arrived early and waited quietly.
"Relax. No need to be nervous," Kael said with a smile, gently patting Chansey's smooth, round head. "It's just some basic measurements. As your trainer, it's my responsibility to understand every detail of your physical condition. Only then can I tailor your training and care properly."
"Lucky~"
Chansey nodded.
Kael picked up a measuring tape and a high-precision camera, beginning to record her physical data. He then took out a small adhesive strip—similar to a bandage—and lightly pressed it against Chansey's hand. A tiny drop of bright red blood was immediately absorbed.
The strip was a common blood-testing tool used in large Pokémon research institutes. Its surface was lined with a hundred microscopic needles invisible to the naked eye. When extracting a sample, it caused no pain at all.
...
The clatter of the keyboard continued without pause.
Chansey found herself drawn to Kael's focused movements. She shuffled closer on her round body, watching her trainer work intently. A glimmer of admiration shone in her eyes.
To Chansey, anyone who approached their work with such seriousness was bound to be an excellent trainer.
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