"Leader, don't be rash, Leader!"
"So what if we got wrecked? Even Sabrina next door lost!"
"Sure, the Trainer didn't even show up, but at least you won in spirit!"
Inside the Saffron Gym, the Karate Master was sobbing dramatically, clutching a white cloth while his apprentices desperately tried to stop him.
At first, he had only been putting on a show, but his apprentices' words struck a nerve.
First, he lost to the little girl from the neighboring gym, and now he couldn't even beat a Sylveon.
Even if it was a type disadvantage… this was downright humiliating!
"Don't stop me! Anyone who tries gets a Karate Chop!" the Karate Master sniffled.
"There's no need to be so hard on yourself," Bea said, standing up. "From what I know, that Pokémon belongs to a Master from Touran."
"In fact… he might even be at Champion-level," she added seriously.
Hearing this, the Karate Master froze.
A Champion's Pokémon?
Well, losing to that wasn't so bad!
"Ahem… my apologies for the scene," the Karate Master coughed, quickly composing himself.
"If you're here to challenge the gym, please come back another time!"
"It's fine," Bea nodded. "I'm simply traveling to different Fighting Gyms to prepare for the upcoming P1 Grand Prix."
The P1 Fighting Grand Prix was a major event focused on Fighting-type Pokémon—though it wasn't restricted to them.
Close-combat specialists like Feraligatr and sumo-style contenders like Snorlax could also compete.
Past winners of the golden belt included Fighting experts like Kanto's Elite Four member Bruno and Unova's Elite Four member Marshal.
Because of this, countless martial artists saw the P1 Golden Belt as the ultimate honor.
Having witnessed Bea's skills firsthand, the Karate Master sighed. "With your strength, winning the lightweight division's golden belt should be no problem."
But Bea shook her head. "Compared to Natsume-sensei, I still have a long way to go."
"Natsume-sensei?"
"He's the Trainer of that Sylveon from earlier," Bea explained, frowning as she recalled the battle. "The way it incorporated grappling techniques into its ribbons…"
Natsume-sensei truly lives up to his reputation as a Fighting Master, even recognized by Chuck himself…
Hearing Bea's words, the Karate Master suddenly understood.
So it was grappling techniques!
No wonder I lost to that Sylveon!
"Then I won't take up any more of your time," Bea said, clasping her fists in farewell. "When the P1 Grand Prix begins, I'll come back for a proper match!"
"Looking forward to it!"
Just then, the gym doors swung open again.
Both of them turned to look at the unexpected visitor.
Bea's eyes widened. "Natsume-sensei?!"
"S-So you're the one who…"
The Karate Master stammered as he stared at the figure before him.
A Fighting Master… with Champion-level strength?
He's so young!
The handsome young man offered an apologetic smile. "Sorry for the trouble… My Sylveon seems to have caused you some inconvenience."
"N-Not at all!" The Karate Master shook his head like a rattle drum. "Having it challenge us was an honor!"
Natsume blinked.
Wow… you're just like Gym Leader Takuya—a total masochist, huh?
Meanwhile, Bea was struggling to control her rapid breathing, her fists clenched tightly.
But… this was the idol she had dreamed of meeting for so long! How could she not be excited?!
"Natsume-sensei!"
Her voice slightly hoarse, Bea suddenly bowed at a perfect 90-degree angle. "It's an honor to meet you!"
Natsume was taken aback.
We've never even met—why the formal greeting?
But upon closer inspection, Natsume realized the dark-skinned girl looked familiar.
Gray hair tied with an orange-and-black headband, bare feet revealing toned calves and sturdy muscles.
Bea, the Fighting prodigy from Galar.
Checking the timeline, she should still be in the middle of her training journey.
He hadn't expected to run into her here. Curious, Natsume asked, "Here to challenge the gym?"
Suddenly addressed, Bea stiffened, her dark skin flushing slightly.
"I'm preparing for the Kanto P1 Grand Prix… This is part of my training tour," she mumbled, unusually shy.
Natsume did recall the P1 Grand Prix.
Ash Ketchum's Primeape had been released after that very competition.
And Ash's Snorlax was a sumo powerhouse, with impressive showings in multiple Fighting tournaments.
"I see," Natsume nodded, though he didn't pay it much mind.
Right now, he was just here to clean up after Sylveon's mess.
"Leader… Do I need to cover any healing costs?"
"Injuries are part of the challenge! Why would we make you pay?" the Leader insisted.
Natsume gave him a complicated look.
I'm more worried my little one will start treating this place like a daily training ground…
"Natsume-sensei."
Bea, standing nearby, suddenly mustered her courage. "Will you… be entering the P1 Grand Prix?"
During her Unburden strategy research, she had heard of Natsume-sensei's incredible insights into Fighting-types.
Even masters like Chuck and Senior Blue Oak spoke highly of him.
If she could face Natsume-sensei in the P1 Grand Prix… it would be an invaluable experience!
Natsume paused, then shook his head.
"I'll pass…"
I don't even have a Fighting-type Pokémon—would I even qualify?
Bea sighed in disappointment.
Of course… At his level, a tournament like this is beneath him.
...
In the end, the Leader refused Natsume's offer of compensation.
"Sylveon is welcome to challenge us anytime," the Karate Master added eagerly. "Actually… there's one more thing."
"Would you consider… becoming this gym's honorary master?"
Before Natsume could respond, he quickly clarified, "I know it's an unreasonable request!"
"You'd just need to lend your name—or even just have one of your Pokémon take the role!"
Natsume's expression turned odd.
There are only two gyms in Saffron City… and Gengar and Sylveon are about to claim one each?!
Still, he knew Sylveon's personality.
Grinding levels here is one thing, but being a coach? That's asking too much of the little one.
"I'm already employed elsewhere… so it wouldn't work out," Natsume politely declined.
The Karate Master didn't press further, smiling. "Well, you're always welcome to drop by and give pointers!"
Natsume sighed.
Leader, you said it yourself!
Whatever Sylveon does next… don't blame me!
...
With the matter settled, Sylveon had officially unlocked a new "dungeon" for itself.
As Natsume stepped out of the gym, he noticed Bea still following him.
"What's up?" he asked, puzzled.
Bea clenched her teeth, her face burning with embarrassment as she bowed deeply again.
"P-Please… take me as your disciple!"
"See ya!" Natsume waved and walked off.
Mentor Bea, the human Female Machamp?!
You can trade punches with a Machamp—what do you need me for?!
By the time Bea looked up, Natsume was already gone.
The dark-skinned girl exhaled, a mix of frustration and relief.
That was way too forward… How embarrassing!
Taking a deep breath, Bea tightened her fists, determination flashing in her eyes.
If I can win the P1 Grand Prix… if I can prove myself to Natsume-sensei…
Then maybe… he'll finally accept me!
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