Chapter 8: A Challenge? Accepted! Kenji vs. Chase
The two hours passed in a blur. As the group began to retrace their steps, Melody knelt and affectionately stroked her Charmander's head, feeding it a few Pokéblocks from her backpack. The others followed suit, giving their own Pokémon a chance to recharge.
On the way back, Leo's Pidove played a crucial role, soaring above the canopy and acting as their navigator. Under its guidance, the group quickly found their way back to the clearing where the bus was parked.
The scene was different from when they had left. Several barbecue grills had been set up near the bus, and a few folding tables were laden with trays of uncooked skewers.
"Hey, you're back! Don't just stand there! Anyone who knows how to set up a tent, give us a hand! If not, you can help with the grilling!" Lyle called out.
Kenji, feeling right at home, walked over to a tray of skewers and began expertly placing them on the grill. Leo, as the future heir to Ben's Grill, naturally joined him in this noble culinary pursuit. After years of working at the restaurant, Kenji's grilling skills were second to none.
"Melody, let me help you with that tent..."
Chase, meanwhile, was shamelessly tailing Melody, offering to help her with her tent.
With everyone pitching in, the campsite was ready in no time. The tents were up, and the skewers were sizzling.
"Mmm, whoa, this smells amazing! Kenji, you're incredible, how do you do it?" a girl exclaimed after taking a bite of a freshly cooked skewer, her eyes lighting up with praise.
Kenji just smiled. "If you grill for five or six years like I have, you'll be even better than me."
Chase wandered over, grabbing a skewer for himself. He took a bite, then laughed loudly. "Not bad, Kenji. Even if you can't become a trainer, you've got a future selling barbecue. We'll be sure to stop by and give you some business."
As soon as he finished speaking, his lackeys burst into laughter.
"You..." Leo immediately bristled at the condescending tone, but before he could say anything, Kenji grabbed his arm, stopping him.
"I've actually considered it," Kenji replied calmly, his voice steady and his grip firm on Leo's arm.
Chase saw the small interaction and a smug look flashed across his face. He was in a good mood now and didn't bother to mock Kenji any further. He simply picked up a plate of cooked skewers and walked away.
"Kenji, he said that to your face! How can you just take it?" Leo hissed, keeping his voice low.
Kenji didn't answer. He just handed a skewer to Leo. "It's not time yet."
With that, Kenji patted his friend's shoulder and walked off, disappearing into a small group of boys where he whispered a few words.
After a busy morning, everyone finally had a chance to relax. Led by their class president, the atmosphere quickly became lively, the sounds of laughter echoing through the forest.
"Since we're all just sitting around, why don't we have some Pokémon battles?" one of the boys suggested after everyone had eaten their fill.
The idea was met with instant enthusiasm.
Lyle, ever the organizer, cleared his throat. "Alright, who wants to go first?"
He looked around the group, but everyone seemed content to just watch. No one volunteered.
"Chase, besides Melody's, your Geodude is probably the strongest one here. How about you show us what you've got?" a voice suddenly called out from the crowd. It was the same student who had first suggested the battles.
As soon as he spoke, another student chimed in. "Yeah, Chase! Give us something to learn from!"
With a few people leading the charge, the rest of the class started to join in. Chase's own followers were practically tripping over themselves to praise him.
Chase held up a hand to quiet the crowd, but he could barely contain the grin spreading across his face. He gave a fake cough, feigning reluctance. "Well, since no one else wants to step up, I guess I can get things started."
Lyle's eyes lit up. "Great! Who will be his opponent?"
"Let Chase pick his own opponent!"
"Yeah, yeah! Chase, you choose! Whoever you pick has to battle!" a few of the boys from earlier shouted, hyping up the crowd.
Hearing this, Chase's smile widened. His eyes scanned the crowd before finally landing on the person next to Kenji—Leo.
"Alright then. Leo, you're up," Chase said, pointing directly at him.
Leo's face fell, and he gritted his teeth. His Pidove stood no chance against a Geodude.
"What's wrong, Leo? Don't tell me you're too scared to even accept a challenge," Chase taunted. Kenji's passive reaction earlier had been satisfying, but Leo had been a thorn in his side all day. It was time to teach him a lesson.
Leo's hand tightened around his Poké Ball. He was about to swallow his pride and accept the hopeless fight when a calm voice suddenly spoke up from beside him.
"I'll do it."
At Kenji's words, all eyes turned to him.
"You?" Chase asked, genuinely surprised. What's gotten into this guy all of a sudden? he thought.
Kenji nodded. "Pidove has been battling and guiding us all morning. It hasn't had time to recover. So I'll be your opponent."
"Are you sure about that?" Chase asked again, a smirk returning to his face.
Kenji just raised an eyebrow. "What's the matter? Scared?"
"Scared of you?" Chase laughed, his surprise turning to anger. "Fine! If you're so eager for a beating, then let's go!"