"Gym Leader, please calm down!"
"It was just a little commotion. Even Sabrina next door suffered a defeat!"
Within the Gym, Karate King cried out, pulling at his white silk headband, and the apprentices rushed to stop him.
He had a point.
Hearing the words of the apprentices, a wave of grief suddenly washed over him.
First, he lost to the girl in the neighboring Gym, and now he couldn't even defeat Sylveon. Even with the type disadvantage, it felt too embarrassing!
"Don't hold me back! Who can stop me from using my Karate Chop?" Karate King choked out.
"There's no need to underestimate yourself," Bea spoke up. "As far as I know, this Pokémon belongs to a Master of the East Orient and may even have Champion-level standards."
"Champion's Pokémon?"
Karate King was taken aback. Losing to such a formidable opponent was nothing to be ashamed of!
"Cough... Let's not dwell on it. If you wish to challenge, please come back another time!"
"That's fine," Bea nodded. "I'm just passing through; I'm preparing for the upcoming P1 Championship at the Fighting Gym."
The P1 Fighting Championship is a significant event for Fighting Pokémon, but it's not limited to Fighting types. Pokémon with moves with Close Combat like Feraligatr and Snorlax are also eligible to participate. This championship has produced renowned fighters, including Kanto's Fighting Elite Bruno and Unova's Fighting Elite Marshal, and is considered the epitome of glory.
Having witnessed Bea's combat skills, Karate King remarked with emotion, "With your strength, winning the lightweight division's gold belt is more than achievable."
Bea shook her head, "Compared to Teacher Luke, I still have a long way to go."
"Teacher Luke?"
"He's the trainer of Sylveon you just faced."
Bea reminisced, furrowing her brows, "Even incorporating soft techniques into ribbon movements..."
Teacher Luke, the Fighting Master acknowledged by Chuck, certainly lived up to his reputation.
Karate King, upon hearing Bea's words, was momentarily stunned.
So, it was soft techniques! No wonder I lost to that Sylveon!
"Then, I won't disturb you any longer."
Bea cupped her fists in a respectful gesture, "When the P1 Championship arrives, I hope to seek your guidance!"
"No problem!"
At this moment, the Gym's door swung open once again.
Both of them turned to look at the unannounced visitor.
Bea's eyes narrowed slightly, "Teacher Luke?!"
"This, this is..."
Karate King stammered, staring at the silhouette before him.
A Fighting Master, a Trainer with Champion-level strength?
This person seemed too young for such accomplishments!
Looking at this handsome young man, Karate King apologized with a smile, "Sorry... for the trouble caused by my Sylveon."
"No, it's no trouble!" Karate King vigorously shook his head. "Being able to have a challenge is a joy!"
Luke was taken aback.
This guy... Is he a Musclehead like Gym Leader Tang?
On the other side, Bea tried to control her agitated breathing, clenching her fists.
But... this was the idol she admired day and night; how could she not be excited?
"Luke, Teacher Luke!"
Bea's voice quivered as she bowed at a 90-degree angle, "It's an honor to meet you!"
Teacher Luke was surprised.
We're not related, so why the formal gesture?
But upon closer inspection, Luke recognized the black-skinned girl as someone he had seen before.
Gray hair, a headband with orange and black colors, bare feet showcasing slender Achilles tendons and strong calf muscles.
Galar's Fighting prodigy, Bea.
Considering the timeline, she should still be undergoing Fighting cultivation.
Unexpectedly, encountering her here, Luke questioned curiously, "Are you here to challenge the Gym?"
Once he asked, Bea rubbed her small face until her dark skin showed a hint of blush.
"I'm preparing for the Kanto P1 tournament... This journey is also for Dojo cultivation," Bea whispered in a somewhat embarrassed tone.
Luke vaguely remembered the P1 tournament.
Ash's Primeape was released because of this competition, and his Snorlax, a sumo expert, had outstanding performances in major Fighting events.
"Oh, I see." Luke nodded, not giving it too much thought.
This trip was mainly to address Sylveon's affairs.
Luke pondered, "Gym Leader... Do I need to cover any medical expenses?"
"During a challenge, injuries are expected. You don't need to pay for it," the Gym Leader shook his head.
Luke looked conflicted.
Mainly, he was concerned that the little fellow might come to kick the Gym every three days...
"Teacher Luke."
Bea, standing on the side, gathered her courage and asked, "Are you participating in the P1 tournament?"
During the Unburden tactics, Bea had seen Teacher Luke's incredible insights into Fighting types. Even Chuck Master and Senior Blue had praised Teacher Luke.
If... she could face Teacher Luke in the P1 Championship, it would undoubtedly be a significant learning opportunity!
Luke was slightly startled but immediately shook his head.
"I'll pass."
He didn't even have Fighting-type Pokémon. He feared he wouldn't meet the competition's conditions.
Bea sighed with regret.
Indeed, with Teacher Luke's strength, participating in this kind of competition would be beneath him...
...
Ultimately, the Gym Leader declined Teacher Luke's proposed compensation.
"Sylveon, if you ever feel like it, you're welcome to challenge the Gym," Karate King extended an invitation. "There's one more thing..."
"I don't know if you'd be interested in becoming the Gym's mentor?"
Before Luke could respond, Karate King rushed on, "I understand, this might be an unreasonable request for you. You don't have to take on the role personally... or, you could let your Pokémon take charge!"
Luke found this suggestion peculiar.
Saffron City only had two Gyms in total—Gengar and Sylveon each managing one?
However, Luke was aware of Sylveon's temperament. Being a coach might be manageable, but having little fellow in charge could be quite challenging.
Politely declining, Teacher Luke explained, "I'm currently engaged elsewhere, and it wouldn't be very convenient."
Karate King accepted the response gracefully, saying with a smile, "If you ever change your mind, you're always welcome to come and offer guidance!"
Luke couldn't help but sigh.
Gym Leader, you're fully aware of what you're saying!
I won't be held responsible for whatever mischief Sylveon might get up to!
...
The incident had concluded.
Sylveon had once again unlocked a new instance dungeon.
Luke, now at ease, exited the Gym only to find Bea trailing him persistently.
"What are you up to?" Luke was taken aback.
Bea clenched her teeth, visibly embarrassed, and bowed deeply, "I want to ask you to be my Master!"
"Goodbye!" Luke waved him off.
Teaching Bea, who could stand up to a humanoid Machamp? I might as well stick to coaching!
As Bea lifted her head, Teacher Luke had vanished.
The dark-skinned girl appeared disappointed and relieved.
Making such a direct request... it seemed a bit too embarrassing after all!
Taking a deep breath, Bea's gaze turned resolute, and she silently clenched her fist.
If I can become the P1 Tournament Champion and show Teacher Luke my dedication...
I believe he will consider my request!