"Sorry, Whitney. I'll need to think about it," Ash replied after some consideration. "In a year, I might be traveling through other regions, and I'm not sure if I'll have the time."
Whitney's face fell slightly, but she nodded in understanding. "I see… Well, if you change your mind, please let me know as soon as possible!" Though disappointed, she understood that her invitation had been abrupt.
The atmosphere at the table grew slightly awkward after that, and Whitney regretted bringing it up so suddenly.
As dinner concluded, she abandoned her plans to take Ash and the others to the night market, instead suggesting they meet at the gym the following morning.
Back at their accommodations, Brock refrained from offering Ash advice about the invitation, leaving the decision entirely up to him.
Ash mulled it over, weighing the benefits. After some thought, he concluded that while monetary rewards weren't necessary, he could use the opportunity to promote his upcoming brand during the stadium's opening ceremony. The potential publicity was too good to ignore.
---
The next morning, Ash and his friends made their way to the Goldenrod Gym. Located in the heart of Goldenrod City, the gym was a large, dome-shaped structure that stood out amidst the bustling urban landscape.
It occupied an impressive amount of space—land that was considered prime real estate. However, as a facility planned by the Johto Pokémon League, its location was non-negotiable.
The Goldenrod Gym wasn't just a place for official challenges; it also served as a training hub for aspiring Trainers.
Its specialty was Normal-type Pokémon, which made it a popular choice for students seeking to master the basics.
As Ash and his friends arrived, the gym buzzed with activity. Dozens of Trainers filled the outdoor battlefields, either competing or observing matches.
The sheer number of people—over a hundred at a glance—spoke volumes about the gym's popularity.
Ash's appearance quickly drew attention. Many Trainers greeted him excitedly, and Ash returned their greetings with friendly nods and smiles, fully aware of the importance of maintaining a positive public image, especially with his brand launch on the horizon.
While Ash registered for his battle, Brock and Misty wandered off to observe the ongoing matches in the gym's battle hall.
The wait for Ash's turn was long; over 20 Trainers were ahead of him in line. During this time, many approached him with questions about training techniques.
Though it was a bit tiring, Ash patiently answered, knowing how much it meant to the eager Trainers.
When the announcement finally came, Ash sighed in relief. "No wonder the Elite Four avoid public appearances during their downtime," he muttered as he made his way to the battle hall. The constant attention was draining, but it was also part of the path he had chosen.
---
The battle hall was an impressive arena capable of seating 500 spectators. By the time Ash entered, the stands were packed, with many fans having come specifically to watch him battle.
"Mr. Ash! Over here! Please look this way!" some spectators called out excitedly, ignoring the usual decorum.
Whitney, standing on the opposite end of the battlefield, grinned. Hearing the crowd's enthusiasm only reaffirmed her belief that inviting Ash for the stadium's opening was the right decision.
As Ash stepped onto the challenger's platform, Whitney raised her hand with a confident smile. "Ash, let's make this a battle to remember!"
Ash nodded, his expression calm but determined. "Of course!" Pikachu, perched on his shoulder, let out an excited cry, ready for action.
Whitney studied Pikachu carefully. Despite having spent time with Ash and his Pokémon yesterday, she still couldn't fully grasp the depth of Pikachu's strength.
However, she knew it was a formidable opponent, capable of rivaling even pseudo-legendary Pokémon.
The referee stepped forward, raising his flag. "This is an official gym challenge between Gym Leader Whitney and Challenger Ash. Both sides may use three Pokémon. The Gym Leader cannot switch Pokémon during the match. The battle will end when one side's Pokémon are all unable to battle. Trainers, are you ready?"
"Ready!" Whitney and Ash replied in unison.
"Then let the battle begin!"
Whitney tossed her Poké Ball into the air. "Clefable, it's your time to shine!"
The ball opened, releasing a burst of white light that formed into a pink, bipedal Pokémon with long ears, curly hair, and small wings on its back. Clefable's serene appearance belied its strength and versatility.
"Clefable!"
Whitney's choice of Clefable was strategic. Originally classified as a Normal-type, Clefable had been redefined as a Fairy-type after the discovery of the new classification.
Despite the type shift, Clefable remained a key member of Whitney's team due to their strong bond and seamless teamwork.
Ash, unfazed, quickly made his choice. "Haunter, I'm counting on you!"
The purple Ghost-type emerged from its Poké Ball with a mischievous grin, its gaseous body floating eerily above the battlefield.
Whitney raised an eyebrow. "A Ghost-type, huh? Clever, but don't think this will be easy!"
Ash smirked. "We'll see about that. Haunter, let's show them what we've got!"
The crowd erupted in cheers as the battle began, eager to witness the clash between two skilled Trainers.
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