Chapter 19: Challenging the Withered Leaf Dojo

Inside Sakura Park, Xia You and Koharu walked side by side, strolling leisurely through the grounds.

The environment here was exceptionally beautiful. Functionally, it bore a resemblance to the forest behind the Ohki Research Institute—both served as sanctuaries where trainers could temporarily entrust their surplus Pokémon.

Flowing water, abundant berries hanging from the trees, plentiful sunlight...

After a circuit around the park, Xia You realized it boasted a complete ecosystem, capable of sustaining itself without human interference.

As they walked, Xia You couldn’t help but sigh, “To manage such a vast scale, Dr. Sakura must have invested a great deal of effort.”

Koharu covered a smile. “This park was only fully completed yesterday. My father said that once it was ready, he wanted you, a trainer, to be the first to come in and identify any shortcomings.”

Xia You shrugged. “Truly worthy of Dr. Sakura—his ideas are always meticulous.”

Nearby, amid the barking of a PokéNav, Bulbasaur, Squirtle, Eevee, and Charmander chased one another joyfully, clearly delighted by the surroundings.

Only Kirlia stayed closely at Xia You’s side.

Seeing this, Xia You laughed and called out, “Alright, Bulbasaur, no more fooling around. Save your strength; we have serious business to attend to shortly.”

“Serious business?” Koharu asked curiously. “What is it?”

“Of course, we’re heading to challenge the Withered Leaf Gym,” Xia You said with an enticing tone. “How about joining me? Real Pokémon battles are far more thrilling and heart-pounding than what you see on television!”

Real Pokémon battles?

Koharu looked down, clearly tempted, and after a moment’s hesitation, nodded softly.

…

Withered Leaf—the name evoking the orange-yellow hue of twilight.

The Withered Leaf Gym was situated on the western coast of Withered Leaf City. Its exterior, primarily yellow and white, resembled a large inverted trapezoid, somewhat like a grand sports arena.

Inside, a receptionist greeted them, and upon stating their purpose, the staff led Xia You directly to the battle arena.

“Please wait here. Gym Leader Ma Zhishi will arrive shortly.”

Once alone, Xia You surveyed the arena. The earth-toned floor was bare—a typical standard battle field. Surrounding the arena were tiered seats arranged in rows on all sides, resembling a stadium. By estimation, the gym could accommodate nearly a thousand spectators when fully occupied.

Being new to such a formal and grand setting, Koharu couldn’t help but feel a bit nervous.

“Relax,” Xia You said, patting her shoulder. “There’s nothing to worry about. Just watch the battle from the sidelines.”

“I understand,” Koharu whispered, steadying her breath. “Good luck.”

Watching her ascend to the spectator area, Xia You turned and spotted several figures emerging from the opposite corridor.

Leading them was a man with spiked golden hair, a robust muscular build, clad in a military green vest and camouflage pants. He wore sunglasses and a military dog tag hung from his neck. His demeanor unmistakably projected the aura of a fierce and commanding presence.

This was none other than Ma Zhishi, the leader of the Withered Leaf Gym.

Rumor had it that Ma Zhishi had once been an Air Force major, piloting a specially designed aircraft powered by Electric-type Pokémon. He had fought in numerous wars before retiring and eventually becoming the gym leader.

His battle style was known to be aggressive and harsh; he often inflicted severe injuries on weaker challengers’ Pokémon.

Standing in the command area, Ma Zhishi’s voice boomed, “To dare challenge my Withered Leaf Gym must mean you’re yet another overconfident fool!”

Unmoved by the taunt, Xia You stepped forward, declaring, “For the Orange Badge, Gym Leader Ma Zhishi, I hereby formally challenge you.”

“Want a badge? Win first!” Ma Zhishi crossed his arms arrogantly. “Every day, countless come to challenge me, but their strength is laughably weak. To me, they’re merely babies who haven’t even grown their first fur! And you—are you just another baby?”

Hearing the unusual tone, Xia You frowned. He hadn’t expected Ma Zhishi to be so conceited.

“Unfamiliar with the battle rules here?” Ma Zhishi produced two Poké Balls from his pocket.

“The rules are simple,” he explained. “No time limit. Defeat the two Pokémon I have, and the challenge is yours.”

He threw one Poké Ball. Blue light flashed, and a Pokémon appeared on the field—a larger, darker-colored version resembling Pikachu, with a longer tail.

It was Raichu.

Pokédex entry: “Raichu, the Mouse Pokémon, Electric-type, evolved from Pikachu. Its Thunder Shock can reach up to 100,000 volts, easily stunning opponents many times its size. As it stores more electricity, its temperament grows more aggressive.”

“So, baby, what Pokémon do you have?” Ma Zhishi sneered.

Xia You glanced back and then said, “Kirlia, I’m counting on you.”

Kirlia nodded slightly and stepped into the arena.

“Kirlia, huh,” Ma Zhishi acknowledged, being from another region, he recognized the Pokémon. Still, he curled his lip disdainfully. “The Pokémon behind you aren’t fully evolved either. Too weak—definitely babies among babies!”

“That’s where you’re wrong,” Xia You said firmly. “In this world, there are no weak Pokémon. The only true weakness lies in the trainer!”

“Oh? Those are words that make me take a second look,” Ma Zhishi’s expression stiffened as he shouted, “Raichu, let’s go! Use Mega Punch!”

With Raichu’s attack, the battle officially commenced.

Seeing Raichu move, Xia You called out, “Kirlia, use Magical Leaf!”

Green magical leaves formed around Kirlia, shooting swiftly toward the charging Raichu.

Ma Zhishi, however, did not command Raichu to dodge but changed tactics, yelling, “Raichu, use Thunderbolt!”

Raichu’s body glowed with dazzling electricity. The magical leaves collided midair with the electric bolts, erupting in a fierce explosion. The leaves pierced through the bolts and struck Raichu.

—

P.S.: There was once a player who defeated the Elite Four and Champion using only six Magikarp, completing the game.