"Well then, I'll take my leave now, and I will visit again at this time tomorrow."
After speaking with Nastina's father, Fang Yuan beat a hasty retreat.
Things had gone so smoothly today that he hadn't yet figured out how to face Nastina.
Teaching the Power of the Heart was no easy feat.
Neither was learning her superpower techniques.
He would need to spend a day researching and studying.
"Eh…" Facing Fang Yuan's intent to leave, Psychic Uncle was left in a state of disarray.
So what was he supposed to do next?
...…
On the streets of Golden City.
"Success." Fang Yuan clenched his fist in victory.
Now he was getting somewhere.
Once his superpower increased a level, if he had Eevee face off against Du's Dragonite again, perhaps they could break even without using Z-Moves.
"Bwoo!~" Eevee inquired from atop Fang Yuan's shoulder, wondering if they were heading back to the hotel next.
"Yeah, we still need to continue planning our moves, and besides, although practicing superpower is important, we can't fall behind in the tournament. We need to make it into the top 8 before the knockout round begins. Let's find an opponent in Golden City in the next couple of days and try to break into the top 1000," Fang Yuan said. "Better if we can have another battle today."
Speaking of Golden City…
After Fang Yuan and Eevee returned to the hotel, he immediately began to search for top competitors in Golden City who were participating in the tournament.
In Fang Yuan's recollection, aside from Nastina, there were no other trainers that he could remember from Golden City.
Of course, someone like Nastina would definitely not be participating.
However, Golden City was after all the largest city in Kanto, and as soon as Fang Yuan began his search, he came across quite a few names. There were six trainers who were online and within the top 1000 of the tournament rankings, which was far more vibrant than Rainbow City.
Soojin, Yihua, Azhuo, Amao, Colored Bean… But although these players had high rankings, their names sounded like they were just extras.
Fang Yuan shook his head.
And unfortunately, he didn't have the qualifications to challenge any of them at the moment.
After defeating Erika, Fang Yuan's tournament rank was 1818, still at the Pokeball level, which meant he could only challenge other Pokeball-level trainers ranked after 1000, so he had to look elsewhere for an opponent.
There were even more contenders beyond the 1000 mark.
Before long, Fang Yuan locked onto one individual.
The person was ranked 1001, a former Martial Arts Dojo leader in Golden City, a Fighting Master with many Karate King disciples, Karate King Wu De!
Although his ranking wasn't high, Fang Yuan was familiar with him.
In the games, when the protagonist defeated Wu De at the Martial Arts Dojo, he would give the player either Hitmonchan or Hitmonlee, showing that he was a generous guy.
"That's the one."
"The rank fits, and he's a 'familiar NPC.' Not bad," Fang Yuan tapped the challenge button.
And then, he settled in for a long wait.
About two hours later, Karate King Wu De responded, indicating he was available to accept challenges between 15:00 and 16:00. Fang Yuan could visit him then at the Martial Arts Dojo, which has a dedicated battle arena.
...…
Golden City, Martial Arts Dojo.
Karate King Wu De had just returned here today, and upon his return, he was warmly welcomed by the incumbent Dojo Leader, Shin'ya.
Inside the martial arts arena.
Dojo Leader Shin'ya asked, "Predecessor Wu De, you must have gained a lot from your trip to the Kalos Region this time, your tournament ranking has even reached 1001. Meanwhile, I'm still hovering around rank 2000…"
"I guess so, haha," the muscular uncle laughed heartily. Ever since he lost to a little girl with superpower abilities in the battle to become the official Gym Leader of Goldenrod, he handed over the dojo to the young man before him, Shin'ya. Being a disciple of the Azure Gym Owner A Si from the City Region, Shin'ya had remarkable talent. Wu De felt at ease entrusting the dojo to him.
Afterwards, he traveled abroad and though he told his disciples and Shin'ya that he was traveling for training, Wu De was well aware that he left because he was psychologically affected by his loss to Nastina and his subsequent aversion to Golden City.
During his travels, Fang Yuan had once abandoned his martial arts practice due to psychological shadows, and could only manage to earn a living by teaching dance classes in the Kalos Region, which was a period of destitution for him. However, during this low point, an opportunity arose, and he rediscovered his fighting spirit. With the upcoming grand scale of the World Championship, he saw it as a chance to make a comeback!
Thanks to his solid foundation, Wu De worked hard for a while and quickly reached the 1001st rank, just a step away from Ultra Ball level. By this time, his strength had actually surpassed that of when he lost to Nastina.
"So, Senior Wu De, are you coming back this time to challenge Nastina again?" Shin'ya said excitedly.
This Goldenrod Gym is too hateful, and the Superpower Apprentices inside are extremely arrogant. Our Martial Arts Dojo is just next to it, and we're practically suffocated by their presence.
But regretfully, our strength was not enough... Now that Wu De is back, Shin'ya saw hope.
"Uh..." Wu De was taken aback and quickly changed the subject, "Today happens to be the day a Championship Trainer is coming to challenge us. In a while, Shin'ya, you'll see the results of my training!"
As for Nastina... Although Wu De felt stronger, to be honest, he hadn't completely stepped out of the shadow of being turned into a doll when he lost the match. He... didn't dare to challenge Nastina again; that monster, the Trainer herself was even better at fighting than Pokemon, which was outrageous.
He was stronger now, and surely Nastina was too, but he definitely wouldn't challenge that young girl, after all, she was the monster who, years ago, swept through the entire Martial Arts Dojo and all its Combat-style elves using only her superpower, without relying on a single Pokemon...
Afternoon, 15:20.
Fang Yuan, along with Eevee, arrived at the Martial Arts Dojo. As soon as they entered, he was greeted by a thunderous chorus of shouts.
"Hey! Ha! Ha!"
Inside the Dojo, dozens of burly youths dressed in white battle uniforms were neatly performing martial arts training with their Fighting Type Pokemon.
At the highest platform, Wu De, the Karate King, and Shin'ya, the Karate King, looking down at their disciples, nodded with satisfaction and said, "Stop training."
"Welcome the challenger!"
After their words fell, dozens of gleaming eyes looked spiritedly towards Fang Yuan and Eevee, who had just entered.
Fang Yuan, Eevee: "..."
Trying to scare someone?
Fang Yuan walked into the Martial Arts Dojo with a composed face, while Wu De, standing high above, said, "Young man, so you are Fang Yuan. I am Wu De; are you ready for the battle?"
"Sure, come on Karate King," said Fang Yuan, looking up.
By the way, do I get a Pokemon if I win?
Never mind, I wouldn't want it even if there was an offer; Monferno is enough for me.
However... just as Fang Yuan was about to ask where the battle arena was, suddenly, the whole Martial Arts Dojo went silent.
At the high platform, Wu De and Shin'ya suddenly widened their eyes in disbelief as they looked behind Fang Yuan. The Dojo Apprentices also showed an expression of incredulity, staring behind Fang Yuan.
"Na... Nastina..."
At that moment, the head of the Goldenrod Gym, Nastina, who no one knew how, appeared at the entrance of the Martial Arts Dojo and slowly walked in.
Nastina, in her battle uniform, had an imposing aura. Each step seemed to tread on the hearts of those martial artists, overwhelming them.
Seeing Nastina, now more mature and aloof, the disciples, Wu De, and Shin'ya, who had once been brutally defeated by her, couldn't help but swallow nervously. This monster, why had she left the Gym and come here? Was she here for another Gym challenge?
They were once again reminded of the fear she instilled in them, nearly scaring them off.
However, Nastina was not there for them.
Instead, she said directly to Fang Yuan, who turned his head, "Teacher, my parents would like to invite you to dine at the Goldenrod Gym tonight."
"Tonight, eh? Alright, I will be there," Fang Yuan nodded, surprised that Nastina had come to ask for this. It seemed that Nastina's relationship with her parents had improved?
Meanwhile.
Upon witnessing this scene, the Dojo Leader Wu De and Shin'ya's mouths hung open with shock.
Teacher??
Nastina was here for this challenger, and she even called him "Teacher"?
That terrifying Superpower girl had a teacher?
Impossible!!
They turned to look at Fang Yuan, who looked harmless with Eevee, pupils shrinking. This guy, they had never heard of him. Who exactly was he, and why did that monster Nastina refer to him as her teacher?!