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Elite Agatha had initially been dissatisfied with Ash's performance during the crisis, but after hearing his bold declaration, she became noticeably more energized and spirited.
Ash could clearly sense this change, and he couldn't help but think to himself with some bewilderment: "You're so elderly, but you're still that competitive?"
However, Ash also understood that the old woman standing before him possessed a truly eccentric personality. Compared to her, Bertha, who was also among the Elite Four, seemed much more reasonable and normal.
As for Lance, he remained silent throughout the exchange. He showed no hostility toward Ash whatsoever. Instead, he felt very optimistic about the young trainer's potential. After hearing Ash's passionate words, Lance became lost in thought for a moment before quickly recovering his composure.
He hadn't experienced this kind of excitement in many years, not since ascending to his position as Elite Four Champion. He no longer participated in arena battles as frequently as before, and the opponents he faced now were typically dangerous criminals and villains. Although those encounters were more perilous than arena matches, they weren't the type of battles he truly desired.
Blaine was completely shocked by Ash's audacious declaration. While young people were often fearless in their ignorance, looking at Ash before him, he could sense something different.
These words hadn't been spoken carelessly out of blind, foolish arrogance, but rather after careful consideration, as if Ash had already given this challenge serious thought.
As for Green, her reaction was similar to Blaine's. Although she was also pursuing the path of a trainer and harbored her own dreams and ambitions, she was still startled by Ash's bold statement. At the same time, however, she felt her own competitive spirit stirring in response.
"That day won't be too far off!" Listening to Agatha's response, Ash replied with complete seriousness.
"Excellent, but before you can challenge me, you must first earn the Cinnabar Badge. Let me see exactly how capable you really are!" Elite Agatha spoke with renewed interest.
Obviously, anyone could boast and make grand claims. Challenging the Elite Four was no simple matter. Since the founding of the Alliance, countless trainers had attempted to challenge the Elite Four while vastly overestimating their own abilities.
The results had universally ended in crushing defeat. If Ash couldn't even obtain a simple gym badge, then he clearly wasn't qualified for such lofty goals, and it would prove he was nothing more than someone who talked big.
Of course, earning the Cinnabar Badge was merely the beginning, because among all the gyms currently known in the Kanto Region, the Fuchsia Gym and Cinnabar Gym were widely regarded as the most challenging.
Defeating Koga and Blaine represented the basic requirement to qualify for serious Alliance competition. Elite Agatha generally didn't even acknowledge trainers who collected their eight badges by challenging easier gyms.
"I understand that without you needing to tell me. Mr. Blaine, I formally request a gym battle!"
"I accept, and I'm looking forward to it as well. However, let's postpone until tomorrow. You should go into town and get proper rest. We'll compete again when we're both at full strength!"
Blaine didn't hesitate and immediately accepted Ash's challenge with enthusiasm.
"Agreed!" Ash didn't object to the delay. Although his Pokémon had recovered somewhat from their previous battles aboard the airship, they still weren't in optimal condition for serious competition.
Blaine had also just finished battling Team Rocket, so both sides agreed that taking a break would be beneficial.
"What about you, Lance?" At this point, Elite Agatha turned to Lance and inquired about his plans.
"Me? Although I'd love to stay and observe the match, I have other urgent responsibilities to attend to." Lance smiled with apparent regret. While he genuinely wanted to witness Ash's strength in action again, his duties kept him extremely busy. He also had a strong intuition that one day the young man before him would reach the same heights and compete as his equal, so he wasn't in any particular rush.
Agatha didn't press the matter after hearing his response, but she definitely intended to remain and observe the upcoming gym battle.
Soon the entire group arrived outside the Cinnabar Gym. Lance took the initiative in saying goodbye to everyone and climbed onto Dragonite's back once again. Although the immediate crisis had passed, Moltres had been captured, and he remained anxious to pursue the matter further.
"Well then, I'll take my leave now!"
"Thank you so much for your assistance this time!"
Everyone exchanged farewells simultaneously, and Ash expressed his gratitude as well. The previous situation had indeed been resolved thanks to Lance's timely arrival and intervention.
"You don't need to be so formal about it. Work hard for your upcoming gym battle and future Alliance competitions!" Lance waved dismissively after hearing the thanks, then spoke with evident anticipation in his voice.
"I will!" Ash responded with a determined nod, and Lance departed aboard his Dragonite partner.
"Then we should say goodbye as well!" After watching Lance disappear into the distance, Ash and Green bid farewell to Elite Agatha and Blaine.
"Very well! I'll be waiting for your challenge tomorrow," Blaine responded warmly.
Ash then departed with Green, heading toward the Pokémon Center in town. Blaine watched Ash's retreating figure and spoke unconsciously under his breath.
"Just as expected from that man's son!"
"I hope he possesses the strength to match that lineage," Elite Agatha responded with cool composure.
"We'll discover the truth tomorrow," Blaine replied, his voice carrying subtle anticipation.
"Don't go easy on him!" Elite Agatha looked sideways at Blaine and spoke with meaningful emphasis.
"How could I possibly do that!"
Ash and Green didn't overhear the exchange between Blaine and Elite Agatha. After leaving the Cinnabar Gym, they headed directly toward the Pokémon Center. During their walk, Green asked Ash about his recent experiences and ordeals.
Ash provided only a general explanation, covering topics such as how he had encountered Team Rocket, how he'd been captured, and the method of his escape.
Green found the entire account incredible when she heard the details. At the same time, she remarked that it was no wonder Ash had possessed the courage to speak so boldly to Elite Agatha and Lance. His experiences had clearly shaped his fearless character.
While chatting about these events, the two arrived at the Pokémon Center without realizing it. Ash handed Pikachu and his other partners over to Nurse Joy for proper care and treatment. Then, following Green's reminder, he contacted Professor Oak to report his safety.
Professor Oak had been extremely worried upon learning about the incident. Ash understood that Professor Oak was likely the reason why Elite Agatha and Lance had appeared so quickly at the scene. The professor had been deeply concerned and had immediately called for assistance when he learned of the situation.
Oak breathed a profound sigh of relief after confirming that Ash was safe and unharmed. He also mentioned that Gary had informed him about recent events. Professor Oak asked Ash to contact Gary and the others to let them know he was okay as well.
Professor Oak hadn't told Delia about any of these dangerous incidents yet. Ash felt relieved after hearing this news. What he feared most was his mother discovering these situations.
Although he understood that sometimes his mother would pretend not to know things even when she was aware of them, this knowledge only made him feel more guilty about causing her worry. He had been a source of concern for her repeatedly, which was why he continued to hide many dangerous aspects of his journey from her.