Chapter 139: You Want It For Free?
2024-05-15 Author: Samsung Charmander (Author Name)
"Primeape!!"
On the arena, illuminated by the spotlight, a Primeape with a large golden belt wrapped around its waist raised its two large fists, receiving the cheers and applause of the crowd.
That large belt was the proof of winning the championship in this competition.
Of course, it was still just gold-plated.
Amidst the cheers, Primeape suddenly grabbed Ash's hand and raised it along with its own.
As Ash wore a bewildered expression, it turned its head and grinned at him. Its expression was like that of a comrade who had fought alongside him, yet also like a child eager for praise after a victory.
However, the smile was still quite fierce.
It had acknowledged Ash as its Trainer, both physically and mentally.
"Primeape!"
Ash was deeply moved, secretly wiping away the tears of emotion from the corners of his eyes before joining it to bask in their victory.
This was the P1 Grand Prix. To win the championship was to stand at the end and enjoy this supreme glory, enough to make any martial artist obsessed.
Afterward, the crowd dispersed, and The Officials began to dismantle the stage.
After all, this arena was built on the main road in the very center of the Town. It was an illegal structure and had to be torn down.
"You really did it, Ash. You won."
"So that means you can participate in the Region-level fighting competitions next."
Brock and Misty came over and patted his shoulder, congratulating him.
The level of the Town Level competition was indeed not high, filled mostly with fodder. Even a novice like Ash could steamroll his way to the championship.
But once it reached the Region level, it was a different story. The fodder opponents in the first round might be on the level of Neku and his Hitmonlee.
Every round would be a fierce battle.
It had to be said, the level Ash displayed this time was truly impressive. The two of them had even suspected for a moment that someone else was battling for him.
But it also showed that through the analogous experience of a fighting competition, Ash's level as a Trainer was constantly growing.
"You're Ash, right? I acknowledge your strength, but I won't lose next time."
Just as they mentioned Neku, the martial artist walked over, followed by a junior with a matching style.
However, he had lost his initial arrogance. After all, as a martial artist, one must be a good sport. Only by maintaining a broad-minded attitude could one go further and further down this path.
And as the runner-up in this competition, he was still eligible to participate in the Region-level competitions.
"I won't lose either!" Ash replied with fiery passion.
The two shook hands, having found a good rival in each other.
"Ash, I won't lose next time either!"
Neku's younger brother, Neiichi, the Machop's Trainer, also ran over, wanting to shake Ash's hand and declare his own rivalry.
"I don't know you, so I'll pass."
Ash just scratched his head and completely ignored him.
*So this is what it feels like to be a champion? Strangers are already running up to act familiar, shake my hand, and declare themselves my rival?*
It felt pretty good.
Ash snickered to himself, clearly enjoying the feeling.
Neiichi: "."
After sending off the brothers Neku and Neiichi, Ash and his group packed their things, planning to return to the Pokémon Center to treat Primeape to a grand feast, rest up, and get a good night's sleep. It was already late at night, approaching midnight.
At the Pokémon Center, Primeape was gorging itself on the exquisite food that Brock had specially prepared for it.
Meanwhile, Ash, Misty, and Brock were drinking iced cola and chatting leisurely.
The cola was iced, so they didn't have to worry about the concept of calories; even Misty, who was always watching her figure, could drink it freely.
Ash still held the Exorcism Paper Fan Gengar had left for him, fanning himself with his legs crossed like a leisurely elder.
"By the way, Ash, you're going to participate in the Region-level competition too, right?"
Brock suddenly posed the question.
"Of course! My goal is to win the world fighting grand competition!" Ash clenched his fist, his blood boiling with excitement.
The fighting competitions didn't conflict with the League competitions; they were both milestones on his journey to becoming a Pokémon Master.
All paths led to the same destination, and they would only make him stronger!
"Speaking of which, when does the Region-level competition for the Kanto Region start? Is it on our way? We could just do it then," Ash asked curiously.
"Let me check!"
As if he'd done it a thousand times, Brock reached down into Ash's pants and pulled out a big treasure.
For this kind of thing, it was easiest to just ask the Pokedex.
"No need to check. The Kanto Region-level competition just ended last month. The next one won't be for another three years."
A low voice came from behind them. The three turned to see it was the martial artist, Shandou.
It was worth mentioning that another Finals match had been held at the arena, one that no one paid any attention to: the loser's bracket.
Shandou's Hitmonchan had defeated a Machoke, who was also one of the top four, successfully snagging the last ticket to the Region-level grand competition.
"Aww, it's over? What a shame!"
Ash punched the air in frustration.
"Heh, no need to rush. The next Region-level competition is in half a year, and it's in the Johto Region, right next to the Kanto Region. It's not far," Shandou said with a laugh.
The eligibility for each Region was interchangeable. You could very well take a group of people and stomp on someone else's turf.
For example, there were frequent cases of martial artists from the Unova Region taking all the top twenty or thirty spots in the Sinnoh Region, which was an extremely malicious practice.
"The Johto Region, huh..."
Ash silently weighed his options.
In half a year, his Indigo League journey would be more or less over, so he could take a trip to the Johto Region.
However, he was also very interested in the Hoenn Region, where Rayquaza were supposedly everywhere.
But that was all for later; there was no rush.
Shandou suddenly rubbed his hands together and leaned in.
"By the way, classmate Ash, I have a very good deal for you. I wonder if you'd consider it."
A brawny, horse-faced man with dark skin and thick arms. Ash secretly shifted a few centimeters away to maintain his distance.
"If you have something to say, just say it."
Shandou pointed at the monkey still enjoying its Extra Meal nearby.
"Hehe, it's like this. During the battle earlier, I observed that your Primeape has an extraordinary destiny. I fear it has the natural disposition of a champion, the Monkey King among monkeys. Winning even the world-level grand competition wouldn't be just empty talk..."
To be able to progress from a novice to the level of thrashing an average martial artist in a single day, Shandou wasn't lying about its aptitude; it was indeed outstanding.
However, to say it could win the world championship was just empty boasting.
"So?" Ash's expression remained unchanged, but he had already guessed what was coming. He raised an eyebrow and asked back.
Shandou gave a hearty laugh, revealing a set of white teeth. "Hehe, but right now, it lacks a catalyst, an opportunity, a... a Bole."
Bole, a figure from the Underworld.
Legend had it that in life, he was a mighty one at a horse ranch's Day Care. He had once, from a group of 1IV and 2IV Ponyta Eggs, used his discerning eyes to pick out the rarest 6IVs Shiny Ponyta just by observing the egg's shell, becoming famous overnight.
Even now, he was an idol-level figure for many obsessive breeders.
"Hehe, I am confident! If you entrust this Primeape to me, I can forge it into the most perfect champion!!"
Shandou patted his chest, his blood boiling with passion, then added:
"Of course, you'll still get to be Primeape's honorary Trainer. You absolutely won't lose out!"
The moment he finished speaking, a strange silence fell over the area.
"You want it for free?"
The look Ash, Misty, and Brock gave Shandou was filled with contempt.
(end of chapter)