Johto Region, Mt. Silver
At the Pokémon Center at the base of the mountain, the spacious lobby was nearly empty except for Nurse Joy at the counter and two teenagers lounging on a sofa, engrossed in a live stream on their phones.
"Red, what's so great about a Gym Battle? Sure, that Gym Leader's got some skill, but I, the great Green, think we'd be better off watching a Champion-level match from another region."
Green, sporting a spiky hairstyle resembling Zapdos, casually waved his phone, which displayed Li Xuan's live stream.
"…He's special. He has a knack for boosting his Pokémon's combat strength in real-time," Red replied tersely, shutting Green down with a single sentence.
"Alright, I'll give you that. I noticed it too," Green admitted, nodding reluctantly, refusing to be outdone.
"…"
Meanwhile, back at the Fighting Dojo.
Devastated by her defeat, Kaoruko's movements were shaky as she recalled her Pokémon.
"Miss Kaoruko! Failure is the mother of success. Fall today, stand taller tomorrow!"
"Yeah, Miss Kaoruko, there's no obstacle you can't overcome. Even if you stumble a few times, you'll break through this dojo eventually!"
The cheerleaders' uplifting words were like a beam of light, warming the heart.
Let the light of justice shine upon the land!
"Gym Leader Li Xuan, this challenge was eye-opening. Once I've processed this, I'll be back for a deeper discussion," Kaoruko said, bowing slightly in gratitude before preparing to leave.
"Wait a sec!" Li Xuan called out, pulling up a QR code on his phone from the Pokémon League's official site. "Since you're here, mind filling out a quick survey?"
"I'd be happy to," Kaoruko replied with a soft smile. She scanned the QR code, but her eyes twitched at the options.
1. Regarding the Fighting Dojo, which option best reflects your experience?
A. Satisfied B. Very Satisfied C. Extremely Satisfied D. Super Satisfied
2. If a friend were challenging a Kanto Gym, would you recommend one? If so, why the Fighting Dojo?
3. Any additional comments about the Fighting Dojo?
Kaoruko half-expected she'd stumbled onto a scam site. But after confirming it was the official League website, she calmed down and gave Li Xuan glowing feedback.
Response: The Gym Leader is passionate and points out your shortcomings during battle. If you're a Trainer who thinks they're unbeatable, come here to taste what it's like to face a true challenge!
Her response added a bit of buzz to the Fighting Dojo's page.
With that, Kaoruko led her cheerleading squad out of the dojo.
[The cutie's gone. Guess that's it for today's stream~]
[Streamer, when are you gonna find more cute challengers? Stop messing with your rundown dojo and go sweep the streets!]
[The guy above's got it backwards, lol. But seriously, besides your three Heracross, what other Pokémon do you have?]
"I've got more," Li Xuan said, reading the chat. "As you all know, my three Heracross are the dojo's top generals. But above them is the ultimate marshal—Primeape!"
[Primeape? Yo, streamer, show us Primeape! Bring it out!]
[Yeah, I'm tired of Heracross. Let's see some Primeape action!]
The audience clamored, eager for a change after Heracross's dominant performance.
No matter how cool a Pokémon is, people get bored eventually. Better switch things up while they're still hooked.
["Torchic-Flavored Chips" sent 10 Popularity Tickets]
["Miltank's Alcremie" joined the fan club.]
[...]
["Red the Crimson" subscribed and left a message: Show us Primeape.]
"Alright, folks, since everyone's hyped for Primeape, I'll call it out!" Li Xuan said, buzzing from the flood of gifts.
Seeing Red's subscription and message, he bolted to fetch Primeape. "Big thanks to 'Red the Crimson' for the subscription! Primeape, come out and greet the fans!"
After shouting, Li Xuan turned his attention back to the stream.
[?]
A wave of question marks flooded the chat.
"Why's it getting chilly? I didn't turn on the AC," Li Xuan muttered, a shiver running down his spine.
The chat exploded, evolving from "?" to "???" in seconds.
The stream's popularity skyrocketed!
[Streamer, look behind you—big surprise!]
[Don't turn around, I'm Primeape.]
"Thanks to 'Streamer Turn Around' for the hot air balloon gift! Appreciate it, boss! But why's everyone telling me to look behind me? Is there something cool back there?"
A hot air balloon gift animation popped up on the screen. Grinning, Li Xuan followed the chatter's advice and turned around.
Instantly, a pair of long legs in black stockings and boots caught his eye.
Stare—
Li Xuan looked up and locked eyes with Nessa, who had returned without him noticing.
"N-Nessa, when did you get back?!" Li Xuan stammered, realizing why he'd felt a chill. The "ice queen" was back.
"During your 'come out and greet the fans' line," Nessa said coolly, glancing at the screen. "What's this?"
"Oh, just streaming. Wanna say hi to the viewers, Nessa?"
Li Xuan stood by his phone, watching the chat go wild and the stream's popularity soar. He knew he was about to blow up.
"No thanks," Nessa declined, heading toward her room. Lowering her voice, she added, "Come to my room after you're done. I need to tell you something."
"Got it," Li Xuan replied casually, waving her off. Just then, Primeape strutted out of the training room.
"Come on over! Show the fans what the dojo's marshal looks like!" Li Xuan urged.
At his signal, Primeape jogged to the camera, striking a few poses.
[Nah, streamer, we want the cutie!]
[Yeah, bring Nessa back! She's the real star!]
[Y'all are fearless, huh? Not scared Nessa'll teleport through the internet and turn you into a doll?]
[Wait, am I the only one wondering why Nessa's living with the streamer?]
That comment silenced the chat for a moment.
But the next second, a tidal wave of comments erupted, roasting Li Xuan mercilessly.
The barrage overwhelmed him, leaving him scrambling to keep up.
Heavens, someone please take the heat off me so I can slip away!
Li Xuan prayed silently.
The heavens answered swiftly.
Knock, knock, knock…
A bold young voice accompanied the knocks. "I, Gary from Pallet Town, am here to challenge the Fighting Dojo!"