"Sorry about this, but starting today, Cerulean Gym will be closed for two days. There will be no Gym Challenges or water ballet performances during this period."
A middle-aged security guard at the entrance stopped Kael as he was about to step forward and knock.
Kael shrugged. "I'm a bounty hunter. I'm here to apply for the temporary Gym Leader position…"
"Ah, got it, got it." The guard smiled warmly and nodded several times. "The main entrance isn't open right now. You'll need to use the side entrance over here. The Gym Leaders are already waiting inside."
As he spoke, the guard stepped aside, revealing a half-open iron door to his left.
"Thank you." Kael gave a polite nod and strode toward the small door.
Passing through a long corridor, the space ahead suddenly opened up. It was a venue resembling a performance stage: a massive swimming pool occupied the center, surrounded by rows of empty spectator seats.
"So this must be where the three Gym Leaders perform their water ballet," Kael murmured, leaning against the wall with his arms crossed as he surveyed the surroundings. Scattered around the vast stage area were roughly twenty-odd Trainers who had come to apply.
Boom! Boom! Boom!
A series of ceremonial fireworks echoed through the hall. Colored streamers fluttered down as a dark silhouette appeared overhead. A large lift descended slowly from above, carrying three women with different hair colors.
The moment the three beauties—dressed in eye-catching, form-fitting outfits—stepped onto the stage, the previously laid-back Trainers snapped to attention. Some faces flushed red with excitement, and soon whistles and applause filled the air without pause.
So these are the famous three beauties of Cerulean Gym, Kael thought. He had to admit it—each of them was striking. Long, fair legs, radiant faces, and their bold attire were more than enough to set any man's heart racing.
"Everyone here should already be familiar with the requirements of this mission," said the woman on the left. She had long blonde hair, with a cherry blossom tucked into it as decoration. Holding a microphone, she spoke confidently.
"I'm the eldest of the Cerulean Gym sisters. My name is Daisy. I'm sure many of you have heard of me before…"
There was a hint of self-admiration in her tone, but the enthusiastic whistles and applause from the crowd made it clear that her reputation among men in the Kanto region was well earned.
"Alright, enough talk," Daisy continued. "We only need one temporary Gym Leader, and there's only one set of rewards. Since so many of you are here, we'll decide through a selection tournament. You'll have one hour to rest. After that, the selection matches will officially begin."
"Please make sure you give it everything you've got~"
All three sisters stepped to the center of the stage and blew a kiss toward the crowd.
With that, they turned and disappeared backstage, leaving behind a chorus of sighs. After all, not everyone here had come solely for the generous reward. Becoming the temporary Gym Leader meant spending three whole days working alongside the three beautiful sisters. And if one managed to impress a certain someone during that time… who knew what might happen?
There were plenty of people harboring exactly that thought. Just look at the few middle-aged men nearing forty, their faces twisted into shameless grins—it was obvious what was on their minds.
...
The selection tournament used the simplest possible format: drawing lots. Three Arenas would operate simultaneously, each overseen by one of the three sisters, who had now changed into more suitable attire.
Kael drew Arena No. 3, first match. The referee was the youngest sister, Violet, the beauty with long purple hair.
"Kid, if I were you, I'd surrender right now."
A burly man with a thick beard and a face full of muscle sneered as he watched Kael walk calmly onto the stage. Jealousy flickered in his eyes. Pretty boys like this were the natural enemies of men like him. Hadn't Violet already been staring at that face a little too intently?
Being handsome won't save you. Strength is what matters.
The man continued his taunting. "In front of the great Lord Iwayama—I'll crush you in two moves tops. Back in my prime, I made it to the top eight of the Kanto Indigo League!"
"Miss, may we begin the match?"
Kael ignored him completely, instead smiling politely at Iris, who was still staring at him.
"Oh—yes, of course!" Violet snapped back to her senses, a faint blush blooming on her cheeks. Embarrassed, she raised her voice and announced,
"This match will follow a one-on-one elimination format. When one Pokémon loses its ability to battle, the match is over!"
"Go, Rhydon!"
The man named Iwayama could no longer hold back. He immediately hurled a Poké Ball forward.
"ROAAAR!"
A massive figure—over two meters tall—appeared in the center of the field. Its body resembled an ancient dinosaur, radiating overwhelming presence as it threw back its head and roared. A sharp, menacing horn jutted from its snout, its entire body encased in thick, gray armor. Its long, powerful tail slammed against the ground repeatedly, producing heavy, echoing thuds.
The battle had begun.