After the discussion about Mega Evolution was concluded, the conversation turned to travel plans.
Ash and the other two had originally been planning to go to Sunyshore City. When they passed by Lake Valor, they suddenly sensed that the Lake Trio had been captured, so they followed Cynthia to help with the rescue. Now that everything was over, they were ready to resume their trip to Sunyshore City.
After dinner, Gary used the PC transfer system to send some of his Pokémon back to Professor Oak's Laboratory and brought over a different team.
Gary still planned to continue collecting Badges. He intended to challenge every Sinnoh Gym he hadn't battled yet. The main reason wasn't the Badges themselves—it was to earn skill learners.
At this point, Gary's Pokémon weren't really lacking in anything. Level growth had slowed down, and acquiring high-grade Rare Candy was difficult. The only area he could still meaningfully improve was expanding his Pokémon's move pools.
He rested for the night.
The next day, Gary and Ash's group parted ways.
Gary didn't rush to find the Lake Trio. Instead, he headed toward a small town closer to Lake Verity.
The town was called Sunshine Town. It wasn't very large, but it had a Fire-type Gym officially recognized by the Sinnoh League.
It took just over an hour to arrive.
Gary didn't bother stopping at the Pokémon Center. He rode Garchomp directly to the entrance of the Sunshine Gym.
From the outside, the Sunshine Gym looked no different from an ordinary Gym. But after walking inside, Gary noticed that the ceiling was made entirely of glass panels. Sunlight could shine through the glass ceiling and flood the entire interior.
Fire-type Pokémon could draw energy from sunlight, which gave them a clear advantage on this kind of battlefield.
Grass-type Pokémon could also benefit from the sunlight, but since the Gym Leader was a Fire-type specialist, bringing Grass-types here wouldn't be wise.
"Hello, my name is Gary. I'm from the Kanto Region, and I've come to challenge the Sunshine Gym," Gary said, walking up to the reception counter.
"Understood. Please wait a moment while I inform the Gym Leader."
The receptionist immediately notified the Gym Leader. Shortly after, a muscular man with red hair arrived. His physique was extraordinary—especially his arms. His biceps were bigger than Gary's head. He was clearly born for fitness.
"Gym Leader, this is the challenger. His name is Gary," the receptionist informed him.
The muscular man nodded and looked Gary over.
"Kid, the Sunshine Gym is strong. Rookie Trainers are no match for us here."
"Will this prove my strength?"
Gary didn't waste words. He took out his Badge case and opened it, revealing seven Gym Badges inside.
The muscular man raised his eyebrows in surprise.
"I didn't expect you'd already collected seven Badges. So you want to use me as your last stepping stone to the Lily of the Valley Conference."
He crossed his arms and grinned.
"Too bad you chose the wrong Gym. The Sunshine Gym is the strongest Gym in all of Sinnoh."
Gary stared at him for a moment.
He had no idea where this man's confidence came from, but he actually claimed that his Gym was the strongest in the entire Sinnoh Region. He really didn't seem to take the other Gyms seriously at all.
The muscular man then introduced himself.
"As the Gym Leader, I can't refuse your challenge. My name is Ignis. I am the master of this Gym."
"Can we start the challenge?" Gary asked.
"Follow me."
Ignis led Gary to the battle arena inside the Gym.
The venue looked like a standard battlefield, and the ceiling here was also made of glass. Because Sunshine Town had pleasant weather year-round, with mostly sunny days, the entire arena was bathed in natural sunlight.
Both trainers took their positions.
The referee announced: "The Gym Challenge between Gym Leader Ignis and the challenger Gary will now begin! Each side may use three Pokémon. The battle continues until all Pokémon on one side are defeated. Only the challenger may substitute Pokémon. Do both sides understand the rules?"
[Ding! Mission Released:
Obtain Sunshine Gym Badge — Reward: Intermediate Rare Candy ×6, Fire Punch Skill Learner, Top-quality Charcoal ×1Use Sinnoh Region Pokémon to obtain the Sunshine Gym Badge — Reward: Intermediate Rare Candy ×6, Fire-type self-selected permanent skill learner, Random Pokémon Item ×1]
Gary nodded slightly.
"Then Gym Leader Ignis, please send out your Pokémon first."
Ignis didn't hesitate and immediately threw out his Poké Ball.
"My vanguard of flame! Come on, Blaziken!"
Flash!
[Lv.42 Blaziken / Gym-tier]
Ignis's first Pokémon was Blaziken.
Blaziken was not a weak Pokémon. It seemed that Ignis had some basis for claiming to be the strongest Gym Leader in Sinnoh.
However, a Level 42 Blaziken was far from enough against Gary.
Every Sinnoh Region Pokémon in Gary's current rotation was above Level 50. This Gym battle would end quickly.
"Electivire, you're up!" Gary threw out his Poké Ball.
Flash!
[Lv.63 Electivire / Champion-tier]
"Gym Leader Ignis attacks first. Battle, begin!"
Ignis immediately launched an attack.
"Let Electivire taste your kicking skills! Blaze Kick!"
"Blazi!"
Blaziken's wrists and ankles burst into flames. It rushed toward Electivire at very fast speed, closing the distance in one breath. It leaped into a high kick aimed directly at Electivire's face.
"Block it."
Electivire swung its left arm and directly caught Blaziken's leg.
"What?!"
"Blazi?!"
Both Ignis and Blaziken were startled. Blaze Kick was Blaziken's signature move, and it had been stopped so easily. Electivire had blocked it using nothing but raw physical strength—it hadn't even used a move.
"Too slow. Thunder Punch," Gary ordered.
Electivire's right fist exploded with golden lightning. It threw the punch, and before Blaziken could react, Thunder Punch slammed into Blaziken's abdomen.
Bang!!
The massive force sent Blaziken flying several meters. Its body was still being ravaged by the electrical current when it hit the ground. After landing, it couldn't get back up.
The referee was also stunned for a moment before quickly announcing: "Blaziken loses combat ability! Electivire wins!"
Ignis: "This...!"
He stood frozen. His proud vanguard had been taken out in a single move.
"Gym Leader Ignis, please don't waste time. Send out your next Pokémon," Gary urged.
Ignis's face went pale. Thinking about the bold claims he had made earlier, his Pokémon being defeated in one hit felt like a slap to the face.
"Boy, I admit you're strong," Ignis said, his voice tighter now. "But the battle isn't over yet. It's very dangerous to celebrate before the final whistle."
"I agree," Gary replied calmly. "I hope the Gym Leader has the strength to make that warning worth something."
Ignis stopped talking and sent out his second Pokémon.
"Infernape, teach this kid a lesson!"
Ignis threw out his Poké Ball.