"Lance?!"
"It's actually Lance, the Dragon Master!"
The moment Lance appeared at Songzao Gym, the challengers who had been watching Ash and Gary's battle immediately swarmed around him—
asking for photos and autographs.
Seeing this, Red couldn't help but complain:
"Since when is this flying-type specialist so popular?"
Xiaowen rolled her eyes.
"Lance is one of the Kanto Elite Four and the Johto Champion. Plus he has the title of Dragon Master. Of course he's famous."
Red shrugged.
"No matter how you put it, he's still a Flying-type Elite, not a Dragon-type one~"
Xiaowen chose to ignore him.
Lance quickly handled the crowd with practiced ease and walked over.
"Long time no see, Gym Leader Red."
This was his first visit to Songzao Gym.
But the moment he stepped in—
he was visibly surprised.
The refined interiorThe four-rotation battlefieldsThe vast backyard training grounds
"Gym Leader Red, your facilities are impressive."
He glanced at Ash and Gary.
"And your disciple training is quite solid as well."
Seeing the Gym thriving—completely unlike the rumors—
Lance reassessed it internally.
Previously, he had considered Songzao Gym a second-rate Gym, with only Red worth noting.
Now—
he raised its evaluation by an entire level.
"That's right! This is Master's Gym!"
Ash said proudly.
Gary, on the other hand, remained composed.
"Greetings, Elite Four Lance."
Lance looked at him more closely, surprised.
"You're Professor Oak's grandson, aren't you?"
"And you're actually a disciple here?"
"Yes. Master teaches very well."
Seeing Gary in a Songzao Gym uniform—
even Lance stroked his chin thoughtfully.
This Gym… is more valuable than expected.
"Then Gym Leader Red—Clair is in your care."
"Don't worry. I'll train—I mean, teach—Clair into a qualified Gym Leader."
At that moment—
Clair stepped forward from behind Lance, slightly embarrassed.
"Cousin! I'm not a child anymore. I can take care of myself."
Lance sighed internally.
He's your teacher—what's wrong with letting him take care of you a bit?
As Lance prepared to leave, he leaned in and whispered:
"When this League Conference begins, the Alliance will also start selecting the eighth official Gym."
"Be prepared. Don't miss this opportunity."
Then—
with a sweep of his cape—
he mounted Dragonite and shot into the sky.
After Lance left—
Clair looked at Red nervously.
"G-Gym Leader Red… hello!"
Red smiled.
"Relax. Show me the same determination you had when you tried to defeat me."
Seeing she was still uneasy, he didn't rush.
"Xiaowen, take her to change into the Songzao Gym uniform first."
Clair's Disciple Panel
[Temporary Disciple: Clair]
Identity: Lance's cousin, prospective Gym LeaderStrength: Veteran Trainer
Talents:
Tactical Talent: ★★☆☆☆Pokémon Affinity: ★★☆☆☆Willpower: ★★☆☆☆
Special Ability: None
Pokémon:
DragonairSeadraGyaradosAerodactyl
Exclusive Mission: Train Clair into a qualified Gym Leader
Reward: Dragon Nest (Pseudo)
Red muttered:
"12-star total… top-tier among normal trainers."
"But compared to monsters like Ash and Gary… still lacking."
"No wonder Lance said she's suited to be a Gym Leader."
Changing Room Scene
Inside the locker room—
Xiaowen looked troubled.
"…We really don't have a uniform that fits you."
Looking at Clair—who was only wearing blue underwear—
Xiaowen couldn't help but think:
We're the same age… so why is there such a huge difference?!
That's at least a D… maybe even E…
At that moment—
Ninetales appeared.
"Oh~ clothes don't fit? Leave it to me!"
She skillfully took out needle and thread.
"I'll adjust it for you."
As a centuries-old Ninetales—
this was trivial.
Clair blushed intensely at Ninetales' maid outfit.
"Y-Your outfit is a bit…"
"Hehe~ Master said we should keep up with the times."
"So I switched to a modern maid outfit. Cute, right?"
Ninetales grinned mischievously.
"Move your hands a little, or I can't adjust the size."
"Move… them?"
"Yes~ you have to."
A Moment Later
Clair walked out awkwardly—
the uniform tightly fitted.
Red rubbed his nose.
"…We should prepare larger sizes next time."
"Go change back."
Clair nodded, blushing, and returned.
Sending Off the Disciples
Ash and Gary walked over.
"Master, what's next?"
Red smiled.
"Did you forget something?"
"What?"
"In one month—the League Conference begins."
"It's time for you to go out and collect badges."
"Test your training results."
Both froze—
then looked at each other.
Excited. Nervous.
"Really?!"
"But… we'll miss you, Master!"
They said that—
while packing at lightning speed.
Red felt a strange sense of reluctance.
Like watching his kids leave home.
"Take care out there."
"If anything happens, contact me."
"Your Master's name still carries some weight."
"Got it!"
They stepped out—
only to find Misty and Brock waiting.
"I thought you gave up traveling, you idiot."
"We've been training too. Let's see your progress."
The four walked off together.
Red watched them leave.
"…Stay safe."
System Notifications
[Gary Exclusive Mission +6% → 95%]
Reward: +30 Points
Final Reward: Random Water Starter Mega Stones ×2
[Ash Exclusive Mission +2% → 5%]
Reward: +10 Points
Next Reward (10%): Coordinates of the Mysterious Venusaur Forest
Red's gaze softened.
"Don't forget to come back… I'll miss you."
Ash's Updated Panel
[Disciple: Ash]
Origin: Pallet TownStatus: Registered Disciple of Songzao GymStrength: Veteran Trainer
Talents:
Tactical Talent: ★★★☆☆☆Pokémon Affinity: ★★☆☆☆Willpower: ★★★☆☆☆
Special Abilities:
Aura (Dormant)Battle Instinct (raises talent caps)
Pokémon:
PikachuPidgeottoButterfreeCharizardBulbasaurSquirtle
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