Just as Shinji, filled with confidence, was heading to challenge Songzao Gym again—
determined to defeat Ash and Gary and wash away his past humiliation—
he happened to pass by a small roadside stall.
The stall looked dirty and rundown.
But for some reason—
Shinji felt strangely drawn to the items being sold.
He picked up a worn psychic spoon, examining it carefully.
"Boss, what is this?"
The ragged vendor glanced at him lazily, his eyes dull and lifeless.
"If I told you it seals an ancient Pokémon… would you believe me?"
Shinji gave him a strange look and was about to put it down—
when the vendor rubbed his empty stomach.
"…Forget it. Just take it."
"Some things are just my delusions anyway…"
"Delusions… hahahaha…"
Shinji hesitated for a moment—
then took out 3,000 PokéDollars and handed it over.
"I feel like this thing has a connection with me."
"I'll buy it."
"…Suit yourself."
Reiji looked at the spoon in Shinji's hand, which resembled trash.
"Why do you always buy these weird things?"
"Maybe… I just feel like I'm connected to them."
Reiji sighed.
"Fine. It's your money anyway."
Despite the small detour—
Shinji's goal remained unchanged.
But looking at the lively Songzao City, he couldn't help but say:
"Brother… wasn't this place much quieter before?"
Reiji explained:
"That's because Songzao Gym has risen."
"Even though it's not one of the official Eight Gyms yet, it's already well-known across the League."
"A famous Gym attracts trainers."
"And once trainers come—even the most barren place becomes lively."
"We're here."
Reiji pointed ahead.
Standing before the familiar yet unfamiliar Songzao Gym—
Shinji took a deep breath—
pushed open the doors—
and declared:
"Challenger Shinji is here to challenge the Gym!"
…Then froze.
The Gym—
was packed.
No longer the quiet, obscure place from before—
but a popular hotspot.
A nearby trainer asked:
"Hey, you look new. First time challenging Gym Leader Red?"
"…Second time, I guess."
"What time's your reservation?"
Shinji stiffened.
"…I don't have one."
"…No reservation?"
The trainer patted his shoulder.
"Then you'll be waiting a long time."
Shinji sighed—
then clenched his fists.
"I'll wait."
"For revenge—for defeating Ash and Gary!"
"Even if I have to wait forever!"
Five Hours Later
Finally—
his name appeared on the standby list.
"…It's my turn?"
"I can finally get my revenge?"
A cold smile appeared on his young face.
"Ash… Gary… I'm here."
At that moment—
Red walked out—
and immediately spotted him.
After all—
in this heat,
only Shinji was wearing a blue-purple tracksuit.
"Shinji? You're here again."
Shinji was thrilled that Red remembered him—
but forced himself to stay cool.
"That's right."
"I'm here for revenge, Gym Leader Red."
"I'll defeat Ash, then Gary—then you."
"And take the final badge in one go!"
"I've prepared for this!"
The surrounding challengers were stunned.
This guy—
who didn't even know about reservations—
actually had seven badges?!
And was this familiar with Red?!
Red nodded.
"Nice speech. I believe in your strength."
"But I have bad news—and good news."
"…What's the bad news?"
"Ash and Gary have both left to challenge other Gyms."
"They're not here."
"Your revenge plan… has failed."
Shinji froze.
All that preparation—
gone.
"…Then my Gym battle?"
"That's the good news."
"Today's challengers exceeded expectations."
"You'll have to come back tomorrow."
"But since you waited today, you'll be first tomorrow."
"Sounds fair, right?"
Shinji… shut down.
The Next Morning
Finally—
Shinji stood on the battlefield.
Facing Red—
his expression serious.
"Gym Leader Red… I'm not the same as before."
Red nodded.
"Good."
"But today—your opponent is her."
He pointed behind him.
Clair.
"She's technically Ash and Gary's junior."
"If you beat her—it's basically the same as beating them."
Shinji's eyes sharpened.
"In that case—I won't hold back!"
"Go! Drapion!"
At that moment—
inside Shinji's backpack—
the worn psychic spoon trembled slightly…
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