Pokemon : Rewind

The air was alive with the sounds of spirited shouts, accompanied by Pokémon cries and rhythmic movements echoing from within the compound. Though the commotion sounded like training, the cadence felt slightly… odd.

"What is this?" Ash and his companions exchanged confused glances, turning to the old man for answers.

"Hmph." The elder snorted in irritation. "It's my granddaughter again, indulging in some frivolous training," he grumbled.

"Training?" Misty asked, her curiosity piqued.

"Yes, as you'll soon see, this is a martial arts gym that specializes in Fighting-Type Pokémon. 

This is Kenzo-Ryu, a school with a long and proud tradition. Though it's less known these days, it was once celebrated among those who trained Fighting Types."

The old man gestured to the ornate wooden door, above which hung a sign emblazoned with a symbol of fists and feet in motion. The emblem radiated the pride and legacy of Kenzo-Ryu.

"I remember now!" Brock suddenly exclaimed, startling Ash and Misty. "Kenzo-Ryu is the same school Master Bruno trained at!"

"Oh? You've heard of it?" The old man raised an eyebrow, intrigued. Kenzo-Ryu's reputation was largely confined to older generations, so hearing it referenced by a young man was unexpected.

"Absolutely! I greatly admire Master Bruno, so I've studied his history extensively," Brock replied excitedly.

"Master Bruno once mentioned that before becoming a member of the Elite Four, he trained under a Fighting-Type school called Kenzo-Ryu. If I'm not mistaken, this must be the very place!"

The old man nodded, his expression softening as he reminisced. "Indeed, young Bruno trained here for a time. He was, in my eyes, the ideal candidate to inherit the Kenzo-Ryu legacy… but alas, his heart lay elsewhere."

"Master Bruno trained here?" Misty and Ash echoed, clearly impressed.

"Yes, but that's about all I know," Brock admitted with a hint of regret. "I once tried to find more information on Kenzo-Ryu, but there's almost nothing about it online."

"That's because Kenzo-Ryu has fallen into decline," the old man sighed heavily. "If not for Bruno's association with it, the name might have faded into obscurity."

He shook his head, as if brushing aside the weight of those memories, and pushed open the door. 

Inside was a spacious training area bustling with activity. Several students were practicing alongside their Pokémon under the guidance of a vibrant girl with striking pink hair.

She appeared to be about fifteen or sixteen, her energy as captivating as her appearance. 

She wore a modified beige training outfit with a cropped top that exposed her midriff and a super-short skirt layered over leggings. Her long legs and confident stance only added to her striking presence.

Next to her stood a unique Pokémon. Its slender limbs and brown body gave it an agile appearance, while its large head and blue protective bands exuded a mix of grace and power.

Hitmontop

Type: Fighting

Category: Handstand Pokémon

Abilities: Intimidate, Technician 

Hidden Ability: Steadfast

Strength: Silver Level

Brock explained, "Hitmontop evolves from Tyrogue, which has three potential evolutions depending on how it's trained. If its Attack is higher, it becomes Hitmonlee; if Defense is superior, it becomes Hitmonchan. But if the two are balanced, it evolves into Hitmontop."

At the moment, Chigusa, the pink-haired girl, was leading her students in kick training. The rhythm of their movements matched a peculiar clapping beat she provided, creating a choreography that combined discipline with flair.

"Keep your form elegant! A punch or kick isn't just about strength—it's about rhythm and precision!" Chigusa instructed, her voice commanding yet encouraging.

Beside her, Hitmontop mirrored her movements. As she increased the pace, the Pokémon shifted into a handstand, spinning rapidly on the horn atop its head while delivering sharp, rhythmic kicks.

"Wow!" Misty and Brock exclaimed, impressed by the combination of grace and power.

But Ash frowned. "It looks impressive, but those moves wouldn't hold up in an actual battle," he muttered under his breath.

The old man crossed his arms, his face lined with disapproval. "Hmph. Fighting techniques aren't meant to be flashy performances," he grumbled.

After concluding the session, Chigusa turned to her students with a smile. "Great work, everyone! That's all for today. Keep practicing, and we'll refine these moves further tomorrow!"

"Thank you, Senior Chigusa!" the students chorused before bowing deeply. Spotting the old man at the door, they bowed once more. "Good evening, Master!"

The old man nodded curtly, acknowledging their respect.

"Grandpa?" Chigusa finally noticed him, her curiosity shifting to Ash and his companions. "Who are these people?"

The old man chuckled, his eyes gleaming. "I've finally found my heir," he declared, clapping a hand onto Ash's shoulder.

The unexpected announcement nearly sent Ash sprawling. He steadied himself, staring at the elder in shock. "Your heir? Me?"

"Of course!" the old man replied confidently. His gaze shifted to Pikachu, perched on Ash's shoulder. 

"Though your Pikachu isn't a Fighting Type, it possesses the ideal qualities to master Kenzo-Ryu techniques!"

"What?!" Ash, Misty, Brock, Chigusa, and even Pikachu and Hitmontop stared at the old man in disbelief. His declaration seemed too outrageous to be true.

________________________

Join my Patreon for more advance chapters