Pokemon: Skybound

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Trovita Island, located in the southern region of the Orange Islands, was one of the few significant islands in the area.

Since its formation, the waters north of Trovita Island had been plagued by treacherous undercurrents, making the sea conditions highly dangerous.

For thousands of years, countless lives had been claimed by these powerful currents, leaving many families broken.

It wasn't until a century ago that the island's residents took action. To prevent further shipwrecks, they drove sixty to seventy massive stone pillars deep into the ocean floor.

These pillars disrupted the current, forming multiple swirling eddies that altered the water's flow and reduced the undercurrents' force.

At the same time, these towering stone structures became a distinct landmark of Trovita Island.

Since Kai and Sabrina had departed Shamouti Island at noon, it was already evening by the time they arrived at Trovita Island.

The golden glow of the setting sun bathed the island in warm hues, painting a breathtaking scene.

After landing outside the town, Kai wasted no time and immediately followed the navigation directions to the Trovita Gym.

The Trovita Gym was located far from the town, a four-story building that, at first glance, looked more like a Pokémon Center than a Gym.

And just like the previous two Gyms he had visited, there was no one outside, suggesting that this place didn't see many challenges.

Climbing the wide staircase, Kai stepped into the Gym's interior.

After requesting a staff member to announce his arrival, it wasn't long before a red-haired man in a black shirt and white vest appeared, accompanied by a group of uniformed subordinates.

Judging by his confident posture and demeanour, this red-haired man was undoubtedly the Gym Leader.

But honestly…

Kai couldn't help but feel that this guy looked more like a Latin dance performer than a Gym Leader.

Just as Kai was about to introduce himself and state his challenge, the man barely spared him a glance before walking right past him—

Straight to Sabrina.

"My lovely lady, might I have the honour of knowing your name?"

With a theatrical flourish, he bowed as if welcoming a dance partner.

Kai was speechless, 'First Danny, and now this guy?'

'What was it with the male Gym Leaders of the Orange League? Were they all this flirtatious? Did they just forget their jobs whenever a beautiful woman was nearby?'

Seeing Sabrina's slight frown, Kai could tell she was already displeased and knowing her personality, she was likely on the verge of doing something to make that displeasure very clear.

So before she could take action, Kai swiftly stepped in front of her, blocking Rudy's view.

"Judging by your outfit, you must be a waiter," Kai said casually. "I'm here to challenge the Gym Leader. Is he around? Also, I'd appreciate it if you didn't bother my partner. If she gets irritated, things could get very unpleasant."

"A… waiter!?"

Hearing the teasing tone in Kai's voice, Rudy took a step back, finally giving him a proper look.

It seemed only now that Kai actually registered in his eyes.

"Ah, my apologies. I was momentarily dazzled by this lady's beauty," Rudy admitted, though his tone remained smooth. Then, with a proud smirk, he placed a hand on his chest.

"But you're mistaken I am no mere waiter. Allow me to introduce myself properly. I am Rudy, the Gym Leader of Trovita Island! And not only that I am also the 'Southern Star' of the Orange Crew!"

To punctuate his words, he suddenly broke into an elegant dance step.

It was clear he took great pride in his identity.

Kai, however, simply waved dismissively. His tone remained as flat as ever.

"Yeah, sorry. I'm from Kanto. I don't really keep up with minor titles from small places like this. So, can we get started already?"

A small place?

A minor title!?

Rudy could feel his blood pressure skyrocketing!

Kai's indifferent attitude shattered his sense of pride like glass.

In the Orange League, the Gym Leaders of the Orange Crew were celebrities, admired and respected. Their every move attracted public attention!

Yet here was this guy, brushing it off like it was nothing, and to make matters worse, Kai was ridiculously good-looking, something that Rudy, despite his own confidence, couldn't help but acknowledge.

'Tch. What an irritating guy!' Crossing his arms, Rudy let out a cold chuckle. "I don't expect everyone to know of me. But my time is precious, and I don't battle just anyone who shows up at my door. If you want to challenge me, you'll have to prove that you're worthy."

"Oh? Proof?"

Kai considered it for a moment before reaching into his bag and retrieving his badge case. He flipped it open, revealing two Orange League Badges.

"I've already defeated two Gym Leaders before you. Does that count as proof?"

Rudy barely spared a glance at the badges before scoffing.

"Just because you won against them doesn't mean anything. Not all Gym Leaders are equal in skill. Some people don't understand real battles," he said dismissively.

Kai raised an eyebrow in mock surprise. "Oh? That's great to hear! I was honestly worried that this Gym would be as ridiculous as the last two. But now, I'm relieved! It's been a while since I had a real Gym battle. I almost forgot what that feels like."

Sabrina, watching from the side, could feel the tension between them.

Normally, she would have handled situations like this herself. If someone tried to flirt with her, she would simply use her psychic abilities to ensure they got the message loud and clear.

But this time…

Kai had stepped in for her.

He was actually jealous.

And after what had happened between them the night before…

She could tell.

Kai now saw her as his.

Something no one else was allowed to touch.

The realization was strangely… comforting.

Even though he was technically treating her like personal property, she didn't dislike it.

In fact, the warmth in her chest only grew.

Under Rudy's lead, they arrived at a river behind the Gym.

Steep cliffs lined both sides, dense with thick shrubbery. A small dock stood at the riverbank, where a sleek speedboat was moored.

Rudy gestured toward the boat. "The proof I require is simple. Board this speedboat and follow the river's path. Use your Pokémon's attacks to knock down all the floating targets along the way. If you succeed, you'll have earned the right to battle me."

Then, with a smirk that didn't quite reach his eyes, he added, "Oh, and by the way, since it's already getting dark, I normally wouldn't conduct the test at this hour. But since you're so eager, I'm sure nighttime won't be a problem for you, right?"

Kai could tell Rudy was deliberately making things harder for him.

But he only gave a calm shrug.

"That's fine. Day or night, it makes no difference to me."

Rudy chuckled. "Confident, aren't you? Well then, let's see if that confidence is justified."

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