Pokemon: The Chosen Ranger

Just as Summer had expected, Annie had passed Kabu's test—but she hadn't received the reward that Milo had mentioned.

Surprisingly, she didn't seem disappointed at all. Instead, she patted Summer's shoulder, grinning. "You better win Kabu's approval and get that reward. And when you do, you have to tell me all about it."

Nearby, Paralysis, who had been anxiously worrying about his Bug-types, finally spoke up.

"Ahem… Annie, mind sharing what the test was like?"

Annie tilted her head, considering. "Hmm, I don't know if Kabu will change the test, but mine was simple—three battles."

"…Wait. That direct?!" Paralysis slumped in despair.

"Relax," Annie reassured him, raising two fingers. "I only had to win two out of three to pass~."

Badan, the Second Mine Ranger, nodded thoughtfully. "Huh… Kabu is kinder than I thought. He always seemed insanely strict during his training sessions at the mines."

"Haha, feel the charm of Kabu-sensei now?" Matahari, the Motostoke Forest Ranger, wiped his eyes dramatically. "He knew most Rangers use Grass and Bug-types, so he adjusted the test for us! So thoughtful… so considerate…! I'm not crying, you are!"

Mido, stroking his thick beard, eyed Annie curiously. "If you didn't win the third battle, does that mean… your last opponent was Kabu himself?"

Before Annie could answer, a loud cough from the front desk caught everyone's attention.

"Miss Annie, since you've completed your exam, please register your results here," the receptionist reminded. Then, with a knowing smile, she added, "Also, Kabu-sensei designed this test to reflect the challenges Rangers face in the wild. Keeping its details secret is a way to honor his effort."

"She's right!" Matahari immediately backed her up.

With the discussion shut down, the Rangers stopped pressing Annie for details. But in their hearts, they all silently confirmed one thing—the third battle was against Kabu himself.

A wave of pressure settled over the waiting Rangers. Facing a Gym Leader in battle… this was no joke. And if winning against Kabu was the condition for getting the reward, then this would be far tougher than expected.

Well, at least for everyone except Summer.

He had already faced Gym Leaders before, so he felt no pressure at all.

Annie stretched and waved as she headed toward the exit. "Well then, Summer, Mido, good luck! I'm off to explore Motostoke—paid leave is the best~!"

As she left, Summer went to the front desk to register. The exam was held in order, so he had to wait until the others finished.

It was a good chance to discuss gear upgrades with Mido, who was an expert survivalist. Mido gave him detailed recommendations on the best brands for bags, tools, and even specialty supplies. The advice was incredibly useful.

While they chatted, the other Rangers took their tests.

Paralysis failed in the first round and, feeling humiliated, refused to share details.

Badan passed but was swiftly defeated in the third battle.

Matahari passed too, but losing to Kabu didn't bother him at all—he got Kabu's autograph, which, to him, was better than any reward.

Mido had nearly won his third match but ultimately lost due to his Bewear's "Fluffy" ability, which made it take extra damage from Fire-type moves.

As a consolation, Kabu gave him a reward—a heat-resistant, multi-purpose iron pan from Motostoke.

Summer was almost certain that Mido had asked for it on purpose.

New Rangers arrived throughout the day, each with their own unique traits. Despite their differences, they all showed respect toward Summer, the youngest Ranger among them.

A staff member approached.

"Mr. Summer, it's your turn."

"Got it." He stood up and walked toward the arena doors.

"Good luck, Summer!" one Ranger called.

"Yeah, don't stress! Just go all out!"

"Remember, us Rangers train in the wild—we're just as tough as trainers!"

Summer turned back with a small smile. "Of course. Who knows? I might even get the reward."

The Rangers exchanged glances, then chuckled. Confidence was good. With that mindset, he'd definitely pass.

Summer pushed open the doors and stepped inside.

The exam wasn't held in the main stadium but in a training arena within Motostoke Stadium.

Following the hallway, he took the first left, as he had learned during his last visit to watch Marnie's match.

The training hall was a medium-sized, square-shaped room with a glass ceiling, allowing natural sunlight to filter in.

The battlefield was set up to mimic nature, with grass patches, rocky formations, and artificial trees—a setup Kabu had clearly customized for the Rangers.

Surrounding the battlefield was a rubberized track used for rainy-day training sessions.

There were no seats in this room—only a hydration station for water.

Kabu stood tall in the center, hands behind his back, exuding a composed yet commanding presence.

"Welcome to the exam, young Ranger." His voice was firm but warm. "You must be Summer."

He was clad in his crimson sports uniform, his gray hair neatly styled, with streaks of white from age.

Yet despite his years, there was no sign of weakness in him. His sharp eyes, upright posture, and well-trained physique radiated strength.

"Yes, sir." Summer nodded.

Behind Kabu stood three apprentices, all wearing matching uniforms. Their disciplined stance suggested they were trainers currently studying under Kabu.

A fourth person was also in the room—Paralysis.

Kabu had ordered him to watch the entire exam while maintaining perfect posture as a punishment for failing.

Paralysis looked miserable… but upon seeing Summer, he visibly relaxed. Finally! Someone to suffer with!

Kabu nodded in approval. "You seem to be in good condition. Let's begin your first challenge."

His eyes turned to the apprentice on his left.

"Shinbo, you're up first."

"Yes, Kabu-sensei!" The brown-haired trainer stepped forward, voice full of energy.

Paralysis let out a deep sigh.

"Summer's doomed…" he muttered.

That's the guy who beat me.

Shinbo jogged toward Summer, extending a hand in greeting.

"Looking forward to this, Summer!"

Summer shook his hand. "Same here."

Kabu stepped to the center as referee.

"Both trainers ready?" He raised a hand.

"Begin!"

"Go, Carkol!"

A Carkol emerged in front of Shinbo, charcoal body smoldering, releasing wisps of heat.

It was said that Galar had once been frozen in a deadly winter, and people had survived thanks to Carkol's burning coal.

"Go, Rillaboom!"

Summer sent out Rillaboom, who planted its drum into the ground, grasped its drumsticks, and assumed a battle stance.

Kabu's eyes narrowed slightly. The most energetic Pokémon I've seen today… interesting.

"Carkol, Flamethrower!"

Shinbo acted immediately, knowing to exploit his type advantage.

Carkol's coal glowed red-hot, and flames built in its mouth.

"Grassy Glide."

"What?!"

Shinbo's eyes widened—only now did he notice the battlefield was covered in glowing green grass.

Kabu smirked. So, it has Grassy Surge… and it knows Grassy Glide. Very interesting.

In a flash of green light, Rillaboom slid across the field like lightning, closing the distance in an instant.

Before Carkol could react—BAM!

A kick to the gut sent it flipping backward, fire spraying harmlessly into the air.

"High Horsepower."

Rillaboom stomped down, channeling earth energy into its fist—and struck.

The sheer force sent Carkol flying, crashing hard onto the ground.

Knocked out in two moves.

Shinbo blinked.

"…Wow."

Paralysis' jaw dropped.

This guy… is not normal.

Kabu knelt by Carkol, confirming its condition. Then, standing up, he declared:

"Carkol is unable to battle. Congratulations, Summer. You've passed the first round."

As he straightened, Kabu's gaze flickered with interest.

Not bad at all.

"Now then… let's begin the second challenge."

(End of Chapter)