That time Gary Oak reincarnated as Gary Oak.

The towering trees of Viridian Forest stretched endlessly, their thick canopy swallowing most of the fading daylight. Route 2 cut through the dense woods, winding toward Pewter City. The air smelled of damp earth and fresh leaves, carrying the distant sounds of Pokémon.

A campfire crackled, casting flickering shadows against the trees. Nearby, a tent was set up, but Gary Oak was too focused to rest.

He stood in a small clearing, arms crossed, watching his Scyther intently. The mantis Pokémon's emerald exoskeleton shimmered under the dim firelight, its scythes twitching, eager for instruction.

Seated by the fire, Samurai polished his Pinsir's horns, though his eyes frequently flicked toward Gary. Unlike before—when they had first clashed in battle—his gaze no longer held skepticism or defiance. Instead, there was respect.

Gary had defeated him.

And as per his word, Samurai had sworn fealty.

While he didn't grovel, he acknowledged Gary's superiority, treating him with the reverence due to a leader. In private, he spoke casually, but before others, he addressed him with proper honorifics—"Sir Gary," "Lord Gary," or, on rare occasions, even "Master."

Gary, of course, ate it up.

Not that he needed the validation—he knew he was a step above the average trainer. But having another rookie at his side? It was proof of his undeniable greatness.

Tonight, he would push that greatness even further.

"Alright, Scyther," Gary said, cracking his knuckles. "We're learning Rain Dance."

Samurai glanced up. "Rain Dance?"

Gary smirked. He could already hear the doubt in Samurai's tone.

"Pewter Gym specializes in Rock-types," Samurai continued, frowning. "Wouldn't it be better to—"

Gary raised a hand, cutting him off. "See, that's the difference between me and everyone," he said, flipping his bangs. "Most trainers only focus on one Gym at a time. That's why they'll always be behind the curve."

Samurai remained silent, but he didn't look offended—just thoughtful.

Gary gestured at Scyther. "Fire-types are our biggest threat, and when you evolve into Scizor, it's gonna get even worse. We can't change that weakness, but we can control it."

Scyther's wings buzzed lightly in understanding.

Gary smirked. "Rain Dance halves Fire damage. It also sets up the battlefield for Water-types if I decide to switch out." He shrugged. "So yeah, it's a good move."

Samurai exhaled, nodding. "I see… That is brilliant, Sir Gary."

Gary shot him a sideways glance, amused. "Glad you're catching up."

Samurai ignored the jab.

Gary turned back to Scyther. "Alright! Let's get this storm started."

Scyther raised its scythes, moving them in slow, sweeping arcs. The air stirred, leaves rustling. A light drizzle began to form.

Gary grinned. "Good, but not great. Focus. You need more force behind it."

Scyther tried again, this time putting more intent into its movements. The drizzle turned into a steady rainfall, pattering against the leaves and dampening the ground but Gary still didn't look satisfied.

Samurai observed in silence, then finally spoke. "Your knowledge is… impressive." He hesitated before adding, "Master."

Gary smirked. "Naturally."

Pinsir watched the rain, flexing its powerful pincers. It let out a low growl, its competitive nature flaring.

Samurai exhaled. "Pinsir is strong, but… we struggle against Flying-types." His brows furrowed. "I need to teach it a move to counter them, but…" He frowned. "I don't know what."

Gary chuckled. "Seriously? You're telling me you never thought about that?" He folded his arms, looking down at Samurai like a disappointed teacher.

Samurai clenched his jaw but didn't argue.

Gary tapped his chin, acting as if he were deep in thought—though in reality, he already had the answer.

"Hmm… well, there is a move Pinsir can learn that'll absolutely wreck Flying-types." He smirked. "But I dunno… do you deserve expert's advice?"

Samurai's eye twitched. "Sir Gary."

Gary sighed, stretching lazily. "Fine, fine. It's Stone Edge."

Samurai blinked. "Stone Edge…"

"Yep." Gary pointed at the ground. "Rock-type move. High crit ratio. Devastates Flying-types. You're welcome."

Samurai bowed his head slightly. "Thank you, Master."

Gary grinned. "Good. Now get to work."

Samurai turned to Pinsir, determination flashing in his eyes. "We're learning Stone Edge."

Pinsir let out a fierce cry, slamming its pincers together.

Gary turned back to Scyther. "Alright! Next up—Brick Break."

Scyther tilted its head.

Gary grinned. "Rock-types are still a problem. Your blades are sharp, but you're not breaking through solid stone with just slashes." He clenched his fist. "So if we can't slice through… we shatter it."

He mimicked a karate chop in the air. "Like this. Bam! Now try it."

Scyther hesitated, then swung its right scythe forward, using the blunt edge. The motion was awkward but solid.

Gary nodded. "That's it! Again! Rotate your elbow this time. We need force behind it."

Scyther repeated the move, each strike sharper than the last.

Nearby, Samurai and Pinsir trained with equal intensity.

The sounds of training filled the air—scythes slicing, fists striking, rain pattering against the leaves.

The fire crackled, casting long shadows against the trees.

Tomorrow, they would continue their journey.

But today, one thing was clear—

Gary Oak was always ahead of the curve.

And Samurai would make sure he never fell behind.

They do some training till approaching of night and than they decided. to take refuge in nearby village.

The dense foliage of Viridian Forest gradually thinned as Gary Oak and Samurai emerged onto a quiet dirt path leading to a remote village. The sun had long since set, and the village, illuminated by the dim glow of lanterns, was eerily silent. Unlike the bustling towns they had passed through, this place had neither a Pokémon Center nor a hotel.

Gary clicked his tongue in irritation. "Tch. What kind of backwater dump doesn't even have a place to stay?"

Samurai ignored the remark and approached a modest wooden house where an old woman sat on the porch, knitting under the flickering lantern light. She eyed them suspiciously as they approached.

"Excuse us, ma'am," Samurai said, bowing respectfully. "We are weary travelers. Would you be kind enough to rent us a place for the night?"

The old woman scoffed. "I don't take in outsiders. Travelers bring trouble."

Gary sighed dramatically. "Lady, come on. We just need a roof over our heads for one night."

She shook her head stubbornly. "No."

Gary rolled his eyes and reached into his pocket. "How about this?" He pulled out a handful of PokéDollars and waved them in front of her.

Her eyes flickered with interest, but she still hesitated. Samurai, sensing an opening, bowed again. "Please, ma'am. We mean no harm, and we will leave by morning."

With a sigh, the old woman relented. "Fine. But don't cause any trouble."

As they stepped inside the house, Gary muttered under his breath, "Greedy old hag."

Samurai shot him a warning glance, but Gary just smirked, tossing his backpack onto the floor. "Whatever. Let's get some rest."

Morning came swiftly, and Gary was up at dawn, stretching lazily while Scyther sharpened its blades on a nearby rock. He was just about to leave when Samurai rushed toward him, out of breath.

"Gary! There's a trainer here you need to battle." "Sir Gary," Samurai hasitated "he is a powerful one."

Gary raised a brow. "Oh? You lost again, didn't you?"

Samurai scowled but nodded. "His name is Vermill. He defeated me easily."

Gary smirked. "And that's supposed to impress me?"

"Just see for yourself," Samurai insisted. "He's at the pond outside the village."

Curious, Gary asked around the village, and soon, they found their target, a young trainer sitting on a rock near the pond. He had an air of confidence about him, casually tossing a Pokéball in the air and catching it each time.

As they approached, Vermill glanced up at samurai and grinned. "Back for more?" he taunted. "Or are you just a glutton for defeat?"

Samurai bristled, but before he could respond, Gary stepped forward, arms crossed. "You beat him, huh? Guess I should see if you're actually worth my time."

Vermill chuckled. "You're welcome to try." Samurai stepped forward. "I will be the referee. This will be a one-on-one battle!"

Vermill smirked and tossed his Pokéball. "Go, Rattata!"

A small, purple rodent materialized on the battlefield. Gary blinked. "You beat Samurai with that?"

Then, he noticed something — a red ribbon tied around the Rattata's body. His eyes narrowed. Focus Sash.

Gary chuckled. "Alright. Scyther, you're up."

Scyther emerged with a flash of light, its blades gleaming menacingly.

"Rattata, Quick Attack!"

The rodent shot forward, striking Scyther before it could react. But Gary was unimpressed. "Brick Break."

Scyther slashed downward with brutal force, smashing into Rattata and sending it skidding across the ground. It should have been knocked out instantly, but the Focus Sash activated, keeping rattata clinging to consciousness.

Vermill smirked. "Endeavor."

Rattata, despite its injuries, dashed forward and struck Scyther. The attack wasn't powerful—but the effect was immediate. Scyther staggered back, suddenly weakened, now in the same critical condition as Rattata.

Samurai's eyes widened. "That… that was dangerous. Sir Gary might lose this."

Vermill, confident in his victory, pointed forward. "Quick Attack! Finish it!"

As Rattata dashed forward in a blur, Gary's smirk widened. "Scyther, Quick Attack."

Vermill's smirk vanished. "What?"

Scyther moved faster—too fast for Rattata to react. It struck first, sending the tiny rodent tumbling to the ground, unconscious.

Samurai raised his hand. "Rattata is unable to battle. The winner is Gary Oak."

Vermill stared in disbelief before sighing, a grin creeping onto his face as he retrieved his fainted rattata to it's pokeball. "Hah… guess you're not just talk."

Gary flipped his bangs. "Of course not." He recalled Scyther, turning to leave. "And by the way—your plan wasn't perfect. It crumbles against Ghost-types who are immune to normal type moves or anyone with a faster priority move. Maybe next time, think a few steps ahead before someone like me."

Samurai watched him, admiration in his gaze. "You always know how to counter, Sir Gary."

Gary didn't respond, but as they walked, his thoughts lingered on the battle despite his victory, he was still impressed with smart use of a weak Pokémon.Vermill's strategy had been good.

Too good.

It made him realize something—he wasn't the only smart trainer out there.

But that just meant he had to be better.

A smirk formed on his lips. Next time, I'll be even better.