Pokemon: Skybound Chapter 313: 313. Lance's Recognition

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The next morning, after a quick wash and another hearty breakfast, Kai and Sabrina followed Clair down to the first floor of the Gym.

On the way, Clair noticed Kai still looked a bit groggy and asked quietly, "What's with that tired face? Didn't sleep well last night?"

"Huh? No, not really. Why do you ask?"

"You've got bags under your eyes."

Bags under his eyes?

Kai paused for a mont but didn't explain. He just rubbed his eyes and gave her a sheepish smile.

He'd stayed up late ssaging Serena the night before well past 1 a.m.

Naturally, he hadn't gotten much sleep… but that wasn't sothing he could tell Sabrina.

—

After walking down a long hallway and descending a marble staircase, they arrived at a wide open hall the battle arena of the Blackthorn Gym.

Looking ahead, the field before Kai was a mixed terrain designed for both land and water battles.

The outer edges of the field were plain and unremarkable, just smooth solid ground. But at the centre was a square pool, around four to five ters deep, its water crystal clear more than enough space for Water-type Pokémon to battle freely.

Kai figured it made sense. Most of Clair's Dragon-type Pokémon were also part Water-type and excelled in aquatic combat, so the field was clearly tailored for her team.

Kai and Clair walked to opposite ends of the field into the designated trainer zones. At the sa ti, Lance appeared on the second-floor balcony overlooking the arena. He didn't bother to find a seat just leaned casually against a railing, watching with interest.

He gave the two trainers a nod. But before the battle could begin, footsteps echoed from the stairwell behind him.

Turning around, Lance saw a middle-aged man ascending the steps.

The man had a composed air and carried the aura of soone used to leadership. His red hair and facial features even bore a resemblance to Lance.

"Uncle?" Lance blinked in surprise. "Didn't Clair say you were away at the Pokémon League? Why are you back so soon?"

This man was none other than the previous Blackthorn Gym Leader, the current head of the Dragon Tar clan, and Lance's own uncle.

"The business there wrapped up faster than expected," the man said, stepping beside Lance. "I ca back just this morning. As soon as I arrived, I heard soone was challenging the Gym, so I figured I'd co take a look. Didn't expect to see you here."

He studied Lance for a mont. "It's been a while. You look the sa as ever hasn't changed a bit."

Lance laughed. "Well, I've hit that age where change just ans getting older."

His uncle smiled, then changed the subject. "So, I heard there was an incident at the Dragon Sanctuary?"

"Team Rocket," Lance confird with a nod. "The one leading them was a top executive nad Iron Masked Marauder. I ca back specifically because of that. The situation's been handled aside from Iron Masked Marauder getting away, the rest have been turned over to the police. The Elder has already ordered all Dragon Tars still in Johto to begin hunting him down."

"Good work." The man nodded approvingly, and then his expression hardened. "Those Rocket fools were bold to invade the Dragon Sanctuary. We'll make sure they pay the price."

His gaze shifted to the arena. "Still, I'm surprised you've got the ti to watch a Gym battle. Aren't you usually swamped with Pokémon G-n work?"

"You're not wrong," Lance chuckled. "I should be heading back to Kanto soon. But the challenger today is a friend of mine and honestly, it's thanks to him that the Sanctuary remained safe. I figured I'd stay and see the match through."

"Oh?" The man glanced toward the battlefield. "A friend of yours? And soone who helped us out? So he's strong, then?"

"Very," Lance replied seriously. "He's stronger than Clair. She doesn't stand a chance he's going to win this battle."

Stronger than Clair?

His uncle was taken aback.

He knew Clair's strength well, after all; he wouldn't have passed the title of Gym Leader to her otherwise.

And yet, this young man… was apparently even more powerful?

"I've never heard you praise soone like this before," the man said. "That's not like you."

Lance shrugged. "Can't help it. His talent and growth are astounding. Honestly, I was already impressed when I t him last ti. And now? I can't even guess how far he's co."

The man studied Kai. It was his first ti seeing the young trainer, but sothing about him felt familiar…

"And between the two of you who's stronger?"

"Haven't battled him yet, so I don't know," Lance replied with a smile. "But once the Silver Conference is over… I think we'll find out soon enough."

Unaware that he was being discussed, Kai's attention was focused on Cab, who now stood at the centre of the battlefield with his red and green flags in hand.

"As the referee of today's match," Cab declared, "we now begin the official Gym Challenge! Representing the green side is Kai, Champion of the Indigo League! Representing the red side is Clair, The Gym leader!"

"This will be a three-on-three elimination battle! The first side whose Pokémon all lose the ability to battle will be defeated!"

He paused briefly before continuing, "Only the challenger may switch Pokémon during the battle. Now, Gym Leader Clair, please send out your first Pokémon!"

But before Clair could act, Kai raised a hand.

"Just a mont."

"Oh?" Clair and Cab both looked his way.

Kai smiled. "Clair, I'd like to tweak the rules a bit."

"You want to change the rules?" Clair raised a brow. "What are you proposing?"

"If possible, I'd prefer not to battle your Gym's standard lineup. Please use your ace Pokémon. And let's send them out at the sa ti it'll be more fair that way."

Clair considered this for a mont. After seeing the strength Kai's Pokémon had shown at the Dragon Sanctuary and knowing he was the Champion of the Indigo League he deserved more than a routine challenge.

"Alright, I agree. I'd like to see which team is stronger yours or mine."

—

Up on the balcony, the man listening was struck by a sudden realization.

Wait… Indigo League Champion?

So it's him!

No wonder his face looked familiar!

For a while now, this young man had been all over the news. Even though the man had retired from his post and no longer followed League matches closely, Kai's na had still found its way to him ti and again.

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