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Under Ash's coaching, Primeape improved to use Extreme Speed. Although it still occasionally lost control during battles, it showed significant progress.
Ash was patient. If Primeape could calm down too quickly, it wouldn't be true to its fiery nature. By the next day, it had largely mastered its composure.
Witnessing Primeape's growth firsthand gave Rebecca renewed confidence in Ash's chances. She now believed he could defeat her father.
During their day at the Fighting Spirit Gym, Rebecca's concerns about her father were confirmed. Anthony had not been home for two days since they arrived.
With the competition nearing, there was no time to dwell on Anthony's absence. On the second night, Ash and Rebecca completed their preparations.
Match Day
"Is this the competition venue? Look at the crowd!" Ash exclaimed on the third day as they arrived at the bustling arena.
The area was packed with people—some were competitors with their Pokémon, while others were enthusiastic spectators. Above the tall building loomed a giant fist logo, unmistakably marking it as the competition venue.
"Yes, this is it. Let's head inside," Rebecca said, nodding slightly as she led the group.
"Huh? Rebecca? Is that you?" a familiar voice called out. They turned to see Anthony, Rebecca's father, accompanied by his steadfast Hitmonchan.
"Dad?" Rebecca's voice was a mixture of surprise and complex emotions.
"You two know each other?" Anthony's expression was briefly awkward when he noticed Ash but quickly masked it. He immediately asked Rebecca, "What are you doing here?"
"Dad! You can't keep doing this," Rebecca said firmly. "Even if you want to compete, you can't abandon the gym entirely! If this continues, the gym you worked so hard to build will fall apart. Most of the trainers have already left."
It wasn't that Rebecca disapproved of her father's ambition. She just couldn't understand why he would risk everything for it. He had poured years into establishing the Fighting Spirit Gym, and it was nearing official Alliance certification. Yet, he seemed willing to gamble it all.
Anthony waved her concerns away. "Rebecca, don't worry. Once I win the P1 Championship, the gym's reputation will soar. Everyone who left will return."
Ash, listening intently, spoke up. "But what if you lose the fight?"
"Uh..." Anthony hesitated. Deep down, he understood that losing wouldn't just mean missing out on the championship—it could spell the decline of his gym. Still, he clung to his belief that he wouldn't fail.
"I won't lose," he declared through gritted teeth.
"Really?" Ash challenged, fixing Anthony with an unwavering stare. Anthony's expression faltered under the boy's gaze. Though he was a seasoned boxer, used to facing down opponents, something about Ash's eyes unnerved him, making him look away.
"This has nothing to do with you!" Anthony retorted stiffly, unable to formulate a better response.
"It doesn't? Fine. Where should Rebecca register?" Ash asked, dismissing the man's behavior. Despite already registering previously, Rebecca still needed to confirm her details onsite. Ash didn't have the patience to argue further with someone so irresponsible.
"Oh! I'll take you there," Rebecca offered, realizing her father wouldn't listen to reason. She resolved to settle things by defeating him in the competition.
"Register?" Anthony's puzzled expression deepened as he processed their words.
"Yes. Ash and the others have signed up for the competition," Rebecca replied calmly, showing no intention of hiding the truth.
Anthony's frown deepened. The memory of losing to Ash earlier still lingered in his mind, filling him with unease.
"Boy, are you planning to participate in the Fighting Competition too?"
"Any problem with that?" Ash replied evenly.
"You realize the Fighting Competition isn't like your casual roadside battles, don't you? You won't be able to use your usual Pokémon," Anthony pointed out. "For fairness, Ghost-type Pokémon aren't allowed."
"So what?" Ash replied, his confidence unwavering.
"That means, in this competition, you won't have any type advantage. Young people shouldn't be too ambitious. This level of competition isn't something you can just jump into. If you really want to compete, you'll need several more years of practice," Anthony said, sounding like he was offering advice. But Ash could hear the fear behind his words and smirked sarcastically.
"Thanks for the reminder, uncle," Ash replied, his tone edged with mockery, "but us young people are brave enough to take on challenges and aren't afraid of failure. Let's go."
What Ash said carried a subtle jab that wasn't obvious to others, but Anthony felt it keenly. His jaw tightened as he watched Ash and the others walk away.
"This kid..." Anthony muttered, clenching his fists. "Hitmonchan, we absolutely cannot lose!" His determination burned as he turned to his partner. Anthony knew he had sacrificed so much for this moment, even neglecting his daughter and the gym. If he lost again, it wouldn't just make him an irresponsible father—it would brand him a complete failure.
"Hitmonchan!"
Hitmonchan responded firmly, just as determined not to repeat their earlier defeat.
Meanwhile, Ash and the others were unaware of Anthony's inner turmoil. They reached the registration desk, reported their names, received their contestant entry cards, and moved into the venue.
The lounge was bustling with activity, filled with competitors preparing for the tournament. Though the matches hadn't started, the tension was already palpable. Rivals exchanged sharp glances, and some openly displayed animosity.
Ash and Brock, being much younger than most of the contestants, drew skeptical stares. Their youth made them stand out, and many of the older competitors looked at them with disdain.
"Ah! Look at that person! So tall!" Misty exclaimed, pointing towards a figure in the distance.
The group turned their heads. Standing not far away was a man cloaked in a large windbreaker and wearing a hat that obscured his face. Though his features were hidden, his imposing frame—easily over two meters tall—was unmistakable.