Pokemon: The Gameboy Effect-Chapter 232: The Long-Planned Challenge

Isaac Newton leaned back in his chair, exhaling deeply as he looked at the young man before him. "Because I'm about to resign as a Gym Leader," he said, his voice calm yet resolute.

"Huh?" John blinked in surprise. Had he heard that right?

Across the room, Mark and the two two sisters, Stephanie and Jeanne, remained unfazed. They had known about this decision for a while now. What truly caught Mark off guard was the unexpected gift his mentor was about to bestow upon John.

This wasn't just any gift, it was a treasure that had long been at the center of intense rivalry among Newton's direct disciples at the Chiba Gym. It had sparked countless battles and competitions, each one a test of worthiness. And yet, in the end, it was John, an outsider, who had been chosen.

Mark wasn't upset. On the contrary, he almost expected it. In the end, John was the one who had proven himself.

Newton sighed. "When I was young, I promised my wife that one day, we would travel the world together. I always thought we'd wait until I retired to make that dream come true. But her illness... it made me realize something. Some things, some people, won't wait for me forever."

A quiet stillness settled over the room as his words sank in. The weight of them was palpable.

"Now, it's too late to fulfill that promise the way I intended," Newton continued. "All I can do is make the most of the time we have left. So, I've decided to step down from my position as Gym Leader and take my wife on one final journey. I want her to see the beauty of the world while she still can. And in doing so, I hope to leave behind memories that will last a lifetime."

His voice carried the kind of quiet strength that came from deep reflection. This wasn't a rash decision, it was one he had thought through carefully.

John found himself unexpectedly moved by Newton's reasoning. He had always respected him, but this level of devotion to his wife, this unwavering commitment to his word, left him in awe.

Newton gave a small smile, sensing John's thoughts. "I have no desire to climb higher in rank. I never did. And since I won't be a Gym Leader anymore, this flower... it means nothing to me."

John's gaze dropped to the item resting on the table between them, a radiant crimson flower, seemingly pulsing with energy.

"That's why I want to find someone truly worthy of inheriting it. Someone who will put it to proper use."

He paused, his sharp eyes locking onto John. "At first, I hoped to find that person among my own disciples. But then I met you."

John swallowed. He could feel the weight of Newton's words pressing down on him.

"When I learned you were Saul Badman's apprentice, I knew I had to consider you. After all, Badman himself played a crucial role in acquiring this legendary flower. It's only fitting that one of his students should have a claim to it."

John remained silent, processing everything.

"And then, I saw you battle. You didn't disappoint me." Newton's voice carried something rare—genuine admiration. "You surpassed my own disciples. A trainer who's only been at Pokemon University for less than six months, already a junior breeder, no, now an advanced breeder—able to hold his own against my second-tier Pokemon. Your talent and potential far exceed anyone in my gym."

There was a beat of silence before Newton continued. "That's why you are the best choice to inherit this legendary flower."

John let out a slow breath. That was quite the endorsement. But he wasn't naïve, he knew there was more to it than just talent.

Newton didn't say it outright, but John understood. If this flower remained with one of his disciples, they wouldn't have the strength to keep it. Without backing, they'd be easy targets. But John... he had the protection of a legendary master.

Saul Badman's students weren't just some nobodies. Among them were Elite Four members, Gym Leaders, and influential figures in various industries. With that kind of backing, John was untouchable.

Th𝓮 most uptodate nov𝑒ls are publish𝒆d on ƒreewebηoveℓ.com.

Newton was securing the flower's safety. At the same time, he was repaying a favor to Master Badman. And by choosing John, he was also ensuring his own disciples wouldn't have to fight over something they couldn't hope to keep.

Four birds with one stone. A true strategist's move.

John looked down at the legendary flower again. If it truly was as powerful as Newton claimed, then accepting it wasn't just a gift, it was a responsibility.

"Alright," John said finally, reaching for the flower. "I'll accept it. Thank you."

As soon as his fingers brushed against the petals, a surge of pure energy coursed through him. His body felt instantly rejuvenated, his mind sharper. It was as if the flower itself had cleansed him.

He barely had time to process the sensation before the moment was interrupted. The side door of the backyard swung open, and a group of people entered.

Leading them was a towering, broad-shouldered man with a strong, serious expression.

"Master," the man said in a steady, measured tone, "have you really decided to give the legendary flower to an outsider?"

Newton's eyes met the man's without hesitation. "Yes."

The man remained unfazed. "May I ask why?"

Newton didn't sugarcoat his answer. "Because your talent and potential don't measure up to John's. You wouldn't be able to keep this legendary Pokemon item."

The man nodded as if he had expected the response. "Then, may I test this Trainer's talent and potential for myself?"

A challenge.

Newton smirked. "Of course."

He turned to John, his gaze steady. "John, with your strength, this should be no problem, right?"

John frowned slightly. Was this how things worked in this gym? The master openly declared that his student wasn't good enough, and instead of anger or protest, the student calmly requested a battle?

Shouldn't this be the part where the disciple rebelled, feeling betrayed? Shouldn't there be some dramatic outburst?

Instead, it was all so... formal.

The smooth transition into a challenge made John wonder if Newton and his disciple had already discussed this beforehand. Maybe this had been the plan all along.

Newton had spoken as if he were simply giving John the flower. But in reality, this was the real test. Only if John won would he be allowed to walk away with it.

Well... if that's how they wanted to do things, so be it.

John's fingers tightened around the legendary flower.

If a battle was what they wanted, a battle was what they'd get.