Pokémon: My Titles Know No Limits! [97]

"I'm obviously here for the Gym evaluation."

Hearing August confirm this, Brock felt even more touched.

"Honestly, August, you didn’t need to come all this way. The information you gave me earlier was already more than enough," Brock said.

August gave him a strange look. "What are you talking about? Of course I had to come… I’m the Gym Inspector for this evaluation!"

The sudden twist in the conversation nearly made everyone lose their balance.

"Huh?"

"What?"

Brock, Ash, and Gary all stared at him in shock.

August? A Gym Inspector?

This had to be a joke.

From what Misty had mentioned, when the Cerulean Gym was evaluated, the Inspector arrived with a full audit team. But August…

After confirming that the only person accompanying August was Blue, they all felt certain he was messing with them.

Seeing their skeptical expressions, August sighed.

He reached into his pocket, took out the plain glasses he had worn back at the Cerulean Gym, and put them on. Then, running a hand through his hair, he slicked it back. At the same time, he activated his [Pressure] skill.

An invisible pressure spread through the room, and in an instant, the friendly and approachable August transformed in Ash and the others' eyes into someone overwhelmingly authoritative.

Taking out the identification card Lance had mailed him, August held it up for them to see.

"Let me reintroduce myself—Gym Inspector of the Pokémon League, August!"

"?!?!"

Brock, Ash, and Gary, stunned by August’s presence, stared at the ID in shock.

This wasn’t a joke?

August was really a Gym Inspector?

Gary looked utterly incredulous.

The last time he saw August, he was still a professor at Celadon University. Sure, August had beaten him effortlessly back then, but that only meant August was strong.

How did he suddenly turn into an official League Inspector?

Brock opened his mouth, but no words came out.

Not long ago, he had been asking August about Gym evaluations…

And now?

Wasn’t this just walking straight into the lion’s den?

At that moment, Brock had a sinking feeling about Pewter Gym’s future.

Only Ash, after looking at August’s ID, remained unfazed. He had no idea why Gary and Brock were reacting like this.

"But if August is a Gym Inspector, isn’t that a good thing?"

They were all friends, right? Wouldn’t that make the evaluation easier?

Hearing Ash’s comment, Gary covered his face and started explaining. "Ash, you idiot… Gym evaluations are a very serious matter…"

Brock had already recovered and nodded in agreement.

As a Gym Leader, he understood the weight of this evaluation more than anyone.

This time was different from past evaluations. Before, most inspections were mere formalities—the League would turn a blind eye as long as the Gym was running.

But this evaluation was a direct result of Lt. Surge being exposed as a Rocket Executive.

Clearly, the League had decided to reform the Kanto Gym system.

Under these circumstances, asking August to go easy on him would only cause trouble for August. He had already shared more than enough helpful information with Brock.

Taking a deep breath, Brock looked at August with determination.

"I understand, August. I’m ready—let’s begin the evaluation!"

"Good!" August was pleased with Brock’s response.

Kanto needs more Gym Leaders like you!

If Brock’s ambition weren’t to become a Pokémon Breeder, August would have seriously considered recruiting him into the International Police.

...

Forrest stood straight and stiff as he prepared to referee the battle.

He still couldn't wrap his head around how his brother’s friend had suddenly turned into a Gym Inspector.

"This will be the official Gym evaluation battle for Pewter Gym, following standard 3v3 battle regulations…"

Reading the rules was just a formality. Both August and Brock were experienced Trainers and already knew them inside out.

Once Blue had finished setting up the recording equipment, August turned to Brock.

"As the Inspector, it’s customary for me to send out my Pokémon first."

With that, August released his Marshtomp who looked like it was in sage mode, deep in thought.

Since Brock was his opponent, August couldn't afford to underestimate him like he did with the Cerulean Sisters.

Marshtomp might be slightly under-leveled, but its type advantage made it a solid choice for this evaluation.

"Marshtomp, huh…"

Since this was an official Gym evaluation, Brock didn’t send out one of the Pokémon he usually used against rookie Trainers.

"Go, Graveler!"

With a flash of white light, a particularly sturdy-looking Graveler appeared on the battlefield.

August eyed the strong-looking Graveler.

Although it was still a step below Lt. Surge’s Pokémon, it was impressive nonetheless.

Now this is what a Gym Leader’s strength should look like.

Thinking back to the Pokémon at Cerulean Gym, August sighed.

If the Cerulean Gym’s Pokémon had been at this level, he wouldn’t have needed to issue a restructuring notice.

As these thoughts crossed his mind, August wasted no time making his move.

"Marshtomp, use [Water Pulse]!"

Since Brock’s Pokémon was at a higher level, August skipped the testing phase and went straight for an attack.

Splash!

A powerful jet of water shot from Marshtomp’s mouth, aiming for Graveler.

Graveler reacted swiftly—faster than even the wild, rampaging Graveler August had encountered in Mt. Moon.

With a quick roll, it dodged Marshtomp’s attack. Then, using the rough, rocky terrain to increase its traction, it suddenly accelerated and charged at Marshtomp with impressive momentum.

"Go, Brock! You can do it!"

"Pika Pika!"

On the sidelines, Pikachu and Ash cheered loudly for Brock.

Gary, meanwhile, covered his face.

He was starting to feel like being around Ash was lowering his own dignity.

If he had known this would happen, he wouldn’t have paid off Ash’s debts and brought him to Pewter City.

After all, he had left his girlfriends back in Lampurchi City.

Still, at least Ash wasn’t causing a complete scene.

After cheering for a bit, Ash turned to Gary. "Gary, who do you think will win—Brock or August?"

"August," Gary replied without hesitation.

"That was fast," Ash said, confused.

The battle had only just started—how could Gary already tell who would win?

Was he just making things up?

Should I tell you my Nidoking almost developed trauma from fighting August’s Elite-level Eevee?

Gary thought to himself.

Instead, he simply flipped his hair and said, "Because August is a Trainer I acknowledge as strong!"

---

This is a fan translation of 人在实教，一之濑你会后悔的 by 作者：白良. All rights to the original work belong to the creator. Please support them by exploring their original work or sharing it with others if you can. Thank you for reading and supporting my efforts to bring this story to a wider audience!