Chapitre 18: Chapter 18: The Opponent is Lori?
The written test had concluded, and Kane was confident about his results.
Thunderstorm approached with a smug look, saying, "The written test isn't going to get rid of you, is it?"
Kane glanced at him and replied coolly, "You might be disappointed."
Without another word, he turned and walked away, ignoring the annoyed muttering from Thunderstorm.
"Damn," Thunderstorm spat under his breath, wishing Kane would be eliminated right then. With only two spots available, he was desperate to secure his place at the Ecruteak Gym.
After lunch, something about the weather didn't sit right with Kane. Summer storms were unpredictable, so he decided to play it safe and not venture out again.
As soon as Kane got home, the sky broke with lightning and thunder, followed by a heavy downpour. He nodded to himself. "Good call."
Training could be done indoors, and he focused on honing his skills with Ditto. Whether practicing as a sandbag for Kane or working on his flying sword technique, the training was an intense effort to improve Kane's synergy with Ditto.
The flying sword technique, where Ditto transformed into a dagger for Kane to throw, required patience and precision. After half a day of practice, Kane was still working within a five-meter range, and while he occasionally hit the bullseye, most of his throws landed in the seventh or eighth ring.
Indoor training was also mentally taxing. The urns of the three victims were a constant presence, but Kane's years of life experience and unyielding determination kept him grounded. Without that, the atmosphere might have driven someone else insane.
By dinner time, the rain had stopped. Kane opened his window to let in the fresh scent of the earth after the rain, calming his mind. As he gazed at the quiet streets of " Ecruteak City more than 60 years ago," he couldn't help but feel like he had the entire world at his feet.
By ten o'clock that night, Kane and Ditto had wrapped up their training. Kane had managed to consistently hit the ninth ring within five meters, but his arm was throbbing from the strain. His continuous throwing left his arm feeling like it would fly out of its socket. Yet, that very sensation told him he was close to mastering the technique.
Nothing came easily in this world. Only through ruthless self-discipline could Kane gain the edge needed to dominate others.
The next morning at nine, a large crowd gathered in front of the Ecruteak Gym to await the results. Parents and children alike were buzzing with anticipation, eager to hear if they had made the cut. Kane and Thunderstorm stood off to the sides, separate from the throngs of people, their calm demeanor making them stand out.
Eventually, Liucheng, one of the Ecruteak Gym disciples, opened the gates. "Please maintain order and queue up in the courtyard. The gym leader does not like noise everyone please quite down."
Everyone obediently lined up, aware of Chiyama 's reputation they quickly quitted down. They awaited in silence as Chiyama, and his son Komatsu appeared. Komatsu held a stack of test papers, ready to announce the top eight candidates.
Chiyama addressed the crowd, "First things i would like to Thank you all for coming and participating in the selection of the ecruteak gym trainee program. However, due to limited spaces available we can't accept all of you as only the top eight from the written test will advance to the second round, a battle test, using the Pokémon you registered."
With that, he began calling out names.
" I'm proud to announce our First-place candidate, Kane!."
Kane, already prepared, stepped forward, drawing envious glances from the crowd. Being first was always prestigious. chiyama acknowledged him with a nod, recognizing him from when he had come to the gym seeking employment. "Well done. You will face the eighth-place contestant this afternoon."
Komatsu seemed impressed by Kane's results, admiring him quietly. Kane bowed and stepped aside.
"And coming in second place, Thunderstorm," chiyama continued.
Thunderstorm stepped forward and shot a glance at Kane, their mutual gaze speaking volumes. From now on, they were rivals.
chiyama proceeded to announce the rest of the top eight. Parents of those who made the cut couldn't hide their pride, boasting to anyone who would listen. "That's my boy up there!" one father exclaimed. "And there's my daughter sweetie i love u!" another mother said, beaming.
In contrast, the parents of those who didn't make the cut hung their heads in embarrassment, while the eliminated contestants quickly left the scene.
Now only the eight successful candidates remained in front of chiyama.
"I'd like to congratulate the to eight contestant's on making it this far," chiyama said. "Your performance in the written test shows your strong foundation on Pokémon training. Remember, the battle test begins at two o'clock this afternoon until then have a nice day."
Kane's opponent, a small girl who had placed eighth, kept sneaking glances at him, but Kane remained expressionless, completely indifferent to her presence.
Annoyed, she muttered, "So what if you're first place? Big deal," before making a face at him.
After leaving the gym, Kane rode his bike home, but before he could get far, he heard someone calling after him. "Hey young man wait a moment."
Kane turned to see a middle-aged man with the same girl from earlier.
Kane immediately knew what they were up to.
Before the man could speak, the little girl piped up, "Hey, kid! If you lose to me in the afternoon battle, my dad will give you anything you want."
The middle-aged man smiled awkwardly, clearly accustomed to his daughter's entitled behavior.
Kane rolled his eyes. "Trying to cheat at your age? What a fine example of parenting," he said, turning on his heel and riding off without waiting for a response.
"You—you arrogant jerk!" the girl shouted, stamping her feet. "Dad, lend me your Drapion!"
"What? You can't use my Drapion! You didn't even register it!" her father scolded, looking exasperated.
"I don't care! I have to beat that arrogant kid!"
Her father sighed, knowing full well his daughter was spoiled beyond belief. He just hoped she wouldn't cause too much trouble this time considering what's on the line.
État de l’alimentation hebdomadaire
-- Classement
Power Stone 
-- Power
stone