Chapter 186: 186. Kai vs Cissy -2

Words : 1069 Updated : Oct 1st, 2025

---- With the previous matter resolved, Kai chose not to dwell on it further. After all, his purpose here was to challenge the gym, and whatever became of Senta's upbringing or the reputation of the Mikan Gym was ultimately none of his business. "So, it looks like the second round ended in a tie. What's the final challenge, Miss Cissy?" Kai asked curiosity in his tone. Cissy, who now carried a new level of respect for Kai, nodded with a complicated expression. "The last round is a surfing race. If you win, you'll earn the Coral-Eye Badge." As she spoke, she recalled Seadra and led Kai and Sabrina out of the gym to a nearby beach. The sound of waves crashing greeted them as they walked along the shore, leaving footprints in the sand one set deep and firm, the other light and delicate. From this vantage point, Kai noticed something peculiar about the Mikan Gym's design. With its cylindrical shape and red exterior, it looked less like a warehouse and more like a toppled soda can. Even the windows resembled the tab's pull-ring shape. Cissy pointed toward the ocean, where a buoy with a red flag gently swayed in the distance. "See that flag? Whoever's Pokémon reaches it first, circles it, and returns to shore wins the race!" Kai squinted into the distance, estimating the buoy to be at least 700 meters from shore. That meant the Pokémon would need to cover over a kilometre round-trip, testing their stamina and speed, especially for smaller Pokémon like Seadra. Cissy seemed well-prepared for the challenge, given it was her own gym's event. She pulled out a Poké Ball and released her own Blastoise into the water. When the blue glow faded, two Blastoises stood side by side. Though nearly identical in appearance, Kai could easily distinguish his own Pokémon as any skilled trainer could. Knowing his Blastoise had expended some energy during the earlier rounds, Kai decided to switch it out. He retrieved its Poké Ball and released another Pokémon into the waves. "Alright, it's your turn, Gyarados!" "GRAAAAAAAAAAA!!" With a thunderous roar, the massive Red Gyarados emerged, its imposing presence causing Cissy's Blastoise to instinctively take a step back in the water. Cissy stared in awe. "What incredible presence! Is this a shiny? I've seen plenty of Gyarados before, but I've rarely encountered one as intimidating as this." Kai shrugged nonchalantly. "It's nothing special. I mostly use it as a means of transportation across the ocean." Cissy blinked, astonished. "You're telling me you use a Gyarados this powerful as a ferry? You really are the Indigo League Champion what a waste of potential!" Kai waved a hand modestly, though his tone hinted at pride. "I wouldn't say it's that impressive. Besides, I've got a few others like it, so it's not exactly rare for me." Despite his nonchalant words, Kai couldn't help but feel a swell of satisfaction. His Gyarados had come a long way since its early days, and their strength and discipline now reflected countless hours of training. Cissy shook her head with a wry smile and changed the subject. She climbed onto her Blastoise's shell and gestured for Kai to follow suit. "Oh, I forgot to mention this is a surfing race. The trainers are required to ride along with their Pokémon." Kai raised an eyebrow but didn't question the rule. He was no stranger to challenges that required physical endurance. With a graceful leap, he landed on Gyarados's back and gave it a pat on the head. The massive Pokémon waded into the water, joining Blastoise at the starting line. Onshore, Sabrina had been handed the task of acting as the race's referee in Senta's absence. Holding the starter pistol, she raised her arm and fired into the air. Bang! The race began, and both Pokémon surged forward. The sudden acceleration caused both Kai and Cissy to jolt slightly on their rides. Waves crashed around them as the two Pokémon raced side by side, with Gyarados quickly gaining the lead thanks to its raw power and speed. Despite being at a disadvantage, Cissy relied on her years of experience. She guided her Blastoise to take advantage of the ocean currents, hoping to close the gap. But Gyarados, accustomed to traversing vast oceans, effortlessly countered her strategy with its own intuitive mastery of the waves. Kai, standing confidently on Gyarados's back, directed it to take the inner lane as they approached the buoy. "Stay on the inside, Gyarados! Shorten the distance!" Gyarados shifted toward the inner line, but just as it did, Blastoise rammed into its side with its sturdy shell, causing Gyarados to briefly falter. Kai tightened his grip on Gyarados's scales to avoid being thrown off, glaring back at Cissy. "Sorry about that!" Cissy called out, her voice filled with mock innocence. "But this is a Pokémon race contact is inevitable. Don't take it personally!" Kai narrowed his eyes but said nothing, focusing instead on maintaining their lead. Gyarados quickly recovered and pulled ahead once more, circling the buoy with precision before making its way back to shore. Blastoise pushed itself to the limit, its legs churning through the water, but the gap between the two Pokémon only widened. Gyarados's sheer size and strength proved insurmountable, and by the time it reached the finish line, it was a full three body lengths ahead. The race concluded with Gyarados roaring victoriously as it reached the shore. Kai dismounted gracefully, giving his Pokémon an approving pat on the head. "Well done, Gyarados. You've earned a nice, long rest." Cissy arrived moments later, her Blastoise panting from exhaustion. Though she wore a smile, the defeat was evident in her expression. "What a powerhouse... I don't think I ever stood a chance." Kai offered a polite smile. "Your Blastoise did well. It's not easy to compete against a Gyarados in open water." Cissy chuckled softly. "That's kind of you to say, but I'll admit defeat. Congratulations, Kai. You've earned the Coral-Eye Badge." ---- Don't forget to drop some Power Stones! For early access to advanced chapters on p@treon. P@treon/iamxeno Thank you so much for your support and for reading!

Chapter 186: 186. Kai vs Cissy -2

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