The gap between Ash and Gary is definitely quite large now. Before challenging the Fuchsia Gym, Ash met Gary and learned a bit about the strength of the Pokemon in Gary's possession.
Among new Trainers, he is indeed quite good, but compared to him... there's still a gap.
However, Ash still regards Gary as his biggest rival, because they've been fierce competitors since childhood. Even though the gap between them has gradually widened after they set out on their journeys, Ash has no intention of underestimating Gary.
If they run into each other at the Quartz Conference, Ash will definitely not take him lightly and will go all out in the battle.
For Ash, besides aiming to be the Champion at the Quartz Conference, he most wants to defeat Gary in a direct six-on-six battle!
As for whether Gary can make it into the six-on-six matchup... that depends on Gary's skills.
In response to Ash's declaration of war, Gary gave a nonchalant smile, then turned away coolly, waving his hand, "I'll be waiting for you at the Quartz Conference. Also, if you find Blaine, let me know, I'd like to take on the challenge too. After all, it's not good to stay in one's comfort zone all the time."
Watching Gary's distant figure, Ash, after a moment of silence, shouted, "How do I notify you?! Leave me your phone number!"
As soon as he said this, the originally dreamy scene suddenly turned awkward, and Gary almost stumbled on the deck.
"Couldn't you wait until we got off the ship to ask? You're ruining the mood, don't you get it!" Gary turned around and said, with some annoyance.
He then gave Ash a string of numbers, indicating that this was his new mobile phone number, which Ash noted down silently.
It must be said, the mobile phone, recently invented by the League, is indeed very convenient.
Although it can't do video calls yet, being able to carry it around is already quite handy.
Rumor has it that the League is conducting deeper research on mobile phones, aiming to one day allow for video calls and even Pokeball transfers via phone.
That way, there won't be a need to look for Pokeball transfer stations anymore.
But that's a matter for the future. At least for now, there's neither video calling nor Pokeball transfer functionality.
After exchanging numbers, Ash, Gary, and the others enjoyed the sea breeze on the deck for a little while longer as the ship neared Cinnabar Island.
About ten minutes later, the ship docked and Ash and company disembarked, stunned by the scene before them.
On this island, which could be considered hot, there was an overwhelming crowd!
Most people were dressed in casual wear, making it clear they were here on vacation.
Cinnabar Island is no longer what it once was; it has now become a full-fledged resort.
Seeing all these people, Ash seemed to have a bit of insight into why Blaine closed the Gym.
Cinnabar used to be a scorching volcanic island where hardly anyone visited aside from those challenging the Gym.
But in recent months, it has turned into a hugely popular tourist spot, thanks to the development of hot springs that are refreshing and rejuvenating.
Despite the hot weather, many are drawn to the hot springs on Cinnabar Island.
Bear in mind, it's already September, the hottest time of the year, and there are so many people here. It's hard to imagine how crowded the island will be in winter!
After disembarking, Gary, with a group of girls, walked up to Ash arrogantly and said, "You probably won't find a place to stay here, right? Want me to find you a hotel room? But it's a small room, suitable for just two people at most."
Gary's words seemed a bit inconsistent with his cocky demeanor. After such big talk, he could only secure a small room for Ash and his friends?
Actually, it's different; Cinnabar Island, now a tourist hotspot, makes renting accommodation very challenging. Getting a place on the spot is almost impossible.
If you want to rent a place on Cinnabar Island, the fastest you can do so is within a week.
The fact that Gary could say this shows he has the capability to immediately secure a room for Ash, which is quite a feat.
Little did Gary expect that Ash would grin and say, "No need, I already booked a place. When I learned Cinnabar Island became a tourist destination, I anticipated this and booked in advance, and it's the best hotel on the island."
Upon hearing this, Gary's expression froze. The best hotel on Cinnabar is now impossible to book, even he, with all his connections and wealth, can't manage it. Where did Ash pull his strings? Could he have asked his grandpa for help?
In fact, Ash didn't ask Professor Oak but rather Erika...
Just a few days ago, Ash called Erika to inquire about perfume sales and ended up exchanging phone numbers. Erika learned that Ash and his friends were heading to Cinnabar Island and asked if they had booked accommodations.
At that time, Ash hadn't booked yet and didn't foresee how bustling Cinnabar Island had become.
Erika informed them about the situation on Cinnabar Island and said she'd handle the booking; her connections are quite effective anywhere in Kanto.