Chapter 44: The Karate King
After resting for an entire day in the Saffron City Pokémon Center dormitory, Ash finally felt ready to get back to real work.
He woke up early, got washed, and met Verity in the dining hall.
The girl had already returned from Vermilion City.
As for Sorrel, he had apparently found some excellent documents in the Celadon City library, so he planned to stay there temporarily and wait for the two of them.
Which meant that today's activities involved only Ash and Verity.
"Ash! Are we finally going to challenge the Saffron City Gym today? I'm ready— I'm ready— I'm totally ready!"
Verity asked with sparkling excitement.
"Why do you look like you're up to no good?"
Ash asked, staring at her over his glass of milk.
That Gym Leader is the queen of psychics — she's terrifying! This isn't some casual meet-and-greet!
"Hehe, I just can't help it. Sabrina is unbelievably beautiful, and she's incredibly strong too. Honestly, Ash, I don't think you stand much of a chance. But after the battle, can you help me get her autograph?"
Verity answered without hesitation.
Ash collapsed face-first onto the table.
"Whose side are you on…?"
"I'm on your side, obviously. But I want Sabrina's autograph too."
Verity gushed, already daydreaming.
"Help…"
Ash covered his face, feeling a headache building.
"I get that you're excited, but calm down first."
"Huh? What do you mean?"
Verity blinked in confusion.
"We are indeed doing a Gym-related challenge today. But the Gym is… well, not exactly what you're imagining."
Ash explained.
"Not what I'm imagining? Are there other gyms in Saffron City?"
Verity asked, puzzled.
"You'll see when we get there."
Ash finished his milk in one gulp and tightened his gloves.
"Pikachu, let's move."
"Pika!"
Pikachu leapt onto his shoulder with practiced ease, following Ash out the door.
"Wait! You two, slow down!"
Verity rushed after them.
The two of them crossed through the bustling streets and stopped before a much older, traditional-style building.
A wooden gate, green tile roof, and a slightly worn-down signboard greeted them.
"'Fighting Dojo'…?"
Verity read the sign aloud.
"This name… it sounds incredibly shady…"
She couldn't help but complain.
"Come on now, don't say it like that."
Ash laughed.
"According to Gary's intel, if you challenge the dojo here and win, you can get a Hitmonlee or Hitmonchan personally trained by the Karate King."
"There's a deal like that?!"
Verity instantly brightened.
"Then I want to challenge too!"
"Sure, but I'll go first."
Ash smiled and knocked on the door.
Knock. Knock. Knock.
After several hits, someone finally responded.
The door cracked open, and a timid boy in a training gi peeked out.
"Um… may I help you?"
Ash nodded politely.
"We heard this is a fighting-type dojo. We came to challenge."
"Uh… Master strained his back yesterday… I'll go ask him."
The boy said awkwardly as he hurried inside.
Ash and Verity stared at one another, expressions stiff.
The mighty Karate King… strained his back?
What kind of bizarre plot was this?
"What— challengers!? Excellent! We can afford food again!"
Someone shouted from inside the dojo.
A fat drop of sweat slid down Ash's forehead.
Dude… is your dojo really struggling that much?
Ahem, ahem.
Soon, an old man with eight-shaped moustache marched out wearing a white gi.
Ash and Verity stared at this "concentrated essence of humanity," speechless.
This… was the legendary Karate King?
"Um… we…"
Verity hesitated, about to speak.
"Haah!"
The old man suddenly attempted a flying kick — and something cracked midair.
Ash winced hard.
That sound alone was painful.
"Ow, ow, ow…"
The Karate King clutched his waist, groaning.
"Master!"
The young boy rushed forward in panic to support him.
But the old man waved him off and stared at Ash and Verity with surprisingly fiery determination.
"You two… are the challengers…"
The two challengers exchanged helpless glances.
"Uh… well…"
They wanted the fighting-type Pokémon, yes — but beating up an injured elderly man felt morally questionable.
"Actually, what we wanted was—"
Ash tried to explain.
But the Karate King was stubborn to the core.
"No need to say more. Challenge fee is one thousand per person. Pay now. Fight immediately…"
Ash's mouth twitched.
"Sir… if your back gets worse during the match… you won't blame us, right?"
"What insolence!"
The old man exploded.
"I am the Karate King Kiyo! I have dominated the world of combat for decades! I only injure others — no one injures me! Don't underestimate me just because you are young!"
Verity gently poked his waist.
Just one poke.
"AAAH! My back! My back!"
Kiyo immediately collapsed onto his disciple, screaming.
"You wicked child! No respect! Striking an elderly master by surprise!"
"I didn't mean to…"
Verity pressed her palms together apologetically.
"Anyway… pay the fee and challenge. Hurry…"
Kiyo insisted as he forced himself upright.
"Master… maybe we should stop…"
The boy looked ready to cry.
"Stop? Impossible! My honor is at stake!"
Kiyo declared stubbornly.
"Urshuckly! Open the middle gate! Prepare for battle!"
He barked.
"Yes!"
The boy straightened his posture and pulled the wooden bar aside.
An old-fashioned dojo courtyard appeared — worn wooden targets, a fading floor… everything looked aged, fragile even.
Ash and Verity followed Kiyo into the courtyard.
Perhaps out of concern for repair costs, the old man announced,
"We'll fight in the yard. It's spacious, and I can fight more freely."
Both challengers nodded.
Destroying the dojo interior would be a nightmare in this condition.
After paying the challenge fee, the two sides took their places.
Ash noticed how eager Verity looked and graciously stepped aside to let her go first.
"Grandpa, don't overdo it, okay?"
Verity said kindly.
"What nonsense. I don't need a little girl worrying about me. And you are to address me as the Karate King!"
Nobuhiko scolded, hands on hips.
"Okay, Karate King Grandpa~"
Verity chirped, utterly ignoring his correction.
"Hmph!"
The old man grumbled and drew a Poké Ball.
"Let me teach you the true essence of fighting!"
"Then I won't hold back!"
Verity's eyes shone as she grabbed her Poké Ball.
Urshuckly stepped between them as referee.
"Now then! The Fighting Dojo's one-on-one battle begins!"
Kiyo struck a dramatic martial arts pose and threw his ball.
"Go, my Pokémon — Machoke!"
"Machoke!"
A Machoke with wrinkles around its eyes and mouth landed heavily on the field.
Verity swiftly threw her Poké Ball.
"Piplup, I'm counting on you!"
The match officially began.
To be continued…