Pokémon: Gilbert's Kanto Journey

by Canadude2029

Gilbert and Bulbasaur start their journey across the world of Pokémon. Together, they'll be joined by many friends as they pursue their dreams.

18. Challenge at the Dojo

Chapter 18: Challenge at the Dojo

After winning his 4th badge at the Saffron City Gym, Gilbert and his friends decided to relax in Saffron City for a bit. Today, they had arrived at the Fighting Dojo. "Well, gang, this is it. The Saffron City Fighting Dojo." Arata said. The group stared at it in awe. Though, Sakura was a bit confused. "I don't get it. What exactly is the story behind this place?" She asked. "You see, the Fighting Dojo actually used to be a Pokémon Gym before the Saffron Gym took its place. But it still remains open as an unofficial gym that accepts worthy challengers." Yolanda explained. "Plus, every trainer that studies here use only Fighting-Types." Tad added. "What do you think, Gilbert? You think you're ready for a challenge like this?" Arata asked. "If I want to become stronger for the next Gym, this is the place to do it." Gilbert said.

As the group entered the Dojo, they saw dozens of Black Belt Trainers training and battling with their many Fighting-Type Pokémon. "Wow, you weren't kidding. Look at all of these Fighting-Types." Sakura said. "Yes, indeed. The Fighting Dojo is home for the heart of the Fighting-Type. As they say; home is where the heart is. And for a Fighting-Type, the heart is in the fight." A young boy said as he meditated in the middle of the Dojo. "Huh? Who's the soothsayer?" Gilbert asked. "Don't know." Arata said. "I am Zen Hyuuga, and I am a prized student of the Karate Master of the Fighting Dojo." The young boy, Zen, introduced. "It's nice to meet you. I'm Gilbert from Pallet Town." Gilbert introduced. "My name's Yolanda from Pewter City." Yolanda introduced. "I'm Sakura from Ecruteak City." Sakura introduced. "My name's Tad Garcia." Tad introduced. "And I'm Arata from Celadon City." Arata introduced. "It's a pleasure to meet you all. So, what brings you all to the Fighting Dojo?" Zen asked. "Well, we actually just came from the Saffron Gym." Gilbert said. "I see. You won yourself a badge from Sabrina?" Zen asked. "I did, indeed. And I was hoping to get some battle practice here we head out for the next city." Gilbert said. Zen's smirk grew mischievous as he stood up. "Then perhaps we shall have a battle to see if you have what it takes." He said. "Sounds good to me." Gilbert said.

Gilbert and Zen stood on opposite sides of the Dojo's battlefield as they prepared for their battle. Yolanda, Sakura, Tad and Arata sat on their knees with the other students on the sidelines as they watched. "Let's hope you're ready for the one true challenge of your life, friend." Zen said. "Trust me, this will be a bigger challenge for you." Gilbert said. "The battle between young acting Master Zen and Gilbert from Pallet Town will now commence. Each side will have the use of 4 Pokémon. Only the challenger will be permitted to make substitutions. The battle will be over when all 4 Pokémon on either side is unable to continue battling." One of the students serving as the referee explained. "Wow. Just like back in the gyms." Tad said. "As the most experienced student in the Dojo, it will be my privilege to show you my first choice of Pokémon." Zen said, getting out a PokéBall. "Hitmonchan, time to battle!" He tossed the PokéBall, releasing the Punching Pokémon. "Hitmonchan!" He bellowed. Gilbert got out his Pokédex and scanned the punching Pokémon.

Hitmonchan, the Punching Pokémon. A Fighting-Type. It uses arm-twisting punches to pulverize its opponents. It can even pulverize through concrete.

"So, he's using a Hitmonchan first. In that case…Beedrill, I choose you!" Gilbert called, tossing a PokéBall. "Spee!" Beedrill buzzed as he came out. "Hmm…" Zen stared curiously. "Why's Gilbert starting with Beedrill? Poison-Types aren't that effective against Fighting-Types." Sakura said with concern. "He might be planning to use Beedrill's speed to confuse Hitmonchan since most Fighting-Types prefer close-up battling." Arata said. "Well, here's hoping." Sakura said with worry.

"Hitmonchan, let's start this out with our best move. Use Mach Punch." Zen ordered. "Monchan!" Hitmonchan's right glove glowed bright blue as he hit Beedrill with incredible speed. The group was shocked by that. "How'd Hitmonchan strike so fast?" Tad asked. "Mach Punch allows the user to strike first, just like Quick Attack." Yolanda said. "Beedrill, are you okay?" Gilbert asked with concern as Beedrill recovered. "Spee!" Beedrill buzzed, saying he was alright. "Okay, Beedrill, let's fight back with Twineedle!" Gilbert called. "Spee!" Beedrill charged in, readying his Twineedle. "Hitmonchan, Detect." Zen ordered. "Chan." Hitmonchan's eyes glowed light orange, dodging each one of Beedrill's strikes without even breaking a sweat. "Ugh! As long as Hitmonchan uses Detect, we can't land a single hit." Gilbert said. "Let's finish this, Hitmonchan. Use Fire Punch." Zen ordered. "Hitmon…CHAN!" Hitmonchan's right glove became engulfed in fire and punched Beedrill hard. "SPEE!" Beedrill cried in pain from being punched. "Beedrill, no!" Gilbert cried. "Spee…" Beedrill fainted from all the damage from that Fire-Type attack. "Beedrill is unable to battle." The student referee declared. "Well done, Hitmonchan." Zen said. "Monchan." Hitmonchan said, throwing some punches into the air.

"Beedrill, return." Gilbert said, returning Beedrill to his PokéBall. "You did your best, Beedrill. But we'll both get better. I promise." He said. "Poor Beedrill." Sakura said with sadness. "I never would've expected that Hitmonchan would know Fire Punch." Tad said. "Hitmonchan is really living up to its reputation as the Punching Demon." Arata said. "I wonder what Gilbert's gonna do." Yolanda said. Gilbert thought about his next Pokémon and got a determined look. "Sneasel, you're up next!" Gilbert called, tossing his next PokéBall. "Sneasel!" Sneasel shrieked. "Ah, an ancient Hisuian Sneasel. You must be lucky to have captured such a rare Pokémon." Zen said. "Sneasel's a lot more than just rare, Zen. Show them, Sneasel. Throat Chop!" Gilbert called. "Sneas…EL!" Sneasel struck Hitmonchan with Throat Chop. "Strike back, Hitmonchan! Brick Break!" Zen ordered. "Hitmon!" Hitmonchan charged towards Sneasel, his right glove glowing white. "Counter it with Metal Claw, Sneasel!" Gilbert called. "Sneasel!" Sneasel charged at Hitmonchan, colliding its Brick Break with Metal Claw. "Now Fury Swipes!" Gilbert called. "Detect!" Zen ordered. Hitmonchan's eyes glowed again as he dodged Sneasel's Fury Swipes. 'I thought he'd try Detect again.' Gilbert thought. "Now, Sneasel, use Feint!" He called. "Snea…" Sneasel's right claw glowed orange before slashing Hitmonchan's lower body. Everyone was shocked by this. "Hit…mon…" Hitmonchan clutched the spot where Sneasel scratched it in pain. "Hitmonchan!" Zen called with worry. "Now, Sneasel, finish it with Rock Smash!" Gilbert called. "Sneas…EL!" Sneasel struck Hitmonchan hard with Rock Smash, making Hitmonchan faint. "Hitmonchan is unable to battle." The student referee declared. "Great job, Sneasel." Gilbert said. "Sneasel." Sneasel winked happily.

Zen returned Hitmonchan to its PokéBall, stunned by his loss. "Wow. I never expected Sneasel to know Feint. You were a true Dojo warrior to the end, Hitmonchan." He said before getting his second PokéBall ready. "Hitmonlee, it's your turn!" He tossed the PokéBall, releasing the kicking Pokémon. "Hitmon…LEE!" Hitmonlee let loose a powerful kick upon release. Gilbert scanned Hitmonlee with his Pokédex.

Hitmonlee, the Kicking Pokémon. A Fighting-Type. Its legs can stretch double to deliver powerful kick attacks. First-time opponents are usually startled by its extendible reach.

"First Hitmonchan, now Hitmonlee. This Zen kid sure must have quite the Fighting-Type arsenal." Tad said. "Maybe Gilbert should consider a substitute. Hitmonlee is undoubtable as strong as Hitmonchan." Yolanda said. "How do you know, Yolanda?" Sakura asked. "Because I've seen other Trainers come to Pewter Gym with Fighting-Types like Hitmonlee. Their kicking attacks are no joke." Yolanda explained.

"Sneasel, you good to keep going?" Gilbert asked. "Snea!" Sneasel said, ready to battle. "Alright then. Let's start off with another Throat Chop." Gilbert said. "Snea…" Sneasel charged in with Throat Chop. "Low Sweep." Zen ordered. "Hitmon…LEE!" Hitmonlee swept his right leg, tripping Sneasel. "Sneasel!" Gilbert cried with worry. "Sneasel." Sneasel recovered, glaring at Hitmonlee. "Now, Close Combat." Zen ordered. "Monlee!" Hitmonlee's eyes glowed orange as he started kicking Sneasel repeatedly. "Oh no!" Sakura said with worry. "Sneasel's getting hit hard!" Tad said. "Hold on, Gilbert." Yolanda said. Sneasel couldn't take anymore and fainted. "Sneasel is unable to battle." The student referee declared. Gilbert returned Sneasel to his PokéBall. "You battled hard, Sneasel. Get a good rest." He said. "You might as well admit you're beaten. You can't possibly beat my Hitmonlee as easy as you defeated my Hitmonchan." Zen said. "You got to be kidding." Gilbert said with a smile. Zen and the other students were confused. "With how strong your Hitmonchan and Hitmonlee are, there's no way I'm gonna give up. Especially with this being the perfect training in order to prepare for my next Gym Battle." Gilbert explained. "You carry such heavy dreams. But I'm not exactly interested in listening to your foolishness. So, just give up." Zen said. "Fat chance. And now…Spearow, I choose you!" Gilbert called, tossing his next PokéBall. "Spear!" Spearow squawked upon release. "He's using Spearow next." Tad said. "Makes sense. Flying-Types have a major advantage over Fighting-Types." Sakura said. "But remember, this kid knows his stuff with Fighting Pokémon." Arata said. "Maybe. But Gilbert knows what to expect from Zen and his Hitmonlee." Yolanda said. "Let's hope so. Those feet attacks are no joke." Tad said.

"Hitmonlee, let's start things out with a Mega Kick." Zen ordered. "Hitmon…" Hitmonlee's right foot glowed bright blue as he prepared to kick Spearow. "Spearow, dodge it with Agility!" Gilbert called. "Spear!" Spearow increased its speed with Agility as he dodged Hitmonlee's Mega Kick. "That's pretty fast. But not fast enough. Hit it with Rolling Kick." Zen ordered. "Hitmon…LEE!" Hitmonlee turned around and swung his leg with Rolling Kick. "Spearow, look out!" Gilbert called. But Spearow managed to flip upside down and fly backwards and over the Rolling Kick, dodging it. Zen was surprised by this move. "Whoa! I didn't know Spearow could move like that." Tad said. "Well, Gilbert's been training hard with Spearow in order to prepare to battle against Fighting-Types." Yolanda said. "That's right. Spearow's flying abilities can make him wicked fast if trained the right way." Sakura said. "Now let's strike back, Spearow! Wing Attack!" Gilbert called. "Spearow!" Spearow slapped Hitmonlee hard with Wing Attack, dealing some serious damage. "Nobody does that to my Hitmonlee and gets away with it. Use High Jump Kick, Hitmonlee." Zen ordered. "Hitmon…" Hitmonlee's left kneecap glowed bright orange as it leapt up to kick Spearow. "Spearow, dodge it, quick!" Gilbert called. "Spear!" Spearow flew away, causing Hitmonlee to kick the ceiling. "Oh no!" Zen cried. As Hitmonlee landed, he dropped down on one knee, gripping his injured knee in pain. "What just happened?" Sakura asked. "When a Pokémon uses High Jump Kick and misses, it damages itself." Arata explained. "And when that happens, it can cause problems for the Pokémon." Yolanda said.

"Hitmonlee, you can't let a little pain stop you." Zen said, sounding a little selfish. "Hit…mon…lee." Hitmonlee stood back up, ignoring the pain. "Zen, I don't think Hitmonlee has it in it to battle with that injury. Maybe it's best to call it quits before Hitmonlee gets even more hurt." Gilbert said. "A true Fighting Master never accepts defeat from any opponent. Not even a twinge of pain." Zen said. The other students looked at Zen with concern, not liking the way he was talking. "Then I guess you leave me no choice. Let's wrap this up with Drill Peck, Spearow." Gilbert said. "Spear!" Spearow flew towards Hitmonlee and started twirling like a drill. "This is it, Hitmonlee. Let's wrap it up with our best move. Use Blaze Kick." Zen ordered. "Hitmonlee!" Hitmonlee's right foot became engulfed in fire as he prepared to kick Spearow. But its injured kneecap kicked in. Spearow took advantage of this and dodged the Blaze Kick before striking Hitmonlee dead center. "Hitmonlee, no!" Zen cried. Hitmonlee fainted from the damaging Flying-Type attack. "Hitmonlee is unable to battle." The student referee declared. "Alright!" Sakura and Yolanda cheered. "That's 2 for 2." Tad said, air-punching his fists.

Zen returned Hitmonlee to his PokéBall, and was looking pretty agitated. "It's been too long since I lost 2 of my Pokémon. You're proving to be a very serious opponent. And to tell you the truth…I'm getting sick of it." He said. Everyone was confused by this. "What're you talking about? I was just using my strategy with Spearow." Gilbert said. "What good is strategy when all you need is the Fighting-Type strength? That is all a true Pokémon Trainer needs in life." Zen said. The student referee and the other students looked at Zen with disbelief. They had seen this side of him before during his training. "Now, let us see how you handle this Pokémon. I choose Hitmontop!" Zen called, tossing his third PokéBall. "Hitmontop!" Hitmontop started spinning before landing on its feet. "A Hitmontop." Gilbert said, scanning Hitmontop with his Pokédex.

Hitmontop, the Handstand Pokémon. A Fighting-Type. It fights while spinning like a top, using its smooth, dance-like kicks with a remarkable mixture of offense and defense.

"Hitmontop's the third and final member of the Tyrogue evolution line. And Zen has all 3 of them at once." Yolanda said. "Then this is just getting more and more interesting by the second." Arata said. "Hitmontop, let's start things out with your best move. Use Triple Kick!" Zen ordered. "Hitmontop! TopTopTopTopTop!" Hitmontop started spinning like a top as he moved towards Spearow with Triple Kick. "Quick, Spearow, block those kicks with Wing Attack!" Gilbert called. "Spear!" Spearow blocked each kick with a swat of Wing Attack. "Now hit it with Tri Attack!" Gilbert called. "Spear…ow!" Spearow formed Tri Attack between its wings and fired it towards Hitmontop. "Detect." Zen ordered. Hitmontop's eyes glowed bright orange as he dodged the Tri Attack. "So, Hitmontop knows Detect too." Gilbert said. "Let's finish this! Use Gyro Ball!" Zen ordered. "Hitmon…TOP!" Hitmontop's feet started glowing bright blue as he spun towards Spearow. "Counter that with Drill Peck!" Gilbert called. "Spear…" Spearow spun with Drill Peck. The 2 attacks collided, struggling to push each other back. But then, they caused a mini explosion. "Spearow, no!" Gilbert cried. "Hitmontop, stay strong!" Zen ordered. But as the smoke cleared, Spearow and Hitmontop were both knocked out. "Spearow and Hitmontop are both unable to battle!" The student referee declared. Everyone was shocked by this. Gilbert returned Spearow to his PokéBall. "Good job, Spearow. You really did your best. Now take a nice long rest." He said.

Zen growled in frustration as he returned Hitmontop to his PokéBall. "You are really starting to test my patience, Gilbert. And I will not tolerate an unfair battle!" He exclaimed. "Unfair? What're you talking about? I'm just battling as best as I can." Gilbert said. "The best as you can means nothing! I'm the best student in this dojo and I'm not about to let some newb break my unbeaten streak!" Zen exclaimed in frustration. The other students looked at him, sensing that his undefeated rank as the top student has really affected his life. "I've officially had enough of this unfair battle. It's time for you to face my best Pokémon." Zen declared. "I don't like the sound of that." Gilbert said with worry. "Oh yes. This Pokémon and I have been through a lot together in this dojo. We've climbed up the ranks together. And now, we're gonna take you right out and show you our true strength. Come on out, Mienshao!" Zen exclaimed, tossing his last PokéBall. "Shao!" Mienshao shouted as she came out. "What is that?" Gilbert asked as he scanned Mienshao with his Pokédex.

Mienshao, the Martial Arts Pokémon. A Fighting-Type and the evolved form of Mienfoo. It wields the long fur on its arms like a whip, using attacks so rapid, none of its opponents ever see it coming.

"Mienshao? I've never heard of this Pokémon before." Sakura said. "That's because Mienshao's a Pokémon from the Unova region." Arata said. "Fascinating. Using a Unova Pokémon in a Kanto Pokémon Dojo." Yolanda said. "But I wonder which Pokémon Gilbert's gonna use to battle a Mienshao." Tad said. "If Mienshao is as strong as Zen says it is, I'd say the best choice would be either Ivysaur with his Grass-Type moves or Gengar due to its immunity to Fighting attacks." Yolanda suggested. Gilbert took out a PokéBall and got a determined look on his face. "We've come this far. That Mienshao may look tough, but I have total faith in you. Machop, I choose you!" He called, tossing the PokéBall. "Machop!" Machop shouted, ready to fight. "He's using Machop." Tad said in surprise. "Makes sense. He must want to finish this battle with his own Fighting-Type." Yolanda said. "But if Sneasel couldn't handle Hitmonlee after defeating Hitmonchan, what can Machop do that'll help defeat Mienshao?" Sakura asked with worry. "We'll see." Arata said.

"Alright, Machop, Karate Chop!" Gilbert called. "Ma…" Machop prepared to strike with Karate Chop. "Quick Guard." Zen ordered. "Mien…shao!" Mienshao summoned a red barrier in front of herself, protecting herself from Machop's attack. "Oh no." Gilbert said with worry. "Machop." Machop was annoyed. "What's Quick Guard?" Sakura asked. "It's a Fighting-Type move that acts like Protect or Detect, protecting the user from taking damage from any attack." Yolanda said. "Don't give up, Machop! Let's try Rock Smash!" Gilbert called. Machop charged back in, preparing to attack with Rock Smash. "Dodge it with Agility!" Zen ordered. "Shao!" Mienshao increased her speed with Agility as she dodged Machop's attack. "Now use Force Palm!" Zen ordered. "Mien…shao!" Mienshao got in close and placed her left paw against Machop's chest before hitting him with a pulse blast. "Machop, no!" Gilbert cried with worry as Machop recovered. "Ma…chop!" Machop groaned as electricity crackled around him. "Oh no." Gilbert said with worry. "What happened?" Sakura asked with worry. "Force Palm can sometimes paralyze a Pokémon. A real problem." Arata said. "Time to end this unfair nonsense. Mienshao, finish it with High Jump Kick." Zen ordered. "Mien…shao!" Mienshao leapt at Machop and struck him with High Jump Kick, sending him flying into the wall. "Machop!" Gilbert cried. Machop struggled to stand back up, glaring at Mienshao, who was daring him to get back up. "Do us both a favor and stay down, Machop. You can't beat Mienshao and you never will." Zen said. "You're wrong. Machop never gives up and neither will I." Gilbert said. "Then you are a fool. That's what separates the best from the unworthy." Zen said.

Suddenly, there was a bright glow coming from Machop. "Uh, guys, something's up with Machop." Sakura said. Everyone looked to see Machop glowing bright blue. Just then, Machop started growing bigger. As the growing stopped and the glow died down, in Machop's place stood… "Machoke!" Machoke flexed. "Machop evolved into Machoke!" Gilbert said with surprise as he scanned Machoke with his Pokédex.

Machoke, the Superpower Pokémon. A Fighting-Type and the evolved form of Machop. Its belt holds in the energy stored inside its body. It could lift up an entire truck with a single hand.

"Awesome. And we got some new moves up our sleeve too." Gilbert said. "That's amazing that Machop evolved right as things got bad." Tad said. "Not only that. He also looks like evolving also cured his paralysis from earlier." Yolanda said. "That's amazing." Sakura said in awe. "Machoke, you think you can keep battling?" Gilbert asked. "Machoke!" Machoke punched his fists, ready to continue battling. "You can't be serious. Even if your Pokémon has evolved, you're still no match for Mienshao. So, just give it up." Zen demanded. "Sorry, Zen, but there's no way we're ever gonna give up." Gilbert said. "Then you leave me no choice. Use Acrobatics and let's get this over with." Zen ordered. "Mien…shao!" Mienshao became outlined in bright blue as she flew towards Machoke. "Not good! Acrobatics is a Flying-Type move! Machoke won't stand a chance!" Yolanda said with worry. But before Mienshao could strike, Machoke actually caught her! "What?!" Zen exclaimed in shock. "Machoke caught the attack!" Sakura cheered. "Alright, Machoke, let's show Zen your new strength. Use Submission!" Gilbert called. "Machoke!" Machoke held onto Mienshao as he started tumbling with her, dealing Mienshao some serious damage. "Nice work, Machoke. Now let's use Seismic Toss!" Gilbert called. "Ma…CHOKE!" Machoke leapt up and started spinning with Mienshao in his grip as the Earth appeared in the background before tossing Mienshao to the ground hard. "Alright!" Yolanda and Sakura cheered. "So, Machoke knows Submission and Seismic Toss. Those are 2 of the most powerful Fighting-Type attacks ever." Arata said. "Amazing. Gilbert just might win this." Tad said in awe. But then, Mienshao got back up, but struggled due to being hurt. "Zen, Mienshao took a lot of damage from Machoke's attacks. You should stop now before Mienshao gets more hurt." Gilbert said. "Never! Mienshao and I will never give up until we win!" Zen exclaimed, not even caring for Mienshao's well-being. The students became shocked by this outburst. "Then, you leave me no choice. Use Drain Punch and let's wrap this up, Machoke." Gilbert said. "Machoke! Ma!" Machoke's right fist glowed in an orb of green absorbing energy and charged towards Mienshao. "Come on, Mienshao, show them that we're winners! Use Rock Smash!" Zen ordered carelessly. "Mien…shao!" Mienshao, determined to prove its strength, charged towards Machoke, her right fist glowing orange with Rock Smash. The 2 attacks collided with the 2 Pokémon struggling against each other. "Looks like another draw." Sakura said. "Look again." Yolanda said. Machoke's Drain Punch had absorbed Mienshao's remaining energy, causing her to lose the last of her strength and faint on Machoke's feet. "Mienshao is unable to battle! The winner is Gilbert from Pallet Town!" The student referee declared.

"Alright!" Gilbert cheered. "Machoke!" Machoke flexed his muscles in victory. "I don't get it. How did Machoke just win?" Sakura asked. "It's the side effect of his last move, Drain Punch. When it makes contact with its opponent, Drain Punch drains the opponent's energy and heals the user." Yolanda explained. "It's a very effective Fighting-Type attack and a very effective if used with the right strategy." Arata added.

Zen collapsed onto his knees, shocked at what had happened. "But…how could…I couldn't have…I'm the best student." He said. "Perhaps you've forgotten the Master's teachings, young Zen." The student referee said. Zen was confused. "Your position as the top student has gone to your head. You cared too much about the chance of victory, you've forgotten to care about the well-being of your own Pokémon. Mienshao was clearly worn out, but you chose to ignore her injuries and push her to the brink where she couldn't continue." The student referee explained. "That's not true! I knew Mienshao could've kept fighting even when injured." Zen snapped. "Shao." Mienshao, having recovered from the hard battle, walked up. "Come on, Mienshao. I know you could've won. You're as strong as they come." Zen said. "Shao." Mienshao shook her head. "What? You couldn't?" Zen asked, stunned. "You see? Even Mienshao knows that victory isn't everything to her. She knew she was tired and worn out from battling Machoke, but continued on your stubborn insistence. You may be the Master's top student, Zen, but even you still have much to learn about being a great Pokemon trainer. And I think they're the kind of trainers who can teach you." The student referee explained. Zen looked at Gilbert's group, deep in thought about what he was just told.

"I'm really proud of you, Machoke. Your strength and Fighting-Type prowess really came through once again." Gilbert said. "Machoke." Machoke grabbed Gilbert and brought him into a big squeeze. "Hey! Take it easy!" Gilbert yelled as he and the others laughed. But then, they noticed Zen walking up to them, his head hung in shame. "Hey, Zen, you okay?" Gilbert asked. "No. Far from it, actually. I wish to apologize for my behavior during our battle. I now realized that you were right. I was pushing myself to do whatever I had to achieve victory, caring less about my Pokémon's well-being." Zen explained. Gilbert and his friends were saddened to hear that. "But seeing as how I still have so much to learn on becoming a better Fighting-Type trainer, I've decided to set out on my own journey with you guys. If you'll have me." Zen said, perking right back up. The gang was surprised to hear that, but smiled with approval. "Sure, Zen. We always welcome new friends." Yolanda said. "The more the merrier." Tad said. "If it'll help you become a better trainer, that's good enough for me." Sakura said. "Thank you. I promise that will do what I can to help in any way." Zen said. "I know. And so will we." Gilbert said, giving Zen a handshake.

Later, having packed his own bag, Zen prepared to set off with Gilbert's group. "Well, I suppose this is it. But I promise, my brothers and sisters, I will return when I become a better Fighting-Type trainer." He said. "We'll hold you to that, young Master Zen." The student referee sobbed, along with the other students and their Pokémon. The group chuckled nervously at the display of emotions. "Oh, and young Master Gilbert, we have something for you." The student referee said. "For me?" Gilbert asked. "Here." The student referee said, holding out a copper and silver badge shaped like a Hitmonlee's foot. "A badge? But I thought the Fighting Dojo was unofficial." Gilbert said. "It is. But while our dojo is unofficial, we've been granted special permission to hand out our own official badges to those who defeat our top student or even our Master." The student referee explained. "He's right. And since you have defeated me in battle, this Dojo Badge rightfully belongs to you." Zen said. Gilbert was in awe at this and accepted the badge. "Thank you so much. This is amazing. Has anyone else ever won this kind of badge before me?" He asked. "There was this one other trainer that I heard about. This kid in a cap with a Pikachu." Zen said. "He must mean Ash." Yolanda said. "Makes sense. He's a brilliant trainer." Sakura said. "Awesome." Gilbert said, examining his newest badge.

After earning their latest badge from the Fighting Dojo, Arata and Gilbert's group prepared to head their separate ways. "Well, I guess this is where I say goodbye for now." Arata said. "So, where are you heading next, Arata?" Yolanda asked. "Where else? I'm gonna head off into the canyons for some special training." Arata said. "Sounds good. Well, we're heading off for the next gym." Yolanda said. "That's in Celadon City, right?" Sakura asked. "That's right. When you get there, if you happen to meet up with Aubrina, tell her I said I'll see her real soon." Arata said. "Will do, Arata. We'll see you then." Gilbert said. "Right. Until then, my friends." Arata said, heading on his way. "Guess we better get going too." Gilbert said. "Right." The group said simultaneously. So, they left Saffron City, not just with 2 new badges, but with a new friend and a newly evolved Machoke, continuing their journey towards Celadon City.

Major Events:

Gilbert and his friends visit the Pokémon Fighting Dojo

Gilbert meets and battles the Dojo's top student, Zen Hyuuga, and won

Gilbert's Machop evolves into Machoke

Zen joins the group on their journey

Gilbert earns an official Dojo Badge from the Fighting Dojo