Chapter 51: Invitation

The hamburger set arrived quickly, delivered by a polite waiter. It lived up to its reputation—the taste was exceptional. 

Ash, who had eaten his fair share of burgers during his travels, admitted to himself that this was the best burger he had ever tried.

Brock, ever the culinary enthusiast, analyzed the flavors with precision. After a few bites, he had already deduced the likely seasoning recipe. 

Jotting notes into his ever-present notebook, he made plans to replicate the recipe later—not to sell, of course, but to share with his friends. 

Still, he kept his observations private, respecting the fact that Whitney was the restaurant's spokesperson.

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After their meal, Whitney guided the group through the Goldenrod Department Store. This massive establishment was more than just a shopping destination; it boasted a variety of entertainment options, including an arcade.

Though Ash and his friends weren't particularly drawn to arcade games, they did spend a few minutes testing their luck at claw machines before moving on. 

The group wandered through the department store until mid-afternoon, enjoying the vibrant atmosphere.

At around 3 PM, Whitney led them to a cozy café, where they took a short break with coffee. 

Afterward, their next destination was Trainer Street—a bustling hub filled with vendors and Trainers from across the regions.

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Trainer Street was alive with activity. Small stalls lined the road, each packed with a variety of unique items. The air buzzed with the voices of vendors advertising their wares.

"Specialty handmade Poké Balls! Crafted from the finest Apricorns in the Galar region! Priced at 90% of the market rate! First come, first served!" shouted one stall owner, gesturing to an array of brightly colored Poké Balls.

Ash and his friends were intrigued, though they couldn't be sure if the claims were genuine.

"Casteliacone! Freshly made Casteliacone from the Unova region! Delicious and effective for curing Pokémon's Status Conditions! Limited supply!" called out another vendor, gesturing to a cart of creamy, swirled ice cream.

Whitney explained the origins of the treat as the group bought one to share. "Casteliacone is made using MooMoo Milk and snow clouds created by Vanilluxe. But only Vanilluxe from the Unova region can do this, making it a regional specialty!"

The cone was expensive, but the flavor was worth every penny.

They continued exploring, finding other regional specialties like Lava Cookies from Hoenn's Lavaridge Town and Lumiose Galettes from Kalos. 

Besides food, there were various service stalls, offering Pokémon grooming, training consultations, and more.

"This place is amazing," Misty said, her eyes sparkling. Though she'd visited many cities over the past year, the energy and variety of Goldenrod City were unparalleled.

Whitney, walking ahead, turned with a proud grin. "Of course! Isn't it impressive? Goldenrod City is my territory, after all."

As the Gym Leader, Whitney wasn't directly responsible for the city's development, but she played a crucial role in maintaining its order and reputation.

Misty nodded, filing away mental notes. She was already thinking about how to apply some of these ideas to Cerulean City when she eventually inherited her family's gym.

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After Trainer Street, Whitney led the group to another restaurant—one where she was also the spokesperson. Dinner was just as memorable as lunch, the flavors rich and satisfying.

As they ate, Whitney suddenly spoke up, her tone serious. "By the way, Goldenrod City is currently building a new stadium."

Ash, Brock, and Misty looked up from their plates, intrigued but puzzled.

"The stadium is under construction in the northeast part of the city, near the National Park," Whitney explained.

"So… what's the connection to us?" Ash asked, sensing there was more to this story.

Whitney smiled, her expression a mix of mischief and sincerity. "I was getting to that. The stadium is set to be completed in about a year, and a week after its completion, we'll be holding an opening ceremony."

She paused, letting the weight of her next words sink in. "On behalf of Goldenrod City, I'd like to formally invite you, Ash, to participate in the opening ceremony as a guest performer in an exhibition match!"

Ash blinked, caught off guard by the sudden invitation. Brock and Misty exchanged glances, equally surprised.

Whitney pressed on, explaining her reasoning. "The stadium is a significant project for Goldenrod City. It's important that the opening ceremony leaves a strong impression. We need someone with your reputation, Ash, to headline the exhibition match."

While Ash was undeniably famous for someone so new to the Trainer scene, his popularity wasn't yet on par with the Elite Four. Whitney, however, was betting on his continued rise.

"In a year, your reputation will be even greater than it is now," Whitney added. "Inviting you now is easier than trying to book someone of your caliber later."

She leaned in, her tone persuasive. "And don't worry—it's a paid opportunity. You won't be doing this for free."

Ash hesitated. While the idea was intriguing, he wasn't motivated by money. Next month, his personal clothing brand would launch, and if successful, financial concerns would no longer be an issue. Whitney's offer would need to have more appeal than just payment.

"Think about it," Whitney urged, sensing Ash's hesitation. "This could be a great opportunity for you to showcase your skills and contribute to something memorable."

Ash nodded slowly. "I'll consider it," he said, his mind already turning over the possibilities.

As dinner continued, the conversation shifted to lighter topics, but the invitation lingered in Ash's thoughts. 

A year might seem far away, but Whitney's proposal could mark an important milestone in his journey.

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