Chapter 151: Saffron Gym Experience

The Saffron Gym was massive, far larger than any of the Gyms Ash had visited before. This wasn't just because it was located in Saffron City, one of the biggest cities in Kanto, but also because it had originally been a Fighting-type Gym.

Fighting-type Pokémon were among the most popular choices for trainers, and back when the Gym specialized in them, it had recruited many students and Gym Trainers. However, once Sabrina took over, the Gym underwent a complete transformation. Many of the former students and trainers left, yet the Gym itself remained as large as before. Over time, it was renovated, giving it a more modern and sleek appearance.

Despite its impressive structure, the Saffron Gym was not as popular as one might expect. As Ash and his group approached the building, they noticed that only a handful of trainers were waiting outside. Including Ash himself, there were only six challengers that day—a stark contrast to other Gyms, where challengers often lined up in droves.

This was proof of the Gym's terrifying reputation. Many trainers actively avoided it, choosing instead to challenge other Gyms first. It was well known that losing here came with an unusual consequence, one that most people feared more than simple defeat.

The Reputation of Saffron Gym

"Man… I don't know if I can win this time," a nervous trainer muttered as he stood in line. "If I do, I'll finally have all the badges I need for the Pokémon League."

"Same here. This is the only Gym Badge I'm missing," another trainer responded. "This is actually my second time challenging Sabrina…"

"Your second time?!" someone else exclaimed in shock.

Everyone in line turned to stare at the trainer who had just spoken. They all knew what failure at Saffron Gym meant—being turned into a doll for a whole week.

A first-time challenger hesitated before asking the inevitable question. "Can you tell us what it felt like?" He swallowed hard, already dreading the answer.

The trainer who had experienced it once before shuddered, his face darkening as he recalled the terrifying experience. He exhaled slowly, then said, "It's hard to describe… You can think, you can hear everything, but you can't move. You don't feel hunger or sleepiness, but time passes… It's like being trapped in your own body."

Just hearing this sent chills down the spines of the other trainers. A few of them instinctively took a step back, suddenly reconsidering whether they really wanted to go through with the challenge.

"But…" the trainer continued, his expression shifting to something more thoughtful. "As horrible as it was, I have to admit… I changed because of it. I had a lot of time to reflect, and I started seeing things differently."

The other trainers looked at him in confusion.

"Before, I used to get frustrated easily. I would rush into battles without thinking, always expecting to win just because I trained hard. But after what happened here… I feel like I've matured. I don't let fear control me anymore."

Some of the other trainers seemed intrigued by his words, while others still looked unsettled.

"Many people think Sabrina's methods are cruel," he continued, "but I think there's a reason behind them. Maybe she's trying to teach us something."

Ash listened carefully to the trainer's words. He didn't know if Sabrina's true purpose was to help trainers grow, but he understood one thing—he had no intention of losing this Gym battle. If he wanted to become a legend, he had to win every challenge without fail.

The Challenge Begins

At precisely 8:30 AM, the Gym doors opened. Other than the challengers and a few Gym Trainers, there were no spectators. It seemed the people of Saffron City had long since decided that this was not a Gym they wanted to casually visit.

After greeting Ash, Misty and Brock made their way to the battle hall's spectator stands. They wanted to see Sabrina's strength firsthand—and, if possible, witness exactly how she turned people into dolls. Knowing what to expect would help them prepare mentally.

Meanwhile, Ash completed his registration and sat in the waiting area. He was the sixth challenger in line.

Soon, the first trainer was called in. He followed the Gym staff through the doors into the battle hall.

Less than five minutes later, the speakers crackled to life.

"The next challenger, please proceed to the battle hall."

The waiting trainers exchanged uneasy glances. The first challenger had failed—instantly.

The second challenger was called in next. Again, the battle was over in less than five minutes.

Seeing two back-to-back defeats made some of the remaining trainers visibly anxious. One of them clenched his fists, looking like he wanted to run away.

"Listen," the trainer who had challenged before spoke up. "No matter what happens, win or lose, you have to face it. It's the only way you'll grow."

His words seemed to encourage some of them. With renewed determination, he stood up for his second challenge and walked into the battle hall.

Ten minutes later, the doors opened—and this time, the challenger returned.

His face was beaming.

"I did it!" he announced proudly, holding up his newly earned badge. "I passed the Saffron Gym challenge! I'll see you all at the Indigo Plateau Conference!"

The waiting trainers collectively sighed in relief. Someone had actually won.

But just as their confidence was returning, another failure followed. The fourth challenger never reappeared.

The fifth challenger hesitated but eventually gathered his courage and went in. His match lasted slightly longer—seven minutes—but in the end, the result was the same.

Finally, it was Ash's turn.

"The challenger, Ash Ketchum, please proceed to the battle hall."

He took a deep breath, then stood up, showing no fear. His calm demeanor reassured the remaining trainers.

"Let's go, Pikachu," Ash said, placing a hand on his partner's head. "It's time to face Sabrina."

He stepped forward and nodded to the staff member at the door, signaling that he was ready.

The staff gave him an encouraging look before opening the doors.

The Battle Hall

The battle hall was dimly lit, casting long shadows across the battlefield. At the far end of the room, seated on an elegant chair, was a girl with a cold, expressionless face.

She watched Ash with an emotionless gaze, her presence sending a slight chill down his spine.

She was Sabrina—the Gym Leader of Saffron City.

Also known as the Super Girl.

Ash clenched his fists. He had faced strong opponents before, but something about Sabrina felt different. This wasn't just about battling Pokémon—it was about facing something much deeper.

Misty and Brock watched from the stands, tense with anticipation.

Sabrina slowly stood up.

"Let's begin," she said, her voice quiet but firm.

A Poké Ball floated up from the table beside her—without her even touching it.

Ash's heartbeat quickened.

This was going to be one of the toughest battles of his life.

And he had no intention of losing.