Chapter 198: Janine
Observing the Battle
The auditorium was filled not only with excited spectators but also with two keen observers—Koga's daughter, Janine, and his younger sister, Aya.
Both had been watching Ash's battle with Koga with great interest.
Aya, usually calm and composed, was slightly stunned.
✔ It was rare to hear her older brother praise a challenger so highly.
✔ Even more surprising—he seemed genuinely impressed.
"This is the first time I've ever heard my brother give such a high evaluation of a Trainer..." Aya murmured, unable to hide her astonishment.
Beside her, Janine's expression darkened slightly.
✔ She felt a twinge of jealousy.
✔ Even though she was Koga's own daughter, she had never received such high praise.
Her fists clenched as she stared at Ash, who had just turned to leave the battle hall.
---
Janine's Impulse
As Ash walked away, Janine abruptly stood up.
✔ Without a word, she bolted toward the exit.
"Janine, wait!" Aya called after her, quickly realizing what had happened.
However, Janine ignored her and kept running.
Aya sighed, hesitating for a brief second before chasing after her.
"What is she thinking?" Aya muttered under her breath as she followed.
---
An Unexpected Challenge
After leaving the battle hall, Ash met up with Misty and Brock in the waiting area.
✔ They were planning to return to the Pokémon Center to rest.
✔ But just as they stepped outside—
A sudden figure appeared before them, blocking their path.
It was Janine.
✔ She wore a sleek ninja uniform.
✔ Her short, purple hair was neatly tied back.
✔ Despite her usual composure, her face showed visible frustration.
"Hey, battle me!" she demanded.
Ash blinked, caught off guard. "Huh?"
Even Pikachu, sitting on his shoulder, tilted its head in confusion.
Janine's eyes narrowed. "I said—battle me!"
Before Ash could respond, a second figure suddenly appeared beside Janine—almost as if she had teleported!
---
Aya Intervenes
The unexpected arrival startled Ash and his friends.
✔ The woman had long, dark hair tied in a ponytail.
✔ She carried herself with elegance and authority.
Aya sighed, placing a hand on Janine's head, firmly holding her in place.
"I apologize for my niece's behavior," Aya said politely.
✔ Her tone was gentle yet firm.
✔ She turned to Janine and said, "That's no way to challenge someone."
Janine huffed, but didn't resist.
"Isn't that what Trainers do?" Janine argued. "If you meet a strong opponent, you challenge them!"
Aya hesitated—because, to some extent, Janine wasn't wrong.
---
Misty's Annoyance
Misty, however, wasn't amused.
✔ She stepped forward, placing her hands on her hips.
✔ Her eyebrows furrowed in irritation.
"Who are you, anyway?!" Misty snapped. "You suddenly jump out and demand a battle without even introducing yourself?"
Janine crossed her arms, unfazed.
"Hmph, fine. I'm Janine, Koga's daughter."
✔ The revelation surprised Ash and Brock.
✔ It also explained her frustration.
Aya sighed again, clearly used to her niece's impulsive behavior.
She turned back to Ash and said, "If possible, would you mind battling her? It would mean a lot to her."
---
Brock's "Romantic" Moment
Before Ash could answer—
Brock suddenly dropped to one knee in front of Aya!
✔ His hand pressed against his chest, as if declaring eternal loyalty.
✔ His eyes sparkled with admiration.
"Miss Aya," he said dramatically, "Would I have the honor of sharing a wonderful afternoon with you?"
There was a brief moment of stunned silence.
Then—
BONK!
Misty whacked Brock over the head with a popcorn box, her face burning with embarrassment.
✔ Brock toppled over, rubbing his sore head.
✔ Aya looked completely bewildered.
Misty sighed heavily, then turned back to Aya apologetically.
"I'm so sorry about him," Misty groaned. "He's always like this. He doesn't mean any harm."
Aya, still processing what had just happened, forced a small, awkward smile.
"I-It's alright..."
---
Ash Accepts the Challenge
Janine, who had been watching the entire exchange with mild confusion, finally snapped back to the main topic.
"So?" she pressed, turning back to Ash. "Are you gonna battle me or not?"
Ash studied her carefully.
✔ Her determined expression.
✔ The fire in her eyes.
✔ The way she gritted her teeth, clearly trying to prove something.
He could tell—
✔ This wasn't just about battling.
✔ She wanted to prove her strength—to her father, to herself.
Ash smiled. "Alright. I accept."
Janine's eyes lit up, but she quickly masked her excitement.
✔ "Good. Don't hold back."
✔ "I won't," Ash replied.
Aya, relieved, nodded. "Thank you, Ash. This will be good for her."
---
The Battle is Set!
✔ The gym arena was prepared once more.
✔ Spectators gathered quickly, curious about the unexpected match.
✔ Even Koga, hearing about the challenge, came to observe from the shadows.
"Let's see how far my daughter has come…" Koga murmured to himself.
Janine stood opposite Ash, her Poké Ball ready.
✔ "Let's go, Crobat!"
✔ Ash grinned. "Charizard, you're up!"
The battle was about to begin!
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To Be Continued…