Chapter 220: Giovanni
The clock ticked past 10:30 AM.
Ash had been waiting in the Viridian Gym's hall for nearly two hours since his arrival at 8:30 AM. Finally, his name was called—it was his turn to step into the battle hall and challenge the final Gym Leader of Kanto.
Led by a gym staff member, Ash walked toward the large, double doors that led to the battlefield. His heart pounded in his chest—not from fear of the battle itself, but because of the man he was about to face.
Giovanni.
The mysterious and enigmatic Gym Leader of Viridian City.
The ruthless leader of Team Rocket.
Ash took a deep breath, trying to steady himself.
He knew that, as far as Giovanni was concerned, he was just another ordinary challenger—at least on the surface.
But Ash also knew that there was a risk.
Did Giovanni recognize him?
Did he know that Ash had sabotaged Team Rocket's plans at Silph Co.?
If he did… what would happen?
Would Giovanni still battle him fairly, or would he attempt something sinister?
---
A Hidden Threat
Ash's moment of hesitation didn't go unnoticed.
The staff member beside him frowned slightly.
"Are you alright? Do you need a moment?" he asked, noticing the way Ash was staring blankly at the doors.
Pikachu, perched on Ash's shoulder, also looked at him with concern.
"Pi?"
For the past few days, Pikachu had sensed that Ash wasn't quite himself—his mind was occupied with something.
But Ash quickly shook off his doubts and forced a small smile.
"I'm fine," he said firmly. "Let's go."
The staff member nodded, then pushed open the large doors.
---
The Viridian Gym Battlefield
As Ash stepped inside, he was greeted by a massive battlefield—one of the largest he had ever seen.
It was a standard Pokémon arena with no additional terrain, designed for pure, head-to-head battles.
But what surprised him the most was the audience.
On both sides of the battlefield, rows of bleachers were filled with two to three hundred trainers, all watching the upcoming match.
"This place is packed…" Ash muttered under his breath.
He had never seen a Gym Battle with so many spectators before—most Gyms only had a handful of trainers or League officials observing matches.
But then again, this was Viridian City.
And its Gym Leader was no ordinary trainer.
Standing at the far end of the battlefield, in the position of Gym Leader, was Giovanni himself.
His presence was imposing yet controlled—a man with an air of absolute authority.
Dressed in a black suit, Giovanni stood tall and confident, his Persian sitting elegantly by his side.
As Ash entered the battlefield, Giovanni's sharp gaze followed him, his expression unreadable.
For a brief moment, their eyes met—and Ash felt a cold, calculating energy behind Giovanni's stare.
Then, for just a split second, Ash saw something else—a glint of recognition.
---
Giovanni's Hidden Thoughts
He knows.
Ash's stomach tightened as he realized the truth.
Giovanni knows who I am.
But on the surface, the Viridian Gym Leader showed no sign of hostility.
Instead, a subtle smirk crossed his lips.
"In the first year of his journey… and he's already reached this level?" Giovanni thought to himself.
The moment he saw Ash's information, he knew.
This was the trainer who interfered with Team Rocket's operations at Silph Co.—the one who managed to thwart their plans.
Of course, the Pokémon League had tried to keep Ash's involvement secret, but with the spies Giovanni had placed inside the League, uncovering the truth wasn't difficult.
And now, that same trainer stood before him, ready to challenge his Gym.
How… interesting.
Giovanni's eyes gleamed with intrigue.
At first, he had been irritated when he discovered that a young trainer had foiled Team Rocket's plans.
But now, his perspective had changed.
Instead of viewing Ash as a nuisance, he saw potential.
This boy is special.
His growth was rapid, his talent undeniable.
Ash Ketchum was not just a Great Ball-tier trainer.
No—he had the potential to reach Ultra Ball, Master Ball… even the level of an Elite Four member or Champion.
And if someone like Ash could be brought into Team Rocket's ranks…
The possibilities were endless.
A soft chuckle escaped Giovanni's lips, and his smirk grew ever so slightly.
---
The Battle Begins
By the time Ash reached his designated position on the battlefield, Giovanni's demeanor had completely shifted.
The cold sharpness from before was gone, replaced with a warm, welcoming smile—one that seemed almost… genuine.
"Ash… may I call you that?" Giovanni asked smoothly.
His voice was deep and charismatic, carrying an air of authority and charm.
Ash hesitated for only a moment before nodding.
"Yes," he replied simply.
Giovanni nodded approvingly, his smile never faltering.
"I've read your profile," he continued. "You're very talented. I'm quite impressed with your progress."
His compliment echoed through the gym, causing a stir among the audience.
The trainers in the stands gasped, their eyes widening in shock and admiration.
"Did Giovanni just praise a challenger?"
"He's never said anything like that before!"
"Who is this kid?!"
Even Brock and Misty, who were watching from the sidelines, exchanged surprised glances.
Ash, however, remained calm and composed.
"Thank you," he said simply, his tone neutral.
But deep down, he knew exactly what Giovanni was doing.
The praise wasn't just a compliment—it was a test.
A test to see how he would react.
Would Ash become prideful? Would he drop his guard?
Or would he see through Giovanni's manipulative tactics?
Ash's calm response intrigued Giovanni even more.
Even after being praised by one of the strongest trainers in Kanto, Ash hadn't let his emotions show.
"Interesting…" Giovanni thought.
This battle would be very… very entertaining.