At last, the day of their Gym Challenge had arrived.

The weather was pleasant and sunny today. Had it still been pouring like the past few days, things would've gotten tricky after all, the Water Gym's battlefield was outdoors.

"Hehe~ It's finally our turn to challenge the Gym!"

Standing at the edge of Hulbury's main street, Yuri struck a dramatic pose, both hands on her hips like a kid eager for her moment in the spotlight.

Marie couldn't really blame her. Hop always got to go first, and his Gym battles had been scheduled several days ahead of theirs.

Ever since they'd watched Hop's match, Yuri had been restless. Always feeling like she was one step behind her opponents in every Gym battle it was probably frustrating, especially for someone going through all this for the first time.

"Oh right, did you manage to book that restaurant we talked about?"

Yuri suddenly tossed out the question as they walked, catching Marie a little off guard. She blinked, then nodded.

"Yeah. They sent me the confirmation earlier, but seeing how excited you were, I didn't want to distract you. The reservation's for tomorrow night."

"Whoa awesome! Now I'm even more pumped!"

Yuri clenched her small fists with determination, her energy levels practically overflowing.

As they turned the corner, two familiar faces appeared in front of them.

"I'm terribly sorry! Chairman Rose is quite busy right now. That'll be all for today, everyone. Please, disperse."

A stunning woman in business attire was politely but firmly addressing a small crowd. Standing behind her was none other than Chairman Rose himself.

Only... his outfit today was something else.

Black sunglasses and a baseball cap were fine. A white casual jacket? Sure, that worked. But beach shorts paired with shiny white dress shoes?

Marie could understand if he was trying to unwind by the seaside, but this fashion choice it was practically begging to be roasted.

"Alright then~ Bye-bye, Chairman~"

A few young women waved as they passed him, giggling as they disappeared down the street.

Looking every bit the suave playboy, Chairman Rose watched them go with a wistful sigh.

"Ah... ladies... I still had time for autographs. I could've even given them exclusive League Cards!"

He sighed dramatically, placing a hand on his forehead. Then, turning to his secretary with a look of despair, he said:

"Our success depends on the support of our fans, Oleana. Wasn't it a bit heartless of you to shoo them away?"

The woman named Oleana stood with her hands folded neatly in front of her, as graceful and elegant as ever.

"Chairman, engaging with fans is important but to support them, you must stay focused on your work first."

"I'll work even harder for you, Chairman!"

Stepping forward from the side was Bede, who Marie vaguely remembered from a few brief encounters.

"Ah, Bede. You've really changed since I gave you that Pokémon. I suppose... in this Gym Challenge, the ones who'll rise to the top are either you... or one of the Champions' handpicked Trainers."

"I was personally endorsed by you, Chairman. I won't lose to anyone!"

With that curt declaration, Bede bowed and turned to leave, heading off toward the mine.

Clearly upset about being lumped in with two rookie Trainers, he didn't even try to hide his annoyance.

Even Marie, who had only been observing from the side, was unsure what Chairman Rose meant by that remark. Maybe Yuri and Hop really were prodigies, but that didn't mean the rest of the challengers lacked skill.

...Unless Rose was only referring to those taking on the full eight-Gym circuit and not the final tournament? Marie, who knew more than she was supposed to, couldn't help but feel that the Chairman's words carried hidden meaning though they also sounded too ridiculous to take seriously.

As Bede left, Chairman Rose turned and strolled right over to them, despite their unremarkable appearance in the crowd.

"Long time no see, ladies."

Despite his eccentric outfit, Marie remained polite and nodded.

"Long time no see, Chairman Rose."

"Yep, it's been a while, Chairman!"

Yuri's bright and energetic voice instantly drew everyone's attention. Rose turned his head, his gaze settling on her with a smile that lingered for just a moment longer than usual.

"I must admit, I've been very curious. Why would Champion Leon recommend someone like you? Are you headed to challenge Nessa today?"

"Yup! Both me and Marie-chan have our matches scheduled for this morning."

Perhaps because Chairman Rose seemed more like a friendly uncle than a high-ranking executive today, Yuri wasn't nearly as nervous around him as she'd been before.

"Ah! That reminds me I've got a great idea! Once you both win your badges, let me treat you to a celebration. I'd love to get to know the two of you better."

Just as he was about to continue slacking off with that spur-of-the-moment suggestion, a low but firm voice called out from behind him.

"Chairman your schedule."

Marie visibly saw him freeze for half a second. Then, coughing into his hand as if to cover it up, he continued speaking to Yuri with a smile:

"For the future of Galar, I hope you give it your all!"

And with that, he shared a quick glance with Oleana, then turned and walked off like he was fleeing the scene.

"...Sigh."

Clearly used to Rose's unpredictable nature, Oleana let out a soft, nearly inaudible sigh. Then she turned to face them.

"Chairman Rose has reserved a banquet table at the seafood restaurant on the pier. Please obtain your badges quickly so as not to waste his time."

Without waiting for a reply, she turned briskly and followed after him.

"…"

Marie stood in silence. Chairman Rose's words had layers, and the more she thought about it, the more she wondered if she was just being overly sensitive in her concern for Yuri.

"Marie-chan... why does Chairman Rose seem more confident about us than we are ourselves...?"

Yuri tugged gently on Marie's sleeve. The surprise invitation had left her a little dazed. After all, she was just a rookie with a Champion's endorsement. Why such confidence in her?

Marie paused, then gave her a possible explanation.

"When it comes to rookies like you and Hop, Gym Leaders are expected to go easy on you. That means, as long as your battling meets their minimum expectations, you're almost guaranteed to pass."

"Wait, really...? Then does that count for you too, Marie-chan?"

"Me?"

Marie let out a helpless sigh and shrugged.

"The moment I sent out Baru... I was disqualified from being considered a rookie, probably."

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