The ferry sliced through the sparkling blue waters as Ash and his group finally approached Trovita Island.
The massive, jagged rock spikes rising dramatically from the ocean created an imposing and memorable sight.
Ash stood at the railing with Pikachu on his shoulder and Eevee at his feet. Misty leaned beside him while Sabrina, Daisy, and Giselle stood close by. Tracey was sketching the unique landscape excitedly.
"Those spikes are insane," Ash commented. "They look like they could impale a Gyarados."
Tracey nodded. "They formed millions of years ago when the island rose from the ocean floor. Really fascinating geology!"
Ash smirked confidently. "As long as the Gym Leader knows how to lose, I'm good. Third badge, here we come."
Suddenly, Pikachu's ears perked up. "Pika-pi!" it cried, pointing urgently toward the water.
A young girl was struggling desperately in the dangerous currents between three towering rock spikes, clinging tightly to her Seel. Her cries for help echoed across the waves.
"Oh no!" Misty gasped. "She's going to drown!"
The group sprang into action immediately. Misty released her Staryu and dove into the water. Ash called out Lapras and rode her toward the girl at high speed.
Misty and Staryu reached the unconscious girl first. With quick teamwork, they lifted her while Ash and Lapras pulled both the girl and her Seel safely onto Lapras's broad shell.
As they brought the rescued pair back to shore, a young man with spiky hair standing on the headland lowered his binoculars. His eyes immediately locked onto Misty with clear admiration.
"Wow… she's incredible," he muttered.
The moment the group reached land, the young man Rudy, the Trovita Island Gym Leader rushed over with a bright, overly charming smile.
"You were fantastic out there!" Rudy said, staring directly at Misty and ignoring everyone else.
"The way you jumped into those dangerous currents without hesitation… I've never seen someone so brave and beautiful!"
Misty gave him a blank stare. "...Thanks."
Rudy didn't stop. He stepped closer, flashing his best smile.
"By the way, I'm Rudy, the Gym Leader here. If you ever want a personal tour of the island… or maybe dinner tonight, I'd be honored to show a talented Water-type expert like you around."
Misty's expression remained flat. "I'm good."
Undeterred, Rudy tried again. "Most girls would kill for an offer like that from me, you know. I'm quite the catch!"
From behind, Sabrina, Daisy, and Giselle watched with amusement.
Daisy giggled. "Someone's got a big admirer."
Giselle smirked. "Very persistent, isn't he?"
Sabrina tilted her head. "Misty, aren't you going to at least entertain him a little?"
Misty shot them a glare. "Don't you three start."
The rescued girl, who had just woken up, sat up and looked at Misty with sparkling eyes.
"Big sister, you're so cool! You should totally go out with my big brother Rudy! He's the strongest Gym Leader ever!"
Misty's eye twitched. "Kid… you're not helping."
Ash stood slightly behind Misty with his arms crossed, watching Rudy's desperate flirting with a small, dangerous smirk.
He wasn't particularly angry he found it entertaining. But that smirk clearly showed he was already planning something.
Rudy finally noticed Ash. "So you're the challenger? I hope you're ready. My Gym isn't easy."
Ash's smirk widened. "I'm looking forward to it."
At the Trovita Gym, Rudy explained the rules with a cocky grin.
"To even qualify for a battle against me, you must first pass the Target Shooting Challenge. You'll ride a high-speed boat and hit as many targets as possible. Only then will I accept your Gym challenge!"
The challenge began. Rudy looked extremely confident… until Ash released Eevee.
With perfect coordination and Ash's sharp commands, Eevee became a silver blur on the speeding boat. Using Swift and Quick Attack in combination, Eevee gracefully destroyed every single target with pinpoint accuracy while the boat raced through the difficult course at high speed.
Rudy's jaw dropped. His overconfident expression completely crumbled as he grew more and more frustrated with every perfect shot.
Meanwhile, Rudy kept trying to flirt with Misty between rounds.
"Hey Misty! After this, how about we watch the sunset together? Just the two of us~"
Misty sighed. "Pass."
Rudy's little sister Marie cheered from the sidelines. "Go big brother! Impress the pretty lady!"
The harem girls couldn't resist teasing Misty.
Daisy smiled sweetly. "He seems really determined, Misty. Maybe give him a chance?"
Giselle added innocently, "He already called you beautiful three times. That's progress."
Sabrina softly said, "His persistence is… something."
Misty's face turned red. "You three are the worst!"
Ash, who had just finished annihilating the final target with Eevee, stepped off the boat with a calm expression.
He walked over and casually wrapped an arm around Misty's waist, pulling her closer while still wearing that dangerous little smirk.
Rudy's face turned bright red with anger and jealousy.
Ash looked at him calmly. "I passed your little challenge. Now… about that Gym battle?"
Rudy was fuming, but he had no choice but to accept.
"Fine! Let's battle! But don't expect me to go easy on you!"
Ash's smirk deepened as he glanced at Misty, who was still being playfully teased by the other girls.
This was going to be fun.