1. Ash's Story (Part 10: Galar)

Chapter 15

As we arrive in Hulbury, a noticeable commotion captures our attention. Upon closer inspection, we spot two women confronting a man and a boy. Among them stands Bede, our rival also undertaking the Gym Challenge, and Elena's mother, Relena, who serves as the principal of our school.

"Our sincerest apologies! The chairman is quite busy at the moment..." addresses the other woman, unfamiliar to us. "Everyone, please disperse! Please leave now!"

"Oleana... my Dad's assistant," Elena murmurs, recognizing the woman.

"Okay, see you later, Chairman!" As the crowd begins to disperse, we realize the man in the casual attire and sporting sunglasses is none other than Chairman Rose himself. Without his usual formal attire, he's almost unrecognizable amidst the commotion in the street. His presence here appears to be drawing considerable attention and stirring a curious buzz among the locals.

Chairman Rose attempts to appease the dispersing crowd, calling out, "No need to rush off! I can still do more autographs! I'll even give you my Pokemon League Card!" His enthusiasm echoes through the area, but Relena appears visibly exasperated by the fervor.

"Darling, I understand the importance of our supporters, but this seems excessive," Relena remarks, addressing Chairman Rose. "And Oleana, driving them away like that... isn't it a bit too severe?"

"Fans are very important, of course. That's why your husband needs to keep doing his work- for their sake," Oleana asserts firmly, emphasizing the significance of public support.

Meanwhile, Bede, our rival, steps forward, expressing his commitment, "And I'll promise to do everything in my power to assist you, too, Chairman." His statement underscores his dedication to support Chairman Rose's endeavors.

Chairman Rose's casual demeanor leads him to inquire, "Oh, and you were...?" with a hint of forgetfulness, prompting a small chuckle from our group as Bede reintroduces himself patiently, "Bede, sir."

"That's right! Bede! I daresay I'm impressed how far you've come since I gave you that Pokemon all those years ago, Bede." Rose remarks, reminiscing. "Will you be the one to win the Gym Challenge? Or perhaps it will be one of the trainers endorsed by the Champions."

"I'll prove your faith in me was well placed, Chairman. I won't lose to anyone." Bede asserts confidently. "Anyway, I'll be on my way now."

With his resolve affirmed, Bede bids his farewell, departing on his own path. Elena rushes forward, calling out, "Mama! Papa!"

Upon noticing us, Relena acknowledges Elena's unexpected arrival, saying, "Elena, what a delightful surprise. It's good to see Ash and Alice here as well."

"We were just discussing you all!" Rose interjects. "How have things been going for you?"

"We've been doing well, thank you for asking," I respond.

The Chairman, brimming with ideas, exclaims, "Ah! I've just had a brilliant idea, as tends to happen! You two will be challenging Gym Leader Nessa soon, won't you?"

Alice nods, affirming, "Yes, we're aiming for our second Gym Badge."

"Well then, if you manage to secure a Gym Badge from her, I'll host a celebration in your honor," Rose announces, surprising us all. It's quite unusual for the Chairman to extend an invitation for dinner, and his offer catches us off guard, eliciting a sense of pleasant astonishment.

As Oleana glances at the time, she remarks, "Chairman, we should really be going..."

Chairman Rose nods in agreement, urging us, "Please do your best, for the sake of Galar's future!"