On the very first day of setting up his challenge stage, Kazuki breezed through 50 wins. Added to the 24 wins he had already secured, that brought his total to 74 consecutive victories.
He could've pushed for more, honestly, but after witnessing the beatdowns Kazuki delivered, some of the weaker Trainers gave up and quietly backed out of the queue. Most had come hoping for a lucky win and easy reward, but hey—there's no such thing as a free lunch.
If you stumble across a guy giving out rewards equivalent to official badges? You'd best run. It's either a scam… or someone here to stomp newbies for sport.
Still, those who bailed didn't go far.
Misty, ever resourceful, swooped in and spun a tale about being Kazuki's "training partner." She made sure to emphasize how much she had helped Kazuki get this strong, and reeled them in for battles of her own.
Of course, these dropout Trainers were no match for Misty's high-level Starmie. They became her personal EXP feed, earning her a nice 20-win streak herself.
…
As evening fell, Kazuki's four Pokémon were showing signs of fatigue. He called it a day and had his audience spread the word:
He was aiming for 100 straight wins, and though he wouldn't stay in one place, he'd continue accepting challengers on the road.
Why the change?
He'd reached 74 wins, meaning it was time to go find A.J. and finish him off while the mission rewards could still be upgraded to Special Grade.
According to the original script, A.J. would leave for his badge journey after hitting 100 wins. Kazuki needed to beat him before that.
Fortunately, fights with low-level Trainers weren't too taxing. After some quick-use healing items and a night's rest inside Poké Balls, most of his team would be back to full strength by morning.
As for Pikachu? One tomato ketchup sandwich, and he was bounding around like nothing happened.
Seeing Kazuki still holding on to his badge and now past the halfway mark in wins, Misty finally relaxed a little.
With her mood lightened, she and Kazuki sat around the campfire chatting. She reminded him in her usual tsundere tone to get a good night's rest and be ready to finish the streak tomorrow.
But from the warmth in her expression, it was clear—their bond was quietly deepening.
…
The next day, Kazuki and his refreshed Pokémon hit the road once again.
Even without a fixed stage, the lure of cash and a badge still brought challengers swarming in.
Kazuki kept crushing opponents as he walked, and by the time he hit ninety wins, a green-haired Saiyan-looking dude stepped out of the bushes.
"So, you're the infamous Winning Couple, huh?"
"H-huh?! What?" Misty looked around, but the previous challenger had already left.
This guy—this smug-looking dude with spiky green hair—was clearly talking about her and Kazuki.
It turned out Misty had been by Kazuki's side this whole time and had her own 20-win streak, so people had started calling them a "Perfect Team"… or more salaciously, the "Winning Couple."
Of course, the juicier version always spreads faster.
"W-We're just traveling partners, okay?! Who started this stupid rumor?! It's way too suggestive!" Misty clenched her fists, cheeks glowing red.
"Don't care," the guy shrugged. "I'm here for him—the 74-win guy."
"You may not match my 98-win streak, but as my final stepping stone? You'll do just fine."
"You're a perfect EXP boost for my Pokémon."
Misty was instantly offended on both their behalves. "What the heck is 'stepping stone'?!"
"You think 98 wins makes you invincible?! Kazuki already has 90 wins!"
"AND he's earned two Gym Badges! Do YOU have that?! Hmph!"
"Hah, Gym Badges?" A.J. wasn't impressed. "If those weakling Gyms are handing out badges so easily, I could beat them blindfolded."
"Wh—What did you just say?! 'Weakling Gyms'?! You take that back!" Misty was practically vibrating with fury.
If Kazuki hadn't held her back, she probably would've pounced on A.J. right then and there.
"You want to see what I can do? Then follow me—my personal gym is just up ahead."
"Oh, and don't chicken out," he added with a cocky flick of his whip. "Skipping out on my 100th win would be such a disappointment."
With that, A.J. swaggered off down the road, leading the way.
Misty fumed in place, steam practically coming out of her ears.
But just as Kazuki stepped forward, Misty grabbed the edge of his jacket.
"Hey! Kazuki, don't tell me you're gonna fall for that obvious taunt!"
"Let's just go. He's not worth it!"
Despite her anger, she was still looking out for him—worried that facing someone like A.J., already at 98 wins, might endanger Kazuki's badge or win streak.
Kazuki grinned. "Pretty sure you're the one who got baited, not me."
"Look at you—your face is beet red!"
"And besides, shouldn't someone that arrogant get knocked down a peg?"
"Come on, Misty—time to see who's really the stepping stone!"