" I'd say he really wanted you to join." Oak concluded.

Ash smiled and closed his eyes. " But he coulda just said that but Gary NEVER says what he wants."

In the distance, he heard Gary. " A-CHOOOOOOO!"

Then he heard footsteps approach behind him.

And by the sound of them, they were angry.

" I HEARD THAT!"

Ash turned and smirked. " Oh hi Gary. Why'd you come back after fifteen seconds?"

Goh blinked and turned to Oak, who was smiling. " This is going to be most interesting."

Gary stormed up to Ash, crossing his arms and glaring. "I came back because I knew you'd start talking behind my back the second I was out of earshot!" He jabbed a finger toward Ash. "And you didn't disappoint."

Ash chuckled, unfazed by Gary's irritation. "Well, it's not my fault if you always have to eavesdrop, is it?"

Gary's eyes narrowed, and he took a step closer. "Oh, please. You wish I cared enough to eavesdrop. I was just grabbing something I forgot!"

Goh watched the exchange, eyes wide, leaning slightly toward Oak. "Uh... are they always like this?"

Oak chuckled, nodding sagely. "Oh yes, ever since they were kids. This is how they show they care."

Goh's expression softened, realizing there was a familiarity in their bickering. "It's like they're... challenging each other," he said.

"Exactly," Oak said with a smile. "These two have been pushing each other for years, each trying to be the best. It's how they've both grown."

Meanwhile, Ash and Gary were still in a verbal standoff.

"You just can't admit that you missed me," Ash teased with a smirk, his hands on his hips. "It's okay, Gary. You don't have to hide your feelings."

Gary scoffed, throwing his hands in the air. "Oh, give me a break, Ashy-boy! The only thing I missed was getting a chance to show you up, which I'm about to do—again!"

Ash's eyes lit up with excitement. "Oh yeah? You think you can beat me this time?"

"Not think—know," Gary retorted, pulling out a Poké Ball and holding it up confidently. "How about a quick battle to settle this?"

Ash's competitive spirit flared, and he reached for his own Poké Ball, his grin widening. "You're on, Gary!"

Goh blinked, surprised by how quickly the situation had escalated. "W-wait, are you two seriously going to battle right now? We're in Professor Oak's lab!"

Ash didn't take his eyes off Gary. "Don't worry, Goh. We've got plenty of space out back. Right, Professor?"

Oak chuckled and waved his hand dismissively. "Of course, of course! You two always know how to make things lively around here. Let's take this outside, shall we?"

Gary and Ash shared a challenging glare, their familiar rivalry sparking into action. Without another word, they both turned and dashed toward the back of the lab, eager to begin their impromptu match.

Goh hesitated for a moment, then looked to Oak, who was smiling warmly. "Go on, Goh. This is something you don't want to miss."

Goh sighed and shrugged, then took off running behind them.