"Yes."
If Wude challenged her directly, Sabrina would never accept. The gap in their strength was too great, and he had suffered irreversible, serious injuries. A battle would be meaningless and would only cost him his life for nothing.
But Sabrina had set a condition. If Shen Qi could earn the Gold Badge within a year of entering the Fighting Dojo to train-in other words, go from an ordinary island high school student to a Pokémon Trainer near the top of T3-she would acknowledge that Wude's teaching had its own merits.
If Wude truly wanted to challenge her in the future, Sabrina could use that reason to accept.
Recalling Shen Qi's request back then and comparing it with his providing information on the Tulip Squad to avenge Wude, Sabrina found it strange...
"Are you leaving?"
Caught out so suddenly, Shen Qi stiffened slightly.
"Why do you say that?"
"That's the impression you give me." Sabrina's eyes narrowed into crescent-moon curves. "You've only been at the Fighting Dojo for about three months. There's no need to rush to repay him."
It made sense to hurry to catch the Tulip Squad and avenge Wude. After all, something like this had ended a warrior's career as a Professional Pokémon Trainer, while the criminals responsible for countless offenses remained at large. Every extra day was painful, and every extra day posed a serious threat to society.
But there was absolutely no need to rush the challenge against the Saffron Gym.
With such an outstanding performance in Sootopolis City, Shen Qi had plenty of achievements and resources awaiting him. Once he reached the upper ranks of T2, he could naturally arrange a battle with the Saffron Gym on behalf of the Fighting Dojo, and Wude would have a chance to battle Sabrina.
For him to