Chapter 1262

Hah—

The massive plane touched down at Goldenrod City Airport.

"We've finally arrived!"

Baimu narrowed his eyes at the blazing sun, breathing in the slightly murky air of the metropolis.

Goldenrod City, the undisputed core metropolis of the Kanto region, occupies the very center of the plains, connected in all directions without hindrance.

The design company of the Master Ball — Silph Co. — is located in Goldenrod City; only in the anime it wasn't occupied by Team Rocket, remaining a contemporary tech giant.

"This is our first time in the Kanto region, right?"

Porygon Phone looked around, "Feels pretty ordinary, just maybe a few more high-rises, not that much stronger than Hiun City."

Those words...

Unova's Hiun City already ranks among the top 3 most prosperous cities in the Pokémon anime world.

Don't look at how the fifth generation Best Wishes had little presence; that was the production team's fault, not a reflection of Unova's own weakness.

Whether economic strength or total population, it ranks among the front of all regions.

The Regional Champion might be slightly weaker...

But they only just took office!

Baimu flicked Porygon Phone with a finger, "Let's go, find Chenghong."

With five days still remaining before the competition officially started, unable to hold back, he had arrived in the Kanto region early, just to savor the local customs and sentiments of the first generation.

He planned to depart from Goldenrod City, passing through Celadon City, Saffron City, and Viridian City along the way, finally arriving at Pallet Town to meet the soul figure of the Pokémon world —

Professor Oak!

Who would cross into the Pokémon world and never meet Professor Oak?

Coincidentally, early this year, his friend Chenghong had been assigned by him to travel Kanto and challenge the League, and was currently staying in Goldenrod City.

"Boss! Over here, over here!"

At the entrance of the Pokémon Center, Chenghong waved his arms excitedly.

Not seen for over half a year, without Orre's vicious direct sunlight, his skin had become much fairer.

His manner of dress had also become fashionable.

A rather handsome appearance coupled with a generous and open temperament made the whole person exceptionally eye-catching, drawing the attentive gazes of many city girls.

If not for a girl standing beside Chenghong with her head down playing on her phone, someone would likely have already come up to strike up a conversation.

Yes.

Chenghong has a travel companion.

The two met during his challenge of the Yuhong Gym, and after experiencing a segment of story together decided to travel together.

And unlike that blockhead Ash, Chenghong has quite a favorable impression of his travel companion, planning to confess after the Indigo Plateau Conference.

This kind of flag-raising behavior left Baimu speechless.

He'd never been in love, had no advice to give Chenghong; Otsuka, on the other hand, was very active on this front, acting as a relationship guru in the chat group all day, egging Chenghong on to sound the charge.

"Chenghong."

Baimu smiled and stepped forward to embrace his good friend, his gaze turning to the girl beside him.

Chenghong hurriedly introduced, "This is Haruka, my, uh, travel partner!"

The girl seemed somewhat timid, not daring to look him in the eye, awkwardly greeting in a low voice: "H-hello, Champion-sama."

Seeing this, Baimu further restrained his presence, "Hello Haruka, nice to meet you."

His sharp temperament completely withdrawn, Haruka instantly felt much more at ease, and after a polite handshake no longer acted so restrained.

After all, they're young people; as long as the other party shows enough goodwill, they can quickly become familiar.

The three chatted idly inside the Pokémon Center.

Chenghong's desire to pour out his heart was extremely strong, recounting every little thing that had happened since arriving in the Kanto region to Baimu, his beaming and animated look making Haruka click her tongue.

In her impression, Chenghong's personality was mature and steady, not especially talkative but very responsible, having rescued her from danger several times, and also having quite a set of methods for training Pokémon.

But in front of Baimu, Chenghong was simply talkative like a chatterbox, his smile so cheerful it made her envious.

"So you have thirteen Badges now?"

Baimu looked at the Badge case; inside were the familiar Kanto region Gym Badges, and a few Badges he hadn't seen before.

The only ones missing were the Gold Badge and the Green Badge.

Chenghong explained: "The Kanto region has quite a number of Gyms, some very famous, some unheard of; I went to collect all I could, and now I'm only short two."

The Goldenrod Gym and the Viridian Gym.

The former's Leader hasn't changed, it's the Psychic Queen Sabrina, while the latter is currently still acted for by Grandma Agatha.

"Stuck?"

"Yeah."

Chenghong nodded slightly, sighing: "I originally thought my strength would make challenging Gyms easy, didn't expect..."

"Perfectly normal."

Baimu calmly took a sip of tea, "Sabrina ranks among the top Gym Leaders globally; her not being an Elite Four member is because she doesn't want to be, not because she lacks the qualifications."

Gardevoir, who cannot control her own psychic power, could still become the foremost of the Unova Elite Four.

Then just how terrifying must Sabrina's strength be, she who has wielded psychic power effortlessly since childhood?

In the anime, Ash didn't even pass this checkpoint normally.

It was entirely thanks to Haunter ambushing the Trainer that the humanity-regained Sabrina, out of gratitude to Ash, bestowed the Gold Badge.

Simultaneously laying the groundwork for Charizard's subsequent disobedience (fog).

Moreover, Chenghong is challenging with thirteen Badges; in the rules the League sets for challengers, after exceeding eight, the Gym Leader is allowed to use their main Pokémon.

Baimu asked, "Is there a battle recording?"

"There is."

Haruka handed over her phone — a Porygon brand, fitted with a Stunky-patterned case.

A battle recording played on the screen.

Naruhiro's Pang Yan Guai created a sandstorm, manipulating rocks to hurl forward, but every single one was locked down by Nagi's Yungela's Psychic and hurled back.

Even more exaggerated, Yungela controlled the sandstorm itself, forcibly suppressing the gravel and forcing it back to the ground.

"Wow."

The Porygon phone let out an exclamation, "This shouldn't be her ace Pokemon, right?"

Baimu nodded, "Indeed it's not."

Nagi's ace is Hoodin, and she possesses the power of Mega Evolution —

It seems the Gym Leaders of the Kanto region, more or less, each have one or even multiple Keystones and Mega Stones.

As for whether it's her main Pokemon.

Baimu felt it was possible.

Nagi differs from ordinary trainers; she doesn't care much about a Pokemon's evolutionary stage.

Naruhiro cast a hopeful gaze, hoping to get some pointers on conquering the Goldenrod Gym from the boss.

Too bad.

"Work hard."

Baimu patted his shoulder lightly, "Once you can pass this hurdle, your Kanto journey will count as not in vain."

Naruhiro's face fell, "Oh..."

Seeing this, Haruka couldn't help but say, "Champion, could you help guide Naruhiro? I think you can help him!"

"Haruka—"

"I can certainly help him, but I can't keep helping him forever."

Baimu cut off Naruhiro's words, smiling, "Do you know what his purpose for this journey is?"

Haruka knew this; Naruhiro had told her.

"To become a Gym Leader?"

"Correct."

Baimu chuckled, "His original mindset, strength, all aspects make it hard for him to hold such an important position, so I thought he should go on a journey to grow wholeheartedly.

"If I help him now, I might as well have helped him back in Orre, helping him all the way to raise his overall strength to the proper level."

He paused, "But what one gains oneself, and what others forcibly instill, are sometimes different. Naruhiro is still young; a few months of delay can't count as a detour.

"If this time he can win through his own efforts, through his Pokemon, the harvest he gains will inevitably be far greater than what my teaching would give."

The Pokemon world is an idealistic world.

If Naruhiro can gain spiritual growth from this journey, his strength will also quickly increase, reaching a level matching his spirit.

Also, winning a game by copying a walkthrough, and winning by researching it yourself, sometimes the sense of satisfaction differs.

Haruka didn't quite understand.

Naruhiro could understand, saying confidently, "Watch me! I won't let you down!"

"Remember, once you clear it, tell me the good news right away."

Baimu nodded in agreement.

At noon, the three found a restaurant to eat, then went to watch Nagi's movie —

Just like in the game, the anime's Nagi has started developing in the film industry.

And her breakout work, the "Magical Kingdom's Wondrous Door" series, has already released three full films, winning her numerous awards.

It can be said, Nagi counts as one of the current top-tier Gym Leaders; her fan count is in no way inferior to Kiju.

Though the two's audiences differ greatly.

Baimu wanted to meet this childhood memory, but unfortunately a notice was posted on the Goldenrod Gym's front door announcing Nagi was out filming a movie.

"The Psychic Training Class is closed too, huh."

He recalled the Psychic who gave him the meditation method; he wanted to meet them, but unfortunately didn't know their whereabouts.

Nagi really teaches things!

Afternoon.

Despite saying he wouldn't help Naruhiro at all, in the end he still battled him a few rounds.

"Boss is still this strong!"

Naruhiro was more exhausted than his own battling Pokemon; after all six lost, he sat right down gasping for breath.

Haruka, acting as referee, couldn't snap out of it for a long while.

This is the Champion...

The gap is too huge!

Baimu asked, "You're a trainer too, right? Want to try?"

"Me? Can I?"

Haruka was flattered; chances to battle the Champion don't come often.

He nodded, "Of course, as long as you're a trainer."

Even a mosquito is meat, no matter how small!

So another intense full battle ended within fifteen minutes; if Baimu hadn't held back on purpose, the time could've been even shorter.

"Thanks for the guidance! You've worked hard!"

Qingzi bowed and thanked her.

She lost badly, yet inexplicably felt satisfied.

I've battled the champion too, haven't I!

Baimu smiled and asked, "I see your Pokémon are basically Grass-type. Were you a Gym Trainer at the Cerulean Gym before?"

Gym Trainer, meaning a Trainer who trains under the Gym Leader, counts as a half-disciple.

In Johto, Ash wanted to challenge the Cerulean Gym Leader Liza, but when he cross-dressed and sneaked in, he was exposed, causing quite a few jokes.

Perhaps among the girls who teased him, Qingzi was there.

Indeed, Qingzi blushed and nodded, "Liza Young Lady is my cousin."

Cheng Hong stared, "Didn't you say you were studying in Cerulean City?"

"Studying while being a Gym Trainer~"

Qingzi seemed to be hiding her origins from Cheng Hong.

Baimu smiled.

He could tell Qingzi also had feelings for Cheng Hong, and if nothing unexpected happened, this romance would be hard to end without issue.

After Otoshi, another single one bites the dust.

Baimu felt deeply moved inside.

Compared to the ten-year-old Ash who's been ten for ten thousand years, the people around him are older after all, and as long as his sexual orientation is fine, dating is normal.

Himself?

For now, having Pokémon is enough.

Not staying long in Goldenrod City, nor continuing to disturb Cheng Hong and Qingzi, Baimu set off toward Cerulean City.

Cheng Hong was quite reluctant; to him, Baimu was like an older brother. If Qingzi weren't there, he would likely follow along.

"Boss! We'll come watch your match!"

The news that Baimu and Ah Du would battle was released two days ago, naturally causing a stir.

"Do your best."

Baimu rubbed his head, then waved goodbye to Qingzi.

Qingzi wanted to speak but hesitated, inexplicably feeling a bit reluctant.

Though they had only spent a short time together, Baimu possessed a trustworthy, warm charm.

It seemed that as long as one followed him, every problem ceased to be a problem.

Qingzi said, "Cheng Hong... tell me about your past?"

"Sure."

Cheng Hong froze for a moment, then smiled and agreed.

—

The road north from Goldenrod City is Route 5.

Baimu rode the Triple-Headed Dragon, preparing to reach Cerulean City before nightfall.

"Huh? That place is..."

Passing a plain beside a lake, he saw a cluster of buildings resembling a school.

"The old campus of the Pokémon Research Institute, abandoned."

After checking his multifunctional phone, he said.

Pokémon Research Institute!

Isn't this the alma mater of the miniskirt?

Baimu still vividly remembered the first blue talent simulation memory he obtained, even though he now looks down on blue talent entirely.

Miniskirt...

Like psychics, personal information obtainable is scarce; without Hu Pa, meeting her is difficult.

I recall she was from the same cohort as Ke Na.

The Triple-Headed Dragon flew swiftly past, showing confusion at Baimu's sudden melancholy.

"Hiss?"

"Nothing, you fly your way."

He gently patted its neck.

Last time riding the Miloton for too long outdoors, if he doesn't switch the main drive back to the Triple-Headed Dragon, this guy might get angry.

With no choice, Baimu could only park the electric supercar Miloton and switch back to the Triple-Headed Dragon supercar.

Perhaps due to Goldenrod City's large area, not long after, Baimu saw the mirage of Cerulean City.

"A coastal city?"

Baimu overlooked the water-surrounded Cerulean Gym, recalling Misty and her three mermaid sisters.

Mm~ hope to see a mermaid performance.

He still feels interested in revisiting some scenes from the animation, with a sense of déjà vu returning to old grounds.

Compared to Nazuo, who often goes out filming, Misty seems to value Gym construction more.

But...

Also overly emphasized.

"Gyarados! Water Gun!"

"Roar!!"

Amid Misty's cheerful shout, the Mega Gyarados unleashed a massive water column at the challenger's Nidoking!

Long!

"No!!"

The water flow instantly swept across half the field, and amidst the challenger's desperate cries, Nidoking was blasted out of the arena, heavily slamming into the wall, creating a dent.

The beautiful woman serving as referee raised her hand and said: "Nidoking has lost its battle capability! Gyarados wins! The challenger has no other Pokémon! This gym challenge is over!"

"Ah..."

The challenger weakly knelt on the ground.

Kasumi playfully made a face, "Thanks for your effort~ Come again next time~"

However, she didn't get to feel pleased for long, as a blonde mature woman nearby complained, "Kasumi! The gym renovation fees will exceed the budget again this week!"

"Uh."

Kasumi instantly became embarrassed.