Judging from Misty's reaction, Celestic Town clearly wasn't an ordinary place.
"Alright," Lorelei said lightly. "Let's continue. It's not appropriate to catch up in front of so many people."
"Xiao Bing, are you—"
"I'll stay. I'll leave after it's over."
Lorelei paused, a thoughtful look flashing in her eyes. She nodded.
She also glanced at the fat boy nearby. He looked familiar… like she'd seen him somewhere before.
"The winner of this friendly match is—Team Numbers!"
"Please welcome the three members to receive their prize!"
Misty and Lorelei stepped down.
The host wiped cold sweat from his forehead.
This "friendly match" had nearly turned into a disaster.
But judging from the audience's enthusiasm—
It was worth it.
Applause thundered.
No one had expected this result.
On paper, Team Letters was stronger.
Yet Gu Qiu had single-handedly swept all three opponents.
Terrifying.
"This is your honor."
The prize was revealed—
An Upper-Grade Water Stone.
It could evolve certain Pokémon.
It could enhance Water-type move power.
Long-term carrying could even speed up Water-type training.
It wasn't as rare as a Moon Stone.
An Upper-Grade Water Stone usually sold for under 2 million Poké-dollars.
But as a "lucky audience" reward—
This was extremely generous.
Originally, the reward had been a lower-grade commemorative Water Stone engraved with the Cerulean Gym emblem.
But because of Gu Qiu—
Misty had someone bring out an upper-grade one instead.
A welcome gift.
As for Xiao Bing—
Since she was from Celestic Town, giving her one to build goodwill didn't hurt.
The fat boy stared at the Water Stone like it was treasure.
If he'd known earlier, he would've tried harder.
He could've sold it for mountains of sweets.
"Sigh… Fat Master missed a golden youth."
He stuffed another pastry into his mouth dramatically.
Lorelei watched him and murmured, "So he's Ah Si's son. Looks exactly like him."
"Ah Si's?"
"Yes. I visited Cianwood two years ago."
Cianwood City.
Johto region.
Close to Kanto.
Misty blinked.
"No wonder he looked familiar."
Ah Si was a top-tier Gym Leader.
It made sense.
"Thank you."
Xiao Bing suddenly spoke to Gu Qiu while holding the Water Stone.
Gu Qiu blinked.
"For what?"
"I don't owe favors. This is my contact information. Save it."
"…We were teammates. It wasn't a favor."
The icy gaze returned.
Gu Qiu surrendered instantly.
They exchanged contact info.
She left without another word.
"You're not saying goodbye to your sister?"
"No need."
She walked away.
"Quite the personality," Gu Qiu muttered.
"At 3 PM, we will hold the Fishing Tournament!"
"Gym Leader Misty will participate!"
"Top ten participants can keep any Pokémon they catch and receive a mysterious gift from Gym Leader Misty!"
It was 1 PM.
Greninja was completely exhausted.
The Gym challenge could wait until tomorrow.
Gu Qiu said goodbye to Misty and Lorelei and headed for the Pokémon Center.
Greninja needed recovery.
But when he arrived—
Something was wrong.
A long line had formed outside.
Many injured Pokémon.
And not light injuries.
"Miss Joy had to step out temporarily! She's on her way back!"
"Please line up properly!"
"If anyone has Pokémon capable of assisting with healing, please help! The Pokémon Center will compensate you!"
A nurse shouted anxiously.
All Chansey were deployed.
But there were too many injured.
Gu Qiu overheard whispers—
All these trainers had been near Route 24.
Apparently, mysterious individuals had appeared near Cerulean Cave, provoking Pokémon and causing a riot.
The trainers training nearby were caught in the chaos.
Route 24…
Cerulean Cave.
Gu Qiu frowned.
Information about Cerulean Cave was scarce online.
Either the League suppressed it—
Or it was intentionally hidden.
He didn't know which.
He only saw one thing clearly:
Over a hundred injured Pokémon.
Without hesitation, he released Kirlia.
Kirlia had inherited Tsunade's template.
And learned Mystical Palm Technique.
Perfect for trauma healing.
"I can help."
"Kirlia?" The head nurse looked doubtful.
Kirlia didn't normally have healing abilities.
"No time to explain."
"Kirlia."
"Kiruu."
Kirlia was excited at first.
Then she sensed the atmosphere.
So many injured Pokémon.
Her expression turned serious.
This would be her first time using Mystical Palm in real combat healing.
The head nurse hesitated.
Then nodded.
"You're recognized by Miss Joy. I'll trust you."
At that moment—
A system notification rang.
[Ding! Medical Emergency Mission triggered.]
Over one hundred injured Pokémon are awaiting treatment. As the host, how can you stand by?
Mission reward: …
(To be continued.)
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