Following the map, Yuuto led the group to a massive building.
It looked less like a Gym and more like an oversized aquarium. The glass exterior shimmered under the sunlight, revealing faint azure water and swimming shadows inside. The entrance was decorated with shells and starfish, and a large sign read "Cerulean Water Park" with smaller text underneath: "Cerulean Gym's Designated Battle Performance Venue."
"Strange…" Delia held the map, comparing it to the surrounding buildings and street signs again and again, her face full of confusion. "The map clearly marks the Gym right here… Why is there only an aquarium?"
She flipped the map over and over, then looked up at the excessively ornate building. "Could we have gone the wrong way?"
"We definitely went the wrong way!" Misty's voice shot up like she had grabbed a lifeline. "No matter how you look at it, this is an amusement park! How could a Gym look like this!"
She tugged hard on Yuuto's arm, trying to pull him back. "Let's leave quickly! We'll ask a local—we must have made a mistake!"
Yuuto let her tug, but his feet stayed planted.
He knew the script well. This *was* the Cerulean Gym.
Or rather, this was how the Cerulean Gym operated in this world.
City Gyms were far more than simple battle arenas—they were major economic pillars of their cities, often controlling at least one core local industry. The stronger the Gym and its Leader, the more industries they were involved in.
Those who became Gym Leaders were usually children of wealthy, deeply rooted local families.
This aquarium *was* the Gym, and it was also the primary business run by Misty's three older sisters.
Ticket sales from water shows, aquarium tours, advertising endorsements—these were the Gym's main sources of income.
"Let's go, let's go, Yuuto!" Misty was still making one last desperate attempt, practically hanging off his arm. "Look, there's not even a battle arena sign here! How could this be a Gym!"
"Whether it's a Gym or not, we'll know once we go inside."
Yuuto spoke flatly and stepped toward the entrance.
"Wait—"
Misty cried out, but Yuuto was already dragging her forward.
Delia glanced at their retreating backs, then at the map in her hand. After a moment of hesitation, she followed, muttering softly, "But the map clearly says it's here…"
---
The moment they stepped inside the aquarium, a refreshing mist of water greeted them.
Under the massive glass dome stretched a vast expanse of azure water. The passage was lined with transparent glass walls, offering an up-close view of the underwater world.
The three of them walked through the underwater tunnel until they reached the largest central pool. Yuuto swiped his Pokédex for free entry.
It was a circular pool over a hundred meters wide, surrounded by tiered spectator seating. Many tourists were already seated, staring intently at the water's surface.
In the pool, three graceful figures were dancing with their Pokémon.
Yuuto stopped and looked up.
Three stunning beauties were performing in the water.
They wore tight, form-fitting swimsuits in different colors. The thin material clung to their skin, rippling with every movement as they moved through the water.
Leading them was the eldest sister, Daisy—her long blonde hair fanning out beautifully. She had the most voluptuous figure of the three, her swimsuit top stretched taut. She spun gracefully, her long legs appearing and disappearing in the shimmering water.
The second sister, Ayame, had blue-purple hair and a taller frame with a slender waist and full hips. Every time she interacted with the Seel, her supple curves were impossible to ignore.
The youngest, Lily, had pink hair. Though the youngest, her development was by no means inferior. She was lively and agile; as she tumbled through the water, her chest surged like waves, her fair skin glowing against the azure backdrop.
Their performance was less a battle exercise and more an artistic water dance. They coordinated perfectly with the Seel, executing high-difficulty moves—rolls, spins, lifts. Splashing water refracted rainbow light under the lamps.
Exclamations and applause erupted from the audience from time to time.
Yuuto stood at the highest point of the spectator seats, arms crossed, calmly observing the show below.
"Hmm… fair and large. Truly not bad."
"Right, right!" Misty, still hiding behind him, subconsciously agreed. "Those are Seel carefully raised by the Cerulean Gym. Their potential is quite good! Both in size and coat color!"
Delia blinked and looked at Misty in confusion. "Misty, didn't you just say this wasn't the Cerulean Gym? Why are you calling them 'Cerulean Gym's Seel' now?"
"Eh? I… did I say that?" Misty's expression froze, her eyes darting everywhere. "That… I meant 'if this *were* the Cerulean Gym'… Right! I was just assuming. Watch the show, watch the show! Look how great that Seel is!"
She quickly changed the subject, but inside she was already wailing.
*It's over… I let it slip… I just hope Yuuto didn't notice…*
Yuuto only gave a faint smile and continued admiring the "fair and large" Seel in the water.
It had to be said—Misty's three older sisters, Daisy, Ayame, and Lily, were top-tier in both figure and looks. The flexibility and coordination they displayed while dancing in the water brought the charm of the female body to its peak.
Their Pokémon battle skills, however, were laughably weak.
But… that didn't matter.
If Pokémon battles weren't their thing, other kinds of "battles" would do just fine.
As a fan of the classics, the plot of "Three Heroes vs. Lu Bu" had always been one of Yuuto's favorites…
The magnificent water performance concluded amid thunderous applause.
The three sisters leaped gracefully from the water and stood by the poolside, bowing to the audience.
Spectators began filing out of the venue one after another.
Yuuto patted the still-dazed Delia on the shoulder and glanced at Misty, who was trying to shrink herself into a tiny ball.
"Let's go say hello and ask about the Gym."
"Wait! Yuuto!" Misty grabbed the corner of his shirt, her voice pleading. "How about… how about we come back tomorrow? Look, they must be very busy right now…"
"Strike while the iron is hot." Yuuto was unmoved and started walking toward the pool area, dragging Misty along.
"Ah, wait! I-I'll walk by myself!"
Misty still wanted to struggle, but Yuuto's grip was like an iron pincer. She could only follow reluctantly, her steps growing slower and slower.
She hid almost completely behind Yuuto, using his body as a shield. Her head was lowered so far it was almost buried in her chest, desperately hoping to delay being spotted by her sisters for even one more second.