Chapter 66: Since You've Come

Still, having spent so much money all at once, Hu Yang couldn’t help but feel a pang of regret.

At times like this, he wished the Rocket Trio were around. With their skills and ingenuity, they could have easily built a Gyarados submarine for underwater travel.

Speaking of the Rocket Trio…

Hu Yang did a quick calculation in his mind. At this point in time, Meowth was probably still striving to learn human language in pursuit of Madonna. Jessie should still be attending the Chansey Nursing School. James, meanwhile, was likely troubled by the matchmaking arrangements made by his family.

In a little while, Meowth's efforts would end in failure, Jessie would leave the Chansey School, and James would flee from home to escape an arranged marriage. After wandering through various hardships, the three would finally meet at the Rocket Academy and become friends.

Back when he watched the anime in his past life, Meowth had always been Hu Yang’s favorite among the trio. In the anime, Meowth was a sentimental, loyal, and imaginative Pokémon. While he was technically Ash’s adversary, at times he showed genuine concern for Ash’s Pokémon.

Chimchar was a perfect example. To comfort the sorrowful little monkey, Meowth had become its friend and told it, “Chimchar, leave the past behind and live for the present and the future, because you’ve already found new companions.” He rejoiced when Chimchar evolved and even cheered for it alongside Jessie and James when Ash faced Paul in the League.

A thought surfaced in Hu Yang’s mind: what if he sought out Meowth and brought him along on his own journey? But then, he wasn’t sure he wanted to break up that loving Rocket Trio.

After booking his cruise, Hu Yang didn’t leave Kanaz City right away. Before he realized it, he’d wandered in front of the Kanaz Gym.

Kanaz Gym was led by Azalea, an expert in Rock-type Pokémon. In the anime, Azalea was a graduate of Kanaz City’s Trainer School. Thanks to her outstanding grades, she had been appointed as the gym leader upon graduation.

Gazing at the building before him, which resembled a massive boulder, Hu Yang thought: Since I’m already here, why not pick up the Rock Badge too? After all, Azalea’s Rock-types would be completely countered by his Roserade.

With that, Hu Yang pushed open the doors of the Rock Gym.

After stating his intentions, the receptionist explained the challenge rules of Kanaz Gym. Listening carefully, Hu Yang realized they were no different from Petalburg Gym’s: defeat a few gym apprentices first, then challenge the leader.

At his current strength, Roserade had long surpassed the level of a novice trainer’s Pokémon.

Against the gym apprentices, there was no need for Roserade to even appear. Axew alone swept them all.

After recalling Axew into its Pokéball, Hu Yang advanced to the final Rock arena and finally met the legendary Azalea, who, like Steven, had an affinity for stones.

In reality, Azalea wasn’t very old—she looked to be not yet twenty. As in the anime, she wore crimson over-the-knee socks and a tailored Western-style uniform with a skirt and blouse.

“You already have one gym badge?” Azalea studied the boy opposite her, pondering how much of her strength she should reveal in this match.

“Challenger Hu Yang from Petalburg City. The rules for this gym challenge are two versus two—each side may use only two Pokémon. The battle ends when one side is unable to continue!” The referee raised his flag and announced the rules.

With a whistle, the match began.

Azalea sent out a Geodude, while Hu Yang’s choice was Roserade.

Without hesitation, Roserade unleashed Grassy Terrain and followed up with a Magical Leaf combo, instantly activating Geodude’s Sturdy ability.

Azalea was dumbfounded: “?”

Hu Yang quickly followed with a Giga Drain, finishing off Geodude’s last sliver of health.

For the second round, Azalea sent out Nosepass. This time, it was met with an empowered Magical Leaf+, boosted by Grassy Terrain, resulting in an instant knockout.

Azalea: “???”

The referee was stunned silent for a moment before finally announcing, “Nosepass is unable to battle. The winner is Hu Yang from Petalburg City!”

Yet Azalea still seemed unable to process what had happened.

Unable to stand it anymore, the referee coughed discreetly.

Azalea finally returned to herself, withdrew Nosepass, and, looking bewildered, took a rock-shaped badge from her pocket. “Congratulations. This badge is now yours.”

Hu Yang: “…”

For a moment, he felt like he was the gym leader and Azalea was the rookie challenger.

Time to slip away.

…

After Hu Yang left, Azalea gloomily sent her two Pokémon to the recovery room.

The referee came over to check on her.

Suddenly, Azalea asked, “Did that challenger mention which gym he challenged first?”

The referee nodded. “Petalburg Gym.”

Hearing this, Azalea was shocked. “Norman?”

Three minutes later, Norman, who was tending to the recently hatched Slakoth in Petalburg Gym’s greenhouse, received a call from Kanaz City.

“Hello? Azalea? What’s the matter?” The perfectly healthy Slakoth made Norman quite happy; even his voice was cheerful when he answered the phone.

Azalea got straight to the point. “Have you recently met a rookie trainer with a Roserade?”

Roserade?

Norman immediately pictured Hu Yang’s face. “Yes, I have. Why? Did he challenge you?”

Azalea took a deep breath. “Is he really a rookie trainer just starting his journey? Do you know what just happened? His Roserade took out both my Geodude and Nosepass in a single move! One move!”

“My god, I can hardly believe it. I’ve never met a trainer like him. Compared to him, I feel like the true rookie here!”

Norman: “...He’s certainly exceptional.”

Azalea, upon hearing this, suddenly felt much better. “So, you got thrashed by him too?”

Norman: “...I didn’t use my full strength.”

Azalea: “Neither did I.”

Norman: “He’s a very gifted trainer.”

Azalea: “Indeed.”

Norman: “Mhm.”

Azalea: “Mhm.”

Norman: “…”

…

Hu Yang, meanwhile, was unaware of the exchange between the two gym leaders.

The last time he’d passed through Kanaz City in a rush, he hadn’t had a chance to explore. So, after challenging the gym, he set out to wander the city, which was noticeably larger than Petalburg.