After leaving Littleroot Town with Misty, the duo once again set their sights on Petalburg City.
In just a few short days, Natsui had traversed this route back and forth several times. It was safe to say he was now more familiar with the local geography than many native Hoenn trainers.
They walked through the open fields, enjoying the breeze. Misty, being new to the Hoenn region, acted just like Natsui had when he first arrived. She looked left and right, finding novelty in every blade of grass and every unfamiliar Pokémon cry.
However, after a while, the novelty wore off. She realized that aside from slightly different Pokémon species, this place was fundamentally no different from Johto or Kanto.
The mountains were still mountains; the trees were still trees.
Her excitement settling down, Misty focused her attention on Natsui, chatting idly as they walked.
When Natsui asked about Ash's plans, Misty thought for a moment before replying.
"When I left, I heard he was also preparing to set off. He should arrive in Hoenn tomorrow or the day after. But I heard he left all his Pokémon at Professor Oak's lab this time. It seems he's essentially starting over, bringing only Pikachu."
This wasn't surprising to Natsui. Ash maintained this pattern in his future travels; whether heading to Sinnoh, Kalos, or elsewhere, he almost always traveled light, taking only his starter.
In fact, Natsui had done something similar. He had entrusted his Celebi to Erika when she returned to Kanto, asking her to take it back to the Celadon Gym for safekeeping.
Just like leaving the Legendary Birds with Sabrina, this served as an emotional anchor between him and Erika. Furthermore, it provided Celebi with a much more comfortable environment.
Staying with Erika, the little Time Travel Pokémon would be well-cared for, fed delicious food, and the Celadon Gym's massive greenhouse offered a lush, natural setting that would keep it happy and relaxed.
Although it wasn't physically by his side, Natsui could have it transferred over via the PC system anytime he needed it. As for showing it the world, that would have to wait for a future opportunity.
After passing through Oldale Town, Natsui estimated that Norman, the Petalburg Gym Leader, probably hadn't returned to his gym yet. With that in mind, Natsui chose a different path this time, veering towards Rustboro City.
Compared to the direct route, this path was longer and more remote, but the scenery was entirely new, saving Natsui from the visual monotony of walking the same road again.
After passing through a small, unnamed village, they came to a 'Y' intersection. There, standing conspicuously on a patch of grass, was a massive wooden sign.
The sign was huge and incredibly eye-catching. Any traveler passing by would inevitably be drawn to it.
The two stopped in their tracks. Natsui looked up at the bold letters painted on the wood and read them aloud.
"The Gym with the World's Strongest Pokémon is just ahead!"
"The Gym with the World's Strongest Pokémon!?"
Misty's voice pitched up, her brow furrowing in instant irritation. As someone whose family ran a historic gym, and being a Gym Leader herself, she was naturally offended by someone advertising their strength with such arrogant hyperbole.
"This Gym Leader sure has some nerve! I'd like to see exactly what kind of Pokémon dares to claim the title of 'strongest'!"
It was ridiculous. Natsui had won two League Championships and commanded Legendary Pokémon like the Legendary Birds and Suicune, yet even he didn't dare call his team the "World's Strongest." What gave this unknown gym in a backwater village such confidence?
Seeing her get all riled up, Natsui found it amusing.
However, he was also curious. He wanted to see what kind of trainer—and Pokémon—would bear such a heavy title.
Since they were in agreement, the two left the main road and followed the fork toward the other side of the village.
They soon arrived outside a tall courtyard wall. Before they could even reach the gate, the sound of sobbing reached their ears. A boy of about ten, clutching a Poké Ball tightly to his chest, ran out of the gate in tears.
This scene puzzled both Natsui and Misty.
What's going on?
Is there really a terrifyingly strong Pokémon inside that reduced a challenger to tears?
The two walked into the yard, revealing a small building with an open-air battlefield situated in front of it.
At that moment, walking slowly back toward the building from the battlefield, was a Pelipper waddling alongside a middle-aged man. The man had a crew cut, wore a flashy gold belt around his waist, and looked to be in his mid-thirties.
Hearing Natsui and Misty's footsteps, the man turned around.
"Oh?" The man looked them up and down, his expression relaxing into a smug grin. "More challengers? It's quite lively today."
Misty stepped forward, planting her hands on her hips. "Is this the gym that claims to have the 'World's Strongest Pokémon'!?"
"That's right," the middle-aged man nodded, pointing a thumb at himself. "My name is Anthony, and I'm the leader of this gym. And this Pelipper next to me is the undisputed strongest Pokémon in the world!"
Natsui and Misty's gazes instantly shifted to the Water-bird.
As a dual Water and Flying-type, Natsui was familiar with the species—he had even battled one recently during the incident at the Devon Corporation. But scanning this particular Pelipper, it seemed no different from any wild specimen one might find by the sea.
Misty also scrutinized the Pelipper with skepticism.
As someone who had witnessed the might of Legendary Pokémon up close and traveled alongside a Champion like Natsui, her standards were incredibly high. No matter how she looked at it, this ordinary bird didn't seem to have any connection to the word "strongest."
Moreover, this facility didn't bear the insignia of the Pokémon League; it looked more like a private dojo than an official gym.
Despite her doubts, Misty spoke up. "Fine. You're the one we're looking for. Do you accept challenges?"
With Misty around, the dynamic of the journey changed.
This energetic girl, who often proclaimed herself the "World's Number One Beauty," possessed a cheerful but headstrong and willful personality. Aside from her crippling fear of Bug-types, she never shied away from a confrontation.
"Of course I do!" Anthony laughed heartily. "I just finished a battle, but it took nothing out of me. My stamina is completely fine! So, which of you two wants to step up to the plate?"
Judging by his tone—and the fact that he had just sent a child running away crying—this man was overflowing with confidence.
Misty and Natsui exchanged a glance. Misty stepped forward before Natsui could move.
"This isn't something Natsui needs to handle! I'll be your opponent!"
Seeing that his challenger was just a teenage girl, Anthony looked unfazed. He led his Pelipper back to his side of the field, looking relaxed.
He shrugged, a smirk playing on his lips. "You asked for it, little lady. Don't blame me for what happens next. If my Pelipper makes you cry, don't say I didn't warn you!"
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