Chapter 120: Mischievous Sprigatito
On the destroyer, before boarding the small boat, Ryu sat with Tom, looking at a map of the Hoenn region.
"You really can't bear to let Sprigatito go, can you?" Tom said with a smile, finding the combination of the large Grovyle and the tiny cat incredibly interesting.
"She's the one who doesn't want to leave me," Ryu replied, a little embarrassed.
"Meow~" Sprigatito, however, generously admitted it.
"Alright, let's talk business," Tom said, unfolding the map. "We are currently here. The nearest town is the southernmost town in the Johto region, Azalea Town." He then pointed northeast. "And this is our original destination, Cherrygrove City."
The distance didn't seem too far. The small sculling boat couldn't make the long journey to Cherrygrove, but reaching the nearby Azalea Town was the safest and most reliable option.
"Azalea Town is a small town surrounded by forest, as if it's been left behind by time," Tom explained. "After you arrive in Cherrygrove City, look for a young man named Forrest by the sea. Give him this letter, and he will take you to Blackthorn City."
Tom handed Ryu a letter. Forrest was a young noble he had once rescued, a fishing enthusiast who had even called Corphish his master.
"Thank you, Uncle Tom," Ryu said, taking the letter and putting it in his backpack.
"Alright, it's time to get off the boat," Tom said.
With the help of the crew, Ryu and Sprigatito boarded the small boat.
"Stay in the boat obediently!" Ryu instructed Sprigatito. "And watch the green box."
"Meow!" she replied, hugging the box as if her life depended on it.
"Be careful on your way, Grovyle!" Tom shouted from the destroyer.
"Cor!" Corphish waved his pincers in farewell.
"A real man should march forward with a bang!" Tom bellowed. "Corphish, let's dance a dance to send off our friends!" The two of them began a strange dance, singing a cheerful sea shanty at the top of their lungs.
"Hahaha..." Ryu couldn't help but burst into laughter. This was the unique style of his two new friends.
On the sea, after about five minutes of rowing, Ryu could see the shores of Johto within easy reach.
"Meow," Sprigatito suddenly chirped with curiosity.
Ryu turned his head and his face went pale. The little cat had stuck her head out of the boat, and a Carvanha had just leaped from the sea, its large mouth open to bite her.
"Get lost!" Ryu threw the oar like a spear, knocking the Carvanha back into the water.
He immediately pulled Sprigatito back, pinned her down with the green box so she couldn't move, and then jumped into the sea. Using his legs and tail like a propeller, he began to push the boat forward with [Extreme Speed].
Swish swish!
A swarm of seven or eight Carvanha emerged behind them, chasing relentlessly.
'I knew it!' he thought, not even needing to look back. Thanks to Corphish, he knew that seeing one Carvanha meant you had stumbled into their nest.
The five-minute journey was completed in just one minute.
"Huff! Huff!" Ashore, Ryu collapsed onto the ground, exhausted, while Sprigatito circled him, wagging her tail and praising how amazing he was.
"Even if you praise me, you still have to get a spanking today!" he said, sitting up and giving her two light, playful pats on the butt. "That's for not listening!"
"Meow! Meow!" Sprigatito let out a mournful cry, her eyes instantly filling with tears. She was, after all, a natural-born actress.
"Alright, alright," he sighed, "Sprigatito is the best."
He put the little cat into his backpack, letting only her head stick out. Then, the two of them stepped into the forest, beginning their search for Azalea Town.
[Inorin Note:
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