Realizing that Red was probably the one pulling strings to introduce him to a new big shot, Ai Xia didn't hesitate for even a second before accepting Green's friend request.
Hesitating for even a moment would be an insult to my dedication to climbing the social ladder...
After adding Green, Ai Xia was still wondering how to start the conversation when the other guy suddenly sent a message first.
[Green: "Apologies for the sudden message, Ai."]
[Ai Xia: "Hello, Gym Leader Green."]
What followed was an awkwardly long one-sided chat from Green.
The gist of it was that Red had introduced him to Ai Xia's streams, and after watching an afternoon of his wild training sessions and some Caterpie-raising videos, the former Kanto Champion decided Ai Xia's style—both as a trainer and a breeder—was exactly his type. So he'd gone out of his way to get Ai Xia's Line ID through Red, all for the sake of making a new friend.
Ai Xia was floored.
Who knew his streams and videos could attract the interest of two Champion-level trainers in a row—and even get them to add him first?
And according to Green…
Both he and Red had spent the entire afternoon watching him grind wild Pokémon?
'Just how much free time do these top-tier trainers have?!'
Ai Xia's mind was a storm of question marks.
The thought of those two Champions silently observing him all day as he ran around the wilderness, lecturing his chat about survival tips and battle strategies like some kind of know-it-all, made his face twist in sheer embarrassment.
This is like showing off basic math to Einstein...
And more importantly—don't they have jobs?!
An entire afternoon wasted, just watching some random guy bumble through the woods, explaining stuff they already mastered years ago?
That's next-level boredom.
But it didn't stop there. According to Green, both he and Red seemed convinced Ai Xia was some hidden master among trainers...
Ridiculous. Did my streams give them the wrong idea?
Then it hit him—given how primitive this world's understanding of battle tactics was, his one-sided stomp against Misty with just a Butterfree must've made Red and Green overestimate him. Now they probably thought he was Gym Leader-tier at minimum.
'I played one match, and now I've got fake clout?!'
Ai Xia didn't even know he was supposed to be some expert.
And now Misty had unwittingly become the benchmark for his imaginary skill level.
He wanted to clear things up, but Green had already pegged him as a breeder and trainer on par with a Gym Leader—even dragging him into a deep discussion about Pokémon raising. Backing out now would kill the mood, so Ai Xia had no choice but to play along.
Surprisingly, Green wasn't the least bit pretentious.
As the 'Breeding Prodigy,' his insights into Pokémon training and battles were genuinely unparalleled, and Ai Xia actually learned a lot—real, practical tips that most trainers would kill to know. By the end, he even had fresh ideas for his Caterpie's training regimen.
Ai Xia wasn't ungrateful.
Green clearly had no ulterior motives, and making a friend like this was a straight-up win. So he dropped his awkwardness and matched Green's energy, tapping into his decade-deep Pokémon knowledge to keep up. He even casually slipped in a few unorthodox theories—stuff even the Pokémon League hadn't researched—as a subtle thank-you.
The conversation flowed effortlessly.
[Green: "You truly live up to your reputation, Master Ai. I'd planned to challenge you to a match, but since you're currently raising a new team, I'll hold off for now."]
[Ai Xia: "You flatter me, Gym Leader Green..."]
Ai Xia's hands trembled as he typed.
He never expected Green to actually want a battle.
Weren't we just having a wholesome chat about raising Pokémon?!
This guy's a battle junkie at heart...
Green: "Red sends his regards. Also, if you're undecided on new Pokémon, I might be able to help you choose one."
"Huh?"
Ai Xia froze at the message.
They've known each other for less than an hour, and Green's already throwing gifts at him?!
--+--
Kanto Region, Viridian City, Viridian Gym.
"You're serious?"
Even Red looked surprised as he stared at Green. "You're giving that Pokémon to Ai Xia?"
"Yeah."
Green's expression was pure satisfaction.
"He's the real deal—a genuine hidden master."
Clearly, their conversation had left an impression.
"His understanding of Pokémon research is scary."
The more they'd talked, the more Green had been stunned. Ai Xia didn't just keep up—he matched Green's expertise, even tossing out insights beyond conventional wisdom. To Green, that kind of talent was rare.
"His wild training methods and the advice he gave viewers today might've been basic for us, but for rookie trainers? Gold."
A trainer this strong, knowledgeable, and generous? Green hadn't felt this intrigued since meeting Red.
"He's building a new team now, but ordinary Pokémon—even Pseudo-Legendaries—probably won't impress him. So I'll show my sincerity..."
Green's gaze shifted to the side of the gym.
In the training area stood a Charmander—no longer a hatchling, but not fully grown either. Its muscles were well-developed for its size, and the flame on its tail burned fiercely.
"RAAAGH—!!"
The little orange lizard roared, unleashing a torrent of fire straight at the Arcanine standing across the field.
"Bark!"
With its Flash Fire ability, the attack was harmless—but the majestic beast's approving grin after swallowing the flames said everything.
Green smiled.
"This one will meet his standards."
--+--
T/N: Oh nah
--+--
T/N: Also, this is the last of the chapters today, and from now, I will be uploading 3 chapters every day. But if you head over to my patreon you can read up to 20+ Chapters!
It may not seem worth it now, but maybe in the future. Who knows!
[email protected]/AspenTL
If you guys wanna check it out.