After entering, they saw that the battlefield and spectator seats were all complete.
Just like at the Pewter Gym, the order was set, and Eichi was third.
Whoever's turn it was would go up to challenge, while the rest waited in the stands.
At that moment, the three Cerulean Sisters also came out. Judging by their expressions, they seemed tired and rather unwilling, but as Gym Leaders, they still had to fulfill their duties.
The eldest sister, Daisy, stepped forward and said, "I'm Daisy, the eldest of the Cerulean Sisters, and your opponent for this challenge."
Then Violet, the second sister, said, "I'll act as the referee for this match."
"Now, Challenger No.1, please take your position."
The first challenger was a plainly dressed boy. He walked to the challenger's side of the field.
The Cerulean Gym battlefield was a Water-type arena.
It was essentially a giant swimming pool filled entirely with water, with several wooden platforms floating above it.
Pokémon could stand on these platforms to battle, but this setup was extremely unfriendly to Pokémon that couldn't fly or swim.
"The battle will be a 2 vs 2 match."
"Each side may use two Pokémon."
"When both Pokémon on one side lose their ability to battle, the match ends."
"The Gym Leader cannot switch Pokémon during battle."
"Now, both sides, release your Pokémon!"
"Go, Seel!"
"Go, Butterfree!"
Daisy used a Seel.
Seel, the Sea Lion Pokémon.
Type: Water
Abilities: Thick Fat, Hydration.
Hidden Ability: Ice Body.
Description: Seel's body shape resembles a marine mammal, with a bump on its head and upward-curving tusks by its mouth. Its tail splits into two, like the splash of a fountain. Though it moves awkwardly on land, once it dives into the cold sea, it becomes lively. Its fur is thick enough to survive in waters as cold as -40°C.
As soon as Seel appeared, it dove into the pool, swam a bit, then leapt onto a platform.
On the other side, the challenger's Butterfree fluttered into the air.
Eichi activated the Eye of the Bug Emperor.
Seel
Talent: Outstanding
Rank: Rookie
Butterfree
Talent: Ordinary
Rank: Rookie
This Seel truly surprised Eichi.
Its natural talent was so high, yet its level was still at Rookie stage.
Maybe it was one of her main Pokémon.
"Battle start!"
"Butterfree, use Gust!"
Butterfree flapped its wings, whipping up a strong wind toward Seel.
"Seel, use Headbutt!"
Huh? Headbutt?
You really think you can hit Butterfree like that?
Eichi couldn't help but complain internally.
Seel leapt off the platform, ramming upward with its head.
But before it could reach Butterfree, the gust blew it straight down into the water.
"Seel, are you okay?"
Daisy called out worriedly. The Seel quickly resurfaced and jumped back onto a platform.
"Seel, use Ice Shard!"
An ice chunk instantly formed in front of Seel's chest, which it hurled toward Butterfree.
"Butterfree, dodge it!"
Butterfree easily evaded the attack.
"Seel, keep using Ice Shard!"
One after another, shards of ice formed in Seel's flippers and flew toward Butterfree.
"Butterfree, use Confusion to shatter them!"
Butterfree's eyes glowed yellow. Psychic waves rippled through the air, striking each ice shard.
All the shards shattered midair.
"Good job, Butterfree. Now use Gust again!"
After destroying the ice, Butterfree flapped its wings again, sending a fierce wind toward Seel.
The gust struck Seel, knocking it over on the platform. It fainted.
"Seel is unable to battle. Butterfree wins!"
"Gym Leader, please send out your second Pokémon."
"Ah, good work, Seel. Come back."
Daisy recalled Seel, then released her next Pokémon.
Eichi, watching from the stands, didn't know what to say.
Just like in the anime, the three sisters clearly spent all their time on synchronized swimming and traveling, never properly training their Pokémon.
Daisy threw her next Poké Ball.
"Go, Goldeen!"
Goldeen, the Goldfish Pokémon.
Type: Water
Abilities: Swift Swim, Water Veil.
Hidden Ability: Lightning Rod.
Description: Goldeen's body is mostly white with red fins. It has pink, pouty lips and wavy tail fins. The sharp horn on its head delivers strong blows when it's angered. Its graceful swimming makes it known as the "Water Dancer." Despite its beauty, its tail is powerful enough to swim at five knots and even climb waterfalls.
Talent: Excellent
Rank: Rookie
"The battle continues!"
Goldeen dived straight into the water, making it hard for Butterfree to attack.
"Butterfree, use Gust again!"
The familiar gust swept over the pool.
But Daisy didn't tell Goldeen to hide underwater. Instead, she had it charge straight ahead.
"Goldeen, use Horn Attack!"
Yeah, this Gym Leader's definitely fake. She doesn't act like a real one at all.
Seeing Goldeen charging up, the challenger's face lit up.
"Butterfree, fly higher!"
Butterfree fluttered upward, gaining altitude.
Goldeen leapt from the water, but its jump stopped midway, and it began to fall.
"Butterfree, now's your chance! Use Confusion!"
A wave of orange psychic energy struck Goldeen midair, and the Water-type fell unconscious, landing outside the arena.
"Goldeen is unable to battle. Challenger No.1 wins!"
"Therefore, Challenger No.1 has successfully completed the Gym challenge."
"This Gym Leader is way too weak. You can actually win that easily?"
"Guess the rumors were true, this Gym's badge is the easiest to get."
Eichi: …
On the other side, Daisy didn't look disappointed at all. Instead, she said to Violet, "Finally, it's over. I'm exhausted. I just want to sleep."
Violet replied, "Same here. The performance drained me completely."
Daisy then took a small box from the staff, walked to the first challenger, and handed him the Cascade Badge.
Then she turned toward the rest of the challengers in the stands and said, "Sorry, everyone. My Pokémon have lost their ability to battle.
My sisters' Pokémon were also injured in recent matches and are still recovering at the Pokémon Center.
So I'll just go ahead and give you all the badges!"
Everyone: …
Seriously? But yes, she really went and handed the badges out one by one. Eichi, sitting in the third row, soon received his Cascade Badge.
He was too speechless to even complain, though her lazy attitude made it obvious she was holding back the whole time.