After the special training ended.
Baimu could clearly feel that Uncle Ranch and his Pokémon were different, perhaps because their levels had improved?
In short, during the subsequent challenge at the Azure Gym, he easily defeated Asi, whose ability was worthy of a badge. At the end of the match, the two middle-aged men exchanged a knowing smile and clasped their strong arms together.
[You defeated the Azure Gym Leader Asi, earning the Impact Badge]
[You heard Asi's wife taunt him about his belly roll, and you felt a bit awkward because you have one too]
The deadly point of middle-aged men... the belly.
However, given Uncle Ranch's physique, his belly roll should serve as a buffer layer, making him a sturdy, durable warrior.
Alright then.
Pokémon battles don't require the trainer to be on the field.
While Baimu was thinking this, Uncle Ranch had already run off to show off his two badges to his daughter, combining it with the relaxing music released by Terry, creating a unique family warmth.
The simulator even gave the grass field a special shot, showing Ranch Girl's Ponyta snuggling with Uncle Ranch's Rapidash, while the Tauros and Ampharos each had their own children.
Middle-aged humans, middle-aged Pokémon, both have found their places to belong...
An ensemble of middle-aged champions joining the tournament.
He wondered if he'd have this chance and mindset when he reached middle age.
Having just turned seventeen, Baimu held Chansey sideways and began to dream about life after thirty.
In the light screen.
Uncle Ranch stayed at home for a night and set off for Manjin City, which was closer than Yuanzhu City.
This made Baimu wonder if he might know Xiaoqian since he knew Asi and Ami; knowing Xiaoqian wouldn't be particularly surprising.
As he was having these thoughts, Uncle Ranch's car suddenly stopped on the highway.
The picture panned up to reveal a large group of Psyduck blocking the road, completely sealing it off.
[You learned from Miss Jun Sha that these Psyduck are blocking the road because of headaches, and breeders have already been dispatched there, so you'll need to wait a while longer]
[You decided to lend a hand to the Psyduck]
Uncle Ranch, being a professional breeder, may have rusty combat skills, but his breeding knowledge is top-notch, and he clearly knows how to solve the Psyduck's headache problem.
Unfortunately, the overly simplistic scene made it impossible for Baimu to learn how Uncle Ranch managed it.
Nevertheless, under his intervention, the Psyduck quickly dispersed, and Miss Jun Sha expressed her gratitude to Uncle Ranch.
As they were about to leave.
Uncle Ranch discovered a Pokémon Egg lying in the middle of the road.
[You intended to hand the Pokémon Egg over to Miss Jun Sha, but she entrusted it to you upon learning you were a breeder, thinking you should nurture it]
[You accepted]
Has the maternal aura begun to take effect?
Baimu knew to go far in the world of breeding, one needs a heart that cares for Pokémon. Uncle Ranch may be big and strong, but he never lacks love for Pokémon.
He's really curious what kind of Pokémon the Pokémon Egg will hatch into.
Unfortunately, the narrator didn't mention its species.
Uncle Ranch hit the road again.
Thanks to the convenience of transportation, he soon arrived in Manjin City, and with a clear goal, he went straight to the Manjin Gym to meet Xiaoqian.
As expected, he indeed knew Xiaoqian.
Xiaoqian's grandfather, named Harward, ran a MooMoo Ranch, much like Uncle Ranch, and she knew early on about Ranch Girl being taunted and Uncle Ranch's return to challenging Gyms.
In response, Xiaoqian proactively offered to help Uncle Ranch with some special training, so he'd have more confidence in later battles.
Initially, Uncle Ranch was going to decline, but upon thinking about it, learning more battle techniques was a good thing, so he agreed.
Then followed another long special training session, where Rapidash and other Pokémon greatly benefited at Xiaoqian's place. Perhaps the maternal aura was at work, as Uncle Ranch caught the eye of an Aipom at the Gym.
The latter greatly admired Uncle Ranch's hand strength, especially that Big Battle move, which utterly captivated it.
Xiaoqian generously facilitated their bond.
Uncle Ranch was a little embarrassed but accepted the Aipom.
In the world of breeding, finding a trainer that a Pokémon likes is normal; it's a mutual selection process.
[You gained an Aipom, adding another party member to your Gym challenges]
Having gained a new companion, Uncle Ranch didn't dare further intrude on Xiaoqian and chose to challenge the Gym.
During the battle, the fruits of special training gradually appeared.
Though Uncle Ranch and his Pokémon were older, they weren't old enough to affect their battle performance. The two rounds of special training seemed to awaken a sleeping memory inside them, making their fight style more refined.
In the end, the Manjin Gym was also smoothly conquered.
[You defeated the Manjin Gym Leader Xiaoqian, earning the Standard Badge]
Having completed the Manjin Gym challenge.
Uncle Ranch bought a lot of fresh items in this leading metropolis and took them home, bidding farewell to his family.
Knowing that the next journey would take them to the eastern part of the Johto Region, where even by car, it wouldn't be feasible to return in a day, he'd be living outside for some time.
Even though Ranch Girl was reluctant, she understood her father was working hard for her and pursuing dreams from his youth, so she held back her tears and cheered him on.
Uncle Ranch promised to call her every day, shared a warm hug with his wife, and embarked on a new journey.
----
First stop, Yuanzhu City.
As the city that most represents the style of the Johto Region, Uncle Ranch frequently visited Yuanzhu City with many friends in his youth.
Returning here after so long, Uncle Ranch spent some time exploring, bought many Yuanzhu City specialties, and then went on to challenge the Yuanzhu Gym.
Regrettably.
Uncle Ranch was not familiar with Song Ye, which Baimu found disappointing as he thought Uncle Ranch had connections with all Gym Trainers.
The Gym challenge began.
Since Song Ye excels at using Ghost Attribute Pokémon, it was somewhat challenging for Uncle Ranch, who had many General Attribute Pokémon.
Nonetheless, thanks to the solid qualities of his Rapidash and Ampharos, the match was ultimately won.
[You defeated the Yuanzhu Gym Leader Song Ye, earning the Phantom Badge]
Baimu looked at the scene of Uncle Ranch's pixel avatar shaking, suspecting that if conditions permitted, the latter would have been tempted to run over and slap Gengar twice.
Regardless of whether it would hit or not, just go for it!
Trainers with a robust style are always so straightforward and candid.