Sainte-Anne.
This is the last cruise chosen by Natsuhiko, and it is currently the largest cruise ship docked at Withered Leaf Port.
Although not as famous as the "Saint Anus," it's also considered a luxury cruise, passing through the Johto Region, Hoenn Region, Sinnoh Region...
It's considered a relatively long voyage.
The cruise ship will stop for a period of time at each port in every region, allowing each passenger enough time to appreciate the scenery of various regions and experience the local customs.
It is a cruise with the purpose of leisure.
Natsuhiko doesn't know where his destination is; he might stay at a port that seems suitable for him to live temporarily.
If it's not suitable, he might just continue sailing.
This trip is to experience the different landscapes of the Pokémon world, to take his Pokémon to see the outside world, to enhance knowledge, and to increase experience.
On the other hand, it is hoped to gather knowledge about Pokémon and unique training methods from different regions.
Reading thousands of books is not as beneficial as traveling thousands of miles.
This sentence, although cliché, indeed has its reasoning.
Anyway, Goldenrod City, and even the entire Kanto Region, are destined not to be peaceful places, staying away from the center of big events is also beneficial for his growth and his Pokémon's growth.
Under the warm afternoon sun, with confident steps.
Natsuhiko boarded the ship holding Togepi.
The tickets for the Sainte-Anne are very sought after, and the price of the tickets is not cheap either.
A third-class cabin costs 10,000 league coins, a second-class cabin costs 30,000 league coins, a first-class cabin costs 100,000 league coins, and even those with some social status cannot buy special-class cabins, even if they have the money.
Natsuhiko was quite lucky to get a second-class cabin ticket just at the last moment, costing him 30,000 league coins.
After boarding the ship.
A server with a sweet smile, dressed in a lace-trimmed dress, guided him to his cabin.
Also not forgetting to introduce Natsuhiko to some basic information about the Sainte-Anne.
"Sir, the Sainte-Anne is a luxury cruise built eight years ago, with a top speed of 30 knots, and sails smoothly, small wind and waves cannot have any impact on the hull, so there is no need to worry about feeling dizzy on the ship, it's just like being on land."
"The captain is experienced, having served as the first mate on the #12 ship of the Johto Alliance's third navy for twenty years, you can fully trust his capability, and we will give you the most satisfying sailing experience."
"Sainte-Anne has been favored by famous merchants and trainers in recent years. The ship is equipped with various entertainment facilities, including bars, karaoke, dance halls, malls, as well as professional and sturdy battle fields and training areas, and professional medical facilities that can meet all your needs as a trainer."
The battle fields and training areas.
This is the biggest reason Natsuhiko chose the Sainte-Anne.
He does not want his possibly long voyage to affect his training and nurturing of Pokémon, and to have such facilities, it must be this kind of large luxury cruise, which is also one reason why the tickets are expensive and sought-after.
Of course, renting such grounds surely comes at a high cost.
"When will we set sail?" Natsuhiko asked calmly.
This is what concerns him the most.
He has not forgotten that he is still "on the run."
"Once most passengers are on board, we will set sail, but don't worry, our boarding period is only three days. Two days have passed, if tomorrow everyone is not aboard, we will still officially set sail by tomorrow evening. During this time, you can look around on the ship."
"According to tradition, enthusiastic businessmen will fund Pokémon battle competitions during the voyage, and the rewards are quite substantial. If you're interested, you can sign up."
A competition?
Natsuhiko nodded, not very interested.
Most of these cruise competitions are performance-related, mainly to entertain the "big shots" who bought the special-class tickets.
Natsuhiko does not like this kind of performance.
"Is there anything to watch out for at sea?"
The server smiled and said, "When passing through certain sea areas, wild Pokémon may attack the cruise, but you don't need to worry at all, every sailor on the Sainte-Anne is experienced.
"Boatswain Kaman is also a strong Water-type Trainer who has participated in Dojo Trainer competitions, and no Water-type Pokémon at sea has ever broken through their lines."
It seems the sea is not so calm, and wild Pokémon attacks are not uncommon.
You must ensure you always have some combat capability, and cannot completely rely on others for safety.
Although Natsuhiko currently doesn't have a Water-type Pokémon, which could be a risk, fortunately, he has a Ditto that can compensate to a certain extent, and if necessary, he can have Pidgeotto for flying or Abra for Instant Movement.
"However..." The server's expression suddenly became a bit hesitant.
When Natsuhiko looked at her, she smiled slightly apologetically and said, "But at sea, you might encounter pirates, but they usually won't target large cruise ships like ours because the defensive power of the Sainte-Anne is enough to make them fearful.
And so far, we have never been breached by pirates."
Pirates...
After roughly understanding these basic informations, Natsuhiko was led by the server to the second-class cabin on the fourth floor.
Floors one to three are third-class cabins that are shared by four people, while second-class cabins are on floors four to six and are single rooms. Although not large, they are not crowded, and if desired, a whole family can squeeze in to live together.
Floors six to nine make up the first-class cabins, which not only have two bedrooms but also a living room, very suitable for a family trip.
The special-class cabins share the tenth floor with the captain's room, and are said to be more luxurious in facilities, but Natsuhiko does not know the specifics.
"Sir, wish you a pleasant journey."
After saying this, the sweet-smiling server left.
Entering the room and locking the door,
Natsuhiko threw out the Pokeball.
Beedrill and Abra also appeared, and Togepi happily jumped from Natsuhiko's arms directly onto the bed, rolling around with its round body.
"Toki—"
It just loves the soft beds.
"Abra, check it out."
"Abra."
Abra nodded, unfolding its psychic powers, searching the room for hidden cameras or anything suspicious.
This has become something Natsuhiko always does wherever he goes, keeping up vigilance.
"Abra."
A moment later, Abra shook its head.
Having confirmed the environment, Natsuhiko could be a little more at ease.
Smiling, he said, "Let's take you to see the outside world."
"Togi!"
Togepi jumped up from the bed excitedly.
Abra showed no reaction, but the subconscious upward curve of its mouth indicated its good mood.
Beedrill watched the endless sea from the window; this too, is its first sight of the sea.
Nurturing Pokémon is not just about training them endlessly.
They are also living beings, having their own thoughts and emotions, can feel joy and sadness, and sometimes changes in mindset can indeed lead to transformative moments.
For example, in the original story, at every critical moment, when the Pokémon rise up with a battle song, and everyone stands together.
Knock knock.
Just as they were resting, there was a sudden knock on the door.