Chapter 56: News of the Fighting Tournament
After earning his fifth badge at the Celadon Gym, Ash and his group began the countdown for their remaining time in Celadon City.
After breakfast, Ash assigned training tasks to Gengar and Dragonair, then sent the two powerhouses back to Professor Oak's lab.
The reason was simple: during Ash's morning call with Professor Oak, he learned that Green had recently been training at the lab.
To help Gengar master Will-O-Wisp and to let Dragonair learn more techniques, Ash entrusted the two little powerhouses to Professor Oak.
After all, combining the expertise of a breeder and the professor's guidance… Ash didn't even dare imagine how strong the training results would be.
To replace them, he brought Bulbasaur and Squirtle back into the team.
The penultimate Gym—Cinnabar Island, the second-to-last before the League—would require Squirtle to take the lead, so Ash added special training for the little turtle onto the schedule.
"Ash~ what's our next destination?" In the restaurant, Verity asked as she watered her Bellsprout.
Taking the map Sorrel handed over, Ash pointed to a mountain town.
"Here—Fuchsia City!"
"Ohh~ the Ninja Gym. I've always been interested in ninja culture," Sorrel said with a smile.
"From Celadon City, pass through Gringey City, and Fuchsia will be right there." Ash drew a line on the map. "So today is our last day staying in Celadon. Anywhere you guys want to go?"
"Of course—Beauty Street! I want to try a massage!" Verity said excitedly.
"Beauty Street is for Pokémon massages…" Ash reminded her helplessly.
"Oh… true~" Verity pouted.
"But it's still a good place," Ash admitted with a smile. "Let's help Pikachu and the others relax the fatigue they've built up from battles. That way we'll be ready to keep earning badges."
"Then it's settled!" Verity jumped happily.
"I can study the massage techniques a bit. Later, I can help everyone's Pokémon relax too," Sorrel nodded.
As expected of someone aiming to become a professor—Sorrel's dedication was something Ash truly hoped he'd keep.
Decision made, the three quickly finished packing and left the Pokémon Center.
Walking through the shopping district toward Celadon's northern area, they arrived at Beauty Street — stores lined with lantern signs, ribbons, and decorations.
"Whoa… this entire street is beauty salons?" Verity exclaimed.
"Indeed. Most of the shop owners here are Pokémon caretakers. They're professionals in making Pokémon look beautiful," Sorrel explained as he checked the guidebook.
"Which one should we go to then?" Verity hesitated. "There are way too many choices…"
Sorrel looked straight at Ash. "Ash, your thoughts?"
Ash eyed the extravagantly decorated Pokémon on the street — including a Granbull wearing a dress — and shivered.
"I think we should just find the highest-rated massage shop from a magazine. If we get entangled by these 'beauty experts,' I can't guarantee I won't kill someone…"
"Uh…" Souji and Chieko broke out in cold sweat. It seemed Ash had a strong aversion to heavy-makeup aesthetics.
Just as Ash was preparing to rant, a voice suddenly spoke beside them:
"Hehehe~ young man, feeling uncomfortable? Want this Abra to teleport you back to the Pokémon Center in the previous town?"
An elderly woman with a purple cloak, white hair, and wrinkled skin held an Abra in her arms, smiling creepily.
"Pika! (Pretty lady!)" Pikachu on Ash's shoulder lifted his head, sniffed, and immediately turned into a happy squeaky-voice mascot, ears twitching.
"Blue—your acting is ridiculous…" Ash put his hands on his hips. Even Pikachu could smell your perfume!
"Eh? You caught me?" The old woman wiped her cheek, removing a Ditto disguise. With a flourish, she threw back her cloak, revealing a cute black cocktail dress.
"Whoa! A full transformation!" Verity's jaw dropped.
"Ash, who is she?" Sorrel asked in confusion.
"Hehe, Ashy-boy, introduce me to your friends." Blue leaned over Ash's shoulder, smiling mischievously and sticking out her tongue playfully.
Ash looked embarrassed. "This is a senior from Pallet Town — one of the Three Legends of Kanto, Blue.
And these two are Sorrel and Verity from Sinnoh. They're traveling with me."
"Oh~ the hometown of Platinum, huh? You two… must be pretty rich?" Azure's eyes sparkled like stars.
"Nice to meet you, Blue! I'm not rich, but I really like you!" Verity said enthusiastically and hugged Blue.
Immediately, Ash casually retrieved Verity's wallet from Blue's hand and returned it to Verity.
"Haha… sorry, instinct from the job…" Blue scratched her head awkwardly.
"Blue just can't control her hands. Deep down she's a good person," Ash explained.
After all, she had once been kidnapped along with Silver by the Masked Man, revealed to be the gym leader of Mahogany Town later, and afterward had been forced to survive through petty theft.
Because of that past, such habits were hard to erase.
And perhaps that life also contributed to her present obsession with money.
"I'm going to save up the world's biggest dowry and marry a wonderful man!"
Yes — that was the former savior's simple dream.
Ash really wanted to tell her: "If Silver just said a few soft words to his dad, he'd instantly be insanely rich, and then you two could live shamelessly ever after…"
But considering Giovanni's unpredictable nature, Ash decided to let Blue enjoy pursuing her dream peacefully.
Once everyone had gotten familiar with each other, Ash finally asked,
"Blue, what are you doing here? Also here to use the beauty salons?"
Blue raised her chin proudly. "Do I look like someone who needs that? Let me tell you—I'm here for supplies."
"Supplies?" The three stared blankly at the gorgeous woman.
"Of course! This is my secret stocking spot." Blue explained proudly. "Even though this is Beauty Street, because it's filled with breeders, they sell everything—potions, energy cubes, and even full restores.
And the prices are more than half cheaper than the shopping district!
I buy them low, then sell them at normal price. Boom—instant 100% profit! So much money~"
Sorrel kindly reminded: "Uh… you still have to include cost and losses. It's not that profitable…"
"I don't wanna hear it! I'm going to earn my 100% profit~" Blue shook her head adorably, pouting like a child.
"Blue, where do you plan on selling them?" Verity asked curiously.
"Ta-da~" Blue pulled out a poster and spread it out before them.
A giant trophy towered in the center, with Hitmonlee and Hitmonchan clashing beside it.
"The P1 Grand Prix Fighting Tournament!
A muscle competition where only Fighting-type moves and Normal-type punching and kicking moves are allowed!
Fighters from all over the world will swarm in — and I'll make a huge profit!"
Ash's eyes lit up as he read the poster. First prize: a championship gold belt and 100,000 poke dollars.
Location: a large sports arena between Celadon City and Gringey City.
"I heard that many Fighting Gym Leaders from various regions will show up. If you're interested, you should sign up soon," Blue said with a smile.
"Sounds… like it's going to be really fun," Ash replied with an eager grin.
To be continued…
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HAPPY NEW YEAR!!