I'm the Owner of the Pokémon Day Care In the World of Pokémon

Chapter 1205: Viridian Gym

Leaving the beauty salon, Ninetales walked ahead with a radiant glow, head held high, exuding an irresistible charm that caught the attention of the Pokémon they passed, making Yuga feel helpless. According to Yuga's other Pokémon, Ninetales truly was a rare beauty in the Pokémon world, with every reason to flaunt her good looks.

Sure enough, a Meowth passing by with its trainer was so captivated by Ninetales that it absentmindedly walked right into its trainer's leg, which made Ninetales laugh out loud.

There was no denying it—Suzie's grooming skills were impressive, enhancing Ninetales' beauty even more.

"This beauty salon is pretty good. Let's come back next time!" Ninetales said contentedly to Yuga.

Yuga had previously asked Ninetales not to use telepathy to communicate with him, but now that they'd left the salon, Ninetales spoke up without hesitation, startling Misty beside them.

"Th-this Ninetales can use telepathy!" she exclaimed.

"Yes, she can," Yuga nodded to Misty, then shot Ninetales a look. "Did you forget what I told you? This is Kanto, and I'm from Hoenn. We're heading back in a couple of days, so there won't be a 'next time' here! What, you want me to bring you back to the heavens or something?"

"That's unacceptable!" Ninetales protested. "Doesn't your Hoenn have a salon like this?"

Yuga pointed out, "Not your Hoenn, it's our Hoenn now. You're part of Hoenn too!"

Ninetales wasn't interested in that. "Whose Hoenn it is doesn't matter. I just want a salon."

Yuga sighed and relented, "Fine, I'll ask around once we're back." He hadn't paid much attention to beauty salons before, but maybe Joyka would know.

Satisfied, Ninetales replied, "Good! Don't be stingy with the money—I know you're wealthy. Any new salon you find should be at least as high-end as this one."

Yuga felt the urge to retort, "Easy to say when it's not your money!"

Ninetales glared. "You're still hung up on this? I've practically sold myself to you, agreed to follow all your commands, and you're still unwilling to spend a little money on me?" The look she gave him was as if he'd broken her heart.

"Fine, fine!" Yuga surrendered wisely. If he didn't keep this lady happy, she could be quite the handful. A bit of money wasn't worth the trouble of upsetting her.

"Ha ha... you two are so funny!" Misty couldn't help laughing at Yuga and Ninetales' banter.

Ninetales was almost offended by Misty's laughter but, remembering that she owed this young lady for helping her get into the salon, chose to let it go. Even Ninetales knew to repay kindness.

"You did a great job cooperating in the salon just now. Let me treat you to dinner," Yuga said to Misty after his back-and-forth with Ninetales.

"You don't come to Kanto often; I should be the one treating you!" Misty replied.

Yuga waved her off. "It's not like I'm strapped for cash. Does it matter who treats whom? Let's go eat."

The two then found a high-end restaurant, planning to catch up over their meal.

The restaurant's service was indeed exceptional, even offering special dishes for Pokémon. Both Yuga and Misty enjoyed their meal, and Ninetales was fully satisfied with her own feast.

After living in the depths of the mountains for so long, Ninetales hadn't tasted human food in ages. Even while at the Oak Research Lab, it had only eaten energy cubes, so today it was finally able to indulge its wishes.

However, for a high-level Pokémon like Ninetales, merely eating human food might satisfy its taste buds, but it doesn't provide enough energy for any high-intensity activities afterward; it would still need to supplement with high-energy foods like Pokeblock later.

After finishing their meal, Yuga and Misty, along with Ninetales, stepped out of their private room and were met by a group of people. The young man leading them was surprised to see Misty and said, "Miss Misty? What a coincidence, you're eating here too?"

Misty hadn't expected the chance to meet either. "Yes, I am! I didn't expect to see you here, Gym Leader Salem."

"Is this... Could it be Gym Leader Shimizu from Verdanturf Town in Hoenn?" The young man, Salem, instantly recognized Yuga and enthusiastically approached him. "I can't believe I get to meet Gym Leader Shimizu here—it's such an honor!"

Seeing the young man enthusiastically shaking his hand, Yuga glanced at Misty in confusion. Misty noticed and introduced him, saying, "This is Salem, the Gym Leader of Viridian Gym."

She had previously mentioned that the Gym Exchange Competition she was attending was hosted by the Viridian Gym.

Upon hearing this, Yuga understood. "Ah, so you're Gym Leader Salem. It's a pleasure to meet you!"

Viridian Gym's previous Gym Leader had been Giovanni, but after his identity as th leader of Team Rocket was exposed, he naturally lost his position. Afterward, one of the Kanto Elite Four, Agatha, temporarily filled the role, followed by a brief period when Gary served as the acting Gym Leader. Ultimately, the position was taken over by the current official Gym Leader, Salem.

Although Yuga had heard about this, he hadn't really followed who the final official Gym Leader would be.

Listening to Yuga and Salem's conversation, the other Gym Leaders who had come to dine with Salem exchanged whispers among themselves. Although many hadn't met Yuga personally, they'd all heard of him.

As fellow Gym Leaders, it was natural for them to be somewhat informed about famous figures in their line of work, especially someone as renowned as Yuga.

Salem was genuinely warm and welcoming toward Yuga, and although Yuga had been ready to leave after the meal, Salem enthusiastically pulled him into the conversation, making it hard for Yuga to excuse himself.

After chatting for a while, Salem said, "Do you have any plans next, Gym Leader Shimizu? We're currently hosting a Gym Leader Exchange Conference at Viridian Gym. How about coming over for a look?"

In response, Yuga asked Misty quietly, "Are you heading back to Viridian Gym afterward?"

Misty nodded silently, as all the Gym Leaders were currently staying at Viridian Gym.

Realizing this, Yuga told Salem, "Alright, then. I'll be honored to broaden my horizons."

Visiting wouldn't be bad—anything was better than standing here making an awkward conversation. Besides, Misty had mentioned that the exchange was well-organized, with the various Gym Leaders learning and sparring, creating a chance for significant growth.

Salem was thrilled. "It's our pleasure to have you join us, Gym Leader Shimizu."

It had to be said, that Salem was extremely welcoming, making Yuga feel a bit out of his element. Salem looked around at Yuga's age; it was impressive that he'd developed such an affable personality.

As they exited the restaurant, Salem noticed the Ninetales following behind Yuga and praised it enthusiastically, "Is this Ninetales yours, Gym Leader Shimizu? It's been nurtured excellently!"

A continuous stream of compliments couldn't help but make the normally aloof Ninetales glance at Salem a few more times. It even whispered a foxy bark to Yuga, saying, "This guy isn't bad."

Yuga thought to himself, Yeah, right—anyone who flatters you is 'not bad.'

When they arrived at Viridian Gym, Yuga indeed saw many Gym Leaders, including Lt. Surge from Vermilion Gym and Janine from Fuchsia Gym. Even Erika was there. When she saw Yuga, she was clearly surprised, but seeing him surrounded by Salem and others, she only gave him a nod from afar as a greeting.

Then Yuga spotted someone who surprised him: Sabrina.

Sabrina was a solitary person, and Yuga had assumed she wouldn't attend such a gathering. But here she was.

True to her demeanor, Sabrina seemed challenging to approach. She was sitting alone on the spectator's bench, quietly watching others spar in the arena with her Alakazam, paying close attention.

Out of curiosity, Yuga used his Insight skill to assess the strength of Sabrina's Alakazam and was surprised by her rapid growth. Though, considering her natural abilities, this level of progress was hardly surprising.

Naturally, someone as sensitive as Sabrina quickly noticed Yuga's gaze.

However, compared to the gentle Erika, Sabrina's attitude was much colder. She gave Yuga a brief, indifferent glance before refocusing her attention entirely on the battle before her, as if she didn't know Yuga at all.

After showing Yuga around the gym and introducing him to a few other gym leaders, Salem asked, "Would you like to join us for a practice match, Gym Leader Shimizu?"

On the way to the Viridian Gym, Yuga had already learned from Misty's explanations that Salem was actually the grandnephew of Granny Agatha, who had recommended him as the Viridian Gym Leader.

Granny Agatha never married; while she was strict, she supported talented younger members of her family.

Hearing Salem's suggestion, Yuga replied with a smile, "Sure! I was itching for a battle anyway." Since he was already there, a match would make the trip worthwhile.

"That's fantastic!" Salem was thrilled by Yuga's response. "Would I have the honor of being your first opponent, Gym Leader Shimizu?"

Salem had heard his great-aunt mention before that, despite Yuga's reputation as a Grass-type trainer, he was also a master of Ghost-types.

If Granny Agatha had praised him this highly, Yuga's skill with Ghost Pokémon was surely formidable.

Salem knew he likely wouldn't be able to defeat Yuga, but he wasn't seeking victory. His goal was to learn, to observe his opponent's strengths—a quality his great-aunt had always taught him to embody as a trainer.

That's why he was so thrilled to meet Yuga and so eager to invite him to the Viridian Gym.

Having been directly challenged, Yuga had no reason to refuse. He responded with a smile, "I'd be honored."

News quickly spread around the battle area that Yuga and Salem were about to face off. A space was cleared for their battle, and soon, spectators gathered around the edges of the field. Even Sabrina had to switch from sitting to standing to watch.

Once they were positioned on opposite sides of the field, Yuga suggested, "Since this is a practice match, let's keep it simple—one round to decide the winner."

Salem was a bit disappointed, but he still answered with a smile, "Agreed, one round it is. But I hope Gym Leader Shimizu will use a Ghost-type Pokémon against me."

Yuga was slightly surprised but understood after recalling Salem's background.

He then released his Decidueye, while Salem sent out a rather rare Chandelure.

...

[ Chandelure ]

Type: Ghost, Fire

Ability: Flash Fire

Gender: Male

Potential: Blue

Level: 67

Moves: Astonish, Smog, Ember, Confuse Ray, Hex, Will-O-Wisp, Night Shade, Shadow Ball, Pain Split, Inferno, Overheat, Trick Room, Flamethrower, Fire Blast, Mystical Fire, Psychic, Haze, Dark Pulse.

...

This was a high-level pseudo-Elite Chandelure, whereas Yuga's Decidueye was only at the initial stage of the pseudo-Elite level.

However, when Chandelure noticed the Ninetales lounging calmly beside Yuga, it shivered inexplicably. Despite being a fellow Fire-type, its instincts told it that this Ninetales was no ordinary Pokémon.

Sensing something unusual with Chandelure, Salem asked, puzzled, "Chandelure, what's wrong?"

Chandelure's flame flickered slightly, indicating that it was probably nothing—perhaps just a trick of its mind.

At the referee's signal, the battle officially began.

Decidueye flapped its wings, soaring upwards, but Chandelure quickly summoned several pillars of flame to block its path.

However, Decidueye was not unprepared. It first folded its wings into a tight cluster, and when it opened them again, a swirling dark wind burst forth, dispersing all the pillars of flame instantly.

This was Ominous Wind.

Returning the favor, Decidueye countered Chandelure's aggressive opening with a powerful Shadow Claw.

Although Shadow Claw is typically a melee move, Decidueye's Long Reach ability allowed it to unleash a massive black claw that shot downwards, ferociously targeting Chandelure.

Chandelure tried to dodge, but Decidueye's wings were already in action. Before unleashing Shadow Claw, Decidueye had prepared its Spirit Shackle skill, firing black arrows that pinned Chandelure's shadow firmly to the ground.

Chandelure's movements stalled for a split second, allowing Shadow Claw to hit its mark.

Bang!

Chandelure was slammed into the ground, and as it floated back up, the candle flames around its body were flickering wildly, leaving it looking rather disheveled.

Decidueye's impressive counterattack drew cheers from the audience, including Misty, Erika, and Sabrina, who were all watching in awe.

Determined to fight back, Chandelure summoned a flurry of eerie blue Will-O-Wisps and directed them toward Decidueye. Decidueye tried to evade by flapping its wings to gain distance.

But the Will-O-Wisps seemed to have a mind of their own, relentlessly pursuing Decidueye like shooting stars wherever it flew, creating a rather mesmerizing sight.

Upon closer inspection, Yuga noticed that Chandelure was controlling the Will-O-Wisps with its Psychic.

"Decidueye, use Double Team!"

At Yuga's command, dozens of identical Decidueyes suddenly appeared in the air, circling around the battlefield. Chandelure was left bewildered, unable to determine which Decidueye to target with its Will-O-Wisps.

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