Out at sea, far from Celeste City, a fishing boat slowly sailed across the surface.
The sea breeze gently caressed their faces. Natsui and his three Pokémon were lying on the deck, enjoying a rare moment of leisure.
The warm sun falling on their bodies made them feel so comfortable that they didn't want to move at all.
Too bad, if it weren't for the strong smell of fish constantly emanating from the boat, this trip could have been even more relaxing and enjoyable.
After over an hour of sailing, the fishing boat finally stopped at the shore of a small island.
The captain, with his weathered face, stepped out of the cabin and said to Natsui: "Young man, the place you're looking for is here. We'll keep sailing south, out to sea, and we'll pick you up at night. For now, good luck!"
After thanking him, Natsui jumped off the boat, watched it sail away, and then turned to observe the island.
The island was surrounded by trees, lush and green. In the center, there was a large solitary mountain with shrubs growing in orderly rows, resembling from a distance the shell of a giant turtle.
The Island of the Blastoise. It is said that this island doesn't appear on maps; only Pokémon living here and the most experienced fishermen know its exact location.
And just as its name indicates, on this island lived a Blastoise and a large group of its pre-evolutions: Wartortle and Squirtle.
Getting here was thanks to Natsui searching for a long time at the docks and asking many people, until finally someone agreed to take him in their boat to find the island.
However, his goal was not that Blastoise.
After crossing the beach and entering the forest, Natsui soon saw a group of Squirtle and Wartortle playing. He took out his phone to take some photos of the surroundings, thinking of sending them to Professor Cerise, but when he saw there was no signal, he had to leave it for now.
After observing for a while, Natsui jumped and landed in front of them.
The Squirtle and Wartortle jumped at the sudden appearance of Natsui, but instead of running away, they stayed in place, watching him with curiosity.
"Alright," Natsui said to them. "Pokémon, I'm looking for companions to challenge the League. Would any of you like to leave this place and travel with me?"
In this magical world, almost all Pokémon could understand, to some degree, human language.
Upon hearing Natsui's words, the Squirtle and Wartortle looked at each other, but there was no reaction. Only one of the Squirtle, perhaps out of mischief or curiosity toward Natsui, took a few steps forward.
"Squirtle, Squirtle!"
"You're quite brave," Natsui smiled. "Then let's have a battle! If I win, you'll be my partner!"
Upon seeing that Squirtle, its companions instinctively moved aside to leave space.
At that moment, Natsui also pulled out his Pokédex and pointed it at the blue Pokémon standing there.
Pokédex: "Bip. Squirtle, Water-type, the Tiny Turtle Pokémon. It excels in Water-type attacks and has a hard shell for protection. When it encounters an enemy, it can launch a powerful Water Gun attack."
With a wave of his hand, Natsui said, "Bulbasaur, I'm counting on you for this battle!"
"Bulba, saur!"
Bulbasaur took a few steps forward and positioned itself in front of Squirtle.
Seeing that both Pokémon were ready, Natsui gave the order: "Bulbasaur, use Vine Whip!"
Two vines shot out from Bulbasaur's bulb toward Squirtle. However, Squirtle, unfazed, waited for the vines to get close before suddenly tucking its head and limbs into its shell.
Pop, pop—two dry sounds were heard.
Despite being a Grass-type move, thanks to its sturdy shell, Squirtle resisted the attack, taking only slight damage.
As it emerged from its shell, a stream of Water Gun shot from its mouth at Bulbasaur.
"Bulbasaur, dodge it!"
Although Natsui gave the command in time, while Bulbasaur dodged, half of its body was still hit by the moving stream of water.
"Bulbasaur, use Leech Seed!"
A seed shot out from Bulbasaur's bulb, but as it reached Squirtle, it spat out a large amount of bubbles, which neutralized the seed.
Seeing this, Natsui couldn't help but praise it: "For a wild Pokémon, you're pretty good."
"Squirtle, Squirtle!"
Natsui pointed a finger: "Bulbasaur, continue using Vine Whip!"
Two vines shot again toward Squirtle, and just like before, Squirtle used Withdraw, tucking its whole body into its shell.
But Natsui's attack wasn't over. He shouted next: "Bulbasaur, trap it this time!"
This time, the vines didn't retract but instead wrapped tightly around Squirtle's body, one loop after another.
"Squirtle!?"
Squirtle was greatly surprised and tried to pull its head out, but the openings of the shell were completely blocked. It struggled for a while but couldn't move.
"That's called falling into your own trap," Natsui smiled and said aloud: "Now, lift it up and give it a taste of what a body slam feels like!"
Following Natsui's words, Bulbasaur lifted Squirtle into the air with its vines and then slammed it hard against the ground. Then came the second time, the third...
When there was no longer any reaction from inside the shell, Natsui gestured, and Bulbasaur finally let go of the vines.
Seeing Squirtle lying on the ground, the inside of its shell silent and unmoving, Natsui took out a Poké Ball and threw it.
With a flash of red light, the Poké Ball, without even shaking, confirmed the capture.
Fourth Pokémon, captured!
However, before Natsui could celebrate, he heard a loud roar from afar, and with it, the ground began to tremble.
From the sound, it seemed like a powerful Pokémon was heading this way.
It seems that the previous battle had completely alerted Blastoise on the island, and before the fishing boat could come back for him, he now had to find a place to hide.
"Bulbasaur, return! Retreat, it's time to get out of here!"
...
The sun and moon spun.
When Natsui left the sea and returned to solid ground, he was already on the streets of Celeste City.
After a night of rest and reorganizing at the Pokémon Center, Natsui, with his four Pokémon, set off toward Pewter City.
In his free time, he also sent all the photos he took on the Island of the Blastoise to Professor Cerise.
As a special researcher at the Cerise Laboratory, this time, by disembarking on the Island of the Blastoise and photographing its ecosystem, it could be said that he had perfectly fulfilled his duty.
However, just as Natsui was about to leave Celeste City, a tall boy with green hair and a backpack suddenly blocked his way.
"You, up ahead, wait a moment! Will you accept my challenge!?"