Viridian, the color of eternal, everlasting green.
Setting out from Saffron City, Natsui, dressed in his brand-new gear, followed a deep, winding path to the city surrounded by a dense forest—Viridian City.
Although the city isn't large, it's a transportation hub, an important economic center for western Kanto, and an essential stop on the way to the Indigo Plateau to participate in the Pokémon League Conference!
However, because it's so close to the Viridian Forest, Bug-type Pokémon often enter the city and bother the residents.
As the place where Giovanni operated for many years, Team Rocket's influence was naturally deep-rooted here. Walking through the streets, Natsui was initially a bit worried about being attacked by remaining Team Rocket members, but after seeing police officers patrolling everywhere, he finally relaxed a little.
He figured Looker and the others must have understood this as well, resulting in the level of investigation here being second only to Celadon City!
After crossing most of the city, he finally arrived at the Viridian Gym.
Perhaps because the forest took up so much space, the size of the Viridian Gym was limited. The entire gym consisted of only a single two-story building. But despite its smaller footprint compared to other gyms, it was still very solemn and grand. If it weren't for the familiar Pokémon League logo on top of the building, a newcomer like him might have mistaken it for a consulate!
It had to be said, in terms of style, it really had the cold and stern feel of "Giovanni of the Earth."
In fact, before Agatha took over as the temporary Gym Leader, the Viridian Gym was the most difficult of all the gyms to challenge.
It wasn't that the strength Giovanni displayed was so incredible, but rather because the gym was closed to challengers most of the time, leaving many Trainers who came here turned away at the door.
Now with Agatha in charge, her outstanding strength and cunning, calculating personality had made the Viridian Gym an even more insurmountable mountain for less-skilled trainers!
Entering the gym and explaining his purpose to the staff, Natsui was led directly to Agatha.
And after he greeted Agatha, this oldest member of the Elite Four, though finding Natsui's voice somewhat familiar, did not recognize his identity at first.
It wasn't until Haunter appeared that she realized the young man before her was the same masked man codenamed 'Player' with whom she had once fought side-by-side!
"So it's you!" Agatha's eyes widened in realization, as if it were unexpected, yet made perfect sense. "I thought your real identity would be some kind of undercover agent. I never expected you to be just a League Trainer challenging gyms!"
Natsui scratched his head, "Being a Trainer is my main profession. As for that last operation, it was purely the duty of a five-star, good-Samaritan citizen helping out!"
"An interesting young man," Agatha got straight to the point. "I have some understanding of your strength, so there's no need for a 3v3 battle. Let's just settle it with one match!"
"Eh?" Natsui was stunned. "You're a member of the Elite Four, after all. Isn't this format a bit unfair to me? If my Pokémon loses, I won't even have a chance for a comeback. Doesn't that mean I'd fail the gym challenge right away?"
"You're right," Agatha said with a cunning smile, as if it were a matter of course. "That's why you should show even more grit and skill. But don't worry, this is just an ordinary gym battle. I won't go so far as to use my ace Pokémon."
Since she had put it that way, Natsui could only reluctantly agree.
The two went to the battlefield and stood in their respective Trainer boxes.
The Viridian Gym's battlefield was set up in a hall resembling a classical Western style. Murals, relief sculptures, pillars, and painted ceilings were visible everywhere. Under the dim lighting, the entire hall felt mysterious and somewhat terrifying.
And because it was formerly a Ground-type gym, Agatha had no intention of changing the facilities. The ground beneath Natsui's feet was still a simple field made of packed, level earth.
Agatha was the first to send out her Pokémon, "Come out, Misdreavus!"
As the Poké Ball opened, a Pokémon with a deep, dark color, its eyes glowing with a malevolent red light, a string of pearls around its neck, and hair that swayed like ghostly fire, appeared in mid-air.
Pokédex: "Beep. Misdreavus, the Screech Pokémon. A Ghost-type. These pranksters often emit cries like a wailing human at night to frighten people. They use the red jewels to absorb their target's fear, which they use as nourishment."
Facing a pure Ghost-type Pokémon, besides his Gardevoir, Natsui's other Pokémon wouldn't be at a major disadvantage.
After a moment's thought, Natsui's finger slid across a Poké Ball, having already selected its opponent.
"I'm counting on you for this battle. Go, Ivysaur!"
As a blue light flashed, Ivysaur also appeared on the field. The two Pokémon, one high and one low, faced each other, their eyes filled with a strong fighting spirit.
"Ivysaur?" Agatha raised an eyebrow. "I thought you would send out your Haunter."
"An ace for an ace, a needle point against a spearhead. Since you're holding back your ace, why should I send out my Haunter?" Natsui smiled. "And don't you underestimate my Ivysaur. It's very strong too!"
Agatha snorted, "I just hope you don't regret it after you lose!"
Once both Pokémon were ready, with the referee's call of 'Begin!', Natsui and Agatha issued their commands simultaneously.
"Ivysaur, use Razor Leaf!"
"Misdreavus, use Shadow Ball!"
From the bud on Ivysaur's back, countless leaves formed and swept towards Misdreavus, colliding with the Shadow Ball.
Although the Shadow Ball was more powerful, it was neutralized by the continuous stream of Razor Leaf.
Seeing the first attack miss, Agatha commanded with a powerful voice, "Misdreavus, use Psybeam!"
Is she trying to confuse Ivysaur first, then attack at her leisure?
Natsui's mind raced as he shouted, "Ivysaur, unleash Leech Seed!"
The flower bud trembled, and a seed shot towards Misdreavus at high speed. At the same time, Misdreavus's Psybeam also struck Ivysaur.
Now, both Pokémon had taken damage, but fortunately, Misdreavus's attack did not confuse Ivysaur.
On the other hand, the Leech Seed quickly sprouted on Misdreavus's body, wrapping around it, restricting its movement while slowly draining its stamina.
"Excellent!" Natsui continued to shout, "Vine Whip attack!"
Two vines shot out from the flower bud and lashed heavily at Misdreavus. Unable to dodge, Misdreavus could only take the attack head-on.
Seeing this, Agatha's brow furrowed tightly, and she quickly said, "Break free from those vines!"
At her command, Misdreavus used Shadow Ball again, hitting the vines. With an explosion, although it ended up looking a bit disheveled, it finally broke free!
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