The bustling harbor of Slateport City was always lively with numerous cargo ships docking. The cheerful sounds of ocean waves blended with the cries of seagulls, the steady clang of chains, and the thuds of crates hitting each other, creating an unforgettable vibrant atmosphere.
At the dock, the image of sailors with bulging muscular arms was very familiar. They had trained those arms over many years to easily carry heavy cargo. Muscular Pokémon were also hardworking laborers. The cargo at the harbor wasn't light, but with their natural strength, everything seemed effortless.
Wrestlers with strong wrists were always full of energy and natural power. Unlike humans, they didn't experience muscle soreness after exercise due to amino acid production that causes pain. This was their advantage, allowing them to carry heavy objects without fatigue.
Alex approached a cargo ship and looked up, seeing the name "S.S. Tidal" clearly painted on the hull. He knew this was the ship he needed to board.
"Are you number 13?" a sailor wearing a sailor's hat asked hesitantly.
Their captain had requested a bounty hunter with the codename "13" to escort the ship.
"That's me." Alex nodded lightly.
When taking missions, Alex always tried to minimize contact with others. If communication was necessary, he used his codename to keep distance.
"Hello, number 13. I'll take you aboard. Captain Jack has been waiting for you," the sailor said, leading Alex onto the ship.
"Alright, let's go." Alex replied and followed him on board.
The cargo ship S.S. Tidal wasn't very large, estimated at around 50 tons. It couldn't compare to giant cargo ships weighing hundreds or thousands of tons. Such large ships usually hired full-time guards, while this one only needed a temporary escort like Alex.
After a while, he was led to the captain's cabin.
"This is our Captain Jack, number 13," the sailor introduced.
"Captain, this is number 13," the sailor introduced the two.
Captain Jack was a middle-aged man, about 40 years old, with a somewhat polite appearance—very different from the rough captain Alex had imagined. His skin was not sunburned despite living at sea all year round.
Jack looked at Alex—a young, handsome man quite impressive—with surprise.
"You're very young and already achieved B-rank bounty hunter status?"
"I have proof." Alex took out his bounty hunter badge and showed it to the captain.
"Haha, quite a hero!" Jack laughed heartily and checked to make sure the badge was genuine.
"It's nothing, Captain," Alex replied naturally.
"Number 13, you don't have to do much. Just handle a few issues if we run into trouble. I'm entrusting this 20-day trip to you."
After some polite words, Captain Jack asked the sailor to take Alex to the prepared resting room.
Soon after, the ship left the port, beginning its journey toward the Kanto region.
Time passed slowly, and the days drifting on the sea were quite boring.
The sailors gathered in small groups, boasting and chatting cheerfully.
"That number 13 is really scary."
"When there's nothing going on, he still diligently trains with his Lucario on the deck."
"After two thousand sit-ups, he immediately starts doing a thousand push-ups!"
"I wonder when he ever rests?" one sailor whispered, watching Alex sweat profusely as he trained.
"He's been doing that every day for nineteen consecutive days!"
"I'm really impressed!" another replied with a deep voice.
"Now you know why he became a B-rank bounty hunter at such a young age!"
The sailors talked a lot about him, but Alex didn't care much. He kept leading Lucario, drenched in sweat, training tirelessly.
While exercising, Alex's mind kept turning.
"Today is the nineteenth day of the journey. Tomorrow at noon, we'll arrive at Cerulean City in Kanto."
"When we arrive, the first thing is to visit Professor Oak to understand the Pokémon situation in Kanto."
Despite his busy thoughts, Alex didn't forget to observe around him. Since he was still receiving payment from others, he had to be cautious.
Suddenly, loud shouts erupted from the sailors.
Alex immediately stood up and looked around.
Most sailors had run out to the deck, only a few remained below.
On the deck, people pointed toward the horizon, shouting blessings and prayers for good luck.
Alex followed their pointing fingers and looked far away.
The scene before him overwhelmed him and was almost unbelievable.
About a mile away, a Pokémon with royal blue fur and an aura of nobility was running swiftly across the water's surface.
Yes, it was running on the sea!
"That's... Suicune!"
One of the three legendary beasts of Kanto, famous for purifying water and known as the messenger of the north wind.
There was a legend in Kanto and Johto.
If someone accidentally sees Suicune in the wild, good fortune is about to come.
It was no surprise the sailors shouted and prayed when they saw Suicune.
Some folded their hands in prayer and bowed respectfully.
Suicune was incredibly fast; before the sailors could finish their prayers, it vanished from sight.
Watching Suicune's silhouette fade away, Alex felt a slight regret.
On this journey to Kanto, Alex had three main tasks.
First was to tame a Pokémon.
Second, visit Professor Oak to learn about Kanto's Pokémon.
And finally, try to find rare white vanilla.
"Should I add one more task after these three?"
"To tame a Pokémon that can swim."
"It would be amazing if I could tame Suicune," Alex chuckled mockingly.
Though Suicune wasn't the most powerful legendary beast, its level and strength were definitely not low.
At this stage, conquering Suicune was almost impossible.
But Alex was still tempted by the idea of taming a water Pokémon that could swim freely and move powerfully on the sea.