After hanging up the phone, Ash wiped imaginary sweat from his forehead and muttered, "Is Professor Oak exaggerating? Are those two Gyms really that terrifying?"
"I don't know much about Saffron Gym," Misty replied, tapping her chin thoughtfully, "but Viridian Gym's reputation really is as Professor Oak said."
"The Gym Leader there is Giovanni. Besides being a Gym Leader, he's also a businessman. They say he's invested in Poké Balls, storage technology like backpacks with extra space, and other Trainer gear. His true strength is completely hidden, unfathomable. But from the glimpses he's shown, he's at least Elite Four level."
"On top of that, everyone who's challenged him says Giovanni is kind and gives advice. No matter if you win or lose, as long as the strength gap isn't too big, you walk away having learned something. There are even rumors that he donates to charity and supports Trainers from poor families. To the public, he's practically a perfect man."
Ash and Pikachu blinked in unison.
From Misty's words, Giovanni wasn't just a Gym Leader, he sounded like a flawless role model. For a brand-new Trainer, going up against someone like that for a very first Gym match could leave a serious scar.
"Well… in that case, let's go for a different Gym." Ash opened the map Nurse Joy had given him. "The closest Gym after Viridian is Pewter City Gym. Misty, do you know anything about that one?"
"Pewter Gym, huh…" Misty tilted her head. "That Gym specializes in Rock-type Pokémon. And most Rock-types are also part Ground-type, or at least know Ground-type moves. Ash, you only have Pikachu, right? Challenging Pewter Gym like that would put you at a huge disadvantage, you know~"
Her tone was casual, but her knowledge was sharp as always. Ash didn't know where she got all her information, but when Misty spoke about Gyms, she was rarely wrong.
"Also, Gym battles are usually two-on-two or three-on-three. If you only have one Pokémon, unless it's strong enough to handle multiple opponents on its own, you'll be in trouble."
Ash frowned in thought. Pikachu's strength was already way beyond that of an average starter, so in a one-on-one he might be fine. But against two or three foes? That was pushing it.
And if one of them was a Ground-type? Pikachu's Electric attacks would have no effect at all, while Ground moves hit him super effectively. It was a total mismatch.
The "old" Ash never really understood type matchups, but thanks to his seniors in the group chat, he now at least knew the basics. Electric-types couldn't hurt Ground-types, and in return, Ground moves hit Electric hard.
"Then what about this Gym?" Ash's finger slid across the map to Cerulean City. "Cerulean Gym is pretty close too. What type do they specialize in?"
He was so focused on the map that he didn't notice Misty stiffen beside him the moment he said Cerulean Gym.
"Cerulean Gym…" She exhaled slowly. "It's a Water-type Gym. But… I don't recommend you go there."
"Why? For Pikachu, Water-types should be perfect, right?" Ash tilted his head in confusion. With only Pikachu by his side, a Water-type Gym sounded like the best matchup possible.
"Pika pika!" Pikachu thumped his little arm proudly, as if to say, 'Leave it to me! I'll zap them all in one go!'
"Because… uh… because there's no challenge!" Misty blurted out, then nodded firmly as though trying to convince herself. "That's right, no challenge at all! Think about it, Ash. You're on a journey to face the unknown, to battle stronger opponents. What's the point of going after an easy win? If you're going to test yourself, you should battle a Gym where the type matchup puts you at a disadvantage! Pewter Gym is perfect for that."
Ash squinted at her, suspicion written all over his face. Something about her excuse felt… clumsy. Almost like she didn't want him anywhere near Cerulean Gym.
"But didn't you just say Pewter Gym would be too hard for me?"
"Hard? Did I say hard? I never said hard!" Misty's voice jumped an octave. "I only said it would be a little disadvantageous since you only have Pikachu. But if you're heading to Pewter City, you'll pass through Viridian Forest anyway. You just need to catch one or two Pokémon that counter Rock-types, and you'll be fine."
Ash: "…"
"But you just said going up against the wrong type would be more of a challenge."
"Can't one Gym be a challenge and the other be too easy?! Why are you so stubborn!" Misty huffed, puffing out her cheeks. "In short, I don't recommend you go to Cerulean Gym. Whether you do or not… that's your choice!"
She turned away with a sharp "hmph," leaving Ash and Pikachu to exchange bewildered looks. Neither of them understood why Misty seemed so annoyed all of a sudden.
"Alright then, Pewter City it is," Ash said, hoisting his backpack with renewed determination. "Let's head out!"
But before he could take two steps, Misty yanked him back.
"Hold it! Didn't I just say we have to pass through Viridian Forest? That place is huge. No way you'll cross it in a day or two. You'll need camping gear." She planted her hands on her hips. "Tell me you at least have some."
Ash rubbed the back of his head sheepishly. "Uh… I've got a sleeping bag, some instant noodles, and universal Pokémon food… but that's about it."
Misty groaned. "That's not nearly enough. We need proper supplies, especially bug repellent." Her voice quivered on the word bug, and she visibly shuddered. "There are… way too many of them in the forest."
"I get it," Ash nodded seriously. "So we'll stock up at the Viridian Mall."
"Exactly," Misty said quickly, falling into step beside him.
Just as the two of them stepped out of the Pokémon Center, Ash brushed past three figures bundled tightly in heavy coats. Two were tall, one short, their faces hidden completely beneath hats and scarves.
Ash paused, instinctively turning to watch them.
"What's wrong, Ash?" Misty asked, following his gaze. "Do you… know those three?"
Her brow furrowed. From head to toe, the strangers were disguised so well that even their own mothers wouldn't recognize them.
For Ash to act like he could? Unless he had eyes sharper than a Pidgeot's, it didn't make sense.