Vermilion City—one of the major cities in the Kanto region—sat proudly at the southern coast, where the sea breeze danced through its bustling streets. The city housed a Pokémon Center, an Item Shop, and even a TM Store, and served as one of Kanto's most important ports, with several trade and passenger routes converging here.
The luxurious S.S. Anne made its world tour each year, always returning once to Vermilion Harbor. The S.S. Aqua traveled regularly between Olivine City in Johto and Vermilion City, while ten S.S. Rapidash ferries ran back and forth to the Sevii Islands. To the east lay the famous Diglett's Cave—another landmark that testified to Vermilion's key geographic position.
The shining lighthouse near the port could be seen even from the city streets. After parting ways with Professor Bill, Hayato quickly arrived at this vibrant seaside city.
The moment he set foot in Vermilion, the scent of the ocean filled his senses. On both sides of the streets, fishermen were hawking their freshly caught seafood—part of the city's distinctive coastal charm.
"Ocean-view apartments! Ocean-view villas! Living here must be amazing—so beautiful!"
Hayato didn't have time to stop and admire the scenery. He ran straight toward the Pokémon Center—his Wartortle and Umbreon both needed treatment urgently. Besides, the Vermilion Gym awaited him up ahead.
Inside, the ever-smiling Nurse Joy greeted him warmly. Hayato couldn't help but ask,
"Huh? You're called Joy too? The Joys from Viridian and Cerulean look exactly like you!"
Nurse Joy's expression instantly stiffened.
"Little brother, they're my relatives! And hey, don't you think I'm prettier than they are? How can you say we look exactly the same?"
Hayato's curiosity flared.
"Oh? Then, Miss Joy, tell me—what's the difference?"
Joy straightened up proudly, determined to prove her superiority.
"My face is slimmer, my skin's fairer, and my eyes are bigger!"
Hayato tilted his head.
"Hmm… can't really tell. The difference is so tiny, I can barely see it."
Realizing it was pointless to argue with a child, Joy changed tactics.
"You're still young, little brother. When you grow up, you'll see how much more beautiful I am than the others. Anyway, your Pokémon are fully healed—here you go!"
Hayato grinned.
"Now that you mention it, you really are prettier, Miss Joy!"
Joy blushed happily, her eyes lighting up.
"Really? I knew it! You're such a sweet boy. Tell you what—I'll give you a little present!"
She handed him a small, beautifully decorated box. Hayato blinked in surprise—was it candy? Whatever it was, he wasn't about to refuse a free gift.
"Thanks, Miss Joy! Bye!"
Outside, he eagerly opened the box, expecting sweets.Instead, what greeted him was—
"Huh? A TM? What TM is this?"
A small instruction sheet lay inside. Hayato unfolded it and his smile widened from ear to ear.
"Haha! TM for Stealth Rock! Larvitar can learn it directly, and once it evolves into Tyranitar, its moveset will be perfect!"
It was a delightful surprise—proof, perhaps, of the old saying: A watched flower never blooms, but an unplanted willow takes root. He had just wanted to chat with Joy for fun, yet he'd ended up with a TM most Trainers could only dream of.
After all, not all TMs were sold on the market. Common ones were easy to buy, but rare moves like Stealth Rock? Those were priceless. Hayato couldn't help wondering—was this Joy from a wealthy family?
At the center of Vermilion stood a massive fortress-like building. Its outer walls gleamed with bright yellow lightning symbols—even the gate was adorned with them. Above the entrance, the shining letters "GYM" declared its identity—the famous Vermilion Gym.
The Gym was a landmark of Vermilion City, drawing countless Trainers eager for a challenge. It contributed massively to the city's economy and stood as one of the official Indigo League–recognized Gyms. The Gym Leader, the muscular Lt. Surge, specialized in Electric-type Pokémon. Defeating him earned challengers the coveted Thunder Badge.
"So this is the Vermilion Gym, huh? Electric-types… if I use Ground-types, it should be an easy win!"
Just as Hayato was about to step inside, the Gym doors swung open, and three Trainers walked out looking completely dejected, shaking their heads.
"Too strong. Without a Ground-type, there's no chance! But training a good one isn't easy either… Guess I'll have to borrow one from a friend. I need that badge fast—I can't waste time here."
"Yeah! Hey, Yoshi, lend me yours later too!"
Hayato blinked in confusion.
"Borrowing Pokémon for Gym battles? That's allowed?"
In truth, as long as the Pokémon obeyed commands, few would question ownership. Over time, "borrowing Pokémon" had become a shady yet increasingly common shortcut—one that true Trainers despised.
When Hayato entered the Gym, the three turned to eye him suspiciously.
Lt. Surge stood tall and broad, his blond hair gleaming under the lights. Beside him were a man and woman—his apprentices and assistants in battle training.
"Another kid challenger, huh? What a headache! But hey, I'm Lt. Surge, the Gym Leader of Vermilion City—I'd never turn down a battle! Hahaha!"
The woman sneered mockingly.
"The Gym Leader's on a nineteen-win streak right now. Looks like he's about to break his record! Poor kid—I'll give you three minutes of silence."
The man chuckled.
"Yeah, with Raichu and Electabuzz that strong, and even a Jolteon on standby, he can take five battles a day easy. That record's as good as broken!"
Ignoring their taunts, Hayato stood firm.
"I'm Hayato from Pallet Town. I'm here to challenge the Gym. Lt. Surge—accept my battle!"
At the mention of Pallet Town, Surge's expression darkened.
"Pallet Town? Then you must know Gary Oak, right?"
Hayato paused.
"Gary? So he's already been here, huh? Figures. The guy's rich—he's got a chauffeur and everything. No wonder he's always one step ahead."
"Hey, kid! I'm talking to you!"
"Yeah, I know Gary. What about it?"
At that, Surge's eyes flared with excitement.
"Then I won't hold back. I accept your challenge!"
It turned out that a month ago, Surge's Pikachu had evolved into Raichu, and in the twenty days that followed, he had achieved an incredible twenty-four consecutive victories—just one short of the Gym's all-time record. But Gary's arrival had shattered that streak, leaving the proud Gym Leader smoldering with frustration ever since.
"Don't hold back? Hah. Like you ever would."
Their eyes met—sparks flying in the air before the first move was even made.
(End of Chapter)