WebNovels

Chapter 42 - Chapter 42: A Meal

"…"

Nozomi felt that today was exceptionally unlucky.

First, he drew the last number in the queue, and now, just as it was nearly his turn, this kind of mishap happened.

"Pfft…"

Beside him, Gary had originally thought that his challenge was hopeless and that he would have to come back tomorrow. He hadn't expected Nozomi to be this unlucky as well.

He patted Nozomi on the shoulder, wearing a look that said, we're both in the same boat.

Seeing Nozomi's face full of resentment, Yuuji spoke up: "How about we switch our challenge order, boss? I can come tomorrow instead."

Yuuji knew how to behave as a loyal subordinate. Seeing Nozomi's bitter expression, he immediately offered to yield.

Nozomi took a deep breath and shook his head. "No need. You go ahead."

He wasn't the type to sacrifice others for his own convenience, especially over something so trivial.

Hearing this, Yuuji glanced at the trainer who had just successfully earned a badge ahead of them, then looked at Nozomi again to confirm he wasn't just being polite. Nodding, he pulled out a Poké Ball and stepped forward.

"Yuuji from Saffron City versus the Cerulean Gym's Leader, Lily!"

The outcome of the battle was never in doubt.

Although Yuuji was slightly weaker, he had grown considerably after the battle with Team Rocket in the Mt. Moon tunnels. Facing the Cerulean Gym sisters was nothing compared to that experience, and victory came without difficulty.

The Cerulean sisters routinely handed Yuuji the Blue Badge, their faces showing a hint of apology as they addressed Nozomi and the remaining trainers. "We're sorry, everyone. If you wish to challenge the Gym, you'll have to come back tomorrow. As you can see, all our Pokémon have already lost the ability to battle."

Judging by their practiced demeanor, this wasn't the first time such a situation had occurred.

"Don't you have a contingency plan? Like backup Pokémon?" Gary couldn't help but ask.

Several other trainers who had arrived behind him nodded, looking at the Cerulean sisters, awaiting an answer.

The sisters looked a little embarrassed. The eldest, Daisy, offered an apologetic smile: "We're really sorry. The Gym only has this many Pokémon. You may register here and return tomorrow."

What else could they do?

Nozomi nodded, accepting their explanation. He wasn't in a hurry to leave Cerulean City anyway; spending a few days here to enjoy the scenery sounded pleasant enough.

After confirming the Gym's opening time for the next day and bidding farewell to Yuuji, Nozomi and Gary found a restaurant to sort out lunch.

"Nozomi, you're really not going to become a Pokémon Prosecutor? After all those years in prosecutor school, if you quit now, isn't all your effort wasted?" Gary asked from the sofa.

"No regrets," Nozomi shrugged. "Being a Pokémon Trainer is pretty good. It's free, and I feel like I can achieve results faster than as a prosecutor. Being a trainer has more prospects."

Promotions as a Pokémon Prosecutor often took years and required accumulating enough merit.

A Pokémon Trainer, however, could rise to Gym Leader, Elite Four member, or even Champion purely through skill—far freer than the rigid career path of a prosecutor.

"That's true."

Gary nodded in agreement.

Looking at the League's prominent figures, most were famous trainers in their youth. Not just Champions or Elite Four members—even Professor Oak had been quite renowned as a trainer in his younger days.

Otherwise, why would he pass up the advantages of his grandfather's legacy to become a Pokémon researcher and instead venture out as a Trainer?

"By the way, have you heard about that incident?" Gary asked, sipping his juice.

"What incident?"

"That thing with the mass discovery of Moon Stones in Mt. Moon," Gary said. "I heard Team Rocket and the Johto Pokémon Mining Association's Pewter branch were involved. Apparently, it started when a group of trainers clashed with Team Rocket there, leading to the capture of several Rocket executives."

"I know," Nozomi replied calmly.

"Wait… How do you know? Weren't you just in Cerulean City?" Gary looked baffled.

He had intended to boast a little. After all, he had heard about it while passing through Pewter City. How could Nozomi possibly know?

"Because I was the one who captured Team Rocket," Nozomi said with a slight smile.

Of course he knew—he did it himself. He hadn't expected Gary to bring it up.

Gary's face froze. "No way! You're joking, right? There are so many Team Rocket grunts and executives… It would take dozens of Pokémon Prosecutors at least to take them down."

Although Team Rocket was weaker than the League in raw strength, their escape tactics were top-notch. Catching that many of them would require an equally elite force from the League.

"You don't believe me?" Nozomi's smile was faint, almost teasing.

"Of course not!" Gary said, glancing at Nozomi. Then he noticed his serious expression.

"Wait… Are you serious? Did you actually do it?"

Gary had thought Nozomi was joking. But seeing his sincerity, doubt crept in. Nozomi rarely looked so earnest—could he really have captured all those Team Rocket members?

Nozomi smiled faintly and reached into his backpack.

Bang.

A Moon Stone landed on the table. Then another. Then a third…

Until five Moon Stones lay in front of him, he stopped and looked at Gary.

Gary's jaw dropped; he was completely dumbfounded.

(End of Chapter)

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