After obtaining the Saffron Badge, Sam didn't dare stay at the Saffron Gym for even a moment longer. He left immediately.
Based on Sabrina's performance during the battle, Sam couldn't quite figure out why she seemed so intent on "teaching him a lesson" today.
That said, he didn't think there was anything wrong with Sabrina.
If their positions were reversed, he'd probably have done exactly the same thing.
Knowing when to take advantage—and when to run—was one of Sam's core survival skills. He had already "earned" plenty today. Staying any longer would only invite trouble.
"Miss Sabrina, Mr. Sam has already left," the apprentice reported after returning.
"I see." Sabrina's expression didn't change as she nodded calmly.
"You may step back."
"Yes, Miss Sabrina."
Once the apprentice left, the entire training hall fell silent.
With no outsiders present, Sabrina finally dropped her composure. She clenched her teeth and muttered softly:
"Sam… just you wait. This isn't over."
---
"Sneeze!"
After leaving the Saffron Gym, Sam let out a loud sneeze.
"Someone talking about me?" he muttered.
"Forget it. No point thinking about annoying things. I need to get to Celadon City as soon as possible."
Celadon City—here I come!
---
"Well done, Clefairy."
After the Gym battle, Sam didn't immediately return to the Pokémon Center to treat Venusaur. Instead, he let Clefairy handle the recovery.
Clefairy had nearly mastered healing techniques—what it needed now was real-world experience.
Sam was already planning to send Clefairy to intern at a Pokémon Center. A true team doctor couldn't be trained without hands-on practice.
Because Nurse Joy from Vermilion City had helped him resolve the Lt. Surge situation, Sam had maintained a good relationship with her.
After learning about the incident aboard the S.S. Anne, she immediately asked about Sam's safety. When she heard he had disembarked early and was unharmed, she was visibly relieved. After all, she was the one who had given him the ticket.
Through their interactions, Sam learned that Joy wasn't actually a name—it was a title. Every Pokémon Center head nurse was called Joy.
Only close acquaintances knew their real names.
The real name of Nurse Joy in Vermilion City was Xingmei.
Unlike in the anime, the Nurses Joy didn't all look identical. After comparing several of them, Sam concluded that reality was still reality—perfect copies didn't exist.
But one thing was true.
Every Joy was beautiful.
"Clefairy!"
After receiving praise, Clefairy beamed with pride. It genuinely enjoyed healing others.
"Sam!!!"
A familiar voice.
A familiar trio.
It seemed Ash and the others had also arrived in Saffron City.
"Long time no see, Ash, Misty, Brock."
It had been over half a month since they parted ways at the harbor. It really had been a while.
During their conversation, Sam learned that Ash had released Butterfree, just like in the original story.
He didn't know what to say.
He admired Ash for genuinely loving Pokémon and nurturing them with care—something not everyone could do.
That said, admiration didn't mean agreement.
If it were him, he would've caught the other Butterfree and taken the best of both worlds.
"Hey, don't look so down, Ash," Sam said.
"How about a Pokémon battle?"
"A Pokémon battle?!"
As expected, Ash's sadness vanished instantly, replaced by blazing enthusiasm.
"Come on!" Sam said with a smile.
Helping Ash cheer up was one reason—but the real reason was simple.
He wanted to test his newly evolved Venusaur.
Public battlefields were everywhere. After walking a short distance, they found one.
"Ash, let me see how much you've grown."
"Don't underestimate me, Sam!" Ash declared proudly.
"I've already won three Gym Badges!"
"Only three?" Sam grinned.
"I already have five."
Perfect timing for a little bragging.
"Five?!" Brock asked in surprise.
"Does that mean you already beat Sabrina?"
"That's right," Sam replied honestly.
"And to be honest, that badge was the hardest one yet. I almost got tricked."
"I'll get the Saffron Badge soon too, right Pikachu?"
"Pikachu!"
Unlike Ash, Misty and Brock weren't blindly optimistic. They'd heard from both Sam and Gary just how terrifying Sabrina was.
Sam considered telling them that Sabrina wasn't almost Elite—she had already stepped into that realm.
But even if Ash knew, he'd still challenge her without hesitation.
"Enough talk—let's battle!"
"Come out, Venusaur."
"Ivysaur already evolved?!" Misty stuck out her tongue.
"That growth rate is terrifying!"
Instead of sending out Pikachu, Ash paused and chose another Pokémon.
"Go, Bulbasaur!"
Still the same as ever.
"Bulba! Bulba!"
Facing a Venusaur several times its size—and its final evolution—Bulbasaur showed no fear at all.
On the contrary, it was brimming with fighting spirit.
Watching this, Sam couldn't help but feel a little envious.
Every Pokémon Ash caught had incredible potential—and every single one of them loved to battle.
In contrast, some Pokémon simply weren't interested in fighting at all.
Take Clefairy, for example. It didn't refuse combat, but it had no real passion for it either.
Ash was different.
Every Pokémon around him wanted to fight.
It could only be said—
The protagonist's halo truly shone on him.
---------------Author---------------
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