Bzzzz—!
A long blast of a ship's horn echoed across the calm blue sea as a medium-sized passenger ship slowly docked at the harbor.
The coastal city was lively, the pier bustling with noise and movement. Yet the tourists aboard the ship weren't in the mood to admire the scenery. Instead, nearly everyone had gathered on the deck, their attention fixed on a single spot.
A Pokémon battle was reaching its climax!
The two Pokémon facing each other were a Ralts and a purple mouse Pokémon—Rattata. Their Trainers stood opposite one another: a handsome young man in his early twenties, and a middle-aged man dressed neatly in a suit.
On the battlefield, the intense exchange had already drained most of Rattata's stamina. Unable to land even a single clean hit on Ralts, it had fallen completely into a disadvantage. Watching this, the middle-aged Trainer grew visibly anxious.
"Rattata!" he shouted. "Close the distance and use Tackle!"
Seizing the opening, Rattata kicked off the deck with all its strength, darting straight toward Ralts and lowering its head for a fierce charge.
But just before impact—
Ralts suddenly split into multiple figures!
Rattata couldn't stop in time and rushed straight through one of the illusions.
Many of the spectators were experienced Trainers themselves, and at once, murmurs spread through the crowd.
"Double Team!"
It was a well-known Normal-type move—one that created afterimages to confuse the opponent.
Standing amid the illusions, Rattata froze, spinning in place, completely at a loss.
At the edge of the battlefield, Xia You narrowed his eyes. After such a long fight, this was the perfect moment to finish it.
"Ralts," he said calmly, "use Confusion."
At his command, all of Ralts's illusions raised their arms in unison, pointing toward Rattata.
The next instant, a strange psychic glow enveloped Rattata, lifting its body off the ground!
No matter how desperately it struggled, it couldn't escape the psychic grip. With a simple wave of Ralts's arm, Rattata was violently flung backward, slamming into the nearby railing with a heavy bang.
The impact was so powerful that the railing visibly bent inward.
Rattata's resistance finally gave out. Its eyes spun, and it collapsed limply onto the deck.
The crew member acting as referee crouched down, checked briefly, then straightened and raised his hand.
"Rattata is unable to battle!" he announced loudly. "Victory goes to Ralts!"
Applause erupted across the deck.
"That was amazing!"
"He's won seven matches in a row already, hasn't he?"
"Yeah! And that Ralts didn't even take a hit. Incredible!"
Amid the cheers, Xia You remained composed. He walked over, gently patted Ralts on the head, then turned toward his opponent.
The two Trainers shook hands.
After giving Ralts another appreciative look, the middle-aged man smiled ruefully. "Your Ralts is exceptionally well trained. I accept this loss completely."
"Your Rattata fought well too," Xia You replied politely, offering a sincere compliment. "I hope we'll have a chance to battle again someday."
With a helpless laugh, the man nodded and stepped aside.
As he left the battlefield, the surrounding tourists exchanged glances, many of them eager. Who would be the next to challenge this handsome young Trainer?
Just as several Trainers began stepping forward—
Xia You took a step back.
"Sorry, everyone," he said apologetically. "I'd love to keep battling, but it looks like we've arrived. It's time to disembark."
The crowd turned in unison.
Only then did they realize—the ship had already docked.
---
Warm sunlight bathed the city. Endless waves crashed rhythmically against the narrow breakwater, white foam scattering into the air.
Looking out toward the horizon, the sea and sky blended seamlessly into a single boundless blue, as though the world itself were one vast mirror.
A moist, gentle sea breeze brushed against the skin, impossibly comfortable.
This was Vermilion City—the vital southern port of the Kanto region, forever steeped in the glow of the setting sun.
As Xia You stepped off the ship and onto this familiar yet unfamiliar land, he couldn't suppress the surge of joy in his chest.
Ash. Misty. Brock. Pikachu. Professor Oak.
Kanto. The Indigo League.
So many memories from his childhood in his previous life were tied to this place. He had never imagined he would truly stand here one day.
Even now, months after arriving in the Pokémon world, reality still felt unreal at times.
At his feet, sensing his Trainer's emotions, Ralts let out a soft cry.
Xia You glanced down and chuckled. "Alright. Since we're finally in Kanto, before challenging the Indigo League, our first stop is the Pokémon Center to register."
Leaving the port behind, he pulled out his phone, opened the map, and headed toward the city center.
Along the way, Trainers and their Pokémon passed by in small groups. In this world, Pokémon had long since become part of everyday life—entertainment, dining, transportation, security. They were indispensable partners to humanity. A world without them would feel profoundly wrong.
Still, many people cast curious glances at Ralts walking beside Xia You.
It couldn't be helped—Ralts was extremely rare in Kanto.
Its green, bowl-shaped hair covered most of its face, while its white body resembled a pair of oversized trousers. As a Pokémon not native to the region, it naturally attracted attention. Even in other regions, few Trainers were fortunate enough to own one.
Ignoring the stares, Xia You soon spotted the Pokémon Center ahead.
Inside, a pink-haired woman in a nurse's uniform—Nurse Joy—was organizing documents behind the counter. When she noticed him, she looked up and offered a professional smile.
"Welcome to the Pokémon Center. How may I help you?"
"Hello, Nurse Joy," Xia You said. For a brief moment, memories surfaced, but he quickly collected himself. "I'd like to register for the Indigo League."
"I see." Nurse Joy gestured toward a nearby computer. "Please scan your Pokédex here."
Xia You nodded, took the Pokédex from inside his jacket, and placed it against the scanner.
The screen lit up immediately.
"Trainer Xia You, from Vaniville Town, Kalos region, registration for the Indigo League confirmed," a synthesized voice announced.
"Current badge count: zero. We wish you success in your challenge."
"The Kalos region?" Nurse Joy blinked in surprise. "That's quite far away."
"Yes," Xia You replied softly, his words carrying deeper meaning. "It really wasn't easy to get here."
At that moment, a round, cheerful Chansey waddled over, holding a box emblazoned with the Indigo League emblem.
"For registered challengers," Nurse Joy said with a smile, "we provide a badge case. This one is yours."
Xia You accepted the box. It looked simple—nothing flashy—but it carried weight far beyond its appearance.
"Thank you," he said.
After a moment's hesitation, he asked, "By the way, my Pokédex still contains Kalos-region data. Can it be upgraded to a Kanto Pokédex?"
"I'm sorry," Nurse Joy replied after a brief pause. "We can't modify Pokédexes here. You might try the Cerise Research Institute in this city, or Professor Oak's Laboratory in Pallet Town, to the west. I'm sure either professor would be happy to help."
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This story features multiple female leads and follows the journey of capturing Pokémon, challenging Gyms, competing in League battles, exploring the world, and confronting villainous organizations.