Chapter 38 The Pokémon Who Became the New Cerulean Gym Leader
Chapter 38 The Pokémon Who Became the New Cerulean Gym Leader
"Come back, starfish, you did a great job!"
After hearing the referee's words, Sakura somewhat disappointedly put the starfish back.
But the next second she perked up and came to Qingyuan.
"Congratulations, challenger! This is proof of your challenge to the Cerulean Gym: the Blue Badge!"
As Sakura spoke, she handed a teardrop-shaped blue badge to Qingyuan.
Qingyuan solemnly accepted it with both hands and placed it in the badge box.
Then, looking troubled, he spoke up.
"Master of Sakura Pavilion, I have a favor to ask."
Upon hearing Qingyuan's words, Sakura's expression remained unchanged, and she gestured for Qingyuan to speak.
"Um... well... I want to challenge the Pokémon left behind by the previous Gym Leader, 'Raging Waves'!"
"Raging Waves" was the nickname of the previous Cerulean Gym Leader, who was also the father of Misty and Sakura. It was similar to the meaning of "Okabe."
When Nukai Botao was alive, Cerulean City was one of the top three cities in the Kanto region.
This was because the Angry Sea Waves frequently sailed out to sweep away pirates at that time.
This resulted in the number of cargo ships coming and going at Hualan Wharf at that time being even greater than the current Koha City.
However, Nu Haibo disappeared during a bandit suppression operation.
The situation at Cerulean Gym deteriorated drastically, and despite the League's recognition of the contributions made by Raging Waves, the Gym's name was not revoked.
However, without the protection of the powerful force of the Raging Waves, the number of pirates around Cerulean City increased, resulting in fewer and fewer merchant ships coming and going at the docks.
The lack of merchant ships meant that the Hua Lan Dojo could collect less tax revenue.
To support the spirits of the raging seas, the three Cerulean sisters began to work hard to earn money, which meant performing underwater ballet.
However, spending too much time on aquatic ballet and neglecting the training of Pokémon has caused the reputation of the Cerulean Gym to plummet.
Challengers who come to the Cerulean Gym can almost obtain the Blue Badge with just a few casual battles.
If it weren't for Xiaoxia's strong rise later, the glory of Hualan Dojo might have gradually disappeared into the long river of history.
All that remains is a performance venue called Hualan Dojo, which houses an underwater ballet show.
Sakura's expression did not change upon hearing Qingyuan's words.
Although Qingyuan's words clearly expressed that they were not strong enough and that he disliked them for being too weak.
However, the beauty of cherry blossoms lies in their self-awareness; they know their own limitations.
Moreover, compared to those arrogant trainers before, Qingyuan's words were already quite tactful and showed her a lot of face.
Sakura lowered her head and pondered for a long time before raising her head and speaking to Qingyuan.
“I can talk to my father’s spirits, but I’m not sure if they will listen to me.”
"After all, you know my trainer level is very low!"
After saying that, Sakura helplessly shrugged at Qingyuan.
Upon hearing this, Qingyuan quickly spoke up.
"Thank you so much, Sakura Pavilion owner!"
Hearing Qingyuan's words, Sakura waved her hand and said with a hint of self-deprecation.
"You're welcome. It's what I should do. After all, I can't serve as a test for the challengers!"
Hearing this, Qingyuan scratched his head awkwardly; they were pointing fingers at him.
"Wait here for a moment, I'll go and discuss it with my father's elf!"
After saying another sentence to Qingyuan, Sakura turned and walked deeper into the dojo.
Watching Sakura's retreating figure, Qingyuan released Scorpion with a backhand.
Qingyuan called over the Scyther that was standing on the sidelines of the battlefield, and then spoke.
"I've found you a formidable opponent. Fight well later and see how big the gap is between me and a true powerhouse!"
"Clatter!"
"Sha!"
Upon hearing Qingyuan's words, Scorpion and Scyther responded loudly.
These two are all warmongers; they are even more eager for the upcoming battle than Qingyuan is.
Qingyuan, Scorpion, and Scyther stood there for a long time before they heard footsteps.
Upon hearing the footsteps, Qingyuan and Tianxie couldn't help but become excited.
As the footsteps drew closer, cherry blossoms emerged from around the corner.
Seeing Qingyuan and Tianxie's faces filled with fighting spirit and anticipation, Sakura was taken aback for a moment, then smiled and said.
"You guys are really belligerent!"
Hearing this, Qingyuan smiled awkwardly before asking excitedly.
"I wonder if the owner of that cherry blossom pavilion has accepted our challenge?"
"If I said no, you would definitely be disappointed, but luckily, this child is willing to accept your challenge!"
As Sakura spoke, she took out a Luxury Ball and released the Pokémon inside.
"Roar!!!"
With a roar, Gyarados, the true underdog who rises to power, makes its dazzling debut.
"This kid is very combative. As soon as I say someone wants to challenge them, it can't wait to come!"
Looking at the Gyarados in the arena, Sakura said with a smile.
Gyarados has three upward-pointing blue horns on its head and a "宏"-shaped plate on its back. Male Gyarados have blue whiskers. Gyarados is extremely ferocious and destructive. It is said that when Magikarp evolves into Gyarados, the brain cells undergo a restructuring, which is why its temperament becomes so violent.
Gyarados is a rare Pokémon that is difficult to encounter in the wild.
Upon encountering it, Qingyuan immediately took out his Pokédex and began collecting information about Gyarados.
After putting away the Pokédex, Qingyuan looked at Scorpion and Scyther and asked.
"Which of you two will go first!"
"Clatter!"
Without the slightest hesitation, Scorpio flew directly onto the foam board in the arena.
Seeing this, the Scyther nearby couldn't help but feel a little angry that Scorpion was so fast.
"It's okay, it's your turn next!"
Qingyuan patted Scyther on the shoulder to comfort him.
"Sha!"
Hearing this, Scyther nodded and went to the sidelines to cheer on Scorpion.
"Both players are in position!"
Because it was a guidance session, the referee didn't read as many formal statements this time.
After Qingyuan and Yinghua stood solemnly in their command positions, the referee continued to speak.
"Game start!"
"The scorpion flies up and uses its poisonous stinger!"
As soon as the referee finished speaking, Qingyuan immediately commanded Scorpion to launch an attack.
To be honest, it's really difficult for Gliscor, which has twice the water weakness, to fight Gyarados.
But this was originally just a training session to broaden horizons, so it doesn't matter. Qingyuan just needs to do his best.
"Clatter!"
Upon hearing Qingyuan's command, Scorpion roared and fired a series of poison needles at Gyarados using its large pincers.
"Gyarados is using Water Gun!"
Seeing the aggressive Scorpion, Sakura loudly commanded Gyarados.
However, Gyarados only glanced at her and did not choose to obey Sakura's command.
It turned around, gave the cherry blossoms a disdainful look, and then raised its tail and slapped it hard against the water.
A huge curtain of water appeared in front of Gyarados.
The water curtain, three to four meters high, completely blocked the scorpion's venomous stinger.
Seeing that Gyarados had blocked Gliscor's attack with ease, Qingyuan's expression became serious.
"Roar!"
Before they could wait, Qingyuan continued to command Scorpion to launch an attack.
Gyarados suddenly roared, and then a thick jet of water broke through the water curtain and hit Gliscor directly.
Scorpio was sent flying by this attack.
"Scorpio!"
Upon seeing this, Qingyuan couldn't help but shout out in concern.
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