I Have Caught a Pokémon

In Sakuragi Park, Natsui and Koharu walked side by side, strolling peacefully through the garden.

The atmosphere here was exceptionally beautiful. In terms of function, it was very similar to the forest behind Professor Oak's Laboratory, both places allowing trainers to leave their extra Pokémon under care.

Flowing water, abundant berries, enough sunlight...

After taking a walk, Natsui discovered that the park had a complete ecosystem, capable of being completely self-sufficient without human interference.

As they walked, Natsui couldn't help but sigh: "Such a large scale, are you sure Professor Sakuragi invested a lot of effort into this?"

Koharu covered her mouth and smiled: "This park wasn't finished until yesterday. My father said that once it was done, he wanted you, as a trainer, to be the first to enter to find its flaws."

Natsui shrugged: "As expected of Professor Sakuragi, his way of thinking is really meticulous."

Alongside them, amid Yamper's barks, Bulbasaur, Squirtle, Eevee, and Charmander were chasing each other, playing happily. It seemed like they loved the atmosphere of this place.

Only Kirlia followed Natsui step by step, never leaving his side.

Seeing this, Natsui smiled and shouted: "Alright, Bulbasaur, stop playing, remember to save your energy, we have important matters to attend to later!"

"Important matters?" Koharu asked curiously, "What matters?"

"Of course, going to challenge the Vermilion Gym." Natsui suggested in a persuasive tone: "What do you think, do you want to come with me to see it? You must know that real Pokémon battles are much more exciting and overwhelming than on TV!"

Real Pokémon battles?

Koharu lowered her head, clearly tempted, and after a moment of hesitation, she nodded slightly.

...

Vermilion, the orange color of twilight.

The Vermilion Gym was located on the west coast of Vermilion City, with a color scheme mainly of yellow and white. Its exterior shape resembled a large inverted trapezoid, similar to large sports stadiums.

Upon entering the gym, they were greeted by dedicated staff, and after explaining their purpose, a staff member led Natsui directly to the gym's battlefield.

"Please wait a moment, the Gym Leader, Lt. Surge, will arrive shortly."

After the staff left, Natsui looked around. On the field, on the earthy ground, there was nothing else; it was clearly a conventional battle field.

And outside the field, on all four sides, there were a dozen rows of seating, like in a stadium, and judging by his estimate, if they were all filled, it could hold at least a thousand people.

Being the first time in a place like this, the formal and solemn battle atmosphere made Koharu feel a little nervous.

"Relax." Natsui patted her on the shoulder. "There's nothing to worry about, just watch the battle from the side."

"Understood." Regulating her breath, Koharu whispered: "Good luck."

Seeing Koharu head to the spectator area, Natsui turned around and saw several people coming out from the opposite hallway.

The one leading the group had blonde, spiky hair, a strong and muscular physique, wore a military green t-shirt, camouflage pants, sunglasses, and a military ID tag hanging from his neck. Just from his demeanor, it was easy to tell that he was a determined and fierce man.

And he was the Vermilion Gym Leader: Lt. Surge!

It was said that Lt. Surge had been an Air Force Major, piloting special planes that generated electricity with Electric-type Pokémon. He participated in many wars until he retired, and after several twists and turns, he eventually became the Gym Leader of Vermilion.

However, judging by his reputation, Lt. Surge's fighting style was very aggressive, attacking with extreme harshness. Against weaker challengers, he often left his Pokémon severely injured.

Standing in his trainer's area, Lt. Surge's voice echoed: "You dare come to my Vermilion Gym, looks like we have another challenger who doesn't know his limits!"

Natsui was unbothered by his provocation, took a few steps forward, and said: "To obtain the Thunder Badge, Gym Leader Lt. Surge, I now officially challenge you."

"If you want the badge, you'll have to beat me first!" Lt. Surge said, arms crossed arrogantly. "Many people come to challenge me every day, but their strength is too weak, in my eyes, they're just a bunch of babies! And you, will you be another baby?"

Hearing his peculiar accent, Natsui couldn't help but frown.

He really didn't expect Lt. Surge to be such a conceited person.

"What are the battle rules here?"

Lt. Surge pulled out two Poké Balls with his fingers.

"The battle rules are simple, there is no time limit, as long as you defeat the two Pokémon I have in my hands, the challenge is considered successful."

Saying this, he threw one of the Poké Balls. With a flash of blue light, a Pokémon that resembled Pikachu, but larger, with a longer tail and darker color, appeared on the battlefield.

So it's a Raichu...

Pokédex: "Bip, Raichu, the Mouse Pokémon, Electric-type. The evolved form of Pikachu. The power of its electric discharge reaches one hundred thousand volts, able to knock out opponents dozens of times larger than itself, and as the electricity stored in its body increases, its character becomes more aggressive."

"So, what's your Pokémon?"

Natsui looked behind him and then said: "Kirlia, I leave it to you."

Kirlia nodded slightly and walked slowly toward the center of the field.

"So it's a Kirlia, eh." Being from another region, Lt. Surge naturally recognized Kirlia, but still, he made a grimace and said with disdain: "None of the Pokémon you have behind have fully evolved, their strength is too weak, you're really the baby of babies!"

"You're wrong," Natsui said in a deep voice. "In this world, there are no weak Pokémon, the only weak ones are the trainers!"

"Oh? Those words of yours have certainly made me look at you differently." Lt. Surge's face hardened and he shouted: "But talking big won't do any good! Raichu, let's go! Use Mega Punch!"

When Raichu launched its attack, the battle officially began.

Seeing Raichu already in motion, Natsui shouted: "Kirlia, use Magical Leaf!"

Magical green leaves formed around Kirlia and shot towards the Raichu running toward her.

Seeing this, Lt. Surge didn't have Raichu dodge, but instead changed strategy and shouted: "Raichu, use Thunder Punch!"

Raichu's body emitted dazzling electric light that clashed in the air with the Magical Leaf. With the sound of a violent explosion, the Magical Leaf pierced through the electric light and hit Raichu's body.