Pokemon: I am Gary

On the outskirts of Viridian Forest, Gary encountered a Scyther with exceptionally high potential. 

"Swoosh!" The Scyther, a natural warrior, exuded a sharp aura as soon as the battle began! 

Though it trembled from hunger, the scythes it wielded cut through the air with fierce determination. 

Whoosh! A transparent crescent wave shot toward Charmander—this was Scyther's signature move, Sonic Boom. 

"Charmander, use Smokescreen!" Gary didn't want to engage in close combat; his Pokémon's physique was still slightly inferior. 

"Char!" Charmander opened its mouth and unleashed a cloud of black smoke that enveloped Scyther. 

The latter remained unfazed, crossing its scythes over its chest and preparing to dance with its blades. 

This move not only dispelled the smoke but also boosted its attack power—a clever tactic indeed. 

However, Gary wouldn't give it that opportunity. He had previously experimented and knew that gas attack's smoke could ignite when exposed to fire. 

The black smoke contained a significant amount of flammable gas; just a small spark would do… 

"Charmander, ignite the smoke!" Gary snapped his fingers. 

Crack! Charmander closed its mouth, and as it bit down, a spark flew out. 

Boom!! The entire smoke cloud ignited. 

"Swoosh!" Scyther was immediately engulfed in flames. It frantically swung its scythes and broke free from the fiery embrace. 

However, weakened from hunger and now scorched by flames, Scyther was nearing its limits. 

"Swoosh!" With a powerful flap of its wings, Scyther lunged at Charmander, its sharp scythe aimed directly at it. 

This Quick Attack was all the strength it had left. 

"Charmander, use Dragon Claw!" Gary wouldn't let the warrior's spirit go to waste; he faced Scyther's final strike head-on. 

Bang! With claws outstretched, Charmander's green energy transformed into massive dragon claws that slashed in a cross pattern. 

Boom!! The center of their clash erupted into a cloud of dust and debris. 

Suddenly, thunder rumbled overhead as rain began to fall over the forest. 

Looking up at the distant lightning, Gary realized that Ash must have finished his business. He needed to pick up the pace as well. 

As the dust settled, Gary turned his gaze toward Charmander. 

He saw both Charmander and Scyther lying on the ground, both having taken significant damage from their battle. 

"To think they both took each other out despite such a difference in stamina," Gary nodded. This Scyther truly had spirit! 

Without hesitation, he threw a Poké Ball toward Scyther. 

Click! Scyther transformed into a beam of red light and was sucked into the Poké Ball. 

"Alright! Let's get moving." 

After securing the Poké Ball, Gary recalled both Eevee and Charmander, then set off down the main road. 

After walking for two hours, the afternoon sky began to redden slightly, and he finally saw the entrance to Viridian City ahead. 

"Is this it?" Gary wondered. How could anyone get lost on such a straight road? 

"Hey hey hey! You there!" Suddenly, a Growlithe dashed out, followed by a policewoman who approached Gary. 

"Officer Jenny, hello!" Gary proactively pulled out his Pokédex to show her. 

"You know me?" Officer Jenny was taken aback for a moment. 

"Who doesn't? The Junsha family is known for maintaining peace in the world; everyone looks up to you," Gary shrugged nonchalantly. 

The two most famous female families in the League—Jenny and Joy—controlled public safety and healthcare, respectively. They were undoubtedly among the most influential families around. 

These two families were often discussed for their remarkable fertility rates; no matter what shape their partners were, if they had daughters, they would always look identical. It could be said that the chromosomes of Jenny and Joy were quite impressive… 

"Let me see your Pokédex…" Officer Jenny took it and fiddled with it for a moment before identity information popped up. 

"This Pokédex is issued to Gary from Pallet Town. Note that if lost or damaged, it cannot be replaced temporarily," Professor Oak's voice echoed from the device. Gary pursed his lips, thinking to himself that it was a lie; he knew there were several spare Pokédexes in the drawer at home. 

"Very well, identity confirmed. You may enter the city," Officer Jenny said with a friendly smile as she returned the Pokédex to Gary. 

"Have there been any strange occurrences lately? Why set up a checkpoint at the entrance?" Gary asked curiously. 

"That's because a gang of Pokémon thieves has been spotted in the city recently, so be careful not to wander around after dark," Officer Jenny warned. 

"Got it! Thanks for the heads-up. I'll be on my way now." After thanking Officer Jenny, Gary walked into Viridian City without looking back. 

Generally, a small team from Team Rocket consists of a team leader and three to five members. The average level of their Pokémon hovers around level 18, while the team leader usually has Pokémon around level 25. If he were to encounter them now, Gary would find it troublesome. 

However, the notorious trio from Team Rocket was an exception. After all, it wasn't easy for both Jessie and James to appear together in one training camp. 

Despite having their level 18 Koffing and Ekans raised by Team Rocket, they were still taken down by a single Caterpie! 

No one would believe that if he told them! 

Thus, Gary was more than happy to welcome these three experience points. 

Since it was still early, Gary decided to take a detour to check out the Viridian Gym. 

The gym's grand Greek-style architecture combined with the Spartan warrior guarding the entrance made it clear that their leader, Giovanni, had quite the wild spirit. 

However, Gary felt that challenging this gym right now was out of the question; he simply wasn't ready… 

Not to mention there might be a Mewtwo lurking around; even if Giovanni had Pokémon over level 40, they were not something Gary could handle at this moment… 

Unless his grandfather was willing to let him use those three powerful Pokémon in his backyard for practice, Gary had no intention of challenging Giovanni for a beating… 

With the sun still shining brightly, Gary made his way to the Pokémon Center. 

After getting a fast recovery number for his Pokémon, he took advantage of the downtime to call Professor Oak and report his safety. 

Buzz~ Buzz~ The video call connected— 

A beaker filled with instant noodles appeared on screen… 

"Grandpa~!" Gary exclaimed in exasperation. 

"Oh no! I flipped the camera!" Professor Oak quickly switched the view with an awkward smile. 

"How's my good grandson? Where are you now?" he attempted to divert attention from his noodle-cooking habits. 

"Don't even try it; I saw everything." Gary shot a sideways glance at the corner of the screen. 

Professor Oak scratched his head sheepishly. "Well, you know I don't like running around while I'm researching. Plus, I've washed this beaker!" 

"Ugh~ Grandpa, regardless of how rigorous you think cooking noodles in a beaker is, it's unhealthy! Didn't I buy you plenty of frozen meals?" Gary pleaded earnestly. 

"Hahaha! Alright, I got it. I'll make dumplings later," Professor Oak quickly interrupted before Gary could lecture him further.