"If you want to go to Pewter City, keep walking along this path. If nothing else happens, you should arrive by evening."
After subduing Eevee, Ash and Misty were ready to set off again. Although it took some time, fortunately, it was only noon.
The samurai boy gave them directions and showed them the way. To be honest, no matter how clear the map is, it's better to navigate in nature.
Having spent so much time in the Viridian Forest, he knew its paths better than any map. The route he pointed out was different from the map.
It was off the standard route, a bit more remote, but still walkable and much shorter than the path Ash saw on the map.
"Okay, thank you," Ash said gratefully.
"You're welcome, we're all travelers out here, so we should help each other," the samurai boy responded with a wave.
"Goodbye," the two waved as they departed.
They continued on the road to Pewter City. Watching them leave, the samurai boy sighed.
"Ash from Pallet Town is really incredible. He might become a great trainer someday."
Meanwhile, deep in the Viridian Forest...
"That little brat, I won't let him get away next time!" Team Rocket, still in the forest, looked a bit disheveled after their defeat.
"This just proves that Pikachu is really worth catching!" James said excitedly, clenching his fists after hearing Jessie's complaints.
"That's right. If we catch it and present it to Boss Giovanni, we'll definitely be promoted to Executives!" Hearing this, Jessie and Meowth became energetic and started daydreaming.
"Speaking of which, though it's embarrassing, it's good to get rid of those Beedrill by luring them to that kid. That kid might have been taught a lesson by them."
"It's just the right time to teach that..." Jessie began, but was cut off by shadows suddenly falling from the sky.
"Ah!!!!" Jessie screamed.
"This...isn't this Kakuna? Thankfully, it's not Beedrill!" James was startled but relieved upon seeing the Kakuna.
"Really, that little brat embarrassed us, and now these guys are scaring us." Jessie glanced around. Not only were there Kakuna hanging from the trees, but the trees were also densely covered with them.
Jessie kicked the nearby tree in frustration. The tree shook slightly, and the Kakuna's eyes turned towards her.
Boom!
As soon as Jessie's voice fell, the Kakuna seemed agitated. They hadn't realized they were in the Kakuna nest during their evolution cycle. Jessie's actions stimulated them, causing their bodies to emit light.
"I...I have a bad feeling!" James said, trembling.
"It's not good, Meowth! After Kakuna evolves..."
Buzz buzz buzz!
The light was accompanied by a familiar, hair-raising sound. They screamed as the light exploded around them.
"What a strange feeling!"
"Huh?? What's that sound?" The samurai boy who had just sent Ash and Misty away was about to head back to his hut when he heard a faint noise. He looked around, thought it was an illusion, and didn't care.
On the other side, Ash and Misty, of course, didn't know what happened afterward. After they separated from the samurai boy, they hurried on their way to Pewter city. The sky began to change, turning yellow, indicating that evening was approaching.
Fortunately, the route pointed out by the samurai was correct, and in the evening, the two finally walked out of the forest.
"I see it! Pewter City is here!"
Walking out of the forest, they found themselves at a high vantage point. Looking down, they could see the entire city of Pewter City.
This is a city filled with shades of gray. The first impression of the city is that it is surrounded with Mountains, and is located close to Mt. Moon. It relies on the mountain's rich mineral resources for development.
"Phew! Although many things happened, we finally left the forest." Misty spread her arms excitedly, breathing in the fresh air.
Though she was no longer afraid of Bug-type Pokémon, there was always a sense of danger and oppression in the forest that weighed heavier than being outside.
"By the way, Ash, are you going to the gym?" Misty asked after catching her breath.
"Well, let's talk about it tomorrow! We've had a lot of battles today, so let's let the Pokémon rest first and then challenge the gym tomorrow. Let's head to the Pokémon Center first." Ash suggested, noting that while he had helped Pikachu recover and they had eaten some Oran Berries to restore strength, the continuous battles had drained both the physical and mental energy of his Pokémon.
"That's right, let's go!" Misty agreed. She was also feeling tired. The day had been not only exhausting and frightening but also very demanding.
"Hehe! Are you planning to challenge the Pokémon Gym in Pewter City, the one run by the Alliance-recognized Trainer Brock?" As the two were about to leave, they heard a voice laced with a hint of mockery.
"Hmm?"
They turned towards the sound. A dark-skinned middle-aged man wearing a red hat was sitting under a slope. Surrounding him were several containers, some of which were clearly marked with rocks.
"Who are you?" Misty asked suspiciously, eyeing the man who had interrupted their conversation.
"My name is Flint."
"Flint? So, is there any problem with challenging the Pewter Gym?" Misty asked, detecting something off in Flint's tone and feeling a bit annoyed.
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