Cinnabar Island, a large island located in the southwestern waters of the Kanto Region, features a massive, active volcano. Despite the volcano, the island remains safe and accessible only by sea or air, as there are no land routes connecting it to the mainland.
Cinnabar, a fiery red color, lends its name to the island, a testament to the active volcano that shapes its landscape.
Once a remote island, Cinnabar transformed into a tourist destination with the development of its unique volcanic hot springs. Its distance from the mainland prompted the League to establish a Gym to safeguard the island and its inhabitants.
Cinnabar Island's main attraction is its active volcano and the renowned hot springs it generates. Tourists flock to the island to enjoy the scenic ocean views while indulging in the therapeutic hot springs.
After a day and night of sailing, the ship arrived at Cinnabar Island's eastern harbor at 6 AM the following day.
Despite the early hour, the sky was already bright, offering a picturesque sunrise over the sea.
Tourists disembarking at the harbor were captivated by the breathtaking scenery.
Ash and his friends entered the town, bustling with shops and pedestrians. The island's popularity was evident in the lively atmosphere.
Misty, cautiously guarding the Pokémon eggs, navigated the crowded streets. The sheer number of people on Cinnabar Island exceeded their expectations.
Brock, consulting a map of Cinnabar Island acquired at the harbor, led Ash and Misty towards the Pokémon Center.
Located a short distance from the harbor, the Pokémon Center was smaller than those in larger cities but still offered comprehensive facilities.
While checking in, Ash, Brock, and Misty were slightly disappointed to learn that the Pokémon Center lacked a hot spring. To enjoy the hot springs, they would have to venture into town and find a hotel.
Ash, considering the expenses, realized that while the hot springs were appealing, they might be costly. Apart from daily necessities for his Pokémon, his savings were limited.
Brock, however, remained indifferent to the hot springs. His focus was on the beach and the prospect of encountering attractive women in swimsuits.
Ash suggested having breakfast and getting some rest before exploring the town at 9 AM and challenging the Gym the next day. He proposed inquiring about hot spring prices later.
After breakfast, the trio returned to their rooms for a brief rest. By 9 AM, they were refreshed and ready to explore the town.
While exploring, Ash discovered that the hot spring hotels were reasonably priced. His current savings could comfortably cover a night's stay for all three of them.
This came as a surprise to Ash, who had anticipated exorbitant prices. However, he had overlooked the abundance of hot springs on Cinnabar Island.
The large number of hot springs translated to competitive pricing.
Ash, meeting Misty's eager gaze, decided to splurge on a hot spring hotel for the night.
Misty, overjoyed at the prospect of experiencing an open-air hot spring for the first time, expressed her gratitude to Ash.
Brock, on the other hand, harbored lecherous thoughts of encountering attractive women in the mixed bathing hot springs.
At noon, the trio opted to dine at a popular restaurant in town instead of returning to the Pokémon Center. Having decided to indulge, they chose not to worry about expenses.
They spent the afternoon exploring the town's commercial district. In the evening, they returned to the Pokémon Center to collect their luggage and set out to find a hot spring hotel.
Ash, seeking suggestions, asked Brock and Misty if they preferred a hotel near the beach.
Brock, having already considered this, favored a seaside hotel, as it would allow them to enjoy the beach in addition to the hot springs.
Misty readily agreed, envisioning the pleasure of soaking in the hot springs while enjoying the ocean view and the sea breeze.
However, their search for a seaside hot spring hotel proved challenging. The high demand on Cinnabar Island resulted in fully booked hotels.
Ash, leaving yet another fully booked hotel, expressed his frustration. If this continued, they might not find any available hot spring hotels.
Brock lamented the potential shattering of his dreams, as he had fantasized about various encounters in the hot springs.
Misty, acknowledging the island's popularity and the overwhelming number of tourists, suggested giving up on the seaside hot spring hotels.
"Pika..." Pikachu, mirroring their disappointment, slumped on Ash's head, listless. The greater the hope, the greater the disappointment.
"Hey, boys, what's right in front of you, but you can't see it?" Just as the three were about to head back to town to find a hot spring hotel, they heard a slightly aged voice.
"Excuse me, are you talking to us?" The three stopped and turned around. Standing behind them was a stylish old man with long yellow hair and sunglasses.
"Of course..." Although the sky had darkened, the old man still wore his sunglasses, as if they were essential to his trendy persona.
"What is close but invisible? Isn't it air?" Ash replied.
"That's right... the air..." Brock and Misty were slightly startled, then nodded in agreement, feeling that Ash was correct.
"Hmm... that's true..." The old man was stunned but didn't deny it, even though his intended answer was eyelids.
"Since you got the answer right..." The old man smiled slightly, took out a business card from his pocket, and handed it to Ash, "If you're interested, you can check in at my homestay."
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