Evergreen City, known for its lush greenery and vibrant natural beauty, is located next to the famous Tokiwa Forest. This sprawling forest attracts adventurers and researchers alike due to its rare resources and unique Pokémon species. The city itself is one of the most prosperous in the Kanto region, ranking alongside famous spots like Hualan Cave and Mount Tsukimi as a top destination for adventurers. The city thrives due to the forest's abundant medicinal plants and rare Pokémon, making it a hub for trade and exploration.
On Route 1, a man, a woman, a beautiful woman, and a boy walk side by side. The boy, Kuroyu, is apprehensive. "Mrs. Sanju, can I really walk around the city with my status?" he asks, clearly worried. He is a former gangster, and Changqing City is far from a small town. The terror of the Junsha family in the area is well known.
Mrs. Sanju looks up at the large King Swallow hovering above, always on guard. "Don't worry, Little Black Feather. As my apprentice, I will handle the issue of your identity," she says confidently.
The two of them don't head into the city. Instead, they veer off toward the Tokiwa Forest. Mrs. Sanju unfolds two black cloaks and hands one to Kuroyu. "Put this on," she instructs. After donning the cloaks, they enter a large tree hole that leads to a strange, hidden cave.
Inside, Kuroyu is hit with the noisy, bustling atmosphere of a black market. The black market is an underground market where illegal trades happen, including the sale of Pokémon and other restricted goods. Despite being illegal, the Alliance turns a blind eye to it, given its vast economic benefits, which even some high-ranking officials within the Alliance partake in.
"This is a black market," Mrs. Sanju says, "Speak as little as possible. People here are cunning, and if you're not careful, you'll expose your flaws."
The market is divided into two sections: the noisy stall area and the quieter commercial street. Most people wear black robes to conceal their identities, and nearly all of them have Pokémon with them. It's rare to see someone without an accompanying Pokémon, as it signals weakness and invites trouble. As they walk through the crowded stalls, Kuroyu witnesses a strong man provoke a person who doesn't have a Pokémon. Just as it seems the unarmed man will be killed, he releases a Nidoking, which swiftly kills the aggressor and his Pokémon.
"Looks like this black market is full of surprises," Kuroyu thinks. The aggressor is soon taken away by the market's law enforcement. "In the black market, even if someone commits an offense, they only need to pay a fine and leave," Mrs. Sanju explains.
Walking further into the market, Kuroyu sees a stall selling Pokémon eggs, each priced at 50,000 Alliance coins. "These are Spearow eggs," Mrs. Sanju explains. "The price may seem high, but they evolve quickly and are great for flight." Kuroyu, intrigued, is tempted to buy one but is embarrassed because he only has about 10,000 Alliance coins. Sensing his hesitation, Mrs. Sanju offers to pay for it. "Go ahead and pick one. I'll cover the cost," she says. Kuroyu is touched but hesitant. Mrs. Sanju reassures him, "As my apprentice, I'll make sure you're well taken care of."
Kuroyu buys one Spearow egg and even purchases an incubator. He realizes that this decision will be valuable in the future, especially considering how difficult it is to catch and tame a wild Spearow.
Later, they visit the commercial street, where the atmosphere is much quieter. The people here are more elite, and many of them have powerful Pokémon by their side. Mrs. Sanju leads Kuroyu to a nondescript shop in a remote corner. The shop is dusty and messy, and the old man behind the counter seems disinterested in customers. After a brief exchange, Mrs. Sanju whispers to Kuroyu, "Take me to the second floor."
Upstairs, they meet with someone who helps Kuroyu officially register as a resident of the Kanto region. He now has an identity card, which will allow him to live and work freely in the region. Kuroyu, who had been living on the run for so long, feels a sense of relief. "I didn't expect it to be this easy," he muses.
Mrs. Sanju, seeing his happiness, warns him, "This identity card allows you to move freely in the city, but you can't hide if you attract the attention of higher authorities or gym leaders. You still need to be cautious."
Kuroyu is slightly deflated by this reminder but is determined to move forward. The two of them leave the black market after purchasing various supplies, including medicinal herbs and water-type Pokémon. The Kanto region, with its lack of seas and abundant land, makes it ideal for trading these goods from the Hoenn region, which is known for its vast oceans.
Before leaving, Mrs. Sanju buys Kuroyu an Elf Illustrated Book, a valuable tool for his training. Kuroyu bows his head in gratitude.
The next day, Kuroyu explores Evergreen City. It's bustling with activity, and he notices advertisements for new products like energy cubes and wilderness survival suits. As he walks, he spots a space backpack, priced at 20,000 Alliance coins, which he can't afford.
He eventually finds his way to an Elf Center and greets Miss Joy, who runs the facility with her professional and warm demeanor. "I just arrived in the Kanto region, so I'd like to register," he says politely. Miss Joy helps him with the paperwork, explaining that his pass will last for three years, after which he'll need to renew it.
Kuroyu checks into a room at the Elf Center for the night. "If I were an official trainer, I could stay here for free," he thinks. As an ordinary resident, he pays for the room and reflects on his life in the Kanto region.
He recalls that Evergreen City, though prosperous, ranks 11th in the Kanto region. This ranking is largely due to the Evergreen Gym Leader, whose popularity drives the local economy. The city is governed by both the gym leader and a mayor, an unusual arrangement in Kanto.
Despite the city's success, Kuroyu knows that local aristocratic families control much of the region's resources. This makes it difficult for commoners to rise in society. He is grateful for Mrs. Sanju's guidance, as she has provided him with an opportunity to move forward.
The next morning, Kuroyu buys some fruit wine and books on training, including an "Encyclopedia of Trees and Fruits" and a "Sea Drift" book. His remaining funds are down to 3,000 Alliance coins, but he feels more secure than before, knowing that he has a future ahead of him as a potential breeder.
His life in Evergreen City is just beginning, and with Mrs. Sanju's help, he hopes to make a name for himself and grow stronger in the world of Pokémon.
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