Confrontation

As a few punk-like troublemakers arrived, the cheerful atmosphere that had just prevailed suddenly turned tense.

"What... what do you want?" asked the chubby boy nervously, clutching Taillow, his prized Pokémon.

"Chubby, your Pokémon looks pretty good. How about showing it to big brother?" said the leader of the troublemakers nonchalantly.

The chubby boy hid his unconscious Taillow behind him and stammered, "N... no, I can't... I won't give my hero to you."

It was clear that these guys were troublemakers, and even though the chubby boy was young, he could tell.

"Hehe... Chubby, whether you give it or not isn't up to you!" the leader of the troublemakers said with a smirk as he reached out towards the chubby boy.

"What are you guys doing?"

Just then, a little girl stepped forward, spreading her arms to shield the chubby boy.

"Forcing others isn't right!"

"Hey! Little girl, do you think you can meddle in this?" the troublemaker extended his hand as if to push the girl, but before he could touch her, a leaf came slicing through the air, causing him to retract his hand immediately.

"Don't... don't cause trouble!"

Harry, with his Fomantis by his side, spoke nervously from the sidelines.

Seeing Harry and his Fomantis, the troublemaker sneered, "Didn't expect you guys to know how to offer up Pokémon to me too! Well, I won't be polite!"

With that, he took out a Poké Ball from his pocket and released a Dodrio.

"Dodrio, teach this Fomantis a lesson for me."

The troublemaker hadn't received much formal education, but he knew the name of the Fomantis from what the children had said earlier. He himself didn't recognize the Fomantis, but that didn't stop him from understanding its value.

This troublemaker was, in fact, a non-staff of Team Rocket.

Team Rocket's non-staffs were not considered actual members of the organization. They often didn't even know what kind of organization Team Rocket was. They were just brought in to create chaos in various places.

These troublemakers were either thugs or street hooligans. Team Rocket didn't have high expectations of them and simply provided them with small benefits to make them cause trouble in different locations.

These ruffians were discontented with society, and even though they knew that Team Rocket wasn't a legitimate organization, they were willing to follow its instructions. They found Team Rocket's defiance against the League's rules rather daring and appealing.

These individuals were quite young, mostly in their rebellious phase, which made them more susceptible to temptation. Team Rocket lured them easily, and they followed along.

Team Rocket didn't ask much of them; they mainly engaged in petty thefts and mischief. Even if they got caught, their crimes were usually minor, and they'd be released quickly.

Despite identifying themselves with Team Rocket, they didn't actually know much about the organization. Sometimes, even the League believed that they simply called themselves Team Rocket members just for fun.

In any case, these individuals couldn't handle big tasks, but they were always causing minor disturbances, which annoyed the police.

The leader of these troublemakers had been with Dodrio for a long time, and it was because of this Dodrio that he could gather a group of lackeys and act arrogantly.

Also with Dodrio's help, he had stolen several Pokémon from others and sold them for profit.

He didn't pick fights with those who were tough to handle; he specifically targeted young trainers who had just obtained their Pokémon. After a theft, he would quickly move on, wandering around Cerulean City, making it difficult for the police to catch them.

Sometimes, if they stirred up trouble with someone they shouldn't have, they'd quietly seek refuge at one of Team Rocket's contact points.

Although they were just non-staffs for Team Rocket and couldn't handle big tasks, Team Rocket was willing to offer them shelter as long as they didn't cause trouble. However, if they ever crossed paths with someone Team Rocket found troublesome, they'd be cast aside without hesitation.

Harry's sister's Fomantis had good battle instincts, but unfortunately, it wasn't as strong as Dodrio. It quickly lost the ability to battle.

Yuga didn't know about these troublemakers, and he hadn't expected them to actually attempt to steal Pokémon in broad daylight. Before Dodrio could further harm the unconscious Fomantis, Yuga said to Rowlet:

"Rowlet, stop Dodrio!"

Rowlet quickly leaped over the fence, flapped its wings, and sent Leafage towards Dodrio's feet. Dodrio braked suddenly to avoid being hit by the Leafage.

Seeing the sudden appearance of Rowlet, the troublemakers were taken aback. However, when they saw Yuga stepping forward, their instinct told them not to mess with him. He had an imposing aura and domineering presence of 2.8 meters tall.

(Yuga: ??? Imposing aura? Domineering presence?)

Troublemaker: "Brother, what do you mean by this?"

Yuga: "I can't stand seeing you bullying kids."

Troublemaker: "Consider today's incident forgotten, brother. We'll leave right away!"

With that, the troublemaker recalled Dodrio and urged his companions to leave. The bewildered lackeys didn't understand why their usually domineering leader was acting so timid today.

However, they hadn't walked more than a few steps when a cold chill froze beneath their feet. Somehow, Snover had blocked their path.

Seeing the ice forming in front of them, the troublemaker's face darkened. He asked, "Brother, what's your intention?"

Just like Joycelyn said, Snover's mutation had significantly enhanced its moves power. With a basic move like Powder Snow, Snover could create a large area of frost that left the lackeys shivering.

Even though it was spring!

Yuga raised an eyebrow and said, "I already told you, I can't stand seeing you bully kids. So, please wait a moment; Officer Jenny should be here soon."

While the troublemakers might have felt that Yuga was not to be trifled with, they weren't planning to give in easily. Once again, they released Dodrio.

"Since you won't let me go, then you'll face the consequences! Dodrio, use Fury Attack!"

Dodrio extended its three sharp beaks, ready to strike at Snover.

Snover had only been trained for a few days and was still a bit timid. Seeing the ferocious Dodrio, it became frightened.

However, before Dodrio could get close to Snover, a green light flashed by, and Kartana had appeared above Dodrio. The earlier green light was from its Lead Blade move.

Unlike the timid Snover, Kartana was fearless and always ready for battle. It would even dared to challenge Elite level Pokémon if given the chance. Its Leaf Blade was sharp, and as it struck the ground beneath Dodrio, it created a long and deep fissure. Dodrio quickly retreated to its owner, scared by the attack.

Dodrio: That was terrifying! I thought my head was about to roll off!

Seeing Dodrio retreat, the troublemaker immediately scolded it, but no matter how he berated it, Dodrio simply huddled, refusing to approach again.

Dodrio: If you're not afraid of losing your head, then go by yourself!

Dodrio had been obtained by the troublemaker from Team Rocket, and although it had been with him for a while, it had changed hands many times. Unlike normal Pokémon, it no longer shared a bond connection with its trainers and only obeyed simple commands, lacking any loyalty.

The troublemaker was just that—a troublemaker. Besides Dodrio, he didn't have any other Pokémon. Those he had stolen previously hadn't obeyed him and were eventually sold off.

After dealing with the troublemakers, Yuga used his special abilities to heal Harry's Fomantis and the scared little boy's Taillow. Both of them tearfully thanked Yuga.

Yuga rubbed their heads and then smiled, saying to the chubby boy, "In the future, take good care of Taillow, and try not to draw too much attention."

The chubby boy, looking at the shivering troublemaker squatting nearby, nodded meekly, "I understand."

Yuga nodded in approval, "A teachable youngster indeed."

Soon, Officer Jenny arrived with her team. Yuga introduced himself and explained the situation.

Upon learning of Yuga's identity, Officer Jenny's expression turned serious. She respectfully bowed to Yuga; after all, strong individuals were respected wherever they went.

Although Officer Jenny didn't personally know Yuga, she had heard of his name. A young Elite level Trainer of his caliber couldn't be ignored by any faction.

The troublemakers weren't taken away by the Officer Jenny that had been called. The children thanked Yuga and then went home. Yuga stayed behind to talk with Officer Jenny.

At that moment, a girl wearing overalls and with a head full of blonde hair was standing in the backyard of the Pokémon Center, craning her neck to get a good look at Yuga. When she saw Yuga looking at her, she sweetly smiled in return.

Seeing the blonde girl, Yuga was momentarily taken aback. Wasn't this Misty?

Misty had just brought his Pokémon to the Pokémon Center for healing. Back at his family's dojo, his sisters had just suffered another loss in a Gym Battle, and their Pokémon were in terrible shape. This had left Misty quite unhappy.

Their family's Cerulean Gym had been a renowned Gym with a long history and significant contributions to the Pokémon League in the past. That's why it had been passed down for generations. However, ever since his three older sisters took over the Gym, its reputation had been steadily declining.

Misty's dream was to become the world's best Water-type Gym Leader. Unfortunately, he was still under ten years old and couldn't inherit the Gym just yet, which was quite a source of frustration for him.

While he waited at the Pokémon Center, he happened to see Officer Jenny and her team pass by. This piqued his interest, so he ran over to see what was happening.

Once Officer Jenny left, Misty approached Yuga and struck up a conversation.

"What Pokémon is this?" Misty asked with curiosity, staring at Kartana, which he had never seen before. As for Snover and Rowlet, although he hadn't seen them before, he recognized them.

After all, his family ran a Gym, and he had learned the basics of various Pokémon from his trainers there.

For kids aspiring to become Pokémon Trainers, studying the Pokémon Pokédex was a foundational course that included not only the local Pokémon but those from other regions as well.

Yuga smiled and replied, "This is Kartana."

Misty nodded and said, "Oh, it doesn't look like a Water-type Pokémon."

Yuga couldn't help but chuckle at that. Well, jus because you like Water-type Pokemon that doesn't mean everything around you is Water-type Pokémon.

"Yeah, it's not a Water-type. It's Grass and Steel."

Misty looked a bit disappointed. "I wish it were a Water-type."

Then he asked, "Officer Jenny just called you a Gym Leader. Are you a Gym Leader?"

Hearing Misty's curious questions, Yuga answered truthfully, "Yes, I am."

Misty muttered softly to himself, "That's strange. I haven't seen you before. But Officer Jenny wouldn't lie."

The details of Gym Leaders from different regions were available on the official League website, complete with photos. However, these records were separated by regions.

As an aspiring Gym Leader, Little Misty had impressions of all the Gym Leaders in the Kanto region, but he couldn't recall Yuga from his memory.

"Could you be a newly appointed Gym Leader?" Misty wondered aloud.

Hearing Misty's murmurs, Yuga chuckled and said, "Well, don't strain your brain too much. I'm not a Gym Leader in Kanto; I'm from the Hoenn region."

Misty suddenly realized, "Oh, I see."

"Then, would you like to have a battle with me?" Misty suddenly clenched his fist, looking excited. "I haven't battled a Gym Leader apart from my sisters before!"

Yuga hesitated, "We just met; is it a good idea to battle so soon?"

Misty corrected him, "It's not fighting; it's a Pokémon battle! I'm going to become a Gym Leader in the future too!"

"Oh..." Yuga's response was drawn out, but when Misty continued, "I'm serious! My family runs the Cerulean Gym," Yuga seemed more convinced.

Yuga then asked, "How old are you?"

Misty replied proudly, "I'm nine years old, almost ten! Why?"

Yuga simply said, "Oh, nothing, just curious." He couldn't help but think that if Misty was nearly ten, then Ash must be around that age too.

Finally, Yuga agreed, "Alright, but just one battle. I won't do more than that."

Misty eagerly accepted, "Okay, one battle is all I need!"

The backyard of the Pokémon Center served as the battlefield. Once they stood on opposite sides, Yuga looked at the enthusiastic Misty and couldn't help but feel a bit guilty. It felt like bullying a newcomer.

Misty released her starter Pokémon, a Staryu, which was also a Water-type. In Yuga's trained eyes, he could tell it was an Indigo potential Staryu.

Despite his three sisters not being particularly gifted Trainers, Misty himself showed great talent and had been groomed as the heir to the Cerulean Gym.

Seeing Misty's Staryu, Yuga withdrew Snover and Kartana, who were still outside, and called out Rowlet.

Yuga thought to himself: Well, let's give Rowlet some real battle experience.

"Rowlet, go!"

"Rowlet! Rowlet!"

Rowlet, full of enthusiasm, took flight and faced Staryu on the battlefield.

Staryu, a Star Shape Pokémon, initially lay flat on the ground when it was released, but as Rowlet appeared, it quickly stood upright.

"Hang on a moment, Staryu. We'll take the initiative with Swift move!" Misty commanded Staryu.

Yuga didn't mind Misty taking the first move and allowed Staryu to release shining golden stars that homed in on Rowlet.

Swift were similar to Grass-type moves like Magical Leaf, as they possessed some tracking capabilities that made simple evasion difficult.

Rowlet, with its round and plump appearance, appeared surprisingly agile. It swiftly turned in the air, and the golden stars chased it relentlessly.

In a playful maneuver, Rowlet performed a quick spin, flapping its wings, and released a flurry of leaves that shattered all the pursuing stars.

With the stars eliminated by Rowlet, Staryu, under Misty's command, shot more Swift move, but Rowlet, already familiar with the move's trajectory, promptly shattered them with ease and retaliated with Shadow Balls.

Misty's Staryu, while quick in reaction and move execution, but it was hampered by its limited mobility. Faced with incoming Shadow Balls, Staryu panicked.

Fortunately, Misty reacted swiftly and instructed Staryu to use Rapid Spin move to bounce out all of the shadow ball that coming toward it.

"Staryu, let's use Psychic power!"

Seeing that there was no way to hold Rowlet, Misty asked Staryu to usenewly learned move, Psychic Power. It was the most powerful move that Staryu currently knows. However, Staryu had just started practicing it and it still struggled to control it effectively.

Staryu's central gem slowly condensed psychic energy into a sphere. However, before it could launch the Psychic Power, the energy sphere sputtered and failed.

Boom!

The energy sphere formed by Psychic Power dissipated into scattered points of energy in the air.

Misty: ...

Staryu: (⊙…⊙) I was too nervous...

"Hahaha..."

Seeing the sudden quiet atmosphere, Yuga couldn't help but burst into laughter. Even Rowlet forgot to continue its attack and silently watched the speechless Staryu.

Blushing with anger, Misty exclaimed, "Why are you laughing? Haven't you seen a failed move activation before?"

Yuga, still chuckling, apologized, "Sorry, sorry, I just couldn't help it."

Seeing that Misty was still glaring at him, he suggested, "How about this? Let's end today's battle here. As compensation, I'll teach your Staryu how to use Psychic Power properly. What do you think?"

It was clear that Staryu had not fully mastered the Psychic Power move and, being an unevolved Psychic-type Pokémon, lacked the necessary psychic power intensity.

A Pokémon's psychic power started as a light blue when they were weak and gradually deepened into dark blue and purple with meditation and practice.

During Staryu's earlier attempt to use Psychic Power, its psychic energy had clearly displayed the lowest level of light blue.

Though Psychic Power was a common Psychic-type move, it was indeed an advanced move. When used with insufficient psychic power, situations like Staryu's earlier failure could occur.

Misty's anger dissipated instantly upon hearing Yuga's offer, and she asked excitedly, "Really? You mean it?"

Yuga nodded, saying, "Of course, I'll teach and guide you fully!"

Nana usually handled the training of Pokémon like Medidite, Medicham, Gallade, and Gardevoir in the main Ecopark, making it have rich experience in teaching. Guiding a Staryu wouldn't be a problem at all.