47. Evolution

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At the Pokémon Center in Saffron City, Kai was having dinner while speaking on the phone with Looker.

During their conversation, Looker praised him enthusiastically. "You're incredible! I only asked you to check the situation, but you managed to handle the entire ordeal!"

"Handled?" Kai said, taking a large sip of juice. "Not really. Team Rocket held their ground for quite a while. If their leader hadn't left early, causing disarray, they might have succeeded. In the end, they chose to retreat wisely. No casualties on either side, though."

"Don't sweat the details." Looker's tone remained upbeat. "If it were anyone else, they wouldn't have completed the task as effectively as you did. How about considering a position with Interpol? I see great potential in you."

"No, thanks," Kai replied bluntly, leaning back in his chair. "My goal is to become a Champion. I'd rather not spend my days chasing after criminals." Then he added, "How's the situation on your end? Have you located Team Rocket's base yet?"

"Not yet," Looker admitted. "Celadon City is huge, and every lead we've had so far has turned into a dead end. By the way, your next destination is Celadon City, right? When you get here, I'll treat you to a meal as thanks."

"Sure, I'll let you know when I arrive."

Even as he spoke, Kai's thoughts drifted elsewhere. Team Rocket's base?

He hesitated to say anything further. Having too much foresight wasn't always a good thing.

If he said the wrong thing, it might raise suspicions or lead to misunderstandings.

After resting overnight in Saffron City, Kai set out the next morning for his next Gym challenge.

According to his map, Celadon City was the nearest Gym location. He hadn't contacted Misty recently, so he wasn't sure if Ash had already earned his fifth badge.

The journey wasn't far, but it still took until noon to cover half the distance. Along the way, Kai passed through scenic plains and lush forests.

A gentle breeze carried swarms of Butterfree across the sky, creating a mesmerizing sight.

Kai took a photo of the rare scene and was about to find a place to rest when a red convertible zoomed past him only to screech to a halt and reverse back.

As the dust settled, Kai turned to see five people seated in the car. Among them, a handsome young man with reddish-brown hair sat in the passenger seat. The others, including the driver, were all beautiful young women.

The boy adjusted his large sunglasses and studied Kai carefully before saying, "I remember you. When you delivered something to Professor Oak's lab, I saw you from a distance."

The boy was none other than Gary Oak, the grandson of Professor Oak and Ash's first rival.

"You're Gary, right?" Kai asked knowingly. "Ash mentioned you a few days ago. He said you've been his childhood friend and his greatest rival."

"Did he?" Gary said dismissively. "Ash sure knows how to talk. By the way, judging by your Pokémon, you must be the trainer from Viridian Forest who taught that rookie a lesson, huh?"

Kai chuckled, recalling the incident. "That's me. Why? Did he tell you about it?"

"Oh, he did," Gary replied with a pout. "Thanks to you, I got ambushed by him the moment I entered the forest. He also claimed you're a powerful trainer. I wonder if that's true."

"It depends on who you're comparing me to," Kai replied nonchalantly. "I haven't lost a single battle during my journey so far."

"Big deal," Gary retorted. "I haven't lost, either!" Unsure whether Kai was boasting or genuinely strong, Gary asked, "How many badges do you have, then?"

"Four," Kai answered. "But I'm on my way to Celadon City to challenge the Gym Leader for my fifth badge."

"Only four? That's pretty slow. You're about on par with Ash," Gary said arrogantly. "I've already collected seven badges. I'm heading to Viridian City next for the eighth."

Gary's tone was undeniably smug, but Kai didn't let it bother him. He's just starting his journey. With his lofty attitude and lack of setbacks, he's bound to underestimate others.

Thinking of this, Kai retrieved a Poké Ball and spun it on his finger. "How about it? Want to battle me?"

"Battle?" Gary shrugged. "Sorry, I don't have time for that. If you're so eager, make it to the Indigo Plateau and face me at the Pokémon League!"

With a wave, Gary signalled for the car to speed off, leaving Kai in the dust.

At that moment, Gastly floated out of Kai's shadow, chuckling. "Seems like we were underestimated."

Kai shook his head, watching the car disappear into the distance. A red convertible and a car full of admirers… must be nice.

Pushing those thoughts aside, Kai set down his backpack and asked Kirlia to gather firewood for cooking.

He released his other Pokémon, except for Zapdos and Magikarp, to help.

Squirtle fetched water from a nearby river, Charmander lit the firewood, and Ivysaur led the others to gather berries from the forest. Everything was carried out with practised efficiency.

Once everyone had eaten their fill, Kai took out Magikarp's Poké Ball and released it into the river. The Pokémon swam about joyfully in the cool water.

Studying it closely, Kai sighed. I got scammed by that salesman.

This was clearly a male Magikarp. How could it possibly lay eggs?

Even more puzzling was the lack of evolution. Considering how long it had been with him, Magikarp should have evolved into Gyarados by now. Yet, it showed no signs of doing so.

"Gastly," Kai called, glancing at his companion. "Any ideas on how to get it to evolve?"

Gastly cackled mischievously. "Evolve? You're seriously struggling with something as simple as that?"

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