Viridian City was bustling with activity, much like it had been last year. When he returned yesterday, he noticed that the number of tourists had increased significantly compared to usual.
Between April and August each year, Viridian City becomes the liveliest place in the region. As the eve of the annual League Conference approaches, many trainers choose to save the strongest Gym in the Kanto region for their final challenge. However, very few ever emerge victorious.
When Boss Giovanni is present, he doesn't hold back at all, immediately deploying several powerful Pokémon. Of course, even if he doesn't use his absolute strongest team, his standard roster is more than enough to give average trainers a hard time. Most of the time, however, acting Gym Leaders handle the challenges from traveling trainers.
Snapping out of his thoughts, Eichi strolled over to the Verdant Breeding House. Even after several months, business was as booming as ever. He stepped inside; though it was crowded, it wasn't chaotic. Customers sat orderly in the waiting area, holding numbered tickets.
A female staff member inside spotted Eichi, her eyes widening in pleasant surprise. "Eichi, you're back!"
"Sister Nanako, I'm back," Eichi said with a smile. "I came to pay you all a visit."
Nanako said happily, "The Shop Manager will be thrilled to know you've returned."
"Then I'll go find Big Sister Amelie now," Eichi said.
Nanako waved him through. "Go ahead."
Eichi nodded and continued further inside. Everyone was busy, but they all stopped to greet him. After a long absence, everything felt the same, though he did notice a few new faces in the shop. Before he left last time, Amelie had complained that the staff was too small and that she needed to hire more people.
He walked leisurely to Amelie's second-floor office. Just as he was about to knock, the door opened. His hand stopped mid-air. The person coming out froze for a second before exclaiming in surprise, "Eichi, you're back!"
Eichi looked up to see Aunt Keiko. "Aunt Keiko, long time no see," he said with a smile. "I took some leave to come back for a while."
"We all missed you while you were gone," Aunt Keiko said warmly.
"I missed you all too," Eichi replied. "By the way, Aunt Keiko, I met Little Yu."
Aunt Keiko's eyes lit up. "And? Isn't Little Yu adorable?"
Eichi nodded. "Mhm, I like Little Yu very much." Aunt Keiko beamed at his praise, and they chatted for a moment.
Finally, Aunt Keiko said, "Eichi, I have things to do. Let's talk more next time."
"Go ahead and get to work, Aunt Keiko. Don't worry about me," Eichi said.
As Aunt Keiko headed downstairs, Eichi knocked on the door.
"Come in," a voice called.
Eichi opened the door. Inside, Big Sister Amelie was operating a computer. Seeing Eichi, a smile bloomed on her face. "I heard Keiko chatting with someone at the door and guessed it might be you. Eichi, long time no see."
Eichi walked up to her. "Long time no see, Big Sister Amelie."
"It's not vacation time yet, so why the sudden return?" Amelie asked.
Eichi sat in the chair Aunt Keiko had previously occupied. "Staying at school got a bit boring, so I took leave to travel for a bit."
Amelie laughed helplessly. "What kind of reason is that?" She then added, "I heard that Archie visited your academy."
Eichi nodded. "Mhm, Archie did come to our academy. It wasn't for anything major; he was doing special training at Mount Silver and visited our school during his free time." Amelie nodded in understanding.
She then asked, "Did you take the Beginner Breeder exam this year?"
Eichi reached into his backpack and pulled out a certificate. It was a Beginner Breeder license.
Seeing the document, Amelie said, "As I thought, I didn't misjudge you. You really are a breeding talent. Work hard and try to pass the Intermediate Breeder exam next year."
"Don't worry, I will," Eichi replied with a grin.
The two then discussed various topics regarding Pokémon breeding. Eichi mentioned that he was now a student of Professor Kant. She was both shocked and gratified that Eichi had a Senior Breeder as a teacher. Amelie was currently an Intermediate Breeder, still some distance away from the Senior rank. She was preparing for the Senior Breeder exam, which she mentioned was extremely difficult and only held once every three years. Of the hundred or so Intermediate Breeders who participate in each region, usually no more than five pass—a one-in-twenty success rate.
After their chat, Eichi took his leave, as Amelie still had work to finish. Downstairs, Eichi didn't leave immediately; there was one Pokémon he wanted to see.
He went to the backyard, where there were many more Pokémon than before. Persian, Growlithe, Charmander, Bulbasaur... many rare Pokémon could be seen here. Specifically, near the large pond, a massive figure lay sleeping beside a rock formation.
The one he wanted to see was that King-rank Dragonite.
Eichi activated his Eye of the Bug Emperor. His vision pierced through Dragonite's body, clearly seeing the energy within it. It was the same as before; its level hadn't changed, but that wasn't the point. The point was its aptitude.
The cyan talent fire within Dragonite was exceptionally vivid. At the head of the flame, a careful look revealed a faint golden hue. This Dragonite was extraordinary; not only had it reached the peak of the King rank, but its aptitude was also in the third stage of the Outstanding grade.
Sure enough, gold represents Champion aptitude, Eichi thought. However, it was strange that the talent fire within Wimpod was quite small, similar in size to Ordinary aptitude flames. A guess began to form in Eichi's mind, but without other Champion-grade Pokémon to study, he couldn't be one hundred percent sure his theory was correct.
Leaving the Breeding House, Eichi walked back along a forested path. The area was surrounded by trees and didn't have many wild Pokémon. As he walked, he suddenly sensed something and whipped his head around.
A Magneton had appeared behind him at some unknown point. The atmosphere turned heavy and tense instantly. The Magneton released its energy pressure, with electricity constantly surging across its body.
Crackle!
Suddenly, the Magneton directly used a move. Bolts of lightning surged from its body, converging in the air before striking toward Eichi at incredible speed.