As long as Riolu can reach the Elite Level, and then evolve, it might be able to leap to the Elite Advanced Level in one go!
This would instantly close the level gap with the main team substantially.
This is also why Pikachu is worried that Riolu might overtake it, especially since it has already been surpassed by Gardevoir and Charizard. If it doesn't catch up, where would the big brother's face be?
And so, Ash, Pikachu, and his crew of Pokemon trained in a more desolate area on Cinnabar Island for over two hours before Misty called, asking where he'd gone.
Misty and Brock were already awake, which meant the training session was over.
Back at the hotel, Misty and Brock had also already washed up, waiting for Ash to come back. During this time, they had planned to set aside their training and battles to have a good time!
There are quite a few places to play on Cinnabar Island, and many of them are stunningly beautiful. Ash and his friends tried them all one by one.
Because they were wearing masks, their appearance didn't cause much of a stir, even though wearing a mask in such a humid place like Cinnabar Island seemed rather odd and was quite hot.
But for someone like Ash, with a monster-like physique, this level of heat was nothing. Since Misty and Brock weren't very famous, they were slowly being forgotten. Even without masks, there was no problem.
This is what fame is like. After a while in hiding, even the biggest reputation will slowly die down. Now it's Misty and Brock; next, it would be Ash who would be forgotten.
As long as Ash doesn't cause any more big commotions.
Playtime always flies by quickly, and before they knew it, Ash and friends had been on Cinnabar Island for four days. In those four days, they had explored nearly every corner of the island and tried all the various specialty hot springs.
Gotta admit, the hot springs on Cinnabar Island are not false advertising. Through Aura Power, Ash observed that they indeed have the effects they claim.
Things like relieving fatigue, refreshing the mind, enhancing cellular activity to improve training results, etc. Those effects only come into play with long-term soaking in the hot springs. Short-term soaks really only leave you with the comfort of the experience.
Worth noting, besides the hot springs, Brock intentionally left Ash and Misty alone these days. Ash wondered where Brock always disappeared to during their outings, while Misty vaguely knew his intentions, feeling a mix of annoyance and gratitude.
Brock's emotional intelligence and brotherly love are truly commendable. In efforts to help his buddy find love, he's spared no effort. It's just that his buddy is always thinking about Pokemon and doesn't get the hint.
Though Misty knew what Brock was trying to do, there was nothing she could do if Ash didn't catch on. She couldn't reasonably make the first move as a girl, could she?
So, although there was some progress over these four days, it wasn't substantial. Nevertheless, you could say they dated for four days on Cinnabar Island, and now they naturally walked closer together, and Ash occasionally even took Misty's hand.
This was truly natural... because Ash had been pulling Misty along these past few days, they got used to it.
After their Cinnabar Island adventure, Ash and his friends took a ship to their final Gym, the Viridian Gym!
The ships from Cinnabar Island could only get them as far as the pier in Vermilion City. To get to the Viridian Gym, they had to walk from Vermilion City to Viridian City.
Along the way, they'd pass through Cerulean City and Pewter City, giving them a chance to visit Misty and Brock's homes respectively.
Upon reaching Vermilion City, Ash also thought it'd be a good idea to visit Chloe and the others. The last time he'd seen Chloe and the gang was over two months ago when he had just started and barely defeated a Professional Level Raichu even with his partner form.
If it were today, Pikachu could easily beat that Raichu with one hand!
Such great progress in just over two months is beyond anyone's imagination, including Ash himself.
Arriving in Vermilion City, it was already afternoon, and Ash and his friends decided to stay with Professor Cerise for the night and set off early the next morning.
Professor Cerise should still be at work at the Cerise Research Institute right now.
On the way to the Cerise Research Institute, Ash took the chance to learn about the current state of the Vermilion Gym and whether Lt. Surge had changed his ways.
The results were quite pleasing. Vermilion Gym had become a true hallmark of Vermilion City, and although Lt. Surge was physically imposing, he was patient and instructive in battle, a stark contrast to his appearance.
Because of Lt. Surge's changes, more and more people began to challenge Vermilion Gym.
"I never expected that Lt. Surge would really change. I thought he'd revert to his old ways not long after you left, Ash," Misty said, feeling sentimental.
"Surge isn't inherently bad; it's just his nature to go all out against challengers. Plus, his rough personality didn't let him realize the harm he was causing them. All he needed was a wake-up call," Ash said, punching his fist in the air with a laugh.
For people like Lt. Surge, you need a 'Friendship Face-breaking Fist' to wake them up completely. If not a Face-breaking Fist, then a crushing battle will do.
Soon after, they arrived at Professor Cerise's research lab. Compared to their first visit, the bustling scene now seemed quiet, as not many would randomly visit a research lab!
Except for those Team Rocket folks peeping at Pokemon.
Professor Cerise was still busy with research, but upon seeing Ash and company, his face lit up with joy. "Ash! It's been a while! What brings you here?!"
"We just got back from Cinnabar Island and thought we'd stop by and visit you, Professor Cerise." As Ash spoke, he released the Pokemon from the Pokeball in his hand.
With a flash of light, Riolu appeared before Professor Cerise.
"Riolu, say hi to Professor Cerise."
"Riolu!" Riolu, lively and energetic after emerging from the Pokeball, shouted energetically to Professor Cerise, exhibiting spirit and vigor unmatched since leaving Vermilion City.
Riolu vaguely remembered this person's aura. He had cared for Riolu for a long time. Without him, Riolu might never have waited until Ash arrived.
"Oh, Riolu, you seem to be doing well!" Professor Cerise smiled at the spirited Riolu.
Though Riolu wasn't his Pokemon, he had taken care of him for quite some time, forming a special bond.
Seeing Riolu doing so well brought him an emotional relief, grateful that he had trusted Ash despite certain doubts.
Otherwise, Riolu might no longer exist.
"Riolu has now reached Advanced Peak. At the Quartz Conference, he's sure to showcase some eye-opening strength!" Ash assured Professor Cerise, patting his chest.
"Advanced Peak... wait, what?! Advanced Peak???" Professor Cerise initially reflexively praised Ash but then widened his eyes, mouth agape in disbelief when realizing what Ash just said.
How long has it been since Ash got Riolu? Two months, right? Nearly a month of that was spent restoring Riolu's original talent and physique. So Ash effectively only trained Riolu for a month.
From Newbie Beginner Level to Advanced Peak in a month... Are you cheating or something?