"I'm really sorry, it seems I have to excuse myself. Link, do you have a Pokémon Navigator? Let's exchange numbers and battle again when we have time."
Hearing this, Link scratched his head: "No, I'm currently traveling around Hoenn on a shoestring budget, challenging various gyms. But it's okay, we'll battle again after you optimize your team and tactics."
Du Juan seemed thoughtful, and gave Link the extra green Navigator from the Rustboro Gym.
Devon Corporation is located in Rustboro City, and Steven Stone is the Champion, so many of the latest Trainer Items are provided to the various gyms as soon as possible.
The Pokémon Navigator has three functions:
1. Real-time display of the Hoenn map and its own location via satellite positioning;
2. Connection to the Trainer Management System to monitor the status, medals, and ribbons of the Trainer's Pokémon in real time;
3. Registration of information from other Navigators, enabling remote communication.
Similar to a mobile phone, but neither portable nor convenient, and its functions are quite limited; it's a product launched solely to compete with Pokémon Gear.
As Link had previously commented, these things would be completely replaced by the sudden emergence of mobile phones within a few years, leaving only Pokémon Watches with the potential to expand their functionality.
Having accepted such a valuable gift, Link didn't rush to leave, choosing instead to stay and watch Brendan's gym challenge.
Unlike him, Brendan opted for a 3-on-3 singles battle, sending out a Grovyle evolved from Treecko.
One can only say he truly is the child of the professor; he'd only had his Pokémon for a short time before it reached the evolution stage at his first gym.
Grovyle's agility and special attack demonstrated an amazing advantage when challenging Du Juan, easily defeating Du Juan's Geodude and severely injuring Onix.
Immediately after Onix used "Dig," he decisively switched to a Wingull, which knew "Rain Dance."
The battle arena, hastily repaired by the staff, quickly became muddy, and Onix, unable to see its opponent underground and feeling no vibrations, had to return to the surface—staying underground would be considered passive play and result in a loss.
While the Wingull's type advantage was significant, its size was far inferior to Onix's.
Onix, back on the field, quickly utilized its decent speed and massive size to repeatedly use Rock Tomb to restrict the Wingull's movement.
However, just as Du Juan was about to let Onix seize an opportunity to use Rock Slide, Brendan anticipated her move and used U-turn to return the Wingull to its ball while its own switch was on cool down, thus avoiding the opponent's attack.
She then sent out Grovyle again, and before Onix could dig a new burrow, Grovyle used Quick Attack to finish it off with Grass Knot.
Finally, Nosepass attempted to rely on the opponent's Rainy Day Thunder to fight for its life, but this seemingly guaranteed hit was easily anticipated by Grovyle's charge, which instead seized the opening and struck with Leaf Blade to finish the battle.
Du Juan was thoroughly impressed; although she hadn't used her full strength or her main Pokémon, Brendan's performance was enough to prove his solid fundamentals as a trainer.
Upon asking, he learned that he was actually the son of Norman, the Gym Leader of Petalburg City…
Link quietly left the Rustboro Gym after Brendan's battle.
The opponent's battle was indeed excellent; not only did they recognize the importance of the weather, but they also had their Pokémon master "U-turn" and "Leaf Blade."
It could only be said that the lower-level trainers in this world might be relatively weak, but seasoned Gym Leaders and those with exceptional talent could still offer hope.
He was looking forward to battling Brendan, but for now, he'd pass.
Bullying the weak would be too embarrassing.
"Fennekin, Mudkip, this victory was thanks to your hard work, but there are always stronger opponents; we need to keep improving."
Next up is you, Brawly!
"Fennekin!"
The next Gym Leader would be its time to shine!
"Well…"
Link was unsure, since he would choose the highest difficulty level when challenging Brawly and all subsequent Gym Leaders. It was foreseeable that they would always be at a level disadvantage when challenging Gyms during this trip.
To be precise…
Link will inevitably be overwhelmed by the Gym Leader's level and training, and his number of mastered moves is also far inferior.
His knowledge and tactics, Pokémon talent and hard work are all indispensable; the rest will depend on sheer force of will!
Just as he was about to head to Dewford Town, he heard the sound of a gate opening behind him.
Brendan, who had just received the Rock Badge, and Grovyle walked out, arms around each other, looking delighted.
Noticing someone at the door, Grovyle became serious, crossing its arms and striking a pose with a twig in its mouth.
Cool, Grovyle, cool!
Link tried to suppress his laughter, but it was just too funny…
Just then, an anxious shout came from behind.
"Stop! Stop right there!"
The two and their Pokémon looked towards the sound and saw several people wearing Team Magma uniforms carrying suitcases, running north at an astonishing speed.
Behind them followed a panting young man, who was already staggering after only a few steps, looking like a research worker who never left his lab all day.
"Employees of Devon Corporation?"
"Robbery in broad daylight! Team Magma is getting more and more outrageous."
"Contact Officer Jenny quickly, it'll be troublesome if they get any dangerous Trainer Items."
The onlookers quickly grasped the situation.
Seeing this, Link sighed inwardly. Time was running out; he had to race against it.
Brendan, clearly a busybody, couldn't stand idly by while a Devon Corporation employee was robbed.
"You're too weak to chase after him. I'll get your things back for you!"
Before the employee could agree, Brendan recalled his Grovyle into its Poké Ball and gave chase at a speed surpassing the Earth's 100-meter sprint world record.
Link, who had initially intended to help, was now completely bewildered. How was he supposed to chase after him? This was too much! Weren't they supposed to be super-humans, not even allowed to participate in the main storyline?
But what makes humans human is their mastery of tools!
"Sorry, I'll give it back to you!"
While everyone was watching the spectacle, Link randomly picked a Mach Bike, jumped on, put his Fennekin in the basket, and sped off.
He was grateful to Uncle Dragon for the inspiration.
Only after the boy who had stolen the bicycle in broad daylight was far away did the crowd disperse.
The alarm (to catch Team Magma) should be raised, the alarm (to catch the carjacker) should be raised.
No. 002 Brendan (Xiao You)
Age: 12
Gender: Male
Height: 152cm
Weight: 44kg
Ruby & Sapphire Setting:
○ Professor Birch's son and helps the professor with his research.
○ He will appear on the protagonist's journey and use Pokémon to determine the winner.
○ He is cheerful and nosy, but also easygoing.
○ He has a slight rivalry with the protagonist, but is not hostile.
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(End of Chapter)