After a long journey, Ash and his companions finally arrived at the largest city in the Johto region, Goldenrod City.
As they emerged from the last stretch of forest and the entire modern metropolis came into view, all three were stunned by the sight before them.
"Look! We've finally reached Goldenrod City!" Misty excitedly pointed toward the distant skyline, her eyes sparkling with anticipation.
Ash could barely hide his excitement.
"We're finally here! I can't wait to challenge the Gym!"
As they stepped into the city itself, the bustling urban atmosphere immediately refreshed their senses.
Towering skyscrapers, endless streams of traffic, and dazzling shop displays all showcased the city's prosperity and vitality.
"Now that we're in a city this big, the first thing we have to do is go shopping!" Misty had already begun making plans.
Brock's eyes lit up as well.
"A city this prosperous must be filled with beautiful girls just waiting for a chance encounter with me!"
"That certainly sounds like the two of you."
Ash couldn't help but smile at his companions' enthusiasm.
He recalled that in the original story, the Gym was temporarily closed at this point. Going there right now would probably only result in finding the doors shut.
Besides, Misty had worked hard throughout the journey. And after slapping her earlier, even though she hadn't complained about it, letting her relax a little could be considered a form of compensation.
As for Brock, he also needed to replenish their travel supplies.
"I have a suggestion," Ash said with a smile, interrupting their fantasies. "Let's visit the department store first to stock up on supplies, then find somewhere nice to eat and get some proper rest before challenging the Gym. What do you think?"
Both Misty and Brock froze.
Based on Ash's usual personality, he should have been charging straight toward the Gym by now.
Hearing those words from a battle fanatic like him was incredibly rare.
"Don't look at me like that," Ash explained. "I'm not in my best condition right now. Rather than forcing a Gym challenge, I'd rather relax first. The Gym battle can wait until tomorrow. There's no need to rush."
Of course, he couldn't exactly tell them, "I already calculated it, and the Gym is closed today." That would sound ridiculous.
Thus, their schedule was settled.
First, the department store.
Then, a delicious meal.
Finally, back to the Pokémon Center for a good night's rest.
However, Ash soon regretted his own decision.
He personally experienced just how physically exhausting accompanying women on a shopping trip could be.
In less than an hour, both he and Brock had their arms filled with shopping bags, and they were so exhausted they could barely speak.
"Ash, are you regretting this now?" Brock whispered while Misty was busy picking out merchandise.
"I'm already regretting it," Ash replied with a bitter smile. "But since it was my decision, I have to see it through, even if I have to crawl to the finish."
Fortunately, Misty quickly noticed how tired the two of them were. Thoughtfully ending the shopping trip, she led them to a restaurant to rest.
Watching the two of them wolfing down their food, Misty couldn't help but complain.
"You only helped carry a few things. Isn't the way you're eating a little too exaggerated?"
After swallowing a mouthful of pork cutlet rice, Ash replied helplessly,
"Come on, Misty. This is my first time accompanying a girl on a shopping trip. I never expected it to consume so much energy. If I don't eat more, where am I supposed to find the strength to carry all these things back to the Pokémon Center?"
Misty looked at Ash thoughtfully.
Ever since the Orange Islands, this once hot-blooded boy had indeed changed a lot. He had even been willing to postpone a Gym challenge just to spend time with her.
After dinner, Misty stopped at a nearby stall and carefully selected three Pidgey dolls along with matching keychains.
At that moment, a real Clefairy suddenly ran past them.
"Clefairy, stop running around!"
A girl with short light-pink hair hurried over and picked the mischievous Pokémon up in her arms.
"Sorry, my Clefairy can be a little naughty."
"It's fine," Ash said with a smile. "Being lively is a good thing for a Pokémon. I'm Ash, and these are my traveling companions, Misty and Brock. If I'm not mistaken, you must be Whitney, the Leader of the Goldenrod Gym."
Whitney looked slightly surprised.
"You actually recognize me?"
"It wasn't hard to figure out," Ash explained. "Goldenrod City is full of Clefairy merchandise, which suggests that the Gym Leader's signature Pokémon is probably Clefairy. Seeing how close you are to your Clefairy only confirmed my guess."
"Very sharp observation," Whitney praised with a nod. "And yes, today is the Gym's day off. Are you here to challenge the Gym?"
"I am, but I plan to do it tomorrow. I don't want to disturb you on your day off."
"Not bad, you're pretty considerate."
Whitney found herself developing a favorable impression of this polite Trainer.
"In that case, let me take you to the Miltank Ranch for a visit. The fresh milk there is one of Goldenrod City's specialties."
Far away from the noise of the city, the ranch immediately put everyone at ease.
Across the lush green grasslands, groups of Miltank leisurely grazed under the open sky.
Whitney enthusiastically invited them to taste the ranch's fresh milk. Its rich and creamy flavor earned unanimous praise from all three.
As the sun gradually set, Ash looked at the Clefairy and Miltank playing together on the grass, anticipation filling his heart.
Tomorrow's Gym battle would undoubtedly be an exciting one.
And tonight, they would enjoy a peaceful evening in Goldenrod City, resting and preparing themselves for the battle ahead.
...
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