The three of them chatted casually for a bit. Seeing that Koharu seemed to be quite fond of Eevee, their conversation shifted from various topics to Erika's Eevee.
Natsui asked, "Based on your Gym's type, I assume its evolution path is Leafeon, right?"
Erika nodded, "Naturally. But for it to evolve, it needs a Leaf Stone. However, a few days ago, our Gym held a feedback event for trainers as required by the League, and we've temporarily run out of Leaf Stones. So, for this Eevee to evolve, we'll have to wait a while."
A Leaf Stone?
"What a coincidence!" Natsui rummaged through his backpack and found the evolution stone he had obtained from the four Eevee brothers in Stone Town. Without any hesitation, he handed it directly to Erika. "Here, you can have this Leaf Stone."
Looking at the Leaf Stone, Erika was very surprised, "Eh? How do you have something like this?"
Natsui shrugged, "It's just a spoil of war from my journey. I don't need it anyway, so it's better for your Eevee to use it."
"Oh my, thank you so much." Erika didn't stand on ceremony and accepted the Leaf Stone. "It's just that Eevee's strength is a bit lacking right now. I'd still like to wait for it to gain some more experience and find a suitable opportunity before using this Leaf Stone on it."
Natsui waved his hand nonchalantly, "Hey, since I've already given it to you, you can decide when to evolve it!"
With that, he glanced at the time and saw that they had been resting for over an hour without realizing it. Now that most of their stamina was restored, it was time to leave.
"Alright, it's getting late, and we still have to reach Viridian City before dark. So, thank you for your hospitality, and see you next time!"
He and Koharu stood up to leave. Seeing this, Erika also quickly stood up.
"I'm so sorry," Erika said a bit apologetically. "With the constant matters at the Gym and the perfume shop, I can't get away to cheer for you in person. But I will be watching all of your matches on TV."
"It's alright, don't worry about it."
In fact, having traveled alone for this period, although he had made some friends, perhaps due to his personality, it wouldn't affect his mindset at all even if no one was there to cheer him on.
In other words, everyone had their own life, and he had no right to ask others to change for him.
Erika placed her hands on her chest and bowed to see them off.
"Then, I wish you the best of luck in battle and hope you achieve a great result."
Natsui and Koharu smiled and, mimicking her, also gave a bow.
When the two had walked some distance, Koharu looked back and saw Erika still standing in the same spot, watching their backs. She quickly turned her head back.
Miss Erika is still watching!?
Although she could no longer see her expression, Koharu could still seem to feel her gentle gaze.
It seems Natsui has met a lot of interesting people during his long journey.
Leaving the field, they continued forward and arrived at Sunnytown.
Heading further west would lead them directly to the outskirts of Viridian City, and once they entered Viridian City, it meant that the Indigo Plateau was truly not far away.
But before that, a wide river blocked their path.
The area was sparsely populated, with no boats in the river and no bridges over it. To cross, they had to rely on the power of Pokémon.
Summoning his Gyarados, Natsui helped a very cautious Koharu onto the Pokémon, and they crossed the river safely and steadily.
On the opposite bank was an endless, dense forest, the famous Viridian Forest of the Kanto region.
At this time, the sun was already setting in the west. Natsui hadn't originally planned to enter the forest in the dark, but he also didn't want to camp out in the wild. Thus, he could only quicken his pace to reach Viridian City as early as possible.
And just like before, the forest was teeming with Bug-type Pokémon. The occasional Caterpie and Weedle popping their heads out made Koharu's heart pound with fear.
"Why are there bugs everywhere in this forest?"
Frightened, Koharu unconsciously quickened her steps and grabbed the corner of Natsui's shirt.
In fact, it wasn't just her; a fear of bugs was a common affliction for most girls. Even Misty couldn't stand Bug-type Pokémon at all.
Natsui was just about to say something to reassure her when a voice suddenly came from a distance.
"Hey you, over there! You look very familiar!"
Hearing the voice, Natsui turned his head and saw a boy dressed as a samurai leaning against a large, sturdy tree, looking at them coldly.
"Ah, it's you!"
The unique attire also allowed Natsui to recognize him at a glance.
He just didn't expect that after such a long time, he would meet the samurai boy again here!
The samurai boy put on a cool act, "I didn't think you'd step into this forest again. How about it? Want to have another match with me?"
Natsui sized up the samurai boy again. Although his appearance hadn't changed after so long, his expression had a new touch of composure, showing that he had indeed gone through some training.
But speaking of which, Natsui still admired his perseverance.
To be able to stay here for so long without leaving was truly impressive!
Was he planning to make this his home forever?
Seeing Natsui remain silent, the samurai boy thought Natsui was looking down on him and couldn't help but say, "Hmph, you told me last time to teach a lesson to you trainers from Pallet Town. I have to say, those people were really strong. I lost badly to every single one of them. But the me of today has made great progress compared to before. Not only have my old Pokémon evolved, but I've also caught many new partners!"
"Oh? Is that so?" Natsui smiled. "But you're not the only one who's gotten stronger. After all this time, I've grown as well!"
Beside them, Koharu was completely bewildered by what she heard.
You trainers from Pallet Town?
A question mark appeared over her head. She didn't understand why, out of the blue, Natsui had suddenly become a trainer from Pallet Town.
Seeing her confusion, Natsui whispered a few words in Koharu's ear, telling her about the prank he had pulled.
Koharu giggled, "Natsui, you're so mean."
On the other side, looking at Koharu's beautiful face and hearing her cheerful laughter, the samurai boy somehow blushed.
Perhaps sensing Natsui's strange gaze, he decisively sent out his Pokémon to ease the awkwardness.
"Come out, Butterfree!"
Since the opponent had sent out a Pokémon, it seemed a battle was unavoidable today.
Seeing this, Natsui looked up at the sky, sighed, and then took out his own Poké Ball.
"I can't believe this. Alright, I'm counting on you. Go, Charizard!!"
A flash of blue light, and as the Poké Ball opened, a dragon-like Pokémon with wings on its back appeared on the field!
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