Chapter 119: Marina
Among the Gym Leaders of the nation's Provincial Gyms, only one specialized in Bug-types. Their ace was a Champion-level Volcarona.
Volcarona could be considered the pinnacle of Bug-types.
With a base stat total of 550, it towered above the crowd of Bug-type Pokémon, which generally didn't exceed 500.
But the problem was that Volcarona was a rare Pokémon, second only to pseudo-legendaries in scarcity. Civilian trainers simply couldn't obtain one.
Furthermore, a Larvesta needed to reach level 59 before it could evolve into the legendary Volcarona, revered as the embodiment of the sun.
Level 59 wasn't just a test of Larvesta's aptitude; it also required a massive amount of resources to nurture.
In short, Bug-type Pokémon had always been a suboptimal choice. Very few trainers would choose to specialize in Bug-types if they had other options.
"So tell me, why do you like Bug-type Pokémon so much?" Kenji asked curiously.
Johnny put his hands on his hips and looked dreamy. "They're cool! Besides, all the girls in my class are scared of Bug-type Pokémon. So Bug-type Pokémon must be the strongest!"
Hearing Johnny's reasoning, Kenji couldn't help but burst out laughing. He admired Johnny's wonderfully weird train of thought.
Kenji hadn't expected Johnny to think girls were afraid of bugs because they were strong, not because they were creepy.
Children's way of thinking was always different from adults.
"Then I wish you all the best in becoming the Bug-Type Champion," Kenji said sincerely.
...
The two of them laughed and chatted for a while. When Beedrill finished its training, Kenji waved it over.
Johnny stared at Beedrill with shining eyes. After gazing for a long time, he swallowed hard and asked timidly, "Can I touch it?"
Kenji glanced at Beedrill, silently asking for its opinion.
Beedrill nodded slightly, giving face to its trainer.
"Of course you can," Kenji answered Johnny.
Gaining Kenji's approval, Johnny carefully touched Beedrill's sharp stingers, then stroked its exoskeleton.
He instantly transformed into Beedrill's superfan.
Seeming to sense Johnny's adoration, Beedrill was surprisingly accommodating, playing along with the boy.
Since Beedrill didn't mind, Kenji was happy to let them interact.
...
At 3 PM, while Kenji and Johnny were watching Beedrill and the other Pokémon train, a staff member knocked on the door and trotted in.
"Mr. Kenji, the Gym Leader invites you to the battle arena!"
Kenji's eyes lit up. Marina was back!
"Mom!! Mom is back!" Johnny was also ecstatic, dancing with joy as he led Kenji out of the training ground, running toward the arena.
Kenji recalled his Pokémon into their Pokéballs and followed Johnny out.
"Mom!!—"
Johnny ran into the arena and immediately spotted his mother, reaching out to hug her excitedly.
Kenji followed behind and also spotted the woman standing next to Wesley.
She was well-maintained and looked very young, appearing to be in her twenties. Her long hair was tied up in a capable bun, and she wore a set of work overalls, standing with one hand on her hip.
While Kenji was observing Marina, Marina shifted her gaze from her son to Kenji.
"Hello. I am Marina, the Riverton Gym Leader," Marina introduced herself.
"Hello. I am Kenji, a trainer from Metropolis Academy," Kenji replied, following suit.
Marina smiled. "Old He mentioned you to me. His evaluation of you was shockingly high."
With that, Marina suddenly raised a Pokéball, her expression turning serious. "Let's see if you're really as formidable as Old He says."
"Old He"—Kenji knew without thinking that she meant Director He.
Marina was a decisive woman. They had just met, and she was already eager to battle.
Having waited so long, Kenji was naturally impatient as well. He immediately raised his Pokéball. "Challenger Kenji challenges the Riverton Gym Leader!"
"Go, Big Brother Kenji!! Go, Big Brother Kenji!!"
Johnny waved his hands, cheering loudly from the side.
Cheering for someone else while his mom was battling... Johnny's actions were a bit rebellious.
Marina didn't mind. The two of them stepped onto the trainer's boxes.
Wesley went to the referee's stand, taking on the role of judge.
"This battle will be a 3v3 format. Both trainers have the right to switch Pokémon once. The match ends when all three Pokémon on one side are unable to battle."
"Battle... begin!!"
"Go! Pelipper!!"
"Go! Pupitar!!"
Two red lights flew onto the battlefield simultaneously.
"Pelli!!!—"
In the air, a white bird with a large yellow beak pouch cried out.
"Patter... patter patter..."
Dark clouds condensed over the arena, covering the entire field. A drizzle began to fall.
"P-Pupitar..."
Pupitar frowned, clearly displeased with the rainy weather.
Pelipper
Level: 55
Ability: Drizzle ( summons rain when the Pokémon enters battle.)
Potential: C+
Marina glanced at Pupitar, a look of confusion and doubt in her eyes.
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