"I am Jiang Han."
Jiang Han's response was concise and clear, his eyes calmly watching the other party, waiting for her to continue.
Roxanne seemed slightly surprised by Jiang Han's calm attitude, but she still gave a polite smile.
Seeing that Gym Leader Roxanne actually knew him, Jiang Han guessed that she must have seen his activities somewhere.
His heart gradually calmed down; he had done everything related to Team Rockets flawlessly, so Roxanne wouldn't know his identity.
Sure enough, Roxanne's next words confirmed his suspicion.
"I was actually present during Surfing Day in Dewford Town a while ago."
Jiang Han's brow twitched imperceptibly.
Roxanne explained, "But I wasn't there to Surf. The Granite Cave next to Dewford Town is very attractive to a rock lover like me."
Granite Cave?
Relevant information surfaced in Jiang Han's mind.
It was an ancient cave located on the northern island of Dewford Town. Its internal structure was complex, and it was inhabited by many powerful Rock-type and Ground-type pokémon. For an ordinary Trainer, it was an out-and-out dangerous place.
Jiang Han had originally intended to check it out while he was in Dewford Town, but considering his strength at the time, he had abandoned the idea.
But looking at it now, he could find time to visit Granite Cave.
It seemed that Gym Leader Roxanne, like Steven, was a fanatical rock lover.
"I was on the shore and saw your performance under the giant waves; it was excellent."
Roxanne's tone carried a hint of praise.
"Later, when I spoke with Gym Leader Fujiki, he was also full of praise for you, saying you are an excellent Trainer."
So it was that muscle-brain Fujiki.
Jiang Han understood in his heart.
Fujiki and Roxanne both belonged to the younger generation of Gym Leaders, and since the two cities were relatively close, they would have some communication more or less.
This had its pros and cons. The advantage was that his persona as a genius rookie was established, making his actions in Rustboro City much more convenient.
The disadvantage was that too much attention also meant risk.
"Gym Leader Roxanne overpraises me; it was just good luck."
Jiang Han said modestly, but he knew that after so much buildup, she was about to get to the point.
"I didn't expect it to be such a coincidence to meet you at the Pokémon Center today."
Roxanne's tone finally carried a hint of a request.
"So, I would like to ask a favor of you."
"What is it that requires a Gym Leader to personally ask me for a favor?" Jiang Han asked.
He knew very well that with the status and connections of a Gym Leader, most things could be easily resolved.
What exactly was it that required a Trainer like him, whose strength was barely intermediate, to do? (Highest Pokémon level reaching 20)
Roxanne seemed a bit embarrassed as she organized her thoughts.
"Today is the Internship Day for the Trainer School, and several students have come to my Gym for their internship."
Upon hearing this, Jiang Han couldn't help but complain in his heart.
Great, another special day.
Going to Dewford Town was Surfing Day, coming to Slateport City was the Ocean Festival, and arriving at Rustboro City coincided with Internship Day.
What kind of festival-attracting constitution did he have?
Roxanne paused and continued:
"The content of the internship is to go to Petalburg Woods outside the city for field observation and to capture beginner Pokémon. But I have some other temporary matters today and really can't get away. They are all just beginner Trainers, and I don't feel comfortable letting them go to the forest directly."
She looked at Jiang Han with earnestness in her eyes:
"So, I would like to ask you to be a temporary guide and take them to Petalburg Woods. With your strength, I believe this is just a minor effort."
Babysitting?
Jiang Han's first thought was to refuse.
What did he come to Rustboro City for?
To kill someone, and then get the badge.
How could he have time to play house with a bunch of brats? Not only would it be a waste of time, but it might also attract unnecessary trouble.
A troubled expression appeared on his face just at the right moment. His mouth opened as if he wanted to say something, but then he swallowed it back.
"Well..."
Roxanne was a smart person and understood as soon as she saw Jiang Han's expression.
She immediately added:
"Of course, I won't let you go for nothing. After it's done, I will give you a tm as a reward."
She held up a finger and said softly, "It's the tm for Substitute."
Substitute!
Jiang Han's gaze changed instantly.
This wasn't some common item like Ice Punch that could be bought with money on the market.
Substitute was absolutely a strategic god-tier skill!
Whether in Pokémon battles or for survival in the wild, it had an irreplaceable role.
Creating a Substitute to take damage and status conditions allowed the main body to safely buff or deal damage.
The value of this skill was far beyond what 200 points could measure.
In the black market, a tm of this level was something money couldn't always buy.
The mission Athena gave him was to deal with a League official. Such a mission couldn't be rushed; it required investigation and the right timing.
In comparison, spending half a day with a few students to get a top-tier tm in exchange—this deal was a massive profit!
The calculator in Jiang Han's mind was clicking away.
Moreover, helping a Gym Leader would also help establish his persona and pave the way for subsequent actions.
Who would suspect a genius Trainer with a good relationship with the Gym Leader of being a lurking assassin?
Thinking of this, the difficulty on Jiang Han's face vanished, replaced by a hearty smile.
"So that's how it is. I thought it was something major. Since Gym Leader Roxanne has spoken, and it's for the sake of nurturing new Trainers, I'll help with this!"
He acted as if he were completely moved by Roxanne's spirit of nurturing new talent, rather than because of that tm.
Seeing him agree so readily, Roxanne also breathed a sigh of relief, and the smile on her face became much more sincere.
"That's great, thank you so much, Mr. Jiang Han."
"It's a small matter."
Jiang Han waved his hand.
"So, where are those students? When do we leave?"
"They are waiting right at the Gym entrance and can leave at any time. Sorry to trouble you."
After saying goodbye to Roxanne, Jiang Han went directly to the Rustboro City Gym.
The architectural style of the Gym was just as he imagined, full of the ruggedness and heaviness of rock, like a fortress piled up from huge stone blocks.
As expected, three boys and girls in uniform school clothes were standing at the entrance. They all looked to be only eleven or twelve years old, with faces full of the excitement and nervousness of beginners.
A boy wearing glasses, who looked like a little adult, was talking incessantly to his companions.
A girl, on the other hand, was a bit timid, tightly clutching the Skitty in her arms.
There was also another boy whose face was full of joy, already somewhat impatient.
Ãdvåñçé çhàptêr àvàilàble óñ pàtreøn luffy1898