Ryuuske didn't know why Team Rocket had attacked Vermilion City, but he figured he and Team Rocket were bound to be entangled for life. Even if he didn't go looking for them, they'd probably come after him sooner or later.
After Misty left Cerulean City for Vermilion City, Ryuuske saw no reason to stay any longer. His journey had no grand purpose—it was simply about training his Pokémon and growing stronger alongside them.
Even challenging Gyms was just a means to that end. As someone not originally from this world, he couldn't quite find the appeal in its recreational activities, including the Gym challenge circuit that seemed to excite so many.
Since arriving in Cerulean City, Ryuuske hadn't had the chance to explore properly. On his very first day, Misty had dragged him into the fight against Team Rocket, and afterward, he'd immediately taken on the Cerulean Gym challenge. Now that he finally had some free time, he decided to take a proper look around this Venice-like city before leaving.
Clear rivers flowed gently under stone bridges, lined with weeping willows along their banks. The narrow streets were dotted with charming little shops, each with its own unique flair, drawing in passersby.
Ryuuske found an open-air café, ordered a coffee and some dessert, and leaned back in his chair, watching the serene water flow by. It felt like sitting by the riverside in a Jiangnan water town. Every now and then, Pokémon accustomed to human society would flutter onto the branches, making the afternoon feel even lazier.
This area was slightly north of the city center, free of skyscrapers, filled instead with quaint little shops and houses. Like every city's hidden alleyways waiting to be discovered by tourists, this was Cerulean City's snack street.
Along both sides of the river, aside from the shops, small vendors peddled trinkets, with children gathering around, eyes wide with longing, hoping their parents would buy something for them.
"Hmm?"
As Ryuuske ate his cake, he noticed a large crowd gathered not far ahead, though he couldn't tell what they were looking at. Curiosity and the urge to join in on the excitement were human nature. After a moment's thought, he quickly finished his cake, downed his coffee in one go, paid the bill, and headed toward the crowd.
"Come take a look! These are the real deal—how could I possibly lie to you? Just use them on your Pokémon, and their strength will increase!"
"You all know that Ryuuske from the Cerulean Gym challenge the other day, right? Wanna know why his Dragon-type wasn't afraid of Ice? He used these exact items!"
"Huh? Not interested? Too expensive? Fine, fine, then how about this? Special promotion, huge discounts! Super cheap Pokémon food that boosts their potential! I know a lot of you dream of becoming Trainers, but let me tell you—there are shortcuts! Don't believe me? Buy a little and try it at home, you'll see!"
"Ah, come on, how could I possibly scam you? Look at what's by my ear—this is a Gym Badge, something only a Gym challenge winner can get! Don't let my appearance fool you, I'm actually a pretty strong Trainer. Do you really think a Trainer would scam people here? If I got caught, my reputation would be ruined!"
"..."
From within the crowd came a girl's voice—clear and melodious, like a gentle breeze through an orchid-filled valley, sweet enough to make one's heart feel soaked in honey. But what was most unforgettable was the seductive lilt in her tone, a voice that alone could conjure images of allure in a man's mind.
Ryuuske felt like he'd heard that voice before, though he couldn't quite place it. What amused him, though, was that she was using his name to scam people. He wondered what kind of expression she'd make if the real Ryuuske showed up in front of her.
Still, he was a little curious. With a voice that enchanting, what did she look like? If she turned out to be one of those "voice angels, face demons," it'd be such a disappointment.
But judging by how most of the onlookers were men—some of whom, despite their skepticism, refused to leave, their eyes glued to the stall—Ryuuske's anticipation grew. She must be a stunning beauty. Every now and then, some starry-eyed fool would even pull out their wallet and buy something.
Ryuuske sighed inwardly. The desire for a shortcut was universal. If Pokémon could really be strengthened with some random items or food, if becoming a Trainer was that easy, then what was the point of Trainers who risked their lives to train and grow? It'd be nothing short of an insult to them.
The crowd was packed tightly, three layers deep. Ryuuske couldn't squeeze in, so with a slight frown, he casually waved his hand and used his psychic abilities to part a path. The people on either side shot him annoyed, startled looks—until they recognized his face, at which point their expressions shifted to surprise.
The scam artist girl, oblivious to the disturbance, continued sweet-talking her audience. Ryuuske stepped through the gap in the crowd and finally reached the small stall, laying eyes on the girl whose voice alone had been so captivating.
Her chestnut-brown hair cascaded like a waterfall, and her jade-like earlobes were adorned with earrings made from Gym Badges. She knelt on the ground, her fair legs gleaming enticingly, though the delicate skin of her knees bore faint red marks from the hard surface, evoking a pang of pity.
She wore a light blue dress, her slender frame making her legs appear even longer. But the most striking feature was her chest—disproportionately full for her petite figure, to the point where one had to wonder what she'd been fed growing up.
Her face was as stunning as her voice, but unlike Sabrina, whom Ryuuske had met before, this girl was the polar opposite—no trace of cold indifference, only soft, bewitching charm. And her most captivating feature was her lively, expressive eyes, the kind that could make hearts race with just a glance.
Ryuuske had seen her before.
Silently, he pulled out a photo from his pocket—one he'd gotten from Professor Oak. It was a surveillance still of the thief who had stolen Squirtle three months ago. After matching the eyes and comparing it to the shy-looking girl before him, he was certain: it was her.
"With such beauty, why be a thief?" Ryuuske sighed, causing the girl's expression to freeze. "First stealing, and now scamming? You really don't let up, do you?"
To be continued…