"Since that's the case..." Ash reluctantly retracted his hand and after a moment of hesitation, he pulled out a Big Pearl he had won earlier from his backpack. "I'm just a novice trainer and don't have much to offer in return, just this Big Pearl..."

"A novice trainer...?" Misty didn't accept the Big Pearl but instead scrutinized Ash with a curious look. She hadn't expected Ash to be a new trainer.

"I don't need the Big Pearl; keep it for yourself. I didn't help you for a reward," Misty ultimately refused Ash's gesture of thanks, as she had stated that her help was not for the sake of any reward.

"That's a relief..." Ash breathed a sigh of relief. Compared to Ho-Oh's feather, he was more reluctant to part with the Big Pearl, which could fetch 3700 Pokémon dollars.

While Ho-Oh's feather was far more precious and arguably unique, such an item couldn't realistically be sold. Even if he tried, no one would likely believe its authenticity unless it fell into the hands of someone who knew its true value.

Hearing Ash's words, Misty's expression shifted, and seeing Ash happily put away the Big Pearl, she felt that perhaps she should have accepted his gift.

"By the way, are you heading to Viridian City now?" Ash asked, after securing his belongings.

"Of course, what else would I do?" Misty pointed to her soaked clothes. She hadn't planned on spending the night outdoors; she was only here to fish and possibly catch a suitable Pokémon, but she hadn't anticipated such an adventure.

"Then let's go together." Ash smiled at Misty, extending an invitation.

"Th-that sounds good..." Misty stammered a bit in her response, suddenly finding that she had little resistance to Ash's smile.

"Pika..." Pikachu looked from Ash to Misty and rubbed its round chin, seeming to understand something.

"Let's go!" After resting for a short while and feeling much recovered, Ash climbed back onto the bike, calling Pikachu and Misty.

Pikachu hopped onto Ash's head. Given that Ash was already covered in dirt, he didn't mind the mud on Pikachu's paws, and Misty, too, grasped Ash's shoulder without concern.

The group's shadows stretched long under the setting sun, but they were unaware that within those shadows, a pair of eyes seemed to be quietly watching them.

…

Viridian City, also known as the Evergreen City, symbolizes the eternal green hues of nature. Located in the western part of the Kanto region, it is bordered by the Viridian Forest to the north and the Indigo Plateau to the west. Viridian City is well-known in the Kanto region, not only for its scenic beauty but also for its significant role in the Pokémon training community.

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One of the city's key attractions is the Viridian Gym, one of the eight official gyms in the Kanto region. Successful challengers here earn the Green Badge, a crucial item for those aiming to compete in the league competitions.

Possessing the Green Badge, along with seven others, qualifies trainers to participate in the annual league event—the Indigo Plateau Conference held on the Indigo Plateau. This event is a dream for many trainers, offering a stage to gain recognition and to elevate their status within the trainer community.

"We're here, look, that's Viridian City!" Near the outskirts of the city, Ash and his companions arrived just as the sun was setting. Spotting the rivers that skirted the city perimeter, Ash couldn't contain his excitement.

"Yeah, finally! I can change out of these wet clothes!" Misty was equally thrilled. After their long ordeal, seeing the city felt almost surreal. Being soaked and dirty was particularly uncomfortable for her, accentuating the relief of reaching their destination.

"Pika..." Pikachu, having never seen a large city and only familiar with the likes of the small Pallet Town, was fascinated by the bustling metropolis.

"Let's head straight to the Pokémon Center. With a trainer's ID, we can stay there for free, and they'll also treat our Pokémon," Misty directed Ash, assuming he might not be familiar with these amenities as a novice trainer.

Ash might have been new to actual training, but he wasn't entirely unfamiliar with the processes. Having watched the Pokémon series as a child, he knew well about the Pokémon Center's services. Moreover, given his current financial state, staying at a Pokémon Center was his only affordable option—he definitely didn't have the money for hotels or inns.

"Recently... there have been frequent incidents of pickpocketing, theft, and even Pokémon kidnappings. Please stay vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the police immediately..." As they neared Viridian City, the sound of a public safety broadcast reached Ash and his group.

"Is Viridian City really this dangerous?" Ash expressed his surprise after hearing the broadcast. It seemed almost unbelievable that Pokémon kidnappings could occur in such a large city.

However, Ash quickly remembered that Viridian City was under the influence of Team Rocket, and suddenly the incidents didn't seem so surprising, though it still felt a bit inconceivable.

If Ash were Giovanni, the leader of Team Rocket, he certainly wouldn't allow his subordinates to cause trouble in Viridian City. High-profile crimes here could easily attract the attention of the Pokémon League, which wouldn't be good for Team Rocket—unless Team Rocket had grown so powerful that they could ignore the League's influence!

"Maybe... it's because of them?" Ash wondered aloud. In the anime, the often comical Team Rocket trio, notorious for their schemes, wouldn't think twice about causing a scene anywhere, even daring to interfere with the ceremonial torch at the Indigo Plateau Conference.

"It's not that Viridian City is inherently dangerous; it's just that some incidents have occurred recently..." Misty added, indicating that her knowledge of the details was also limited.

"Wait, you two..." Just as Ash followed Misty's directions toward the Pokémon Center, a crisp voice interrupted them. A small canine Pokémon with an orange-yellow coat and cream-colored mane on its head and neck, both adorable and fierce in appearance, blocked their path.

Ash immediately hit the brakes to avoid hitting the Pokémon, causing Misty, who was right behind him, to bump into his back.

"What's going on?" Ash was puzzled as he looked at the Pokémon in front of them, recognizing it as a Growlithe.

"You..." The owner of the voice stepped forward. She was dressed in a blue police uniform, with teal hair and a strikingly handsome face, exuding a strong and efficient aura.

"Why do you look so disheveled? Did something happen?" The police officer surveyed Ash, Misty, and the Pikachu on Ash's head, her voice filled with concern and curiosity.