After leaving Vermilion City, Itsuki traveled at a brisk pace.
He bypassed the famous Viridian Forest, and by nightfall, he had already arrived in Viridian City.
Since it was getting late, he decided to spend the night resting at the local Pokémon Center before setting off for Pallet Town the following morning.
However, before entering the Pokémon Center, he first visited a nearby shop to replenish his supplies.
He purchased some canned food and several Poké Balls, just in case he needed them later.
While paying for his purchases, he received another phone call.
This time, it was from Chloe.
"Hello, Chloe. What's up?"
Chloe's voice came from the other end.
"Didn't you send me a message this morning saying you were coming back to Vermilion City? I wanted to see Kirlia's new appearance! It must've become even prettier, right?"
"Ah, sorry about that."
Itsuki raised his head and glanced at the clock hanging on the wall.
"But after arriving at the laboratory this morning, I immediately had to leave again. I'm already in Viridian City now."
"Viridian City?"
Chloe sounded surprised.
"How did you manage to get all the way there in such a short time?"
"Something came up, so I have to make a trip to Professor Oak's laboratory."
"Anyway, I've still got things to do, and it's already pretty late. You should get some rest."
After hanging up, Itsuki was just about to leave the shop when an employee suddenly called out to him.
"Excuse me, young man! Could you wait a moment?"
Itsuki turned to look at him in confusion.
"Is something wrong?"
The shop clerk took a package out from behind the counter.
"Sorry, I accidentally overheard your conversation just now. Are you heading to Professor Oak's laboratory in Pallet Town?"
Seeing Itsuki nod, the clerk immediately brightened.
"Ah, that's wonderful!"
"Professor Oak ordered this package a few days ago, but we've been so busy that we haven't had time to deliver it." This chapter was copied from g.com without permission.
"Since you're heading there anyway, would you mind taking it along for us?"
Professor Oak's Laboratory was located in Pallet Town, a beautiful place surrounded by picturesque scenery.
That afternoon, when Itsuki knocked on the laboratory's door, he was greeted by a kindly old man with short, grayish-white hair who enjoyed occasionally composing Pokémon senryu.
A warm, welcoming smile appeared on the old man's face.
"Professor Oak, sorry for disturbing you."
Itsuki introduced himself.
"I'm Itsuki, from Cerise Laboratory in Vermilion City. Professor Cerise entrusted me with delivering something to you."
Professor Oak nodded.
"Cerise already told me you were coming. I just didn't expect you to make it all the way here from Vermilion City in only two days. That's quite impressive!"
"Since it was a request from Professor Cerise, I naturally couldn't afford to delay."
Itsuki first handed Professor Oak the box containing the prototype.
Then, he took out the package that the shop clerk in Viridian City had entrusted to him.
Upon seeing the package, Professor Oak's face lit up with delight.
"You even brought this package along? You've really helped me out!"
"Tomorrow is the day the next group of new trainers sets off on their journeys. If these Poké Balls hadn't arrived, I honestly wouldn't have known what to do!"
Itsuki casually remarked, "You must be pretty busy around this time every year, Professor. It sounds exhausting."
"Indeed, indeed! Once you get to my age, you really have to admit that you're not as young as you used to be."
Professor Oak spread his hands helplessly.
"Still, my good-for-nothing grandson will also be setting off on his journey this year. I can't help but look forward to seeing what kind of person he'll become."
'Good-for-nothing grandson?'
Itsuki asked, "Are you talking about Gary Oak?"
"Oh?"
Professor Oak looked surprised.
"You know Gary?"
"No, not personally."
Itsuki quickly waved his hands.
However, despite what he said, Itsuki couldn't suppress the excitement welling up inside him.
'Gary Oak is setting off on his journey tomorrow?'
'Doesn't that mean Ash, who's starting at the same time, will also be beginning his adventure with Pikachu?!'
'I'm really looking forward to meeting them!'
'But I need to pick up the pace too. Otherwise, with how quickly those two grow stronger, they'll surpass me in no time and leave me in the dust!'
After politely declining Professor Oak's invitation to stay for lunch, Itsuki resumed his journey toward Pewter City.
After passing through Viridian City, however, he was no longer in a hurry.
This time, he decided to plunge straight into Viridian Forest.
Viridian Forest was located between Viridian City and Pewter City.
Countless varieties of trees grew densely throughout the forest, forming a natural labyrinth.
Even with a map, countless people lost their way every year in this enormous forest, where sunlight could barely penetrate the thick canopy.
The most common Pokémon here were Bug-types and Flying-types.
Because of the sheer variety of Bug-type Pokémon, some people jokingly referred to this place as a Bug Catcher's Paradise.
After entering the forest, Itsuki relied on his instincts to navigate through the dense vegetation.
Along the way, he defeated quite a few wild Pokémon that suddenly attacked him.
He also encountered Pidgeotto and Butterfree, two Pokémon he had once been particularly fond of.
However, after a moment of hesitation, he ultimately decided against catching them.
As for his four Pokémon, they also gained valuable battle experience in the forest.
Every single one of them had made at least some progress.
After walking for quite some time, the bushes ahead suddenly began shaking.
Itsuki thought another wild Pokémon was about to ambush him.
However, what jumped out of the bushes was actually a young samurai wearing armor, carrying a bug-catching net on his back, and sporting a long sword at his waist.
"Tch! I heard something moving and thought I'd found a rare Pokémon. Turns out it's just another trainer."
The samurai boy examined Itsuki's Pokémon.
"Well? How about a battle?"
Itsuki froze.
"Huh? Just like that?"
"Of course! As Pokémon Trainers, the moment our eyes meet, a battle begins!"