Logan had quite a bit of admiration for that young boy. Even though the only reason for his loyalty was gratitude toward Blue Oak for saving him, the fact that someone younger than Yellow could uphold a promise to Blue Oak—waiting all alone in a place as dangerous as the abandoned Power Plant—was impressive in itself. Such sincerity at such a young age was enough to make Logan look at him with newfound respect.
Because of this, during those few days at the Power Plant, Logan took the time to guide the boy carefully. The experience of a Champion was priceless. Logan couldn't predict how far the child would eventually go, but so long as he maintained that fire inside him, becoming a true Trainer was inevitable.
"Ever since Gabite evolved into Garchomp, I've always felt that something was missing from my journey."
Standing on Garchomp's back, Logan gazed down at the swiftly churning clouds below, speaking with quiet reflection.
Garchomp's speed was simply too fast. Even interregional flights posed no challenge. Within a single region, no matter where Logan wished to go, he could reach it in the shortest time possible.
"That's why back in Sinnoh, I rarely traveled by riding Garchomp. Most of the time, I preferred to walk."
Beside him came Cynthia's graceful, gentle voice.
In truth, many Trainers—even those who owned Flying-type Pokémon—didn't use them constantly. Unless the situation was urgent, most preferred to keep their feet on the ground.
But for Logan and Cynthia right now, this was an urgent matter.
"When we go to other regions in the future, I'll make sure to feel the solid earth beneath my feet again… It's only a shame, Cynthia, that you won't get to experience Kanto's landscapes with your own steps and senses."
Logan spoke with a note of regret.
Cynthia was just a guest from distant Sinnoh. She had no obligation to involve herself in dangers that weren't hers. And yet, she had cast aside her own safety to join him. No one had the right to demand such sacrifice from her.
"Traveling with you, Logan… I've learned so much more than anything I've lost. This trip to Kanto might be the best decision of my life."
Cynthia gently shook her head. For all her mature elegance, her voice always carried a soft, soothing tone.
The distance from the abandoned Power Plant to Lavender Town wasn't far. With Garchomp's speed, it was practically instantaneous. Before long, the three of them descended outside Lavender Town and began walking in together.
The outskirts of Lavender were lined with countless tombstones. A cold shiver seemed to creep up one's spine just by walking among them. But even the youngest among them, Yellow, showed no fear—let alone Cynthia, the Champion of Sinnoh.
As the three walked onward, Logan shared with Cynthia and Yellow the history and stories of Lavender Town. The elder sisterly Cynthia and the younger, energetic Yellow listened with keen interest, leaving no room for boredom.
As Kanto's reigning Champion, Logan was a true celebrity in the region. Wherever he went, people recognized him—especially in places tied to modern society. What's more, he had once helped resolve the Tower of Prayers incident here in Lavender. So his arrival was met with warm, even jubilant reception.
With that fame, gathering information became much easier. Yet strangely, the townsfolk didn't seem to know who Professor Fuji was. They only spoke of an old man named Mr. Fuji.
"Mr. Fuji isn't originally from Lavender Town. He never told anyone exactly where he came from. A few years ago, he moved here with his granddaughter, and he hasn't left since. Now he runs the 'Pokémon Rescue Center' near the Pokémon Center. He takes in Pokémon who've lost their parents and wouldn't survive in the wild…"
"As for whether this Mr. Fuji is the Professor Fuji you're looking for, Champion, I can't say. But you can check yourself. Just tell a cab driver 'Pokémon Rescue Center'—they'll all know where it is."
One helpful middle-aged man gave Logan directions.
After thanking him, Logan, Cynthia, and Yellow hailed a taxi and set off. Compared to international hubs like Celadon City or Saffron City, Lavender wasn't large. Barely ten minutes later, the cab pulled up to the Pokémon Rescue Center.
It was a three-story building occupying a surprisingly large lot, built right in one of Lavender's busiest districts. Clearly, Mr. Fuji had substantial resources.
People bustled in and out. Aside from sheltering abandoned Pokémon, the center also provided boarding services for Trainers traveling far from home. It reminded Logan of a cross between a Pokémon sanctuary and a pet hospital.
"Excuse me, is Mr. Fuji here?"
Logan approached the receptionist at the front desk.
"Ah—aren't you the Champion?!"
The young woman at the desk looked up, her eyes instantly widening in shock. She practically shouted, her voice trembling with excitement.
Her outburst caught the attention of everyone nearby. They stopped what they were doing and stared. Whispers rippled through the room—Kanto's Champion, here in person? The buzz of astonishment filled the center.
Logan was used to being the focus of attention. With a polite smile and a nod to the crowd, he turned his calm gaze back to the receptionist.
"Ah! Forgive me, that was rude of me!" the girl stammered, bowing deeply. "It's just… seeing you in person is overwhelming! Yes—Mr. Fuji is upstairs, on the third floor in his office. Please, allow me to escort you."
She was eager—perhaps too eager, Logan thought.
"Are you here to see Grandpa? Why don't I take you instead?"
A small voice piped up. Logan turned to see a young girl with a ponytail, even younger than Yellow, watching them curiously.
"Little one, are you Mr. Fuji's granddaughter? I need to speak with him. Could you show us the way?" Logan crouched slightly, speaking warmly.
"Yes! Big brother, big sisters—follow me!" she said with a firm nod.
Logan smiled at the receptionist, who promptly turned red and mumbled something dreamy under her breath. Then he followed the girl upstairs with Cynthia and Yellow.
Mr. Fuji's office was at the far end of the third floor. The little girl didn't bother knocking—she simply pushed the door open and called out:
"Grandpa! There's a big brother and two big sisters here to see you!"
Logan stepped inside, immediately scanning the room. It wasn't very large—barely thirty square meters. At the desk sat an elderly man, his expression kind and grandfatherly.
Logan hesitated, wondering if this "Mr. Fuji" truly was the Professor Fuji he sought. But then the old man chuckled warmly and said:
"How is Mewtwo doing? Has your body recovered?"
At those words, Logan's doubts vanished. This was the man he had been searching for.
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