In the pitch-dark tunnel.
The pixel-like Pokémon emitted a dazzling light.
A moment later.
The golden shell fluttered its wings rapidly.
The Ninja Boy swiftly pulled a Pokeball from his pocket, seemingly confirming something.
[Your Nincada has evolved into Ninjask, Shedinja]
As described in the Ninja's Book, this result surprised him, and he raised the Pokeball with excitement, striking the classic pose of a player picking up an item from the ground.
"The fifth one... just one more left."
Baimu nodded slightly.
According to his observations, simulated subjects generally do not train more than six Pokémon.
Choosing the Elite System talent means definitely training only six, and only those with Well-trained talent might have a bunch of Pokémon.
After all, to step on the stage of the tournament within a year and achieve excellent results, it's necessary to focus on training a relatively small number of Pokémon, enhancing their levels and technique pool depth.
On nurturing Ninjask and Shedinja.
[You surprisingly discover Shedinja and Ninjask are adept at ambushing or lurking, and quickly think about the ninjutsu to teach them]
It's not hard to see from the narrative that Ninja Boy is indeed best at ambush tactics, and the previous Gym victories relied mainly on such strategies.
The newcomer duo is undoubtedly more suitable than Swalot.
However.
The main purpose of Ninja Boy capturing Swalot was to use its body fluid.
[You used the poisons from Weezing and Swalot following the recipe from the Ninja's Book to concoct a new toxin, slightly enhancing the power of Poison-type techniques]
Enhancing technique power by increasing toxicity...
Baimu's only Poison-type Pokémon is Gengar, but it usually only uses Ghost techniques; he really isn't sure if this approach is feasible, but given how the simulator showed it, it should be, right?
He couldn't help but think of Aju again, this Ninja Master is known for being an expert in medicine and poisons.
Apart from poisoning, Johto's famous magazines also published articles and photos of Aju treating his Pokémon with homemade medicine.
A veritable pharmaceutical expert.
Ninja Boy doesn't possess such healing skills; he has little ninja equipment like Kunai, Shuriken, Ninja Staff, relying purely on ninjutsu to get this far.
After all, some things are not accessible at his current age, and he belongs to the Apprentice Ninja class, relying on a book to this point.
The scene transitions.
Ninja Boy crosses through the Kalu Tunnel.
[You have arrived at Verdanturf Town]
Whether in the past or present, Verdanturf Town is always that bright and livable small town.
Although the pixelated images are slightly crude, the visible breeze and grass and flower beds swaying in the wind undeniably showcase the area's beauty.
Unfortunately, Ninja Boy doesn't have much mood for appreciating the scenery.
He's eager to gather information, challenge the Gym, and verify the strength of his new partners and the results of many days of special training.
[You begin your challenge at Verdanturf Gym]
The Gym Leader of Verdanturf Gym still has an appearance model that feels familiar to Baimu; the image remains rudimentary, yet filled with a thick atmosphere of era changes.
In Sister Xiangfen's era, a young woman; in Ninja Boy's era, a middle-aged woman, now even the old Gym site has been disassembled.
They merely reflect the changes in Hoenn over the recent decades.
But the Gym, as a part of the Pokémon World's human culture, bears a historical weight that inexplicably gives Baimu some chills.
Stories are not just stories.
They are history.
Did Arceus give him the simulator merely to provide him with a Golden Finger, allowing him to grow quickly?
Baimu couldn't help but glance at the Thousand Cosmos Bracelet in his arms.
Since he obtained it, he meditates daily to feel its presence, with no response yet becoming somewhat entranced.
Often thinking—"There must be Arceus's arrangement inside!"
"It must have a special meaning!"
He shook his head, realizing such thoughts are not beneficial for his future growth.
Fatalism is indeed boring.
Baimu's focus returned to the simulation, where Ninja Boy was fiercely battling the Verdanturf Gym Leader, Ninjask flying swiftly within the arena, so fast that only blurred shadows remained.
The Gym Leader's Illumise couldn't even touch its tail.
As the fastest below Divine Beast, even if not specifically trained, Ninjask's speed is enough to overshadow other Pokémon.
The ninjutsu that Ninja Boy possesses also well stimulates Ninjask's capabilities.
Or perhaps.
Are they inherently complementary?
Later, Shedinja also used its mysterious lurking ability to make the Gym Leader's Volbeat hard to contend with.
[You defeated the Verdanturf Gym Leader, earning the Verdanturf Badge]
Ninja Boy's strength seemed to reach a bursting period; clearly the fourth Gym, yet the battle process was smoother than the previous three Gyms.
This also brought him great confidence.
Didn't stay long in Verdanturf Town, Ninja Boy swiftly headed to Lavaridge Town, ready to challenge for his Fifth Badge.
Overconfident?
Baimu noticed Ninja Boy journeying with musical notes above his head and felt concerned about his state.
Fortunately, the worry is unnecessary.
[You have arrived at Lavaridge Town, the thick sulphur smell and ubiquitous hot spring inns make you halt]
One of the main habits of the Neon People—taking baths remains unchanged even in the Pokémon World.