265 Chapter 266

Saturday, November 28.

A gentle breeze wafts through Cerulean City's harbor. The white freighter sounds its long whistle, and Wingull gracefully glides overhead. Luke gazes at the picturesque scenery, but an unexpected discomfort lingers in his heart. Cerulean City, at last!

"No worries. It's just for the fishing convention, not a Gym battle," Luke reassures himself, nodding determinedly. Today, he is determined to teach Gold the art of fishing.

The magical moves from last night's snooker game have kept Gold pondering, scratching his scalp in bewilderment throughout the night. However, the primary goal for today remains attending the fishing convention in Cerulean City.

The champion prizes are enticing, including the specially crafted Mega Fishing Rod by Silph Co., a coveted item for countless anglers. The allure of "Mystic Water," a favorite among Water Type enthusiasts, adds to the excitement. The second and third runners-up stand a chance to win the Top Rank Fishing Rod, along with prizes like the "Water Stone" and "Dive Ball Gift Box," which can fetch a high price due to their rarity.

Luke lowers his head and checks his phone, deciding it's time to head to the Harbor restaurant, where Yellow and others await.

Gold, equipped with a fishing rod in each hand, surveys the area. "So many contestants," he observes.

The fishing convention takes place at Cerulean City Harbor, and the on-site registration office is teeming with participants.

"Many other Alliance anglers are participating as well," Luke notes. "Be careful not to break the fishing rod!"

"No worries!" Gold responds with a smile. "This thing is similar to a billiard cue; I can use it proficiently!" He extends the retractable Fishing Rod, holding it like a flower, giving an almost ghostly appearance.

Gengar emerges from Luke's shadow with a mischievous "jie jie~."

"Oh, I didn't call you," Luke says, lowering his head. "If you want to join, just find me at the restaurant later."

"Jie jie~! (๑`▽´๑)۶" Gengar jumps out of the shadow, looking around excitedly.

The chubby black creature eyes lock on an ice cream shop. Despite the winter chill, ice cream covered in icing is a Cerulean City specialty.

"Jie jie~~(¯﹃¯)" Gengar wipes its saliva, retrieves a steel pewter from its four-dimensional belly, and floats forward with anticipation.

At the handmade ice cream booth, three waiters bow at a precise 90° angle, displaying exceptional professionalism.

"Welcome~"

"Hey!"

"Don't jump out, fool!"

"Jie jie~?" Gengar tilts its head, observing the comical interactions of the clerks.

Aren't these people familiar?

...

In the Harbor restaurant, a burly man squints while enjoying curry rice.

"Excuse me, one more!"

"Hi, no problem, little brother~"

Yellow, with a yellow ponytail, happily waves while hugging Pikachu and sitting on the side:

"Teacher Luke, here!"

The two approach.

Gold wipes his nose and says bitterly, "Clearly, I am here. Why are you ignoring me?"

"Hey, you must pay attention next time," Yellow shyly scratches her head.

Looking at the stack of high plates, Luke wonders how Brock could eat so much by himself. However, when he sees the restaurant's limited-time buffet discount, Teacher Luke is suddenly stunned.

Indeed, a man recognized by me!

"Teacher Luke," strictly speaking, this is the first time the two have met.

Brock drinks a glass of ice-cube water, clenches a fist, coughs, squints his eyes, and stretches out:

"Please take care of me!"

"Of course, you too!" Luke smiles heartily.

As the two shake hands, gazes meet, and there seems to be a fluttering flame. This is a camaraderie, although it's mostly Brock's idea alone. After all, Teacher Luke still couldn't discern whether Brock opened his eyes.

"Are we going to line up too?" Gold releases Pichu, hugs it, and says while cradling it:

"I see. The registration office is already full of people!"

"No, Sister Green has already signed up for us," Yellow says with a smile.

"Oh!" Gold puts the glass with milk back on the table. "Then let's go over later!"

"Don't worry; there's still an hour before the start," Brock says, squinting his eyes and folding his arms. "Understanding the competition system is the key to victory."

"Huh? Isn't it just fishing? What is the competition system?" Luke says in surprise.

"Strictly speaking, the conference adopts the Integral Points system, and each Water Type Pokémon has a corresponding score," Brock explains. "Like the insect-catching conference, the organizer must use the rules; Pokémon caught must be released into the sea in the end."

"Huh!?" Gold complains, "I want to catch some bass, go to Teacher Luke for home cooking!"

Luke touches his chin, wondering if Gold is referring to Basculin, known for its delicious taste. However, with Squirtle at home, Teacher Luke has no plans to accept more Water Type Pokémon for the time being.

"Also, players can rent fishing boats or use Surf Pokémon," Yellow adds. "If you fish in the sea, your score will definitely be much higher than on the shore."

"Surf Pokémon? I can sit on Tibo," Gold turns around and says, "Where is Teacher Luke?"

"I rented a boat; that's fine," Luke says. "Using Pokémon Surf, although the efficiency will be higher, it will also scare away many rare fish."

Yellow, being a fishing expert, understands Teacher Luke's plan and smiles, "As expected of Teacher Luke!"

Teacher Luke wonders if it's because Squirtle is too small to ride the waves. "I can fish on the shore," Brock nods. "As long as I have the right bait, I believe I can get a high score!"

On the other side, at the ice cream booth, Gengar takes a two-color ice cream from Meowth.

"I won't charge you, meow, this time!"

Meowth rubs his hands and chuckles, "I hope you can put in a good word for us with the Mentor. Just a few words..."

"Jie jie~!" Gengar bares its teeth and gives a thumbs up.

"Oh, oh, oh! Thank you very much!" The trio bows and hands another ice cream to Luke.

Before it melts, Gengar runs all the way to the restaurant. Watching Gengar's departure, the trio whispers:

"Gengar is also here; does it mean that the Executive is also in the vicinity?"

"Does he know our plan?"

"Use the money earned from the stall to make a super-large Gyarados robot!" Jessie exaggerates, raising her hand.

"While the little imp is away, come to the fishing convention and conquer the precious Water Type Pokémon!" James hugs Jessie in a waltz motion.

"Then hand it over to Boss Giovanni; meow for promotion and fortune!" Meowth rubs his hands and laughs.

"What a great feeling~~" the trio says in unison.

*whispering~~*