Sato skirted around the monks he encountered. As an outsider, he looked utterly out of place here. Fortunately, with the rise of the Pokémon Trainer profession and the presence of Ecruteak Gym, Sato did not receive any special attention.
Everyone minded their own business and left each other alone. That was good.
But when a kind-faced monk with his hands pressed together walked straight toward him, Sato couldn't help but frown.
"Benefactor, there is a demon in your heart!"
"..."
Since this was the other party's base camp, Sato turned sideways, lightly bypassed him, and continued toward the Pokémon Center.
Behind him, the monk who had stopped him looked back at Sato with a compassionate expression and murmured softly, but did not pursue him further.
Upon arriving at the Pokémon Center, Sato was seized by the hand and enthusiastically greeted by Nurse Joy. After all, Sato was the only Trainer in recent years whom the Nurse Joy Clan had openly declared they would protect.
It was unusual not only to outsiders, but even to the Nurse Joy Clan itself.
"This room is reserved for important guests. Lucky you," Nurse Joy of Ecruteak City said brightly. She arranged Sato in a rather exquisite room, then floated away cheerfully.
Looking at the room, which was no worse than a high-end hotel, Sato silently sighed. Classes and privileges existed everywhere, even in the seemingly most selfless Pokémon Center.
However, as someone benefiting from it, he enjoyed it without the slightest concern.
After tidying himself up a little, Sato went downstairs and took eight Poké Balls from Nurse Joy. Hesitating slightly, he lowered his voice and asked her, "Sister Joy, do you know where Ecruteak City's Black Market is?"
"You're just a kid. What are you going there for?" Nurse Joy frowned as soon