After bidding farewell to Ash and his group, Dongshu and his companions continued on their journey.
"Next target—the Rainbow Badge in Saffron City!"
Dongshu unfolded a map of the Kanto Region, his fingertip landing on the city marked with flowers and department store symbols.
Celadon Gym—its Gym Leader was Erika, who specialized in Grass-type Pokémon. Although Water-type Wartortle had no advantage against Grass-type Pokémon, Gastly had evolved into Haunter and learned powerful Moves like Shadow Ball and Psychic.
They had a certain degree of fighting capability against Erika.
"Perfect. Haunter can get some practice, and Happiny and the others can rest up properly in the city," Dongshu murmured.
Wartortle immediately perked up its ears and excitedly rubbed against the back of Dongshu's hand, looking eager to fight.
Haunter, meanwhile, lazily floated in midair. After evolving, its personality seemed to have changed slightly. It was no longer as innocent and naive as before, but had grown much more mature.
Happiny nestled in Dongshu's arms, softly nuzzling against him, filled with anticipation for lively Saffron City.
Suicune gave a quiet cry and took the lead down the forest path to the west, signaling that it was time to depart.
The figures of one human and four Pokémon gradually disappeared beyond Lavender Town's exit. The stone path was warm beneath the sunlight, the grass along the way still beaded with undried rainwater, and the air was filled with the sweet fragrance of flowers.
They traveled while playing around along the way.
Dongshu rarely recalled the Pokémon by his side into their Poké Balls. Most of the time, he let them follow alongside him.
Along the way, Haunter would sometimes slip into the forest to scare the nearby wild Pokémon, then drift back to Dongshu's side.
Wartortle stomped through puddles beside the road, splashing