Shiny Metagross

"So this is Strong Wind Town!"

After arriving in the Sinnoh Region by plane, Gary did not rest. Instead, he hurried straight to a small town in the Sinnoh Region—Strong Wind Town.

Looking at the town surrounded by mountains, Gary could not help feeling deeply moved.

As for why Gary had specifically come to this obscure little town in the Sinnoh Region, every reader probably already knew.

That was right. Gary had come for the Shiny Metagross nearby—a platinum-colored Metagross identical to the one owned by Steven Stone, the former Hoenn League Champion.

Metagross was already exceptionally precious as a pseudo-legendary Pokémon. As for a Shiny Metagross, its value went without saying.

"For now, the Shiny Metagross comes first."

Though the long journey had left Gary somewhat exhausted, his urgent desire to catch the Shiny Metagross forced him to abandon the thought of resting. He left Strong Wind Town and continued toward the Shiny Metagross.

Based on memories from his previous life, Gary knew that this Shiny Metagross lived in a mountain range between Strong Wind Town and Akebia Town.

After determining the Shiny Metagross's approximate location, Gary immediately left Strong Wind Town and continued in the direction of Akebia Town.

After spending quite a while traveling, Gary finally saw the mountain range within the forest, just as he had hoped.

"This should be where the Shiny Metagross appears!"

Standing in the forest, Gary gazed at the mountains not far ahead, his anticipation growing stronger.

Especially after using Viridian Power to speak with several wild Pokémon nearby, he confirmed from them that the Shiny Metagross indeed lived in the mountain range ahead.

Now that his destination was close at hand, Gary unconsciously quickened his pace and continued toward the mountains.

Before long, Gary entered the mountain range and began searching for the target of this trip—the Shiny Metagross.

And so, Gary explored the mountains step by step, yet he never found the Shiny Metagross he sought.

"Strange. Could this be the wrong mountain range?" Gary began to have doubts after failing to find the Shiny Metagross for so long, but he quickly dismissed them.

"But the Pokémon nearby were certain that the Shiny Metagross lives here. Pokémon wouldn't lie."

"Looks like I'll need to search more carefully."

After thinking it through, Gary, who had been taking a short rest, resumed his search.

However, as Gary walked through a small canyon in the mountain range, a faint sound immediately caught the attention of the highly alert Gary.

"That is..."

Hearing the noise, Gary immediately looked toward its source and soon saw a sight that filled him with delight.

A Pokémon with a platinum-colored body and a massive golden X marking on its face stood atop a small peak.

Without a doubt, this newly appeared Pokémon was the Shiny Metagross Gary had been painstakingly searching for.

The Shiny Metagross that Gary had discovered was also staring at him intently.

Although it sensed a warm, familiar aura from Gary, its long life in the wild made it wary of his intentions.

At the same time, the Shiny Metagross let out a shrill cry. With Viridian Power, Gary naturally understood its meaning: it was telling him to leave its territory.

Seeing the wary Shiny Metagross, Gary immediately used Viridian Power, which could help him bond with Pokémon, in an attempt to close the distance between them.

Under the influence of Viridian Power's affinity, although the Shiny Metagross remained somewhat wary, it did not react too aggressively.

After approaching a few steps and seeing that the Shiny Metagross showed no excessive reaction, Gary quickly came before it.

"Metagross, I came here to find you."

Standing before the Shiny Metagross, Gary did not beat around the bush. He plainly stated his purpose: to catch it.

Hearing Gary's straightforward words, the Shiny Metagross was slightly taken aback before falling into thought.

Seeing the Shiny Metagross deep in thought, Gary seized the opportunity to persuade it.

"Metagross, I imagine life in these mountains has been rather difficult. Living exposed to the elements can't be all that pleasant."

Gary paused, then continued, "As long as you're willing to follow me, I guarantee your quality of life will rise several levels."

Gary had every reason to say that. He was not Ash, whose family circumstances were relatively poor.

As Professor Oak's grandson, Gary came from a very wealthy family.

Just the research institute alone encompassed all of Pallet Town's Back Mountain, not to mention the many Pokémon raised there. Even Ash's Big Eater Snorlax was raised by Professor Oak.

After hearing Gary's bold words, the Shiny Metagross was somewhat tempted.

Seeing that the Shiny Metagross was wavering, Gary immediately pressed the advantage and continued persuading it.

"And I promise you that I'll do everything I can to train you, make you the strongest Metagross in the world, and let you display your strength on the world stage!"

After hearing Gary's repeated persuasion, coupled with the sense of closeness he gave off, the Shiny Metagross finally agreed.

However, as a pseudo-legendary Pokémon, the Shiny Metagross still possessed its own pride. If Gary wanted to catch it, he would have to demonstrate his strength.

After understanding the Shiny Metagross's meaning, Gary immediately opened the system to inspect its data.

Pokémon: Metagross (Shiny)

Type: Psychic, Steel

Ability: Light Metal

Level: 62

Aptitude: Pseudo-Legendary

Moves: Psychic, Metal Claw, Bullet Punch, Meteor Mash, Zen Headbutt, Flash Cannon, Iron Defense, Agility, Psyshock, Hyper Beam...

Upon seeing the Shiny Metagross's luxurious stat panel, Gary inwardly exclaimed that he had indeed come to the right place.

"A battle before I catch you? Of course, no problem!"

Gary readily agreed to the Shiny Metagross's request to witness his strength.

"Then let's begin the battle now!"

The moment Gary finished speaking, the Shiny Metagross assumed a battle-ready stance.

"I'm definitely catching you!" Gary said confidently to the Shiny Metagross, Poké Ball in hand.