Aboard the tanker, Liu Qing stood by the railing, enjoying the sea breeze and gazing out over the endless blue ocean. He felt more relaxed than ever before. Togepi clearly loved the surroundings too, pacing back and forth along the railing and letting out bright, cheerful cries.
Cianwood City was a small island city surrounded by the sea. The Whirl Islands lay in the nearby waters, where mysterious Pokémon were said to have been sighted. Liu Qing had read all this in his travel guide. The ship was fast, and only a stretch of sea separated Olivine City from Cianwood City, so it arrived at Cianwood City's harbor at two that afternoon.
Murkrow, a Flying-type, was naturally indispensable for challenging a Fighting-type Gym. Besides, Murkrow had only been affected by Metal Sound during the morning's battle with Magnemite, and Nurse Joy had quickly treated that. As soon as Liu Qing disembarked, he headed straight for the Gym.
Cianwood Gym looked somewhat like Ecruteak Gym; both were built like dojos.
Upon entering, he found several youths in matching judo uniforms sparring barehanded with Fighting-type Pokémon. They were so absorbed in their training that no one noticed him come in.
"Excuse me, is the Gym Leader here?" With no one coming to greet him, Liu Qing had to call out.
"Who are you?" A youth practicing with Machoke immediately stopped when he heard Liu Qing and came over to ask.
"Hello, I'm Liu Qing from Saffron City. I've come to challenge Cianwood Gym," Liu Qing said.
"Oh, you're here for a Gym challenge! Our teacher is warming up with some sparring in the backyard. I'll take you to him." Understanding dawned on the youth, and he led the way toward the backyard. Liu Qing nodded and followed.
Soon, the youth brought Liu