Hoenn Region, Rustboro City.
A private plane slowly touched down at Devon Corporation's private airport.
With an Eevee perched on his shoulder, Chen Shi stepped out of the cabin alongside Steven and the two girls.
"Old Chen, it's almost noon. Want to have lunch together before you leave?"
Chen Shi shook his head at Steven's invitation. "No, I still have things to do back home. Maybe next time."
"All right, then. I'll head off first. See you in a while."
Steven knew Chen Shi would probably be busy for some time, so he didn't insist.
Then Steven waved goodbye to the three of them, climbed into a stretch limousine, and left.
"Let's head out too. Verdanturf Town isn't far from here. We'll be there soon."
As he spoke, Chen Shi took out a Luxury Ball, released Dragapult, and jumped onto his back.
Cynthia had no objections and released Garchomp as well.
But the moment the little female dragon emerged, she shot Chen Shi a resentful look, as though he had done something utterly unforgivable.
Chen Shi awkwardly rubbed his nose and said with a straight face, "Little Sharky, there's no holding back in a match. You can't hold that against me outside the arena!"
"Chomp!"
Garchomp gave a little huff but didn't argue.
Cynthia stroked her head and comforted her. "All right, don't be angry. We'll win next time."
"Chomp~"
Garchomp glared indignantly at Chen Shi, then nodded.
She would never forget how Chen Shi had commanded Swampert that day in the arena, giving her not even the slightest opening and beating her down from start to finish.
Do you have any idea how much that hurt me emotionally?
*All my life, I, Garchomp, have always been the one dishing out the beatings. When have I ever suffered humiliation like