Chapter Summaries

On his tenth birthday, Yong prepared to leave home and begin his journey as a Pokémon Trainer. With his parents and the Pokémon of the family mine watching, he chose his childhood companion Onix as his partner, and his auxiliary system activated when Onix entered a Luxury Ball.

• Yong grew up near Granite Cave, learning about Pokémon and training from his Elite-level father, Shiyan Toru.
• Yong said goodbye to his mother, Mrs. Shiyan, and hurried to meet his father at the mine.
• Shiyan Toru brought out the young Onix raised by his two Onix, and Yong promised to train it and reach the top with it.
• Yong offered Onix a Luxury Ball, and Onix willingly entered it as the gathered family and wild Pokémon watched.
• Yong celebrated catching his partner, and a system notification announced that his auxiliary system had activated.

Yong left Dewford Town to begin his journey, traveling through Petalburg City toward Littleroot Town while planning how to train Onix. On Route 102, he encountered a stronger Lombre and prepared for Onix’s first battle.

• Yong discovered that his system could appraise Pokémon and award training points, then said goodbye to his family and set out for Littleroot Town.
• Aboard the boat to Petalburg City, Yong scanned Onix and reviewed its moves, abilities, and weaknesses while planning its training.
• Yong arrived in Petalburg City, bought Pokémon supplies, and continued east along Route 102 without registering at a Pokémon Center.
• Yong released Onix on the route, but after no wild Pokémon appeared, he recalled it and continued walking alone.
• A level 17 Lombre confronted Yong, who scanned it and sent out Onix to begin their first battle.

Yong defeated a Lombre with Onix, then took his injured Pokémon to the Petalburg City Pokémon Center for treatment. After calling home and setting out again for Littleroot Town, he continued battling weak Bug-types and looked for a safer, stronger opponent.

• Onix defeated Lombre by disrupting its attacks with Screech and finishing it with Return, earning Training Points, reaching Lv. 19, and learning Rock Throw.
• Yong registered at the Pokémon Center and left Onix with Nurse Joy, who treated its injuries.
• While Onix recovered, Yong looked around the Pokémon Center and called his mother to report that he had reached Petalburg City and won his first battle.
• Nurse Joy returned Onix fully healed, and Yong resumed his journey toward Littleroot Town.
• Onix defeated a Wurmple but earned no Training Points because it was too weak, so Yong avoided a nearby Beedrill nest and continued searching for a better match.

After finding an injured, poisoned Nuzleaf on the road to Littleroot Town, Yong rushed to get it to Professor Birch but was attacked by a swarm of Bug Pokémon. Yong and Onix fought back, and the chapter ended with Onix and the Beedrill leader clashing at close range.

• Yong left Gumei Town after hearing rumors of a Mudkip on Route 103, planning to visit Professor Birch before searching for one.
• On the way to Littleroot Town, Yong found a weakened, poisoned Nuzleaf and treated its wound before taking it along on Onix.
• Yong recognized the buzzing of Beedrill and ordered Onix to hurry, but a swarm of Beedrill, Venomoth, and other Bug Pokémon surrounded them.
• Yong had Onix use Screech and Rock Throw to drive back the swarm, then targeted the level 24 Beedrill leader with Rock Slide.
• The Beedrill leader dodged with Double Team and attacked Onix, but Yong used Screech to expose it, and Onix struck it with Bite and slammed it into the ground.
• The Beedrill leader recovered and thrust its stingers toward Onix's head as the two Pokémon continued their fight.

After Yong and Onix were rescued from the Beedrill swarm, Yong recovered at Professor Birch’s laboratory and officially registered as a beginner Trainer. He reunited with Onix and Nuzleaf, then faced the choice of which starter Pokémon to select.

• Onix and the Beedrill leader both fell after their clash, and Yong was knocked unconscious by Stun Spore and Poison Sting before an unknown rescuer arrived.
• Professor Birch and Investigator Yamashima treated Yong, Onix, and Nuzleaf, and Yong learned that Onix’s head would retain a harmless crack.
• Yong registered as a beginner Trainer, then woke the next day to find Onix and Nuzleaf recovered and confirmed that Onix did not mind its scar.
• Yong visited the laboratory’s main hall, watched a boy receive Treecko, and tried to suppress his own interest in the Pokémon.
• Professor Birch handed Yong a Pokédex and six Poké Balls and asked which starter Pokémon he wanted to choose.

Yong gave up his League Starter Pokémon eligibility in exchange for contribution points and learned that the Bug-type rampages were part of a wider investigation. Drake and the League captured Team Dark members behind the man-made chaos, recovered eight bottles of Golden Honey, and Drake stayed behind to monitor the situation.

• Yong gave up his right to receive a Starter Pokémon for League contribution points and left Nuzleaf in Professor Birch's care.
• Professor Birch and Yamashima explained that Bug-type Pokémon across multiple regions had been attacking recklessly, and Yong learned that Golden Honey was involved in the investigation.
• Yamashima told Professor Birch that the rampages were man-made and linked to genetic research by dark forces, while Drake had gone to confront them.
• Drake and Salamence attacked Team Dark members in Petalburg Woods as League investigators detained them and secured their Pokémon.
• Drake gave Yamashima a case containing eight bottles of Golden Honey, then chose to remain in Rustboro City and watch for further trouble.

Yong registered for the Ever Grande Conference and spent more than half a month training Onix on Route 103, improving its moves, strength, and ability to tolerate water. As their final night of training began, Yong left food out again, hoping to draw the elusive Mudkip back to camp.

• Yong registered for the Ever Grande Conference at the Pokémon Center in Gumei Town and headed to Route 103.
• Yong began special training for Onix, focusing on Iron Tail, physical strength, and overcoming its fear of water.
• Onix practiced smashing rocks, wading in the shallows, and battling nearby Pokémon and Trainers as Yong camped on the coast.
• After more than half a month, Onix had reached level 25, grown to 7.5 meters, and mastered Iron Tail using its Training Points.
• A hidden little creature repeatedly visited Yong's camp to eat the food he left outside, and Yong watched it each time.
• On their final night, Yong recalled Onix and left food near the hill; after the camp grew quiet, the tent shifted suddenly.

Yong caught a clever wild Mudkip after battling it with Onix, then welcomed it to the team and planned its training. Mudkip happily returned to camp with Yong and Onix, unaware of the demanding training ahead.

• Mudkip sneaked into Yong’s camp to steal Pokémon food, but Yong trapped him and challenged him to a battle.
• Yong sent out Onix, whose rock attack Mudkip repeatedly shattered with proficient Rock Smash before collapsing from exhaustion.
• Yong caught Mudkip with a Luxury Ball and introduced himself and Onix as Mudkip’s new partners.
• Mudkip accepted Yong and joined him and Onix on the walk back to camp.
• Yong planned to build Mudkip’s strength and stamina through training while Mudkip happily ate Pokémon food.

Yong entered Petalburg Woods and encountered a hostile colony of Shroomish. When their leader Breloom appeared, Yong sent out Onix to battle him, leaving the confrontation underway.

• Yong traveled north from the beach and entered the dim, Pokémon-filled Petalburg Woods.
• Yong reached a Shroomish colony, whose poisonous spores blocked his path.
• Yong tried to negotiate with the Shroomish, but they grew angrier and sprayed more spores.
• Yong challenged the Shroomish leader, and Breloom emerged from a tree.
• Mudkip panicked at the sight of Breloom, so Yong recalled him and sent out Onix instead.
• Breloom spread Stun Spore across the battlefield, then activated Work Up as the battle began.

Yong and Onix defeated a Breloom that was fiercely protecting its group, then discovered the Shroomish nest and understood why Breloom had fought so desperately. After leaving food and reassuring the group, Yong continued toward Rustboro City and camped with Onix and Mudkip, promising to take them home to their families.

• Yong ordered Onix to use Sand Tomb, but Breloom stopped the spreading quicksand from reaching the Shroomish and agreed to fight Onix head-on.
• Breloom and Onix traded attacks, and Onix's mastery-level Iron Tail eventually knocked Breloom unconscious.
• Yong treated Breloom with a Potion and discovered a nest of Pokémon Eggs inside a rotten tree, realizing Breloom had been protecting the next generation.
• Yong left Pokémon food for the Shroomish and Breloom, spoke about humans and Pokémon living together, and continued toward Rustboro City.
• At camp, Yong promised Mudkip and Onix that he would take them home to their families, then prepared dinner with them.

Yong challenged Kong, a Trainer aspiring to become a Normal-type expert like Norman, and discovered Kong’s Taillow knew the combo move Hurricane Wing. After Taillow battered Mudkip with Hurricane and Hurricane Wing, Mudkip endured the assault and countered with a powerful Rock Throw just as the battle’s outcome hung in the balance.

• Yong battled several Trainers and wild Pokémon in Petalburg Woods, helping Mudkip reach Lv14 and learn Supersonic and Protect.
• Kong introduced himself as a Norman fan seeking to become a Normal-type expert and challenged Yong to a one-on-one battle.
• Yong sent Mudkip against Kong’s Lv16 Taillow and learned that Taillow knew the combo move Hurricane Wing.
• Taillow used Hurricane to lift Mudkip into the air, then struck him with Hurricane Wing, leaving Mudkip badly hurt.
• Mudkip refused to give up, anchored himself against another Hurricane with Rock Smash Ground Grip, and waited for Taillow to dive.
• As Torrent activated, Mudkip pulled a massive rock from the ground and smashed it into Taillow with a powerful Rock Throw.

Yong defeated Kong in a hard-fought battle, then encountered more Bug-type Pokémon still affected by Miracle Honey and learned from investigator Ryota that the drug’s effects would take time to fade. Meanwhile, an injured criminal sent Golbat away with a test tube, and Drake and Mu Jin Stone prepared to respond to the threat in Rustboro City.

• Yong and Mudkip defeated Kong and Taillow, and Yong and Kong promised to meet again at the Pokémon League tournament.
• As Yong traveled through Petalburg Woods, a swarm of Bug-type Pokémon attacked him with String Shot, but investigator Ryota calmed them with Roserade’s Aromatherapy.
• Ryota explained that the Bug-type Pokémon were still recovering from Miracle Honey, a drug that the Pokémon League had confiscated at its source.
• An injured man in black sent Golbat away with a test tube and hinted that he was preparing another scheme.
• At Devon Corporation, Mu Jin Stone asked Drake to handle the situation, and Drake said he would remain in Rustboro City while Stone contacted Steven.

After leaving Petalburg Woods, Yong bought Berries at the Petalburg Flower Shop and accepted a challenge to defeat the arrogant Young Master Kuan for a reward. Their one-Pokémon battle began with Kuan sending out a rare Milotic, leaving Yong to face an unexpected opponent.

• Yong trained Mudkip and Onix in Petalburg Woods for several days, bringing Mudkip to level 16 and growing Onix to nine meters.
• Yong reached the Petalburg Flower Shop, bought five kinds of Berries from Noriko, and set off along Route 104 toward Rustboro City.
• A butler offered Yong 500,000 and a resistance training device if he could defeat Young Master Kuan and humble him.
• Yong challenged Kuan, who declared himself the strongest rookie and agreed to a one-Pokémon battle.
• Kuan sent out his Milotic over the river, surprising Yong with the rare Pokémon.

Yong and Mudkip battled Kuan’s powerful Milotic, using the riverbank terrain to turn the fight around. Mudkip struck Milotic and evolved into Marshtomp, leaving Yong eager to reveal their new strength.

• Yong checked Milotic’s status and accepted Kuan’s challenge, sending Mudkip into battle.
• Kuan used Milotic’s Disarming Voice, Attract, and Confuse Ray to disrupt Mudkip while Yong countered with Supersonic, Protect, and Rock Slide.
• Milotic’s Twister overwhelmed the riverbank, but Mudkip hid in the muddy terrain and ambushed her with a mastered Rock Smash.
• Mudkip evolved into Marshtomp and learned Earthquake, Mud Shot, and Surf.

Yong defeated Kuan’s Milotic with Marshtomp, while Kuan regained his resolve and vowed to challenge him again at the Pokémon League tournament. Yong collected his reward and reached Rustboro City, ready to continue his journey.

• Marshtomp broke through Milotic’s Twister with Rock Smash and won the battle, earning Yong training points and increased move proficiency.
• Yong praised Kuan’s control-based strategy, and Kuan reflected on his arrogance before promising to face Yong again at the Pokémon League tournament.
• Yong accepted his agreed reward and a business card from the middle-aged man, then left the riverbank to seek treatment for Marshtomp.
• Kuan apologized to Milotic and asked Light to register him for the Ever Grande Conference and tell his father he planned to travel to Sootopolis City.
• Yong followed the crowds across the Rustboro River Bridge and arrived in Rustboro City, home to a Rock-type Gym.

Yong arrived in Rustboro City, reunited with Onix and Marshtomp after their recovery, and planned their training for the Stone Gym challenge. After buying costly TMs, he headed to the northern coast to train, while a hooded stranger approached the city from Petalburg Woods.

• Yong called his mother from the Rustboro City Pokémon Center and asked her to send ores for Onix, then teased his father before hanging up.
• Yong outlined training plans for Onix and Marshtomp and let them rest for the night.
• Yong bought Dragon Breath and Protect TMs at the Pokémon League supermarket, spending 650,000 Pokémon dollars on the two moves.
• Yong headed to Rustboro City's northern coast to train and battle other Trainers before challenging the Stone Gym.
• A hooded stranger lurked outside Petalburg Woods and made his way toward Rustboro City.

Yong and his Pokémon completed seven days of intensive training as they prepared for a Gym challenge. He arrived at the Rustboro Gym ready to face Roxanne and prove himself.

• Yong outfitted Marshtomp with a forced-training device and had it practice resisting waves while mastering its new strength.
• Yong taught Onix Protect and Dragon Breath, then had it continue water-treading exercises to build resistance.
• Yong trained alongside Onix and Marshtomp throughout their final seven days of preparation.
• Onix reached level 27 and Marshtomp reached level 19, and Yong spent their Training Points improving their move proficiency.
• Yong arrived at the Rustboro Gym and pushed open its doors to begin his challenge against Roxanne.

Yong challenged Rustboro Gym and defeated Wufu’s Geodude with Marshtomp, earning Training Points and permission to continue. As Yong climbed toward the next battle, the Gym staff watched him and sent Takeda to test his strength.

• Yong entered Rustboro Gym’s cave path and met apprentice Wufu, who challenged him to a one-on-one battle.
• Wufu strengthened Geodude with Full Boost and sent it rolling toward Marshtomp, but Marshtomp stopped the attack with Rock Smash.
• Marshtomp lifted Geodude off the ground and defeated it with Water Pulse, earning Yong 100 Training Points.
• Wufu acknowledged Yong’s win, gave him directions, and warned that the Trainers ahead were stronger.
• A girl watching the Gym monitor praised Marshtomp’s strength and decided Takeda should battle Yong next.
• Yong continued up the mountain trail and met Takeda, who introduced himself as a Rock-type Gym Trainer.

Yong and Marshtomp defeated Takeda and his Onix in a Gym battle, earning permission to challenge Roxanne. Yong headed to the top floor, where Roxanne prepared for their battle with Nosepass.

• Takeda sent out his Onix to test Yong before allowing him to challenge Roxanne.
• Yong chose Marshtomp, and the two Pokémon began battling despite their friendship and training together.
• Onix used Dig, Protect, and Serpentine Movement to evade Marshtomp's attacks and landed a damaging Slam.
• Marshtomp struck Onix's tail with Rock Smash, forcing Takeda to recall his weakened Pokémon and concede the match.
• Roxanne invited Yong to the top floor for a serious battle, then discussed choosing Nosepass as her opponent.

Yong challenged Rustboro Gym Leader Roxanne, whose Geodude pushed Marshtomp into a fierce battle that ended in a draw. Both Trainers prepared to send out their second Pokémon for the deciding round.

• Chansey restored Marshtomp, and Roxanne introduced herself before the Gym battle began.
• Roxanne sent out her powerful Geodude, and Yong answered with Marshtomp.
• Geodude overwhelmed Marshtomp with boosted Rollout and mastered Gyro Ball, but Marshtomp endured the attacks and countered with Water Gun.
• Roxanne explained how Geodude's hard training had reduced its weakness to Water as Yong thanked her for the lesson.
• Marshtomp and Geodude clashed with full-power Rock Smash and Gyro Ball, and both became unable to battle.
• Yong's Marshtomp reached level 20 and learned Superpower as both Trainers recalled their Pokémon and prepared for the second round.