To challenge the Viridian Gym, we prepared to leave Pewter City for Viridian City.
Before setting out, we returned to the entrance of Diglett's Cave to have a look. After the earlier incident, several police officers had been stationed at the entrance, and the cave's natural ecosystem had finally recovered.
"Thank goodness. The Diglett and Dugtrio can finally live in peace again." I poked my head into the cave to check.
"Then let's get going! Next stop, Viridian City!" Serena excitedly ran a few steps ahead.
After we crossed Viridian Forest, Viridian City came into view.
"Viridian Gym! I'm back to challenge you!" I remembered the day I had set out on my journey again.
"PIKAPIKA!"
I had visited the Viridian Gym twice before. On my first visit, Team Rocket had still been in charge, while on my second, I had sparred with Agatha of the Elite Four before heading to the Battle Frontier.
"I wonder what kind of Gym Leader I'll meet on my third visit." I felt both excited and nervous.
We arrived at the battlefield, only to find that the Gym Leader was Giovanni, the leader of Team Rocket.
"Kid, it's been ten years since we last met in the Unova Region."
(Note: Giovanni and Ash last met in BW episode 96-Meloetta and the Undersea Temple!)
"How did the Viridian Gym end up back in your hands?"
"You should know that we've turned over a new leaf. That's why the Pokémon League has reinstated me as Gym Leader."
"Giovanni, let's have a fair and square battle this time!" I knew this Gym battle would be a tough one.
"Just what I wanted! I've been eager to see what the boy who kept getting in my subordinates' way can do!" Giovanni picked up a Poké Ball, ready to