In the Pokémon world, battling was as natural as breathing. Basically, anyone with a Poké Ball clipped to their waist could not resist the lure of a battle, and in Heath's view, Miss Saya was probably that sort of person too.
"A battle? If you want to challenge me, you'll have to register in Pewter City first, then pass a mineral identification test." Brock grew a little interested. He looked at Saya curiously, his eyes carrying some of an older person's kindness toward the young.
Saya froze. She really had not known these strange rules existed. Heath looked at her with an odd expression. Had this girl set out to become a Trainer without knowing anything? No wonder the Joy family worried about Saya. If it were Heath, he would have worried too.
"Miss Saya, before challenging a Gym, you need to pass the assessment set by its Gym Leader. Surely you know that?" Heath reminded Saya with a smile. Saya laughed awkwardly, then blushed and hurriedly fled. Her excuse was actually something as bizarre as "I forgot to turn off the gas at my hotel," leaving Heath unsure whether to laugh or cry.
"Girls these days really do get embarrassed easily," Brock said with a chuckle. Heath handed the finished Yellow-Braised Chicken to Brock, Giovanni, and Sabrina, then wiped his hands and gave Brock an odd look.
Heath said nothing, though, and the rich aroma had already become irresistible to Brock, Giovanni, and Sabrina. They all picked up their chopsticks and began eating this distinctive meal, while Heath shared a few tips for eating Yellow-Braised Chicken with Brock, who was trying it for the first time.
After pouring the sauce from the Yellow-Braised Chicken over his rice and taking another bite, Brock could not help looking satisfied. Giovanni also