Chapter Seventy-Four: Newleaf Town

Cheng Cheng boarded the spaceship, which swiftly ascended into the sky. Looking down from above, he realized that Yinyu City was almost entirely engulfed by forest. The spaceship pressed forward, gradually leaving Yinyu City behind. High up in the sky, various flying-type Pokémon could be seen passing by. The spaceship didn't require any warning signals—Pokémon were smart enough not to attack it without reason. Though there had been rare incidents of flying Pokémon attacking spaceships before, Cheng Cheng figured the odds were slim for such an event to happen now.

Soon, the spaceship left the Hoenn region behind and soared out over the sea, its speed increasing yet again. From its vantage, not only flying-types could be glimpsed in the sky, but also water-type Pokémon leaping in the ocean below. If he weren't pressed for time, Cheng Cheng would have preferred to travel by ship, savoring the ocean's scenery. He wasn't worried about safety; as long as Ash and his friends weren't aboard, public transportation tended to be fairly safe.

After several hours, the spaceship entered the Kanto region. Now, the flying Pokémon outside became those commonly found in Kanto—Pidgey, Pidgeotto, Spearow, Fearow, and others. Another hour passed before the spaceship finally landed in Viridian City. Viridian was arguably the most famous city in Kanto—not only did it house the Viridian Gym, but it was also the headquarters of Team Rocket.

Although Cheng Cheng didn't think he'd attract the attention of Team Rocket, he still preferred not to cause any trouble. After all, Team Rocket was the last villainous team standing! Giovanni's strength was formidable, far surpassing the likes of the leaders of Team Galactic, Team Aqua, or Team Magma. Giovanni was also a shrewd businessman—he wasn't just the boss of Team Rocket, but also the Gym Leader of Viridian, and he ran his own company, holding a significant position within the League.

Of all the villainous organizations, Team Rocket was the one Cheng Cheng respected the most. Among its members, aside from the oddball trio of Jessie, James, and Meowth, Giovanni was the most formidable.

Cheng Cheng didn't plan to linger here, but he still spent a night at the Pokémon Center.

The next morning, after breakfast, he set out for Pallet Town. The journey there would take him through a place of great renown: Viridian Forest. The forest was shrouded in mystery. Though it appeared at first glance to be home only to a handful of common bird and bug Pokémon, Cheng Cheng knew better than to underestimate it.

The towering trees made the forest dark and eerie. The constant chorus of insects and birds gave it a strangely haunting air. Wandering through Viridian Forest, Cheng Cheng passed by Caterpie, Pidgey, and other Pokémon. A special feeling welled up inside him—a wave of the purest nostalgia filled his mind. No matter how the Pokémon anime had changed over the years, nothing felt more familiar than Ash's travels through Kanto. It was everyone's childhood memory, and now, being here in person, Cheng Cheng felt that warmth more deeply than ever.

"Chime, chime~"

His Chimecho sensed his mood and softly sang to comfort him.

"It's alright, Chimecho. I'm just happy to be here. This place is full of memories."

Viridian City was surrounded by forest, but the stretch of forest between Viridian and Pallet Town was small. Cheng Cheng soon emerged from the woods and continued on into the open fields. This must be where Pikachu first showcased its power. All around, Spearow and Pidgey would occasionally pop up, their presence utterly charming. The beautiful countryside was so soothing that Cheng Cheng slowed his pace. With no need to hurry, he decided to simply enjoy the scenery.

Before long, it was time for lunch. Cheng Cheng took out a small portable Pokémon food maker, perfect for preparing small quantities of food and easy to carry. After making the food, he released his three Pokémon and they all began to eat together. Cheng Cheng also took out his own meal.

Soon, shadows flitted around him—Spearow and Pidgey, drawn by the scent of Pokémon food, darted down and snatched away part of his Pokémon's meal. But his current team was not to be trifled with; the three of them used Psychic at once, immobilizing all the Spearow and Pidgey and slamming them to the ground.

"Stop, let them go!" Cheng Cheng called to his Pokémon. He hadn't come here to pick a fight, and after all, the birds only wanted some food.

After finishing his meal, Cheng Cheng quickly used the remaining ingredients to make a generous batch of Pokémon food and placed it on the ground. Still, the Pidgey and Spearow were now too wary to approach, so Cheng Cheng gathered his Pokémon and left.

No sooner had he left than the flock surged forward, devouring every last morsel.

Having enjoyed the pastoral scenery, Cheng Cheng quickened his pace. There was still some distance to Pallet Town, and he had no intention of sleeping outdoors. He asked Gardevoir to use Teleport to speed their journey. Though Gardevoir didn't know the exact destination, as long as the next location was within sight, Teleport saved a lot of time.

After several jumps, Cheng Cheng saw a small town ahead. Atop a hill stood a large house, surrounded by woods—surely Professor Oak's laboratory. He made one last Teleport, landing right at the lab's entrance.

Pallet Town was known as the starting point for the strongest rookie trainers. The trainers who left here had all left their mark on the Pokémon world. Whether it was Ash and Gary with their boundless potential, or even the former Champion Professor Oak himself—they all hailed from this small town. And let's not forget Ash's father; from the words of Professor Oak and Ash's mother, it was clear he too had been a remarkable trainer, though now his whereabouts were unknown.

Cheng Cheng recalled his Pokémon, walked to the door, and rang the bell. Soon, a young man with reddish-brown hair, a little shorter than Cheng Cheng, opened the door.

"Hello, can I help you?"

"It's been a long time, Gary."

Gary scrutinized Cheng Cheng, realizing he'd never met him before.

"Hello, um, do we know each other?"

"You don't know me, but I know you! I saw the video of your battle with Team Galactic at Lake Valor. I was with Ash and the others at the time."

"Oh, I see! You're Ash's friend, then—you must be the Cheng Cheng Grandpa mentioned?"

"Yes, my name is Cheng Cheng Kimura. Just call me Cheng Cheng."

"Alright, Cheng Cheng. Grandpa is inside, doing research. Let's go in together!"

"Thank you."

Cheng Cheng followed Gary inside, observing him from behind. Gary was indeed more mature than Ash, and his skill at raising Pokémon was impressive. If Ash hadn't had protagonist luck, Gary might have won the Indigo League himself.

They entered the research institute and soon saw Professor Oak eating ramen.

"Grandpa, look who's here!"

Professor Oak set down his bowl, turned, and saw Cheng Cheng standing next to Gary.

"Cheng Cheng, it's you! Welcome, welcome!"

"Long time no see, Professor Oak."

Professor Oak came over and gave Cheng Cheng a big bear hug.

"So, Cheng Cheng, what brings you here so early?"

"I haven't been busy lately, so I thought I'd come ahead of time. I hope I'm not intruding?"

"Of course not! I'm delighted you came. Stay here as long as you like."

"Then thank you for your hospitality, Professor Oak."

"You're welcome. Why don't you get familiar with the place? Gary, show Cheng Cheng around."

"Sure, Grandpa. Cheng Cheng, come with me!"

Cheng Cheng found a place to put down his backpack and followed Gary on a tour of the institute. The equipment was all state-of-the-art—some of the most advanced in the entire League. Still, Cheng Cheng wasn't familiar with the technical stuff, so he didn't pay it much attention.

But he was very interested in Professor Oak's ecological park, and asked Gary to show him around.

"The ecological park? Of course, no problem. Follow me."

Soon, the two arrived at the park. Compared to his own, Professor Oak's was much larger and housed far more Pokémon.

"Some of these Pokémon were bred here at the lab," Gary explained, "but most are entrusted to Grandpa by trainers who left Pallet Town."

Cheng Cheng was delighted to see so many different Pokémon. He quickly spotted the herd of Tauros Ash had caught, running wild and full of energy. Now there was also a group of Dodrio—truly a magnificent sight.

"What do you think?"

"It's wonderful! There are so many Pokémon here, far more than in my own park."

"By the way, Cheng Cheng, you brought your Pokémon, right? How about a battle?"

"Sure, I'd love to."

Cheng Cheng accepted, curious to see how Gary's strength compared to Ash's.

They soon arrived at the institute's battle field, where Professor Oak joined them.

"You two are going to battle? Let me be the referee."

"Thank you, Professor Oak."

"Alright, both sides, please prepare."

"Now, the match between Cheng Cheng and Gary begins!"