The entrance to the Cerulean Gym was less a battle facility and more a boisterous, bustling, giant water park.
It was completely different from the simple, tent-like structure seen in the original anime.
It was big.
Very big.
A colossal glass dome encased the interior space.
Sunlight refracted through the rippling water, casting dancing patterns of light below.
The air was permeated with a peculiar blend of chlorine, popcorn, and humid water vapor.
There were many Water-type Pokémon here, and while their individual strength varied, the overall standard was quite decent.
Rather than a water zoo, it was more like a Water-type Pokémon legion.
Uh... clearly, the Cerulean Gym possessed some genuine heritage.
In a sense, acting as Cerulean City's military district was the only way to match the status and station of the city's Gym, wasn't it?
Otherwise, if wild Pokémon were to go berserk or engage in some collective activity:
For instance, if Magikarp evolved into Gyarados and vented their rage indiscriminately, firing Hyper Beam everywhere.
For instance, if a Gigalith emerged from underground due to an earthquake or other factors, it would unleash a massive energy storm.
For instance, if Chandelure gathered in swarms, a Night Parade of One Hundred Demons would need to be dispelled, or they would prey on the souls of the living.
For instance, if Muk gathered, they would severely pollute the environment, destroying forests and water resources.
...Wait, these are all problems that Gym Trainers in different regions are responsible for handling.
Especially the clearing of routes connecting city to city.
And here in Cerulean City, they are also responsible for clearing underwater and maritime shipping lanes... they cannot allow powerful Water-type Pokémon to congregate in the shipping lanes.
Human civilization is indeed flourishing, but this prosperity is also easily destroyed.
As for all the aforementioned scenarios... could one really expect an ordinary aquarium to suppress them?
That is obviously impossible.
The essence of all status and position is, ultimately, power.
Because they bear such obligations, the League grants them those specific rights.
It's just...
The only problem was that Ash didn't see very many Gym Trainers.
The so-called Gym Trainers are composed partly of trainers who come to pledge allegiance to the Gym Leader out of admiration, and partly of apprentices brought up by the Gym Leader themselves.
This counts as the faction's military force.
But it seems the Cerulean Gym is somewhat lacking in this department, isn't it?
If they cannot fulfill their own duties, then the Gym's status becomes precarious.
Ash felt that Misty must be under a lot of pressure... the Cerulean Gym urgently needed a powerful Gym Trainer.
Ash pondered the situation as he took in the sights.
He followed the signs for the "Gym Challenge" through the crowded throng of tourists, his ears filled with the laughter of children and the splashing sounds of Water-type Pokémon leaping from the water.
Aside from the lackluster overall combat strength, the Cerulean Gym was actually quite nice in other aspects.
Finally, Ash stopped in front of a giant pool marked "Gym Core Area."
The pool was azure and crystal clear, surrounded by tiered stands that were currently packed with excited spectators.
In the center of the pool, three young women with different hair colors stood on floating platforms, swaying their bodies to upbeat music while directing several Goldeen and Starmie to form complex formations.
Rehearsing water ballet inside the Gym?
Not a big issue.
There seem to be quite a few Gym Leaders in this world who don't attend to their proper duties.
Even among the Elite Four and Champions, many Pokémon Trainers have a pile of strange hobbies.
Trainers who purely love battling are actually rare; not everyone is a battle maniac.
"Pika..." The Pikachu on his shoulder tilted its head, pointing a small paw at the water's surface with a look of confusion.
—This place... is really used for battling?
Pikachu felt this place was too unserious.
Uh... it would witness even more unserious Pokémon Trainers in the future.
Presumably, by that time, it wouldn't be surprised anymore.
Ash casually patted Pikachu, his gaze sweeping over the three women.
These three should be Misty's sisters.
Except Ash couldn't remember clearly which one was which.
After all, these three weren't exactly major characters; it was good enough that Ash remembered there were three of them.
Out of politeness, Ash didn't disturb them while they were performing.
The music drew to a close, and the three women ended their performance with a slightly exaggerated dance pose, drawing a round of enthusiastic applause from the audience.
The blonde eldest sister, Daisy, was the first to notice Ash and Pikachu standing at the entrance.
Her eyes lit up, and she swam to the pool's edge, resting her arms on the deck and speaking with a beaming smile:
"Oh my, a cute challenger with a Pikachu? What a rare guest~ I'm Daisy, welcome to the Cerulean Gym~"
Daisy's gaze lingered on Ash, carrying a hint of playful curiosity.
Although the three sisters' talent as Trainers wasn't much, they still had an eye for people.
The boy before them seemed to have some potential!
The blue-haired Violet also leaned over lazily and yawned: "Another Trainer out traveling? ...What a hassle."
"The performance today was already exhausting."
She glanced at Ash. "Little brother, do you want to watch a performance first? Or maybe go play in the park outside?"
The pink-haired Lily just nodded quietly as a greeting, her attention seeming to remain on the rhythm of the performance just now.
Ash pressed down the brim of his hat, his calm voice cutting through the noise of the venue: "I am Ash Ketchum from Pallet Town, here for a Gym challenge."
Daisy's smile grew even wider upon hearing this, adopting a tone used for coaxing children: "A challenge, huh?"
"Sure, sure~ But look, little brother, we just finished performing and our Pokémon are tired."
"Besides, Gym battles are very hard work, you know. How about..." Daisy attempted to use smooth talk to test out her future brother-in-law.
However.
Before she could finish her sentence, a voice suppressing anger rang out from the side tunnel entrance—
"Sisters!"
Misty strode over, having already changed her clothes, her orange ponytail bobbing slightly with her hurried steps.
"I told you to conduct the Gym competition assessment once Ash arrived! What are you doing!"
Her face bore obvious annoyance and a trace of embarrassment.
Clearly, this scene was not part of her plan.
"Misty?" Daisy blinked in surprise. "We were going to assess your boyfr..."
"I'm not here to talk about that!" Misty immediately cut her off.
If that kind of thing was said out loud... how could she go on living!
Misty's gaze swept over her three sisters and their Pokémon, which were obviously more suited for performance than battle.
Then she looked at Ash, took a deep breath, and seemed to make a certain determination.
Misty turned to Ash, her expression unusually serious, even carrying a sense of burning her bridges:
"Ash!"
"The challenge rules of the Cerulean Gym... will be set by me!"
"Your opponent is me!"
"As for these three useless sisters, let's just ignore them for now!"
The current situation was somewhat different from what Misty had imagined, causing her to lose her composure slightly.
Misty had originally thought that after Ash arrived:
1: Her three sisters would first deliver a bit of intimidation.
2: Then the three sisters would part to the sides.
3: Misty herself would make a shocking entrance as the Gym Trainer.
Unfortunately, because of her three unserious sisters, this perfect entrance had gone down the drain.
...Uh... based on Misty's past personality, she wouldn't engage in these theatrics, so why was she playing like this now?
Probably because she was led astray by Ash.
After all, Ash liked to show off.
___
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