"Ditto, Primeape, use Leer and Cross Chop!"
After so many days of training together, Gu Yuan's commands had become even more concise.
Having just transformed into Sylveon to close in on Scyther, Ditto immediately shifted its form again upon hearing the order, turning into Primeape.
With its furious expression, Leer became especially effective.
Then Cross Chop struck, and Scyther's face twisted in pain.
"Ditto, transform into Charizard and use Flamethrower!"
With a leap, Ditto transformed into Charizard and took to the air.
A pillar of fire fell from above, engulfing Scyther in an instant.
Before Ditto could continue attacking, Scyther had already lost the will to fight and collapsed.
As Ditto's battle experience grew, its fights became easier and smoother.
Next, to train Ditto more effectively, Gu Yuan planned to have it battle other Trainers once they reached the Pokémon Center.
"All right, that's enough for today."
"We'll be arriving in Vermilion City soon. When we get there, I'll have you battle other Trainers' Pokémon so you can face more unpredictable opponents."
After capturing Scyther and sending it to Shadow, Gu Yuan ended Ditto's training for the day.
Hearing this, not only Ditto but even Primeape perked up, both looking eagerly at Gu Yuan.
Unfortunately, with Primeape's face, its expression looked less like begging and more like a threat.
It was as if it were saying, If you don't let me fight, I'll beat you up and steal your coins.
"All right, all right, don't worry. I won't forget you. You'll both have your turns."
After calming Primeape, Gu Yuan had Kadabra begin their journey again, teleporting them across the final stretch.
Under Teleport, the outline of Vermilion City quickly came into view.
Vermilion City sat by the coast. It was one of the major harbors, serving several shipping routes.
Its most famous feature was the S.S. Anne, a massive cruise ship that traveled the world.
There was also the well-known Pokémon Fan Club.
And, of course, the Vermilion Gym was the city's pride.
Though not as bustling as Saffron City, Vermilion was still lively thanks to the many Trainers who came from other regions.
To prove their strength, or simply for the challenge, many came to face Lt. Surge, the Gym Leader who, notably, was also a member of Team Rocket.
As usual, Gu Yuan first went to register at the Vermilion Gym.
The place was nearly as crowded as the Saffron Gym.
Every visiting Trainer who learned there was a Gym nearby couldn't resist giving it a try, even if they had no plans to enter the Indigo League.
After registering, Gu Yuan headed to the Pokémon Center.
Of course, he didn't expect to find a single room available; he just wanted to claim the Pokémon Agatha had promised him.
"Master, I've arrived at the Pokémon Center. Is it convenient to send that Pokémon to me now?"
"I know, I know. You never move this fast when it's about training. Its evolution item isn't ready yet, but it'll only take a few more days. I'll let you know when it's done, just send me your location then."
When she heard Gu Yuan asking about the promised Pokémon, Agatha's tone turned a bit impatient.
Honestly, I finally take on a disciple, and he never even checks in on me unless he wants something.
Soon, through Agatha's coordination, a Poké Ball was transferred over.
After chatting with her briefly, Gu Yuan ended the call, smiling.
Without leaving the Center, he picked up a delivery Shadow had sent him, then rented a training room to meet his new partner properly.
Gu Yuan had already told Shadow about becoming Agatha's apprentice.
Shadow hadn't been surprised; after all, Gu Yuan was his own trainee, and he knew that with Gu Yuan's talent, it was only natural that the League's higher-ups would take notice.
What Shadow hadn't expected was that Agatha herself would be the one to take him in.
Still, that wasn't a bad thing. As the oldest Elite Four members, Agatha was among the best possible mentors.
Especially since she was known for fiercely protecting her disciples. So long as Gu Yuan didn't expose his identity as a spy, he could practically walk sideways through Kanto.
To reward him, Shadow increased Gu Yuan's resource support so he wouldn't have to worry about supplies.
He also reduced direct contact between them.
After hearing about Agatha, Shadow ordered Gu Yuan not to reach out unless it was truly important.
He even gave Gu Yuan a disguised identity to claim resources safely, avoiding any risk of exposure.
"Everyone, get ready. This is our new teammate. You're not allowed to bully him."
With that, Gu Yuan opened the Poké Ball.
A flash of light revealed Charcadet.
Charcadet, a Fire-type Pokémon from the Paldea region, looked like a small child wearing black armor with a burning flame on its head.
Gu Yuan wasn't sure if touching that flame would burn, but he decided it was probably safer to pat Charcadet on the head instead.
Its chest glowed red and yellow like a burning vest, giving it a bold, striking look.
"Hello there. From now on, we're partners."
Seeing the dazed little Charcadet, Gu Yuan greeted it warmly, offering its favorite treats.
In human terms, Charcadet was only a few years old, far too young to resist the temptation of delicious food, much like Eevee and the others had been before.
Soon, Charcadet began to relax under Gu Yuan's kindness. The rest would come with time.
"Come on, let me introduce you to the team."
Pointing to each of them, Gu Yuan introduced Charcadet one by one.
First was Charizard, another Fire-type like itself. Then came the beautiful Sylveon, the intelligent Kadabra, the furious Primeape, and the ever-energetic Ditto.
With Sylveon around, Gu Yuan had no worries about Charcadet fitting into the team.
While they were getting to know each other, Gu Yuan opened Charcadet's data panel.
Pokémon: Charcadet
Gender: Male
Ability: Flash Fire
Rank: Newborn Rank
Level-up Moves: Leer, Ember, Astonish, Clear Smog
TM Moves: None
Egg Moves: Disable, Grudge, Destiny Bond
Seeing that Charcadet's ability was Flash Fire, Gu Yuan was satisfied.
That meant once Charizard learned Sunny Day, he wouldn't have to worry about opponents' Fire-type moves benefiting from it.
He didn't order the others to train just yet. Instead, he gave them time to bond with Charcadet, helping it integrate faster into the group.