Splash, splash——
The continuous rain beat down on the black umbrella, echoing with the sound of each raindrop.
Fengluo River is a rather inconspicuous small river surrounding Goldenrod City, far from the city center and closer to the poor areas, making it even less noticed.
But it is also this river that provides many people in the impoverished area with life-sustaining water. However, the occasional activities of wild Pokémon lead to many of the lower-class residents falling prey to vicious Pokémon.
Being an area abandoned by Goldenrod City, the death of a few people here doesn't garner much attention.
Natsuhiko was originally a resident of the impoverished area, but after the death of his parents, he was bullied as he stayed there as a child. So, not long after he could remember, he left the area and roamed around Goldenrod City, living day by day.
Sanfu was someone he met several times while rummaging through garbage bins, and eventually, they got to know each other.
But clearly, Sanfu didn't remember him.
"This might be why everyone in the impoverished area pursues Pokémon. In this world, obtaining Pokémon to become a Trainer, even the weakest Trainer, is enough to change one's destiny," Natsuhiko silently lamented in his heart.
"Woo~~"
The Weedle, which had been silent on his shoulder, suddenly sprang up, covering its nose with its tail.
They were near the landfill in the West District, where almost half of Goldenrod City's household waste was piled up.
Even on a rainy day, the spread of this stench couldn't be stopped.
Natsuhiko wasn't too bothered, having experienced even worse smells in the past. He had also slept in garbage heaps before.
"There seem to be more Grimers here, which makes the smell worse. However, for the whole city, the appearance of Pokémon like Grimer is undoubtedly good news."
Grimers mostly live in the city's sewers, sustaining themselves by consuming human waste—this is their favorite food. Sometimes, lacking garbage, they even eat buildings.
They can decompose various household wastes, making them indispensable for any city, even though their smell isn't pleasant.
It's said that in the distant Alola Region, Grimers mutated after eating too much waste, becoming colorful, and even many of their original attributes and traits changed.
"Everyone and every Pokémon plays their role in this world. No one is absolutely indispensable, but no one is absolutely important either. Small figures have their ways to live," Natsuhiko said softly, as if stating a fact but also perhaps implying something.
"Woo~~" The Weedle gently nuzzled Natsuhiko's cheek.
"That's right. Being a small figure now doesn't mean always being a small figure." Natsuhiko gladly accepted the Weedle's comfort.
"Woo!"
Suddenly, the Weedle stood up, its tail pointing towards the foul-smelling garbage heap not far away. There, a dark purple, viscous, sludge-like Pokémon slowly raised its body, looking somewhat dazed at the passing Natsuhiko and Weedle.
"Grimer, or rather, Muk?"
At first glance, Grimer and Muk aren't easy to differentiate; it seems the only difference is their size and the mouth.
The Weedle bared its teeth at the Muk, arching its entire body.
Natsuhiko was a bit surprised by the Weedle's reaction and gently patted its back. "No need to be nervous; Muk usually doesn't initiate an attack."
While saying this, he comforted the Weedle, which gradually calmed down.
"What's going on?"
The Weedle's state seemed a bit off.
Normally, it wouldn't behave like this, but today something was different—or perhaps it was something about seeing this Muk.
"Woo..." The Weedle hesitantly shook its head.
It didn't know what was happening to it; it seemed like an instinctual reaction.
"Are you about to evolve?" Natsuhiko asked with some surprise.
"Woo!" The Weedle puffed out its chest.
What about evolution? Isn't evolution better?
Having seen the cool appearances of Beedrill, it had been eager to evolve. However, since Natsuhiko controlled its growth well, preparing everything before evolution, it hadn't rushed.
"Alright, there should be chances to fight when we get closer to Fengluo River. Rest up for now." Natsuhiko put away his joking demeanor.
"Woo!" The Weedle nodded, eyes shining with excitement.
Ever since Natsuhiko got injured from a clash between Yujira and Fire Monkeys, the Weedle had felt guilty.
In its heart, it secretly set a goal and a firm resolve, becoming much more dedicated to training afterward. If not for Natsuhiko's restraint, it might have over-trained.
It didn't want to see Natsuhiko get hurt again, a little secret hidden deep in its heart.
Natsuhiko smiled and patted it. As the Weedle's Trainer, how could he not notice its changes?
The injury made the Weedle more diligent and hardworking. In Natsuhiko's eyes, the injury was worth it, especially since they had also gained a Pokémon Egg.
"Have some Energy Block. It probably won't be easy later." He took out an Energy Block and handed it to the Weedle.
Heading to Fengluo River wasn't entirely a spur-of-the-moment decision for him.
Ever since he grew suspicious from the Tangela mission, he'd been looking for a backup plan.
If he left the club, how would he make money—or quickly make money?
The first thought that crossed his mind was capturing wild Pokémon and becoming a Pokémon Hunter, grabbing some relatively high-value Pokémon to sell on the black market.
Whether it was for his future path or resources for the soon-to-be-born second Pokémon, Abra, this was undoubtedly a good choice.
So when Sanfu mentioned that the Fengluo River was starting to overflow, he set his sights on it.
The reason was simple: After the river overflowed, wild Water-type Pokémon in the water would become more active. The rain would also cause many Water-type Pokémon to rise closer to the surface, making them easier to capture.
Though Weedle didn't have a type advantage over Water-type Pokémon, the Water-types similarly posed no threat to Weedle.
Moreover, the value of Water-type Pokémon is, without a doubt, higher than that of something like Caterpie, Weedle, or Rattata.
Excluding some exceptions.
The most crucial factor.
It's raining today.
The wild Pokémon in the forest had hidden away, leaving Fengluo River as the best choice.
Swoosh, swoosh——
Soon, after traversing the muddy path, Natsuhiko and Weedle arrived beside Fengluo River.
It was clear to see that the riverbank had been completely submerged, with even the nearby grasslands not spared.
The turbid river water seemed to be escalating.
In the turbulent waters, one could vaguely see some flickering shadows, floating near the river's surface, enjoying the fresh air while frolicking.
Occasionally, a few golden tails would pop up from the surface, splashing water everywhere.
The rainy day had brought silence to the forest's wild Pokémon, but to the Water-type Pokémon in the river, it was their happiest time.
"Woo?" Weedle called out excitedly.
What should they do?
"Don't rush. Let's wait for the rain to continue a bit, then find a suitable target to test the waters." Natsuhiko's eyes were fixed on the lake surface, looking for the right target.
"Woo-woo!"
Weedle signaled that it was ready and could start anytime.
Suddenly.
Natsuhiko squinted his eyes, "Found it!"
He commanded Weedle, "That shadow over there, spin silk and charge it with Power Grid electricity!"