Miyuki arrived at Viridian City Pokemon Center's medical wing at seven in the morning, thirty minutes before her scheduled observation time. She'd dressed professionally, dark pants, a crisp white button-down shirt, and her silver hair pulled into a neat bun. Shaymin floated beside her, the Gratitude Pokemon sensing her nervous energy and offering quiet support.
The medical wing occupied floors four through nine of the Pokemon Center. Unlike the chaotic public lobby on the ground floor, this area maintained clinical efficiency. The scent of antiseptic mixed with specialized Pokemon medicines created an odor that Miyuki found oddly comforting, it reminded her of her time at Saffron City Pokemon Center, where she'd spent eighteen months learning emergency medicine.
A receptionist at the medical wing entrance checked her credentials. "Miyuki Senju? Yes, Head Nurse Shizune is expecting you. Fourth floor, examination room six. Take the elevator to your right."
Miyuki thanked her and made her way to the designated room. The hallways were wider than standard hospital corridors, designed to accommodate larger Pokemon who needed treatment. She passed examination rooms where Nurse Joys and their assistants treated various patients, a Machamp with a dislocated shoulder, a Butterfree with damaged wings, a Slowpoke that appeared to have eaten something toxic.
Examination room six stood open, its door propped to allow easy access. Inside, a woman in her late thirties reviewed patient charts on a tablet. She wore the standard Nurse Joy uniform but with additional rank insignia marking her as Head Nurse, the senior medical professional responsible for overseeing the entire facility's treatment protocols.
She looked up as Miyuki entered, and her eyes widened with recognition. "Miyuki Senju. You look exactly like your grandmother did at your age. The same golden eyes, the same serious expression." She smiled warmly. "I'm Shizune. Your grandmother and I traveled together for two years before she became Gym Leader."
"It's an honor to meet you," Miyuki said, bowing slightly. "Grandmother has mentioned you many times. She said you were one of the best field medics she ever worked with."
"Tsunade is generous with her praise." Shizune set down her tablet. "When I heard through the regional network that you'd arrived in Viridian City, I reached out specifically to offer observation opportunities. Your work in Saffron was impressive, the staff there spoke highly of your diagnostic skills and bedside manner."
"Thank you. I'm eager to learn different treatment approaches. Each facility has unique expertise."
"That's exactly the attitude that made your grandmother such an exceptional trainer and doctor." Shizune pulled up a schedule on her tablet. "I've arranged for you to shadow me today. We have a full patient load, everything from routine checkups to complex cases requiring specialized care. I'll explain our protocols and techniques as we work. Feel free to ask questions or offer observations."
They started with morning rounds, checking on Pokemon who'd been admitted overnight for various conditions. Shizune moved through each room with practiced efficiency, assessing vitals, reviewing treatment progress, and adjusting care plans as needed. Miyuki took notes on her own tablet, documenting approaches that differed from what she'd learned in Saffron.
"We use a more aggressive hydration protocol here," Shizune explained while treating a Ninetales with heat exhaustion. "Viridian City's climate is more humid than Saffron's. Pokemon from dry regions often experience dehydration when they arrive here, and their trainers don't realize it's happening."
"The symptoms would be subtle initially," Miyuki observed. "Decreased energy, reduced appetite, but nothing dramatic enough to alarm inexperienced trainers."
"Exactly. By the time they bring their Pokemon in, the condition has often progressed to moderate severity." Shizune administered an IV fluid bag to the Ninetales with practiced ease. "Preventive education is important, but trainers don't always listen until their Pokemon are already sick."
The morning passed in steady work. Miyuki assisted with routine treatments, observed complex procedures, and gradually became comfortable with Viridian Center's particular protocols. Shizune proved to be an excellent teacher, patient with questions, willing to explain her reasoning, and generous with hands-on opportunities when Miyuki demonstrated competence.
Around midday, an emergency case arrived. A trainer rushed into the medical wing carrying his Arcanine, the large Fire-type visibly distressed. Its breathing came in labored gasps, its eyes were unfocused, and patches of its normally lustrous fur had dulled and thinned.
"Please help!" the trainer said, voice breaking with panic. "He's been sick for three days and it keeps getting worse!"
Shizune immediately directed them to an examination room. "Get vitals and start a preliminary assessment. I'll review his medical history."
Miyuki moved into professional mode, her nervousness evaporating in the face of genuine need. She approached the Arcanine carefully, distressed Pokemon could be unpredictable, especially Fire-types with reduced impulse control.
"Hey there," she said softly, letting the Arcanine see her hands before touching. "I'm going to help you feel better. I need to examine you first."
The Arcanine whined but didn't resist as Miyuki began her assessment. Temperature elevated but not dangerously so. Heart rate accelerated. Respiratory rate concerning. Coat condition deteriorating. When she gently pressed on the Arcanine's abdomen, the Pokemon flinched, indicating sensitivity or pain.
"When did the symptoms start?" Miyuki asked the trainer.
"About three days ago. He seemed tired at first, which I thought was normal after a hard training session. But then he stopped eating much, and his breathing got worse, and now he can barely walk."
"Has anything changed in his routine recently? New food, different exercise schedule, environmental changes?"
"Well, we moved from Celadon City to Viridian about a week ago. And I switched to a new Pokemon food brand because it was cheaper. But that shouldn't cause this, right?"
Miyuki filed that information away. Shizune entered with the Arcanine's medical records displayed on her tablet.
"No previous health issues. Up to date on vaccinations. Last checkup was three months ago in Celadon, showed perfect health." Shizune moved to examine the Arcanine herself. "What's your preliminary assessment, Miyuki?"
"Elevated temperature, increased heart and respiratory rate, abdominal sensitivity, coat deterioration." Miyuki reviewed her notes. "The trainer mentioned moving cities and changing food brands recently. I'm thinking either allergic reaction or stress response, possibly both combined."
"Good instincts. Let's run some tests."
They drew blood samples and took fur samples for analysis. While waiting for results, Miyuki asked the trainer more detailed questions about the food brand change and training schedule.
"The new food is called 'Power Max,'" the trainer explained. "It's supposed to boost Fire-type energy levels. I figured it would help with training."
"And how often do you train?"
"Every day. Usually two to three hours of intense exercise. More if we're preparing for battles."
"Has he seemed more tired than usual after training?"
"Yeah, actually. But I thought that meant the training was working, pushing his limits, you know?"
Miyuki exchanged a glance with Shizune. The Head Nurse's expression suggested she'd already formed a hypothesis similar to Miyuki's.
The test results came back within thirty minutes. Elevated histamine levels indicating allergic response, stress hormone markers well above normal range, and signs of metabolic strain.
"I think I know what's happening," Miyuki said. She pulled up information about the Power Max food brand on her tablet. "This food contains several ingredients that can trigger allergic reactions in Fire-types, particularly ones from cooler climates like Celadon. Your Arcanine's body is having an immune response to the food, which is creating inflammation and stress."
"But it's marketed specifically for Fire-types!" the trainer protested.
"Marketing doesn't always align with veterinary science," Shizune said gently. "Many commercial Pokemon foods contain filler ingredients that some Pokemon can't process well."
"Additionally," Miyuki continued, "you mentioned training two to three hours daily. That's a heavy regimen for any Pokemon, but combined with an allergic reaction and the stress of moving to a new city, it's overwhelming his system. His body is trying to fight the allergic response while also recovering from intensive exercise and adapting to new environmental conditions. It's too much simultaneous strain."
The trainer looked devastated. "I caused this? I was trying to make him stronger and I just made him sick?"
"You didn't know," Miyuki assured him. "Many trainers don't realize how much various factors can compound. The solution is relatively straightforward, we'll treat the allergic reaction with medication, switch him back to his original food brand, and reduce training intensity while he recovers."
"How long will recovery take?"
Shizune consulted the test results. "The immediate allergic symptoms should resolve within twenty-four to forty-eight hours with proper medication. Full recovery will take about two weeks, during which he should avoid intensive training. Light exercise only, walks, gentle play, nothing that elevates his heart rate significantly."
"After two weeks," Miyuki added, "you can gradually reintroduce more intensive training. Start with thirty-minute sessions and slowly increase duration over another week or two. His body needs time to recover and rebuild stamina."
They administered antihistamine medication and a mild sedative to help the Arcanine rest. The Fire-type's breathing eased almost immediately, and the tension in its body visibly decreased. Within an hour, it was sleeping peacefully on the examination room floor.
"You can take him home this evening," Shizune told the trainer. "Follow the medication schedule exactly, and bring him back in three days for a follow-up examination. If symptoms worsen or new ones appear, contact us immediately."
The trainer left with detailed care instructions and a prescription for medication. After he departed, Shizune turned to Miyuki with an approving expression.
"That was excellent diagnostic work. You identified the compound issue, allergic reaction plus overtraining, quickly and explained it clearly to the trainer without making him feel attacked for his choices."
"I've seen similar cases in Saffron," Miyuki admitted. "New trainers often push their Pokemon too hard while also making other changes to diet or environment. They don't understand that stress compounds."
"Your grandmother would be proud. You have her diagnostic intuition, the ability to see patterns and connections that others miss." Shizune pulled up something on her tablet. "I'm going to write you a formal reference letter for your Pokemon Doctor certification application. With recommendations from both Saffron and Viridian facilities, you'll have strong credentials when you're ready to apply."
"Really?" Miyuki felt warmth spread through her chest. "That's incredibly generous."
"It's appropriate recognition of genuine skill. You're going to be an excellent Pokemon Doctor, Miyuki. The field needs more people who combine technical knowledge with genuine compassion for both Pokemon and trainers."
The afternoon continued with additional cases, some routine, some complex. Miyuki assisted with a Tentacruel's tentacle injury, observed treatment of a Rapidash with respiratory issues from air pollution, and helped stabilize a Machamp that had overtrained and torn a muscle. Each case provided different learning opportunities, and Shizune remained patient with questions and generous with explanations.
By evening, Miyuki was exhausted but satisfied. She'd spent nearly ten hours at the medical wing, and her mind buzzed with new information and techniques.
"Come back tomorrow if you'd like," Shizune offered as Miyuki prepared to leave. "We have several complex surgical procedures scheduled that you might find educational."
"I'd love that. Thank you for today, for everything. This was invaluable experience."
"The pleasure was mine. Your grandmother asked me to look after you if you ever visited Viridian. I'm glad I could help." Shizune smiled. "And tell your companions hello. I've heard you're traveling with interesting people."
Miyuki promised to pass along the message and left the medical wing. The evening air felt cool after hours inside the temperature-controlled facility. She retrieved her phone from her bag and saw multiple messages in the group chat, Kasumi sharing videos from her Contest practice, Kiyomi sending photos from Professor Sato's archives, Sasuke asking what time everyone would be back for dinner.
She typed a response: On my way back now. Had incredible day. Tell you all about it.
The walk from the Pokemon Center to the parking structure took fifteen minutes through Viridian City's evening streets. The urban energy had shifted, less frantic than midday, more relaxed as people finished work and headed home or to evening activities. Food vendors opened for the dinner rush, and the smell of grilling meat mixed with sweet pastries and savory noodles.
Miyuki arrived at the Mobile Home to find lights on and music playing softly through the windows. She entered to discover her companions already gathered, Kasumi sprawled on the couch with Gardevoir, Kiyomi in one of the chairs reviewing something on her tablet, and Sasuke in the kitchen cooking something that smelled amazing.
"Welcome back!" Kasumi said. "How was your day?"
"Incredible," Miyuki replied, setting down her bag and releasing Shaymin. "I learned so much, and I got to diagnose an actual complex case."
"Tell us everything," Kiyomi said, putting down her tablet. "But first, Sasuke made your favorite dinner specifically to celebrate your medical observation day."
Miyuki looked at Sasuke in the kitchen. He'd prepared grilled salmon with lemon and herbs, roasted asparagus, and her preferred style of rice, simple components but executed with care.
"You remembered my favorite meal," she said softly.
"You mentioned it on the ship," Sasuke replied. "Figured you'd want something nice after a long day of medical work."
The thoughtfulness of that gesture made Miyuki's eyes sting slightly. She'd been so focused on proving herself professionally that she hadn't expected anyone to care about celebrating her accomplishments. But here was Sasuke, cooking her favorite meal just because she'd mentioned it once in passing weeks ago.
"Thank you," she said. "That's really sweet."
They gathered around the dining table, and Miyuki recounted her day in detail. She described meeting Shizune, the various cases she'd observed, and particularly the Arcanine diagnosis that she'd helped solve.
"You figured out it was compound issues causing the symptoms?" Kiyomi asked. "That's impressive diagnostic reasoning."
"It was partly experience and partly logical deduction. The timeline of symptoms matched with the food change and training schedule. Once I had those data points, the connection became obvious."
"Not obvious to the other medical staff, apparently," Sasuke pointed out. "Otherwise Shizune wouldn't have been so impressed with your work."
"She said I have my grandmother's diagnostic intuition." Miyuki took a bite of salmon and closed her eyes briefly at how perfectly it was prepared. "And she's writing me a reference letter for Pokemon Doctor certification. That's a major credential boost."
"That's amazing!" Kasumi said. "You're building serious professional credentials while still on your first journey. Most trainers don't accomplish that until years later."
"Your grandmother must be proud," Kiyomi added. "Following in her footsteps but establishing your own expertise."
Miyuki nodded. "I think she would be. Though I'm nervous about telling her. She has such high standards, and I worry about disappointing her if I don't live up to them."
"You're not disappointing anyone," Sasuke said firmly. "You diagnosed a case that was complicated enough to stump experienced medical staff. You're nineteen and already being offered reference letters from Head Nurses at major facilities. Those are objective measures of skill."
"He's right," Kiyomi agreed. "Stop comparing yourself to your grandmother's legendary status and recognize your own accomplishments. You're already exceptional in your own right."
The support from her companions created a warm feeling in Miyuki's chest. She'd spent so long focused on not being good enough, on living up to family expectations, that she'd forgotten to appreciate how far she'd already come.
"Thank you," she said to all of them. "For the encouragement. And for this..." she gestured at the meal "...this is exactly what I needed after today."
They continued talking through dinner, each person sharing their day's experiences. Kasumi had spent hours at the Contest Hall practicing routines with Gardevoir and had met several experienced Coordinators who'd given her advanced technique suggestions. Kiyomi had examined Professor Sato's private archives and discovered references to ancient sites near Pewter City that she wanted to investigate. Sasuke had spent the day exploring more of Viridian City's districts and had purchased rare cooking ingredients from specialty markets.
"Tomorrow's our last full day here before we head to Pewter," Sasuke said. "Any final things people want to do?"
"I'm going back to the medical wing," Miyuki confirmed. "Shizune offered to let me observe surgical procedures."
"Another day at the Contest Hall for me," Kasumi said. "I'm nowhere near ready for Cerulean, and the practice facilities here are incredible."
"Professor Sato's institute," Kiyomi added. "I barely scratched the surface of his archives today."
"Then we leave the day after tomorrow," Sasuke confirmed. "That gives us about six hours of driving to reach Pewter City, account for any stops or delays. We can arrive in the afternoon, get settled, and I can register for the gym challenge."
"Your first official gym battle," Miyuki said. "Are you nervous?"
"Somewhat. Gaara has an impressive reputation, and I haven't actually tested my team against a professional Gym Leader yet. The exhibition match with Itachi was different, he wasn't using his full Champion-level team."
"You'll do fine," Kasumi assured him. "You have ten Legendary and pseudo-Legendary Pokemon. Gaara has one really strong Tyranitar. The type matchup alone gives you options."
"Type matchup doesn't guarantee victory," Sasuke replied. "Father taught me that. Strategy and bond matter more than raw power or type advantage."
"You have both strategy and strong bonds," Kiyomi pointed out. "Stop being modest about your abilities. You're one of the Four Supernovas for a reason."
"Just media hype. I haven't earned that title yet. I haven't won a single badge."
"You will," Miyuki said with quiet confidence. "Soon everyone will know what we already know, that you're an exceptional trainer who deserves his reputation."
The conversation shifted to logistics for their departure. They discussed supply needs, route planning, and time management for reaching Pewter City. But underneath the practical discussion, Miyuki felt the continued warmth of her companions' support and celebration of her accomplishments.
After dinner, she retreated to her room with Shaymin and reviewed her notes from the day's observations. The medical techniques, the treatment protocols, the diagnostic approaches, all of it valuable information she could apply to future Pokemon care.
But more than the technical knowledge, she valued what the day had proven. She was good at this. Not just competent or adequate, but genuinely skilled. Head Nurse Shizune had recognized it. The Arcanine's trainer had been grateful for it. And her companions believed in it.
Her phone buzzed with a message from Sasuke: Saved you dessert. Berry tart from that bakery you mentioned liking. In the fridge whenever you want it.
Miyuki smiled and typed back: Thank you for everything today. The dinner, the support, all of it. It meant a lot.
His response came quickly: You deserved it. Proud of what you accomplished.
Those simple words, proud of what you accomplished, settled into her chest and stayed there, warm and reassuring. She wasn't just Tsunade Senju's granddaughter or Hanako Senju's daughter. She was Miyuki Senju, skilled Pokemon doctor-in-training, and she was building her own legacy through her own choices and hard work.
That night, she slept better than she had in weeks, content with her progress and excited for tomorrow's continued learning at the medical wing.