Chapter 251: 251. Celadon City
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After subduing the Primeape, Ash and his friends didn't waste any time and quickly set off again, although their journey was briefly delayed due to the Primeape incident.
Fortunately, since the distance between Celadon City and Saffron City is relatively short, the delay didn't affect their journey much. Additionally, a well-paved road connects the two major cities, making it nearly impossible to get lost. As a result, the trio arrived in Celadon City just as night fell.
Preferring the comfort of the city to camping in the wild, they continued their journey despite the dark, and eventually, the city lights came into view.
From afar, Celadon City shimmered under the night sky, its vibrant, colorful lights making it appear as lively and prosperous as Saffron City. It is also the second-largest city in the entire Kanto Region.
"Phew! It smells amazing! The air is filled with such a refreshing fragrance. This must be Celadon City!"
Standing just outside the city, Brock marveled at the sight. The air carried a unique floral scent, a blend of many fragrances that was pleasant and inviting.
"Celadon City's main industry is perfume manufacturing, with a history spanning many years. I've read that the city is constantly filled with this delightful aroma," Brock explained, clearly proud of his knowledge.
"I didn't expect you to know so much, Brock," Misty teased, amused by his enthusiasm.
"Of course! The perfume here is beloved by beautiful women, so naturally, many beautiful women gather in this city! Hehe!" Brock's enthusiasm turned into a dreamy expression, almost drooling at the thought.
Ash and Misty exchanged disgusted glances. Brock was back to his old antics.
Celadon City isn't just known for its perfume; it's also a hub of entertainment. It boasts the largest department store in the Kanto Region, where one can find everything from food and clothing to Poké Balls and evolution stones—a true paradise for shoppers and trainers alike.
Additionally, the city is home to a famous Game Corner, the largest of its kind in Kanto, cementing its reputation as an entertainment capital.
"Let's get going," Ash urged, rolling his eyes at his companions. While Brock was lost in thoughts of perfume and pretty women, Ash simply shook his head and gestured for Pikachu to follow. They all continued walking toward the city.
Though the city's nightlife was vibrant, the trio was exhausted after a long day of walking and dealing with the Primeape incident. Their first stop was the Pokémon Center.
Upon arrival, they checked in and handed their Pokémon to Nurse Joy for care. Misty, who had done her research, shared her plans to visit Celadon City's most renowned perfume shop the next day.
Brock, meanwhile, was already captivated by the sight of the local women, leaving Ash to ignore him entirely. Instead, Ash headed to the phone booth to call Professor Oak's lab.
"Hello, this is Professor Oak's Laboratory," came the familiar voice of Professor Oak when Ash's call connected. However, Ash immediately noticed something odd.
"Professor, what happened to your eye?" he asked, staring at the black-and-blue bruise on the professor's face.
"Ah, haha, it's nothing! That Primeape you sent is incredibly energetic, Ash!" Professor Oak laughed awkwardly, trying to wave it off.
Ash understood immediately. He knew the Primeape's temperament well.
"So, is everything okay? Is it causing trouble?" Ash asked, slightly worried. If the Primeape proved to be too problematic, he might have to consider a solution.
"No, no, don't worry! It's all under control now. Although its personality is a bit fiery, your Ivysaur has been a tremendous help," Professor Oak replied with a smile. He was genuinely relieved, knowing that without Ivysaur, things could have been much more challenging.
Ash's Ivysaur wasn't just responsible for helping with Ash's Pokémon; it also stepped in to manage disputes among the other Pokémon in the Laboratory. Ivysaur's calm and authoritative demeanor saved Professor Oak countless headaches, almost like it had become the unofficial manager of the lab.
After ensuring the Primeape was asleep, Professor Oak had treated the burns it sustained, bringing it back to good health.
"That's great to hear! In that case, I'll leave the Primeape in your capable hands for now," Ash said, feeling reassured, knowing that Ivysaur and the Professor would handle things.
"Don't worry about it. By the way, Ash, have you experienced anything unusual lately?" Professor Oak asked with concern, steering the conversation toward Ash's earlier mysterious experiences.
"No, nothing like that has happened recently," Ash replied, shaking his head. He could still feel the power within him, but he hadn't been able to reach that heightened state again.
"I see. It seems mastering such power isn't going to be easy. But don't worry, Ash. If anything happens, be sure to contact Professor Sycamore right away!" Professor Oak advised, his tone both reassuring and instructive.
Although Professor Oak was a renowned Pokémon Professor, he humbly acknowledged that specialists like Professor Sycamore were better suited for certain fields of research.
"I will. Thank you, Professor!" Ash nodded, appreciating the guidance.
With their conversation wrapped up, the two said their goodbyes and ended the call. Meanwhile, Brock was off somewhere, and Misty had already retreated to her room for the night.
After the phone call, Ash wandered around the Pokémon Center for a while. Later, Nurse Joy notified him that Pikachu and his Poké Balls were ready. Collecting them, he returned to his room to rest, knowing that the next day would be a big one.
Celadon City wasn't just famous for its entertainment industry; it also housed the Celadon Gym, a League-certified Gym where Ash could earn his fifth Badge. Determined to challenge the Gym, Ash made sure he and Pikachu got plenty of rest to prepare.
The next morning…
"Ahh! So sleepy!" Ash yawned, waking up early as usual. Surprisingly, Misty was already awake, which was rare for her. In truth, she had been so excited about visiting Celadon City's famous perfume shops that she couldn't sleep the night before.
Brock, on the other hand, was still asleep, much to Misty's frustration.
"That's what you get for staying up late ogling 'big sisters' last night!" Misty scolded, clenching her fists in annoyance. It had taken her forever to wake him, and she knew they had a busy day ahead.