This trip not only allowed Red to obtain a fully battle-ready Poliwrath as an immediate boost to his combat strength, but more importantly, he also acquired the Water-type Permanent Evolution Stone. It was a highly rewarding outing.
[Pokémon: Poliwrath ♂]
[Level: 23]
[Talent: Medium (Atk: 28, Sp. Atk: 22, Def: 20, Sp. Def: 18, Speed: 25, HP: 23) Total: 136]
[Ability: Swift Swim (Speed doubles in rain)]
[Moves: Tackle, Water Gun, Hypnosis, Rain Dance, Belly Drum, Body Slam, Abyss Roll]
[Evaluation: A fairly strong Poliwrath, but lacking training]
Although Poliwrath's talent was only average—making it not very cost-effective for long-term cultivation—it still had several highlights.
For instance, its ability Swift Swim was relatively rare and perfectly suited for rain-based strategies.
Its move pool was also solid. Even though it lacked strong physical Water-type moves, just having Belly Drum and Rain Dance alone significantly elevated its tactical value.
Since the Songzao Gym held shares in a TM company, they received a number of rare TMs each year—such as Sandstorm, Rain Dance, and Sunny Day.
Still, saving even one TM was good news.
...
By the time they returned to the Gym that evening, Gary was so exhausted he was practically collapsed on the ground—yet Xiaowen still dragged him up to clean.
Holding a broom, Gary looked like he was on the verge of tears.
"Me, the grandson of Professor Oak… a prestigious second-generation League trainer… yesterday I was driving a sports car eating hot pot, and today I'm sweeping floors…"
Despite his complaints, his hands didn't slow down at all.
Looking at the floor he had cleaned to a spotless shine, Gary even felt a strange sense of satisfaction.
After finishing her tasks, Xiaowen slung her Togepi backpack over her shoulder and walked up to Red.
"Gym Leader, as per your instructions, we won't be accepting challengers for the next few days."
"But there's something else you need to know…"
Red didn't even look up, just nodded.
Seeing this, Xiaowen puffed up her cheeks and glared at him.
"My dear Gym Leader!"
Only then did Red snap out of his thoughts, still holding the blue stone in his hands.
"Hm? Xiaowen, were you talking to me?"
Xiaowen's lips twitched, but she took a deep breath and continued:
"What I'm trying to say is—the League inspection is coming up soon. You should pay some attention."
"If we fail again this time, our Gym's rating will drop to the same level as the Cerulean Gym."
"That won't just affect our reputation—it'll also Reduce our monthly funding from the League."
"Cerulean Gym can rely on ballet ticket sales, so they don't care. But if our funding drops again, after utilities and Pokémon upkeep, we'll be so broke we'll be eating dirt next month!"
Hearing this, Red rubbed his temples.
"Gym inspection… yeah, that's troublesome…"
But when he looked at the blue stone in his hand, his furrowed brows relaxed.
"Don't worry. Even if we fail, your salary won't be Reduced by a single cent."
For some reason, Xiaowen felt a bit unhappy seeing his attitude. Without another word, she left the Gym with her backpack.
As she walked down the road, she muttered to herself:
"It's just a Permanent Evolution Stone… when I was a kid, we used those as decorations at home…"
...
Back at the Gym, Red sighed and set the Water-type Permanent Evolution Stone aside.
"Gym inspection…"
"Definitely a problem."
Although the inspection also considered various metrics—like badge distribution rate and challenger satisfaction—the most heavily weighted factor was only one:
The Gym Leader's strength.
This was, after all, the Pokémon world. A Gym's core was its strength.
And right now, Red's strongest Pokémon was just a level 22 wild Poliwrath.
Meanwhile, League inspectors averaged above level 45.
There was even a rumor that among them was a Nurse Joy who used a Latias during inspections.
If he ran into her—
Level 22 Poliwrath vs. Latias.
...
No matter how Red thought about it, his chances didn't look good.
Considering next month's funding—and the Gym's nearly seven-figure monthly expenses—Red hesitated for a moment before dialing a number.
Meanwhile, on a beach in the Alola Region—
A middle-aged man in blue swim trunks lounged on a beach chair.
He leisurely admired the seaside view… especially the long legs, sunscreen, and bikinis of young women vacationing nearby.
"Now this is life…"
He took a sip of coconut juice, utterly relaxed.
Just then, his phone rang.
Glancing at the number, he raised an eyebrow.
"Oh? My dear son is calling me? That's rare."
He picked up.
"Well, well, son. You actually called me first for once. What is it—need help? As long as you beg me—"
"Spare me, you shameless old man! Who else would take all the Gym's Pokémon and leave their son to guard it with just two starters?!"
Despite being scolded, the man didn't get angry at all.
"Alright, alright, it's a small matter. So, what do you want?"
Red didn't bother with small talk.
"I'm not asking for help. I'm here to propose a deal."
"A deal? Interesting. Let's hear it."
Red glanced at the blue stone on the table and straightened his posture.
"I found a Permanent Evolution Stone. If you think it's useless, I'll just sell it to the League to get through this inspection."
Beep… beep…
For the first time, the call went silent for more than three seconds.
"A Permanent Evolution Stone? Did you rob the League or something? What type is it—Rock-type?"
A loud thud echoed through the phone, followed by the man's furious roar:
"Are you stupid?! You're going to trade a Permanent Evolution Stone for just passing an inspection?!"
"Do you have any idea how valuable that is to a Gym?! If you trade it with other Gyms, getting one or two Pseudo-Legendary Pokémon wouldn't even be difficult!"
"I'm furious! You little prodigal son! I'm not dead yet!"
"Don't you dare trade it! If you do, I'll come back and beat you to death!"