The strongest gym leader starts by beating up Gary.

"Master, will this really make me stronger?"

“I’ve already told you, when you’re out there, you should address me by my title, call me Master.”

This was already Xiao Mao's second day as Fang Yuan's disciple.

At this moment, Fang Yuan and Xiao Mao were not in the Matsuzo Dojo, but had come to a forest not far from the Matsuzo Dojo.

Xiao Mao followed Fang Yuan with a look of despair, beads of sweat dripping from his forehead.

Unlike Ash, who often gets lost and wanders into various forests and mountains, Gary mainly travels between different cities in a sports car and rarely enters such dense forests.

Such an environment was very difficult for Xiao Mao, who had grown up in a greenhouse.

Fang Yuan, however, had long been accustomed to this environment.

Fang Yuan stood on a tree stump and carefully observed the surrounding environment.

We'll be there soon.

On Fang Yuan's shoulder, Mudkip was desperately pulling on his clothes with its tiny arms to keep from falling.

Besides Mudkip, another Pokémon was floating beside Fang Yuan, its transparent body hovering in mid-air, its eyes filled with curiosity about the world.

And this sprite's name is Floating Bubble.

It is Fang Yuan's second starter Pokémon, and also the representative Pokémon of the Matsuzo Gym.

After all, the Matsumo Gym is good at all weather conditions, and the key to integrating all weather conditions is this seemingly inconspicuous floating bubble.

Moreover, the potential of this floating bubble is also quite amazing.

【Sprite: Floating Bubble♀】

【Level: 6】

[Talent: Excellent (Physical Attack: 25, Special Attack: 31, Defense: 25, Special Defense: 28, Speed: 30, HP: 28) Total: 167]

【Feature: Weather forecast (changes its form and attributes according to different weather conditions)】

[Skills: Water gun, sparks, sleet, impact, precognition, instant amnesia]

[Review: A floating bubble with exceptional potential, containing immense hidden energy]

This is the first Pokémon with top-tier stats that Fang Yuan has ever seen. Even Xiao Mao's Wartortle and Mudkip are only considered high-quality.

This alone demonstrates the potential of this floating bubble.

Fang Yuan looked at the floating bubbles and the water leaping fish path

"Can you sense where the air humidity is higher nearby?"

Upon hearing Fang Yuan's words, Mudkip and Bubble both closed their eyes and began using their abilities to search for places with higher humidity.

The floating bubble was the first to open its eyes and cheerfully chose the path to the left.

Mudkip was a step slower, but it also chose the direction to the left front.

"They're all good kids."

Fang Yuan took out two high-level energy cubes and gave them to Mudkip and Bubble as a reward.

Upon seeing the advanced energy cube that Fang Yuan took out, both Mudkip and Bubble excitedly widened their eyes, their mouths watering uncontrollably.

At this moment, Xiao Mao was almost completely exhausted. He squatted on the ground, looking at Fang Yuan with a puzzled expression, while taking out a water cup and drinking water in large gulps.

"Master, what exactly are we doing in this forest?"

Fang Yuan's fingers traced the dozen or so empty Poké Balls in his pocket.

"Of course, we're out catching Pokémon."

"After all, there are only two Pokémon in the gym right now, which is really not enough to make it look impressive."

Upon hearing Fang Yuan's words, Xiao Mao, who was drinking water, nearly choked to death on the spot.

'Cough cough cough.....'

"Master, are you joking? You mean there are only these two little guys in the dojo right now?"

"Congratulations on your guess."

However, Fang Yuan looked at Xiao Mao, who showed no resentment.

"But you have no complaints?"

"Complaints? Why would I complain? I became your apprentice because of your leadership skills and understanding of the profession of trainer, not because I became your apprentice just because someone is the strongest."

"Otherwise, let alone gym leaders, I've seen quite a few Elite Four members and champions."

Looking at Xiao Mao in front of him, Fang Yuan smiled.

Fang Yuan patted Xiao Mao, who was panting heavily, and said

"Let's go. Now that you've already acknowledged me as your master, I won't hold back. I'll take you to a training match later."

"Provide guidance during matches?"

Xiao Mao looked at Fang Yuan with some curiosity.

Fang Yuan smiled and then pushed Xiao Mao away without hesitation.

"What kind of master are you?"

Xiao Mao staggered a few steps, and after finally regaining his footing, he complained to Fang Yuan.

Fang Yuan still had a smile on his face at this moment.

"Your next goal is to defeat it."

Upon hearing Fang Yuan's words, Xiao Mao immediately felt as if he could smell a strong, fishy stench.

Gary slowly turned around, and a Pokémon that wasn't particularly tall but exuded a powerful aura stood behind him.

A fast-swimming frog stood menacingly behind Xiao Mao.

A pair of large eyes stared intently at Xiao Mao, emanating an aura that suggested he was not to be trifled with.

"Oh no..."

Seeing Xiao Mao's stunned expression, Fang Yuan immediately scolded him.

"What are you standing there for? Take out your Poké Ball! When you're in danger, believe that your Pokémon is your only hope."

Upon hearing Fang Yuan's words, Xiao Mao snapped out of his daze and hurriedly pulled out the Squirtle's Poké Ball from his waist.

The Poké Ball opened, and Wartortle jumped out.

But Poliwrath wasn't just watching; when it saw Wartortle appear, it kicked it without hesitation.

Wartortle was attacked before it even appeared.

"This is a battle in the wild, not a battle between trainers. The timing and location of releasing the Pokémon are things that need to be considered."

Hearing Fang Yuan's words, Xiao Mao couldn't help but complain.

"But why didn't you remind me, Master?"

Xiao Mao turned his head and found that Fang Yuan was already sitting on the tree stump, taking out a handful of sunflower seeds from somewhere and cracking them open.

Didn't I already say that when we were traveling together?

Upon hearing Fang Yuan's words, Xiao Mao scratched his head somewhat awkwardly, realizing he hadn't paid attention while on the road.

"A lesson is easy to learn in one go, so stop talking nonsense and let the enemy's attack come again!"

Upon hearing Fang Yuan's words, Xiao Mao immediately gave instructions.

"Wartoroo! Iron Defense!"

Wartortle's shell shone brightly, becoming as hard as steel. Poliwag punched the shell, blocking the attack, but Wartortle was still knocked back several steps by Poliwag.

Seeing the formidable fast-swimming frog in front of him, Xiao Mao immediately sought help from Fang Yuan.

"Master, Poliwrath is the final form of a Pokémon! I'm no match for it!"

"What's the panic? Observe the strength of the Poliwrath; this Poliwrath isn't as strong as you think," Fang Yuan replied.

.......

Fang Yuan wasn't particularly worried as he watched the two sides clashing.

Although this Poliwrath is in its final form, it is only level 22 and its aptitude is not high. With Gary's command ability and Wartortle's strength, it should be able to protect itself without any problems.

Generally speaking, Pokémon in their final form, such as Poliwrath, will not be lower than level 36.

This fast-swimming frog was only level 22, so it's no wonder that Xiao Shigeru immediately thought it was no match for him.

However, the appearance of such a low-level fast-swimming frog here was somewhat within Fang Yuan's expectations.

Because in this area, a low-level final form Pokémon appears every now and then.

Fang Yuan's adoptive father had also come to this area to investigate several times, but found nothing unusual.

Fang Yuan's goal in coming here this time was not only to capture the Pokémon used in the gym, but also to try to find out the reason for Pokémon evolution.

Fang Yuan slowly closed his eyes, began to calm his mind, and a faint green energy began to move in his mind.

This is also the source of Fang Yuanlai's confidence in finding the reason: the power of Tokiwa.

Even though it's a flawed version of Tokiwa's power, it's still a special ability, so it shouldn't disappoint me, right?

Chapter 7 Taming the Poliwrath

"Warlock, spray water again!"

The water rippled around the turtle, propelling it into the air, and its head slammed heavily into the belly of the fast-swimming frog.

The battered and bruised Frog held its belly, and finally collapsed to the ground with a look of utter despair, unable to fight any longer.

"Huh...huh..."

Shigeru and Wartortle were panting heavily, mud dripping from their hair. At this moment, he looked no different from the Bug Catcher, and there was no trace of the rich young master he once was.

[Ding~ Congratulations, Master! Xiao Shi's exclusive mission progress +5% (Reward available upon reaching 20%)]

Fang Yuan suddenly opened his eyes, not even having time to pay attention to the system prompts—the incomplete power of Tokiwa finally allowed him to discover the secret of this body of water.

A dormant, permanent water-type evolution stone.

"Master, how was it? Did I do a good job?"

Hearing Xiao Mao's call, Fang Yuan shook his arm, which was trembling slightly from excitement, and said...

"Yes, you did a really good job."

Fang Yuan took a deep breath, hiding all his excitement in his eyes, and naturally took out a Poké Ball to capture the Poliwrath that had lost its ability to battle.

Seeing this, Xiao Mao hesitated, wanting to say something but holding back.

But in the end, Xiao Mao mustered up his courage and said...

“Master, although I don’t want to capture this Politoed, it’s almost impossible to command a Pokémon unless it has been captured by the defeated opponent.”

"If you don't mind, I can hold it for you!"

As he spoke, Xiao Mao's expression became somewhat smug.

Fang Yuan chuckled and said...

"What, you think I can't control a fast breaststroke?"

"No, no, of course I believe Master, it's just that this Swimming Frog has a stubborn personality..." Xiao Mao said he believed him, but his body language betrayed his true feelings.

Fang Yuan released the Poliwrath that he had already captured back into its Poké Ball.

At this point, the fast-swimming frog gradually regained consciousness and managed to assume a defensive posture.

Seeing the Frog prepare for battle, Bubbles and Mudkip immediately stepped forward and stood in front of Fang Yuan, not to be outdone.

Just as tensions were running high between the two sides, Fang Yuan picked up Mudkip and set it aside, then took out a blue Energy Cube from his pocket and placed it in front of Poliwrath.

Do you remember this taste?

Seeing the irresistible aroma of the energy cube before him, Poliwrath's eyes lit up instantly.

With lightning speed, it popped the blue energy cube into its mouth, and the familiar deliciousness captivated the Swimfrog.