If you are an ordinary person, you will find Vermillion City to be a very peaceful place when you arrive.
Vermillion City is the densest place for various Pokemon-related associations. It's hard to believe that this city is one of the key bases of the largest dark organization, Team Rocket, in the Kanto region.
This unusual situation is due to the presence of Lt. Surge. All members of Team Rocket are afraid to cause trouble here. Despite the city's heavy presence of powerful trainers and organizations, it remains particularly calm and comfortable.
As a former member of Team Rocket, Aoki had visited Vermillion City several times before. He was familiar with the environment there.
As long as you don't stir up trouble, nothing unexpected happens.
However, the mission Shadow assigned to Aoki this time involves heading to Blackthorn City in the Johto region, a much more complex place.
The Gym Leader of Blackthorn City, Clair, is known for her mastery of Dragon-type Pokemon. Her strength far surpasses that of a typical elite trainer. If not for her character flaws, she might have already claimed a spot among the four elites of the League or even vied for the Champion's position.
Although Clair would not personally deal with someone as insignificant as Aoki, her presence in Blackthorn City underscores how much the League values the area.
This mission involves many unknown variables, and there is considerable risk.
Twenty-five hours later, the ship finally arrived at the port of Vermillion City.
Looking at the various freighters in the port, the one returning from the Trial Island blended in completely, indistinguishable from the others.
A teenage boy stepped off the ship, ordinary in appearance, wearing standard trainer gear, and accompanied by a pale pink Slowpoke.
It was Aoki, who had changed into League-issued clothing, donned a human-skin mask, and shed the cold aura he carried on Trial Island.
Breathing in the salty sea air and feeling the solid ground beneath his feet, Aoki finally reached Vermillion City.
Vermillion City is a southern city in the Kanto region. As the region's largest port city, its development revolves around maritime trade. Besides cargo ships, the port is also known for its famous cruise liners, including the S.S. Anne and the Aqua Stream.
Although the city isn't the most developed in the Kanto region, it ranks just below Saffron City. The annual port taxes contribute to its rapid growth.
Team Rocket occupies Vermillion City, reaping huge profits in the process.
Lt. Surge's presence here is no coincidence.
As Aoki stepped out of the port and entered the city, the sun was setting.
The streets were busy, filled with people rushing about their tasks. Despite the hustle, their faces wore satisfied smiles.
The comfortable environment of Vermillion City is something the residents cherish.
Because it is a port city, the arrival of strangers like Aoki didn't attract much attention. People like him were common.
This suited Aoki perfectly. He preferred not to stand out.
Although his time on Trial Island had given him a wild, untamed aura, his experience allowed him to conceal it well. People would simply think he was a trainer who had spent a long time surviving in the wilderness.
Trainers capable of surviving the wild often earned a measure of respect.
The Pokeballs attached to his belt and the Slowpoke following him made his identity as a trainer clear, so no one approached him with ill intent.
However, Aoki faced a significant problem: money.
The saying, "a penny can stump a hero," rang true for him. Without funds, he tasted the struggles of being penniless.
His first priority was to earn some money.
Following signs along the road, Aoki reached a shop selling Pokemon items in Vermillion City. He sold some of the less important things he had on him, exchanging them for coins.
Since the more valuable items couldn't be taken out openly, Aoki only managed to get 5,000 Pokecoins.
One benefit of the League-issued ID card was its built-in banking system. The money was directly transferred to his account.
With his balance finally at 5,000 Pokecoins, Aoki left the shop quickly and headed toward the Pokemon Center, guided by the street signs.
The Pokemon Center in Vermillion City is located at the heart of the city. As a hospital specializing in treating Pokemon injuries, it is enormous—spanning an area the size of two football fields and standing five or six stories high.
Dressed as a League trainer, Aoki didn't draw any attention from the center's security staff. After presenting his League ID card, he entered without issue.
In his past life, Aoki had little access to Pokemon Centers. As a child, he wasn't eligible to enter such League-controlled places. Later, when he gained strength, he no longer needed their services. As a result, his visits to Pokemon Centers had been rare.
This was his first time entering a Pokemon Center since his rebirth. However, he was familiar with its layout and functions.
Inside, the center was bustling with activity. Miss Joy and her staff, along with several Chansey, were busy attending to trainers and their Pokemon. Despite the chaos, everything was orderly. Trainers, exhibiting good discipline, patiently waited their turn unless it was an emergency.
In addition to medical services, the Pokemon Center also offered accommodations. One of Aoki's main reasons for coming was to secure a place to stay for the night.
Another critical purpose was to have his Pokemon undergo a thorough examination to check for hidden injuries.
As someone experienced in Pokemon care, Aoki understood how dangerous hidden injuries could be. They might not be visible initially, but over time, they could lead to severe complications, reducing a Pokemon's potential and even leading to death.
Although Aoki hadn't detected any hidden injuries, and his system didn't indicate any abnormalities, he wanted to be sure. The League's technology offered the most comprehensive evaluations, putting his mind at ease.