Rota isn't small; it's more like a town with the scale of a city. However, because the area is quite remote and apart from the famous Cameran Palace, there aren't any other notable places nearby.
"Dylan, where are we going?"
Today, Ilene was wearing a casual long dress as usual. She seemed to love dresses, and Dylan had noticed that she could wear seven different styles in a week.
"Do you have any ideas?"
Dylan thought about it; he couldn't decide on anything himself. In fact, since coming to this world, this was the first time he was planning to go 'far away.'
"Um~ I don't know either." Ilene was a bit troubled, her eyebrows slightly furrowed in indecision.
As the current queen of Rota, Ilene usually stayed in the castle and rarely went out. This time, she finally had the chance to go out with Dylan.
"If we're talking about Kanto, the famous towns are all quite unique. If we're really stuck, why not check out the beach?"
Dylan suggested after some thought. This was also his first time planning to go 'far away.' If he were alone, he would have wanted to go to Lavender Town.
No other reason, but Lavender Town had many Ghost-type Pokémon nearby, and Kanto's most famous Pokémon cemetery, Pokémon Tower, was there.
Pokémon Tower is the largest cemetery in Kanto, comparable to Mt. Pyre in Hoenn, the Lost Tower in Sinnoh, and Celestial Tower in Unova.
Of course, according to later storylines, the Pokémon Tower would be rebuilt as Lavender Radio Tower, and the Pokémon buried there would be moved to the new cemetery, House of Memories.
Dylan wanted to go to Lavender Town to catch a Gastly line Pokémon; Gengar is quite powerful.
But since Ilene was accompanying him, and this was their first time going out to have fun together, Dylan didn't want to take her to a cemetery.
"Alright!"
Ilene smiled and agreed.
"Time is tight. Originally, we should have gone to Cinnabar Island, but we can't get tickets for the ferry until tomorrow. We won't make it in time."
Dylan checked his phone. Cinnabar Island is Kanto's most famous hot spring tourist island, very popular.
Today's tickets were sold out, so they could only book for tomorrow.
"How about we go to Vermilion City? They have a pretty good beach there too."
Ilene was a bit disappointed as she really wanted to experience Cinnabar Island's sun, beach, and hot springs with Dylan. But being the considerate queen, she suggested another location. They could always go to Cinnabar Island another time.
"Sure."
Dylan nodded. Compared to Cinnabar Island, Vermilion City was much closer.
After a brief discussion, they decided to call a cab to Vermilion City.
"Gym Leader Dylan."
At that moment, an officer Jenny in uniform walked over to them.
"Officer Jenny, is there something you need?"
Dylan discreetly observed the Jenny. Wearing Kanto's standard uniform, with light green hair and a beautiful, heroic face.
Hmm... couldn't tell.
Dylan gave up after a while. He'd seen several Jennys in Rota over the past few days but couldn't tell if they were the same person.
The Pokémon world is indeed fascinating, especially in terms of genetics. The name Jenny doesn't refer to an individual but a large police family in the Pokémon world.
The Jenny family is spread across various regions, much like the Joy family, and is a key pillar of the Pokémon League.
The most intriguing thing is the Jenny and Joy families' genetics!
Each family member looks almost identical, with only slight differences that are not easily noticeable to the average person.
It's quite amazing, isn't it? But considering there are people in the Pokémon world who marry Pokémon and even have offspring, it's not so surprising.
Thinking about human-Pokémon relationships, Dylan couldn't help but think of that handsome green-haired man in Unova.
He is a very special human. Dylan wondered if, in this world, he had already gained the Dragon God's approval.
Dylan pondered this and another crucial question he was curious about: Was that special human's father a Pokémon or his mother? And which Pokémon was it?
Dylan was really curious.
"Nothing important, Gym Leader Dylan, are you going out?"
Officer Jenny greeted Ilene, then smiled at Dylan.
Though each Jenny is a police officer full of justice, they are quite easy to get along with in daily life. And if you have trouble and ask for help, Jenny is usually willing to lend a hand if she's not busy.
"Yes, I plan to train in the wild for a couple of days to better handle challengers."
"It's great that Gym Leader Dylan has such dedication. It's a blessing for Rota."
Jenny was pleased. As Rota's Jenny, she had a strong sense of identity with the place.
Seeing the Rota Gym improve was only beneficial for Rota.
As for gym leaders going out for training for a few days, it was perfectly normal. No gym leader stays cooped up in their gym all the time like a hermit.
Gym trainers are trainers too, and they need to train.
"But Gym Leader Dylan, do keep track of time. Even if you're training, you can't stay away from the gym for too long."
"I understand. Thank you for the reminder." Dylan smiled.
"And one more thing, Gym Leader Dylan, if you encounter any strange challengers recently, please be cautious."
Jenny glanced around before whispering to Dylan.
"What do you mean?" Dylan raised an eyebrow.
"I can't say much; it's from higher up. But I believe Gym Leader Dylan can become an excellent gym trainer. I trust you'll handle it well."
Jenny spoke softly, her beautiful face showing goodwill.
That was all she could say. She had seen Dylan's transformation, from a newbie fresh out of Pokémon School inheriting the gym to someone who was seriously running Rota Gym.
"Thank you, I understand."
Dylan got the hint. Due to the bad reputation recently, the Pokémon League's Inspection Bureau must be sending someone for a secret inspection.
Pokémon inspectors regularly visit and investigate gyms, reporting to the Inspection Bureau, which then decides on any necessary actions.
Dylan took this seriously. Rota Gym was a new gym; if the inspector found it lacking, it would be a big problem.
Cerulean Gym could hold out until Misty returned from her Johto journey because it was Cerulean Gym.
Cerulean Gym is one of Kanto's official gyms and has contributed greatly to the Kanto Pokémon League, earning it a high tolerance from the League.
The decline in Cerulean Gym's reviews was due to a lack of new leaders, not because the inheritors weren't trying. The Kanto League knew Misty was training on her journey.
So, the League was willing to give Cerulean Gym a chance. However, a newly established Rota Gym didn't have such a background.
But it wasn't a big deal. Dylan believed he was now a fairly competent trainer and could handle an inspector.
"By the way, Gym Leader Dylan, the Inspection Bureau is setting up a group chat for Kanto gym leaders. This way, you can communicate and share experiences, helping each other improve."
Jenny was about to leave when she remembered this and informed Dylan.
"A gym leader group chat? Sounds good." Dylan was a bit surprised, but it seemed like a good idea.
"There are many excellent gym leaders in Kanto. You can learn a lot from experienced leaders like Gym Leader Giovanni from Viridian City. He's a very strong and skilled trainer, which will benefit you greatly."
"If you want to join the group chat, you can contact the Inspection Bureau."
"Thank you, Officer Jenny, I will."
Dylan smiled and nodded, though his expression was a bit odd.
Many excellent gym leader seniors in Kanto? Giovanni?
Hmm, no problem there. Giovanni's public persona as a gym leader is impeccable.
But if we're talking about the excellent gym leader seniors in Kanto...
Dylan's mind conjured images of several gym leaders.
In the games, it's fine; those gym leaders are responsible. But in the anime, their personalities are quirky, yet acceptable.
However, in the special manga version, it would be amusing.
(End of Chapter)