Chapter 149: Saffron City

Saffron City, located in the heart of the Kanto region, is unparalleled in its grandeur. It is the largest, busiest, and most prosperous city in the entire region, with a vast network of roads extending in all directions. No other city in Kanto can compare to its scale and development.

Its reputation is well known even in other regions, primarily due to the headquarters of Silph Co., a leading corporation in Pokémon-related technology, being based here. Beyond being Kanto's commercial hub, Saffron City boasts the most advanced infrastructure in the region. The city is far more modern than any other, featuring towering skyscrapers, high-end shopping centers, and a Magnet Train station that connects Kanto and Johto, making travel between the two regions seamless.

In addition to its economic significance, Saffron City is home to an official Pokémon Gym, sanctioned by the Pokémon League. The Saffron Gym, named after the city itself, is known for its highly skilled Gym Leader and challenging battles.

A City Like No Other

After four days of travel, Ash and his friends finally arrived in Saffron City. As they stepped into the bustling metropolis, Ash couldn't help but marvel at the sight before him.

"This is Saffron City… It's amazing," Ash exclaimed, eyes wide with wonder. Compared to this vast urban jungle, Pallet Town seemed like a small, quiet village.

"I really envy the people who live here," Misty said with a hint of admiration. "Just look at how huge and lively this place is… Saffron Gym must be incredible."

"Well, Saffron City may look impressive, but it's not without its problems," Brock said calmly. His composed demeanor didn't last long, though. As they walked, a beautiful woman passed by, and Brock immediately sprang into action, attempting to flirt with her.

Before he could embarrass himself further, Ivysaur intervened, grabbing Brock and pulling him back. Ash and Misty quickly apologized to the woman on Brock's behalf.

"Brock, seriously? How long are you going to keep doing this?" Misty sighed, shaking her head. "If you keep acting like this, you'll never win over Mei's heart!"

"I can't help it!" Brock cried dramatically, covering his face with his hands. "I try to control myself, but for some reason, I just can't!"

Misty groaned. "You're usually so calm, reliable, and mature. But the moment you see a beautiful girl, you turn into a total creep."

Brock sighed heavily. "I want to change, I really do! But every time I see my ideal type, my body just acts on its own!"

Ignoring his lament, the group arrived at the Pokémon Center, where they checked in for the night. After settling into their dormitory, Ash put away his belongings and turned to Brock.

"You mentioned earlier that Saffron City has some issues right now. What did you mean by that?"

Brock, who had nearly forgotten his earlier remark, became serious again. "Right… I suppose you don't know much about the current situation here, do you?"

Ash shook his head.

Brock continued, "You probably know that Sabrina, the Saffron Gym Leader, specializes in Psychic-type Pokémon, right?"

Ash nodded. "Yeah, I've heard about her."

Brock paused before explaining, "But before Sabrina became the Gym Leader, things were very different. In fact, just two years ago, Saffron Gym was actually a Fighting-type Gym."

Ash's eyes widened in surprise. "A Fighting-type Gym?"

"That's right," Brock confirmed. "Two years ago, the Fighting Dojo was the main Gym here. But then Sabrina appeared."

Ash was already somewhat familiar with this story. He had seen the Fighting Dojo next to Saffron Gym in the games, and he had read about its downfall in real-world news reports.

The Rise of Sabrina

Sabrina was born with extraordinary Psychic powers. From a young age, she demonstrated an unparalleled talent in training Psychic-type Pokémon. Three years ago, she challenged the Fighting Dojo's Gym Leader in a sanctioned battle. She won, earning the title of Saffron Gym Leader and turning the once Fighting-focused Gym into a Psychic-type stronghold.

At first, this seemed like nothing more than a young prodigy proving her strength. However, the reality was far more complicated.

After taking over, Sabrina dismissed nearly all the Gym's trainers, allowing only a small team of League officials to remain. Her main goal wasn't to run a Gym for the sake of the League—it was to test her own strength against challengers.

Unfortunately for her, the reality of being a Gym Leader didn't match her expectations. Not every challenger was strong enough to push her limits, and the endless routine of Gym battles began to frustrate her.

Then, two years ago, Sabrina snapped.

Using her Psychic powers, she turned every challenger who lost to her into a doll, trapping them in a miniature playhouse she created. Even her own parents, who tried to stop her, were not spared.

Her actions terrified the entire Kanto region. Trainers avoided Saffron City, fearing what might happen if they lost.

Eventually, the situation became so dire that the Pokémon League had to step in. Agatha, a member of the Elite Four, personally confronted Sabrina, using her experience and Ghost-type Pokémon to subdue her. Under pressure from the League, Sabrina agreed to stop permanently transforming challengers.

However, she didn't completely give up her harsh methods. She changed the rules:

Now, anyone who loses to her is turned into a doll for one week.

"This is still a terrifying consequence," Brock admitted. "Some trainers are so afraid of losing that they refuse to challenge her at all. Others have left Kanto entirely, going to different regions to collect badges instead."

Ash frowned, absorbing this information.

Even though Sabrina was no longer permanently transforming people, being turned into a doll for a whole week was still a serious punishment. It meant wasting time—something no trainer working toward the Indigo Plateau Conference could afford.

But despite the risks, Ash's determination didn't waver.

"I don't care how difficult it is," Ash said firmly. "If I want to compete in the Indigo Plateau Conference, I have to earn the Saffron Gym Badge. And I will defeat Sabrina."

Ash clenched his fist, looking down at Pikachu, who nodded back at him with equal determination.

Brock smiled. "That's the kind of confidence I wanted to see."

The reason he had brought up this story was to test Ash's resolve. Many trainers, after hearing about Sabrina's challenge, would hesitate or even back out. But Ash's conviction remained unshaken.

"Alright then," Brock said. "Since you're serious about this, we'll take the whole day to rest and prepare a strategy tonight. If we plan carefully, we can defeat Sabrina in one attempt."

Ash grinned. "Sounds good to me."

He extended his fist toward Brock, who bumped fists with him in solidarity.

Pikachu, eager to show his own spirit, raised his tiny paw and placed it on top of theirs, completing the gesture of unity.

Their next challenge was just ahead, and Ash was ready to face whatever came his way.