Chapter 140: The Photo of Suicune
Rio released Charizard, preparing to leave. But before departing, he said goodbye to Cynthia. Cynthia had finished her ancient script studies and planned to return to Sinnoh that afternoon. She’d actually been ready to leave much earlier, but for some reason, she’d chosen to stay a while longer.
"Rio—make sure you visit Sinnoh sometime," Cynthia said, packing her things. She clenched her fist. "Next time we meet, my Garchomp will have its Mega Stone from my grandmother. Just wait—we’ll wipe the floor with you!"
"I’ll be looking forward to it." Rio shrugged with a smile, holding Eevee as he climbed onto Charizard’s back.
Three hours later, Rio arrived in Celadon City on Charizard, landing at the Celadon Gym. A large gathering of trainers had already assembled. The black Charizard’s appearance drew their attention. Rio scanned the crowd—Erika hadn’t arrived yet.
"Good work, Charizard." Rio patted its head and recalled it, then found an empty spot to sit. Almost immediately, people started gravitating toward him, asking where he’d gotten such a cool shiny Charizard. Rio told them the truth—he’d adopted it from the Pokémon House. But no one believed him. He shrugged helplessly—believe it or not.
"A black Charizard—nothing to show off about," a voice sneered from nearby. Rio looked over and saw a young man in a blue suit with a small white cape. The man continued: "I’ve seen Suicune with my own eyes, and I never brag about it. You people are making a fuss over a black Charizard—really low standards."
That is literally bragging, Rio thought, raising an eyebrow. He figured he’d met a real character.
"Suicune? You’ve seen Suicune?"
"One of the three legendary beasts?"
The crowd that had been gathered around Rio immediately swarmed the man.
"Of course. Only Suicune—one of the three legendary beasts—deserves that name," the man said with a grin.
"Are you sure you’re not lying? Anyone can say they’ve seen Suicune. By that logic, I could say I’ve seen Ho-Oh and Lugia," someone challenged.
"How about this?" The man pulled out his phone, showing a photo of a sleek, elegant Pokémon with a white flowing ribbon around its body, standing proudly on a body of water.
"Oh my god—it really is Suicune!"
"Wow—I’ve only ever seen it in magazines. I can’t believe you’ve actually seen it in person!"
The photo sent the crowd into a frenzy. They flocked around the man, who soaked up the attention. He even angled his phone so Rio could see it. Rio glanced at the photo, a flicker of surprise crossing his face—he hadn’t expected the man to be telling the truth.
The man added: "I’ve been studying Suicune for years. I know every one of its habits. One day, it will be my Pokémon."
Rio raised an eyebrow and studied the show-off more carefully, wondering who he was. If everything he claimed was true, this guy was no ordinary trainer.
A few minutes later, Erika appeared, entering from one of the Gym’s side doors.
"Thank you all for coming to join this important effort," she said. Everyone turned to her. She greeted them one by one. When she reached the man with the Suicune photo, she shook his hand warmly.
"Eusine—long time no see. I’m so glad you made it."
The man puffed out his chest: "When my hometown is in danger, of course I’ll step up. Team Rocket setting up a base right here in Celadon is an insult to every trainer in this city. Today, I’ll make sure they remember the name Eusine!"
Eusine... Rio frowned. He felt he recognized that name. In the original story, Eusine was a narcissistic, arrogant individual—exactly as he appeared now—and a passionate devotee of Suicune, obsessed with researching it and winning its approval.
Erika spotted Rio. "Rio—I’ve been waiting for you."
Rio’s mouth twitched. As expected of the nominal head of the eight Gyms—she sure knows how to sweet-talk.
"I’m just following Gym Leader Erika’s lead today," Rio said with a smile.
"If you’re following my lead..." Erika patted his shoulder, then addressed the crowd: "Everyone—today’s operation against Team Rocket will be split into two teams. I’ll lead one, and Mr. Rio here will lead the other. If anyone has objections, speak now."
"I object—I think I’m strong enough to lead a team too," Eusine immediately frowned and spoke up.
"I object too."
"Same here."
Others in the crowd chimed in, each believing they were the better choice.
Erika smiled at Rio. She had expected some pushback and wanted to settle it upfront.
"Any objections—then let’s settle it in battle." Rio shrugged, walking toward the battlefield. Erika’s words made it clear—if you want to lead, prove you’re stronger. And in this room, everyone—including Erika—was beneath him.
"Let me go first." Eusine stepped onto the opposite side of the battlefield as Rio. With a flash of light, he released a Level 49 Quasi-Elite Four Alakazam.
Rio raised an eyebrow, then sent out Greninja.
Greninja’s appearance drew a look of surprise from Erika. How much has it grown in just three months? She remembered that when she’d first seen it, Greninja was still a Froakie. Now it had reached its final evolution.
What shocked her even more—Rio said, "Greninja—show them your true power," and Greninja was suddenly engulfed in a pillar of water. When it receded, Greninja was covered in a flowing watery aura.
"What’s going on?! Why does his Greninja look completely different from the ones I saw in Kalos?!"