The next morning.
Xiao Mao, accompanied by Gengar, Gastly, and Haunter, embarked on the journey back to Goldenrod City.
Since Xiao Mao hadn't officially caught them, Gengar and the others remained hidden within his shadow, a unique ability possessed by Ghost-type Pokémon.
Xiao Mao rode towards shaded areas along the way, sprinting through the journey, using the entire morning. It was already noon when he reached Goldenrod City.
This was mainly due to the relatively flat terrain between Goldenrod City and Lavender Town, allowing him to reach his destination within half a day.
"Xiao Mao, you're back so soon!"
Just as Xiao Mao was about to call Na Jun, his voice came from behind.
"Mr. Na Jun...were you waiting for me here?"
"Just passing by, I was hoping you'd be back soon and have caught a Ghost-type Pokemon," Na Jun said curiously.
Ever since discovering the reason behind Na's change, Na Jun had been hoping for Xiao Mao's quick return and had been lingering in the area. He happened to be passing by for lunch and spotted Xiao Mao cycling towards him.
But it had only been one night, and Xiao Mao had already returned with a Ghost-type Pokémon. This was incredibly fast.
Ghost-type Pokémon are notoriously difficult to capture, even Na Jun, a powerful Psychic-type user, couldn't sense their presence.
"Not really caught, I just asked them for help," Xiao Mao said.
"Asked for help?"
Can you even ask Ghost-type Pokémon for help?
Na Jun didn't care about the details, as long as he could get his hands on a Ghost-type Pokémon. He asked, "Where are the Ghost-type Pokémon?"
"They're right beside you," Xiao Mao said.
"Beside me?"
Na Jun was even more confused. He looked around but couldn't find any Ghost-type Pokémon, his brow furrowed. "Xiao Mao, you wouldn't be lying about not catching a Ghost-type Pokémon, would you?"
Xiao Mao was only ten years old, and Na Jun thought he must be lying.
"Gengar!"
However, as soon as he finished speaking, Gengar deliberately appeared beside Na Jun.
"Gengar!" Na Jun was startled.
"Gastly!"
"Haunter!"
Then, Gastly and Haunter appeared one after another.
"You...actually managed to invite three Ghost-type Pokémon...!" Na Jun couldn't believe it.
Ghost-type Pokémon are notoriously difficult to catch. Usually, trainers are lucky to catch one. Xiao Mao had managed to bring three Ghost-type Pokémon, and not just captured, but invited. This was incredible.
"Mr. Na Jun...!" Xiao Mao didn't hide anything, he recounted his experiences with Gengar and the others, including their love for comedy.
"I never imagined that the Ghost-type Pokémon in the Pokémon Tower were actually scaring people because they loved comedy."
After listening, Na Jun was surprised to learn the reason behind the Pokémon Tower's haunting.
Who would have thought that Ghost-type Pokémon would enjoy comedy.
"No problem, as long as you can save my daughter, I'll build a stage for you in the school, and you can perform every week. If you do well, I can even get the TV station to broadcast your performances," Na Jun said.
Na Jun, after all, was the former Goldenrod Gym Leader and a powerful Psychic-type master, he had a lot of status and influence.
"Gengar!"
"Haunter!"
"Gastly!"
Upon hearing that they could be on TV, Gengar and the others immediately assured Na Jun that they would definitely save his daughter.
Thus, the two humans and three Ghosts began to devise a plan.
The plan was simple: Xiao Mao would challenge Na, then Gengar and the others would sneakily hide and wait until Na Jun appeared. When the battle reached a certain point, Na Jun would instantly teleport to the location.
Na Jun's arrival would be the signal for Gengar and the others to attack. They would immediately target the dolls surrounding Na.
Gengar and the others readily agreed.
Xiao Mao felt a bit apprehensive, because Gengar and the others were unreliable.
In the original storyline, Gastly had promised to help Ash, but often disappeared and completely forgot about their agreement with Ash.
Although Gengar and Haunter were here now, they didn't seem much better than Gastly.
But for the sake of getting a Kadabra, Xiao Mao had to compromise.
After planning, Xiao Mao had lunch, rested for a while, and then arrived at the entrance of Goldenrod Gym.
【Ding! Mission issued, obtain the Goldenrod Gym Badge/Rewards: Medium Rare Candy X10, Permanent Skill Learning Machine Dream Eater, Top-notch Crooked Spoon (Psychic-type skill power increased by 50%) X1】
Xiao Mao was stunned.
The rewards for the gym challenge had changed. The Low-grade Rare Candy was replaced with a Medium-grade Rare Candy.
This should be based on the strength of the Gym. But Na is only worth Medium-grade Rare Candy, which means she isn't that strong.
Furthermore, the skills awarded this time are quite good. Xiao Mao's Butterfree, Exeggutor, and even the Kadabra he'll capture later can learn them.
"Let's try Na's strength then."
Xiao Mao walked over and pressed the doorbell.
Soon, a male apprentice opened the door.
"Who are you?" the apprentice asked.
"My name is Xiao Mao, I'm from Pallet Town, I'm here to challenge the Gym," Xiao Mao introduced himself.
"Challenging the Gym...I suggest you go back and practice some more. Our Gym Leader is very strong," the apprentice saw that Xiao Mao was younger than him and definitely wouldn't be a match for Na. He advised Xiao Mao to go back and train.
"If you want me to leave, make Na defeat me," Xiao Mao said dismissively.
"Since you're looking for death, come with me," the apprentice knew the situation within the Gym. He was trying to be kind by advising Xiao Mao to leave, but since he wouldn't listen, it was no longer his problem.
It wasn't that the apprentice couldn't speak directly, but the entire Goldenrod Gym was under Na's surveillance. If he dared to reveal the situation within the Gym, he might be killed by Na.
Therefore, the apprentice could only use this method to drive Xiao Mao away.
Xiao Mao followed the apprentice and arrived at the battleground within the Gym. There was a curtain-like door at the end.
The apprentice walked to the curtain door, knelt on one knee, and said respectfully, "Miss Na, someone wants to challenge you."
As soon as he finished speaking, the curtain's leaves were lifted, revealing everything behind the door. A shadow could be seen inside, a little girl with long hair, wearing a white dress and a hat, sitting on a chair.
The little girl suddenly raised her head, her eyes glowing red. An invisible Psychic power suddenly bound the apprentice.
The apprentice screamed, feeling like his body was about to be crushed.
"I'm sorry, I shouldn't have spoken, please forgive me." The apprentice immediately remembered what he had said earlier and quickly apologized and begged for mercy.
Perhaps the apprentice's pleas touched the little girl. The Psychic power that had bound him disappeared. The apprentice, frightened and terrified, immediately fled.