Kazuki's next destination was Cerulean City, though he hadn't told Misty just yet.
After all, if Misty found out, she'd definitely be squealing the entire way there.
To spare his ears some peace and quiet, Kazuki decided to wait until they reached the crossroads before telling her.
Without all those Bug-type Pokémon from the forest, Misty was in high spirits—singing and dancing along the road.
As they walked, one of Kazuki's Poké Balls began to tremble.
He unhooked it. "It's Metapod! Oh, right—today marks the seventh day since it started evolving!"
Kazuki immediately released Metapod, eager to witness its evolution.
The moment it appeared, Misty's singing came to a screeching halt. She quickly backed away. "Kazuki! Why are you letting that Metapod out again?!"
"It's not a Caterpie anymore—what are you so scared of? Come on, it's about to look amazing!"
No matter how Kazuki tried to explain, Misty still shook her head insistently, choosing to observe from a distance.
Kazuki didn't push her. Deep-seated fears don't go away overnight.
Just then, Metapod's shell made a crisp crack, and a dazzling light burst forth. A beautiful pair of butterfly wings unfurled from within.
Moments later, Butterfree spread its wings and soared into the sky, its glimmering powder catching the sunlight in a dazzling display.
"Wow! So pretty!" Misty, who had just been standing far away, was unconsciously drawn to Kazuki's side by the sight.
"Caterpie's final form is actually this beautiful!"
"Not scared anymore, huh?"
Misty shook her head, eyes still locked on the graceful Butterfree dancing through the air.
Kazuki chuckled and opened Butterfree's status panel.
[Pokémon: Butterfree]
[Base Stats: 395]
[Level: Lv12 (Normal)]
[Potential: Gym]
[Ability: Compound Eyes – Boosts move accuracy]
[Moves: Stun Spore, Sleep Powder, etc.]
Butterfree had stored up enough EXP as a Caterpie that it immediately reached level 12 upon evolving.
Its Ability had changed from Shield Dust to Compound Eyes.
Boosting move accuracy… didn't seem as useful as Shield Dust, honestly.
Not many Pokémon even had high evasion.
Still—this was his very first final-evolution Pokémon.
Might as well give it a little special treatment!
"Butterfree, come here!" Kazuki beckoned it over, and while Misty was distracted, he pulled out a Health Biscuit and a One-Star Potential Enhancement Mark.
Butterfree fluttered back happily, circling around Kazuki several times in joy.
Thanks to his Aura Power, Kazuki could clearly sense Butterfree's gratitude.
"Good job. You haven't eaten in seven days—here, have a biscuit." Kazuki patted its head and offered it the Health Biscuit.
Butterfree cheerfully accepted and started munching away.
"So cute! Can I pet it too?" Misty's resistance to cuteness was nonexistent.
"But it was a Caterpie—you're not scared anymore?"
"Not at all! Butterfree's so adorable!" Misty blinked her big eyes at Kazuki, hoping for permission.
Kazuki looked at her—when she wasn't freaking out, she really was quite cute—so he agreed.
With permission granted, Misty gently reached out to stroke Butterfree's little head.
Kazuki took the opportunity to quietly use the One-Star Potential Enhancement Mark.
A soft glow flowed from his hand into Butterfree.
The system alert came at once.
[Pokémon: Butterfree – Potential: Gym → Quasi-Elite Four!]
Once the process was complete, Kazuki also stepped forward and gave Butterfree a gentle pat.
"Help! Somebody help!"
Suddenly, cries for help reached their ears.
Kazuki and Misty exchanged a look and rushed forward—only to see a scientist-looking man being attacked by a swarm of Zubat.
"Perfect chance to level up Butterfree! Go—use Stun Spore!"
Bfff~!
Receiving the command, Butterfree bravely charged at the swarm of Zubat.
With one well-timed Stun Spore, the Zubat all dropped from the air like stones. A final Gust swept them all away.
[Pokémon: Butterfree – Level: Lv12 → Lv15]
That wave of Zubat had earned Butterfree three levels' worth of EXP.
"Ah! My savior!" The scientist scrambled up from the ground and suddenly lunged at Kazuki, hugging him tightly.
"Whoa there! Uncle, you're a bit too enthusiastic!"
"Pika~ pika~!"
Pikachu tugged at the scientist's pant leg, trying to stop him from squishing its Trainer.
"Uncle? Do I look that old?" The man stroked his stubbled chin. "Ah… I've been camping around Mt. Moon so much lately, I've totally forgotten to groom."
"So why were you being attacked by Zubat?" Misty finally brought the conversation back on track.
"Oh! I forgot to introduce myself. I'm Seymour, a researcher from Pewter Museum!"
After a dramatic monologue, Kazuki learned that Mt. Moon had been suffering ecological damage due to the high value of Moon Stones.
Seymour had been patrolling the area daily, trying to uncover the culprit.
After understanding the situation, Kazuki wasn't surprised when the system chimed once more in his ears.
[Ding...]