Pokémon: I’m Really Not a Team Rocket Spy

Three days later.

After finishing breakfast, Maki fed his prepared Pokéblocks to Charmander before heading out of the Pokémon Center.

Today, his destination was the Pokémon League Arena in Viridian City.

The Viridian Arena was a structure larger than both the Viridian Gym and the Pokémon Center combined. Even within Kanto, it was among the more prominent arenas.

As one of the largest cities in Kanto, Viridian City prided itself on its grandeur.

Maki's reason for visiting the arena? To pass the Pokémon League's qualification test.

The qualification test for Poké Ball rank trainers wasn't particularly difficult. Its primary purpose was to weed out trainers with Pokémon like Caterpie or Weedle who were only there to fill numbers.

For trainers receiving their starter Pokémon from the League, passing the test was practically guaranteed.

Even someone like that edgy kid Nathan, whom Maki had met the day before, could pass the test if he spent some time familiarizing himself with his Cyndaquil.

This marked the gap between civilian trainers and trainers from the League's direct lineage.

In some regions, even seeing a League-issued starter was enough for examiners to let trainers pass with minimal effort.

Of course, Maki had no intention of exploiting such leniency. He felt confident about this relatively simple test.

Especially after three days of training, Maki and Charmander had developed a basic level of synergy—not perfect, but enough for Charmander to quickly respond to Maki's commands.

Charmander's familiarity with moves had also improved compared to a few days ago. Thanks to Maki's custom-made Pokéblocks, Charmander's strength had been progressing at a breakneck pace—like a car speeding with the pedal to the metal.

When Maki arrived at the arena's entrance, he looked up at a massive screen above the doors, which displayed a battle currently underway inside.

One side featured a Slowbro and a Pelipper, while the opposing side had a Sandslash and a Parasect.

Just as Maki glanced up, Slowbro landed a Scald on Sandslash, dealing significant damage.

Both sides had formidable Pokémon, and since it was a doubles match, Maki estimated the trainers were at least at the Great Ball level.

From his experience, the Pokémon on display likely had Ultra Ball rank strength.

This was already quite impressive. In this world, Pokémon were generally categorized into Poké Ball, Great Ball, and Ultra Ball levels. Beyond that were the Elite Four level and the Champion level.

Theoretically, a trainer with Ultra Ball-tier strength could apply to become a Gym Leader—a testament to their capability.

However, becoming a Gym Leader wasn't solely about strength. Other factors, such as character and qualifications, were just as important.

In a city, Gym Leaders held significant status. Take Viridian City, for example. Giovanni's position was second only to the city's Pokémon League branch president. Calling him a local ruler wouldn't be an exaggeration.

But with great power came great responsibility. In times of crisis, a Gym Leader became the city's unwavering shield.

After glancing briefly at the Pokémon on the screen, Maki confidently muttered, "Not as good as my Beedrill," and walked straight into the arena.

"Hello, are you here for a battle?"

The receptionist greeted Maki with a professional smile as he approached the counter.

That trademark smile, Maki thought. Probably trained in the Joy family.

"I'm here for the qualification test."

Maki presented his Poké Ball and handed over his ID.

After verifying his information, the receptionist immediately recognized him as a rookie trainer directly affiliated with the League. Certain procedural steps were waived, and the battle test preparations began promptly.

Maki couldn't help but appreciate his father's decision to register him as a League affiliate. It saved him a lot of hassle in situations like this.

The receptionist led him to a room where a middle-aged man sat cross-legged on the floor, wearing only a training vest. His arms were crossed, and his eyes were closed as if meditating.

"Mr. Luca, this is the trainer here for the qualification test," the receptionist said.

"I see," Luca replied, opening his eyes and scrutinizing Maki.

This particular testing route was reserved for special cases. Only League-affiliated trainers with specific endorsements were sent here.

Naturally, Maki's special endorsement came from none other than Professor Oak.

Though Professor Oak had been disappointed that Maki chose not to stay as his assistant, he wasn't petty. On the contrary, he had high hopes for Maki's potential.

The purpose of these special arrangements was simple: to identify promising young trainers.

As for civilian trainers, while some did show potential, their overall quality and numbers made individualized evaluations impractical.

"Well, I'll leave you to it," the receptionist said, waving at Luca before giving Maki an encouraging smile.

What she didn't mention was that Luca was known as the strictest examiner here. While other examiners might cut League trainees some slack, Luca held everyone to the same high standards.

Noticing her inexplicable smile, Maki was briefly taken aback. Sure, he knew he was handsome, but wasn't that reaction a bit much?

Unaware that his attempts to impress Professor Oak had triggered a unique situation, Maki shifted his focus to Luca.

"Hello, I'm Maki, here for the qualification test," he greeted politely. After all, courtesy cost nothing.

Luca nodded slightly and retrieved a Poké Ball from behind him.

"If you've been sent here, I assume your Pokémon is from the League," Luca remarked. He couldn't help but reflect that his own career might have reached greater heights had he started with such advantages.

"My requirements are simple. Battle this Pokémon. Winning or losing doesn't matter; just show me something impressive."

With that, Luca tossed the Poké Ball, releasing a purple Pokémon that appeared before Maki.

-----------------------

SUPPORT ME ON PATREON!!!

Join here for advance chapters: PATREON.COM / PRIMALDEMON

There are more than 20 advance chapters available for you!