Pokemon: The Legendary Trainer

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Sato followed Bug Catcher Shiro's lead, swiftly making his way through the dense forest of Route 123 before emerging onto a sandy beach along the coastline. 

According to the map, this area marked the boundary of Route 118.

"All you have to do is head straight across this section of the sea to reach the western side of Route 118. Don't worry; the water separating the land isn't too vast. If you have a Water-type Pokémon big enough to carry you, it'll take about half an hour of swimming to see the opposite shore. Otherwise, you can follow the coastline to a boat rental place over there. But let me warn you—those guys charge a steep price: 10,000 PokeDollars for a single trip," Shiro explained, smiling at Sato as they reached the beach.

His eyes, however, couldn't help but wander repeatedly toward Sato's Beautifly perched on his shoulder, his envy apparent.

"That'll do, thanks for guiding me here. Come on out, Swampert; the rest of the journey is in your hands," Sato said with a smile as he pulled out a PokéBall and released his Swampert.

In an instant, the imposing figure of Swampert materialized on the sand.

"SWAMPERT!!!"

Perhaps to loosen up, Swampert let out a resounding roar and pounded the sandy ground beneath him with mighty punches. The tremors that followed were intense enough to mimic a small localized earthquake.

The sheer power emanating from Swampert's presence was undeniable. Ever since he had sent Darkrai fleeing with a single punch, Swampert's aura had grown even more commanding and sharp.

Even Beautifly, usually proud and unyielding, lowered its head meekly, clearly unwilling to provoke Swampert.

Shiro, on the other hand, paled visibly at the sight of Swampert's overwhelming display of strength and aura. 

The envy on his face vanished entirely as he hastily bid Sato goodbye, darting into the forest and disappearing from sight.

As Shiro fled in a panic, the rustling sounds of others retreating quickly followed, before the forest fell silent again.

"At least you know your place. It's true what they say—when traveling, you have to stay vigilant. People everywhere have been worn down by the grind of life," Sato thought, his expression unreadable as he watched Shiro run off.

During their trek, Shiro had repeatedly tried to trade his prized Bug-type Pokémon for Beautifly. He even went so far as to offer all his Pokémon in exchange, but Sato declined every time.

It seemed Shiro had some influence in the Route 123 area, and he had been contemplating ambushing Sato to steal Beautifly. However, Swampert's intimidating presence had shattered that idea completely, forcing him to retreat.

Sato soon dismissed the incident from his mind. He released his Shiny Pelipper as well, climbing onto Swampert's back and allowing Pelipper to lead the way across the sea.

Shiro's directions had been accurate. After about half an hour, guided by Pelipper, Sato and Swampert began to see the coastline of the western side of Route 118.

Unlike the quiet, deserted beaches of Route 118's eastern edge, the western side was bustling with life. This area connected to Mauville City, famously known in the Hoenn region as the "Vibrant City of Joy."

The beach was packed with people enjoying various activities, creating a lively, joyful atmosphere.

Sato's arrival, riding Swampert across the sea, drew the attention of many swimmers nearby. However, seeing Sato's friendly demeanor, they quickly resumed their activities without much concern.

"Hey there, buddy! This area's a recreational zone, so you can't dock here. Follow me; there's a designated spot for landing over there," a staff member riding a Wailmer called out as he approached Sato.

Sato nodded at the lifeguard, signaling Pelipper and Swampert to follow. After navigating a wide arc, they finally reached the designated landing spot on the western shore of Route 118.

"Coming from the eastern side of Route 118, huh? Welcome to Mauville City's beach resort! I'm Troy; nice to meet you. By the way, if you haven't had lunch yet, there's a great seaside restaurant nearby. Their food is fantastic and very reasonably priced!" Troy, a lifeguard with a bodybuilder's physique, greeted Sato warmly, his bright smile revealing a set of dazzling white teeth.

"I'm Sato. I haven't eaten yet, so I'll take you up on that suggestion. Lead the way, Troy," Sato replied with a small smile after some hesitation.

It was already past 1 PM, and after the half-hour journey under the scorching sun, Sato was starving. His Pokémon needed rest as well.

Troy's grin widened even further, his dazzling teeth standing out starkly against his tanned skin. The sight reminded Sato of toothpaste commercials, and he couldn't help but think Troy would be better off advertising toothpaste than working as a lifeguard.

To Sato's surprise, Troy led him to a restaurant owned by his family rather than simply promoting someone else's business.

As promised, the food was exceptional. Both Sato and his Pokémon enjoyed the meal immensely.

Swampert's enormous appetite became a spectacle, inadvertently drawing more customers to the already popular seaside restaurant.

Pleased with Sato and his Pokémon's remarkable spending, Troy even stayed back to help his father prepare grilled seafood to satisfy Swampert's voracious hunger.

"Sato, are you planning to take Mauville's Cycling Road to Slateport City later? If so, I'd advise against it for now," Troy said suddenly, carrying a large platter of grilled seafood just as Sato was asking a bikini-clad woman about the Cycling Road's condition.

"Why, Troy? What's wrong with Cycling Road? I need to get to Slateport City today, and I was hoping to make it there by nightfall," Sato asked, turning to him with a frown.