Chương 6: Chapter 6: Running for a Work Permit
At noon in the summer, the sun blazed, and the earth seemed to be roasting.
Kane didn't pay attention to the heat, pedaling his bike with a determined pace as he approached the Ecruteak Gym. Familiar with the area, he rode fast, lost in his thoughts.
The Ecruteak Gym was known for specializing in Ghost-type Pokémon. The current Gym Leader was Chiyama, father of the future leader, Komatsu. Komatsu was the same age as Kane but already had great talent and would inherit the Gym in about five years. In Kane's previous life, Komatsu had gone on to establish another gym, Ecruteak's Poison-type Gym. The two had competed fiercely over the years.
Komatsu believed in coexisting with Pokémon and sought to lure Ho-Oh back to the Bell Tower. Their political opinions differed drastically, and Kane had never gotten along with Komatsu in his previous life.
Kane remembered that later on, Komatsu's son had been expelled from the Ecruteak Gym after violating a taboo, leading to Komatsu's breakdown. Without an heir, the Gym declined.
Riding his bike, Kane reflected on these events, hoping to extract useful insights. Komatsu's son had defected to the Poison-type trainer, Koga.
"No, there's something there," Kane muttered, stopping his bike to think. It felt like an important detail was slipping through his fingers. Komatsu was a Ghost-type master, strict and principled. What could have angered him so much that he banished his own son? The Komatsu family had dealt with Ho-Oh for centuries, and their mastery of Ghost-types was ancient.
Suddenly, an idea struck Kane. A connection he hadn't seen before. Bert, a key figure, had once sent information about breeding Poison-type Pokémon like Spinarak and Skorupi to Koga. Right after that, Komatsu's son had defected to Koga. Could the two have conspired over something more sinister?
Then, it hit him. Just before the Indigo Plateau challenge, Koga had traveled to the Kalos region and bought a Mega Stone for a Gengar at an exorbitant price.
"Mega Gengar," Kane whispered. Could this have been the source of Komatsu's rage? If his son had helped Koga acquire the Mega Evolution of Gengar, it would explain Komatsu's complete collapse.
If this theory held, the Ecruteak Gym must have records on how to train Gengar. This information could be invaluable for Kane's plans. He needed to get closer to the Gym, no matter the cost.
Before he realized it, Kane had arrived at the entrance of the Ecruteak Gym.
"Who are you?" asked a disciple guarding the gate.
"My name is Kane from Ecruteak City. I need to see Mr. Chiyama about something important," Kane replied, slipping the disciple a 100-yen bill with a smile. "Your help would be appreciated."
Sixty years of life experience had taught Kane how to navigate different situations. Whether facing a king or a mere gatekeeper, Kane knew how to play the game.
"No problem, kid. Wait here," the disciple said, heading inside to announce Kane's arrival.
Kane paced at the entrance, peeking inside the Gym from time to time. Soon, the disciple returned and waved him in.
Inside, a middle-aged man sat at the head of the hall, and a young boy—Komatsu—stood beside him.
The disciple introduced the man as "Mr. Chiyama," the current Gym Leader.
Kane bowed respectfully.
"What can I do for you, young man?" Chiyama asked kindly, his voice calm and composed.
Kane maintained his respectful tone. "Mr. Chiyama, I'm looking for a job here at the Gym. I don't need a salary; I just need a work permit."
Kane hated begging for work like this, but he knew what needed to be done. He had to swallow his pride if he wanted to achieve his goals.
Chiyama sighed, knowing Kane's situation without needing to ask further. In this world, many orphans like Kane were left behind by parents who took risks to seek wealth. Most ended up in orphanages or, worse, in the clutches of Team Rocket.
"Why do you want to work at such a young age?" Chiyama asked, already suspecting the answer.
"I don't want to end up in an orphanage," Kane said bluntly.
Chiyama sighed deeply. "So, you haven't reached the age of ten yet."
Kane nodded.
"I'm sorry, but I can't hire you," Chiyama replied, though he sounded genuinely regretful.
Kane was prepared for this response, but he pressed on. "Is there really no way?"He said while looking at Komatsu with puppy eyes
Chiyama shook his head gently. "You know the rules, don't you? Hiring a child under ten is illegal. I can't knowingly break the law."
Disappointed, Kane slumped a little. He knew this outcome was likely but had hoped for a loophole as he further stared at Komatsu begging for him to pity him.
Komatsu, watching from the side, couldn't stand seeing Kane so pitiful. "Dad, can't you make an exception for him?"
Chiyama tousled his son's hair, his expression softening. "I understand you feel sorry for him, Komatsu, but rules are rules."
Chiyama turned back to Kane. "Kane, you should go to the orphanage. I'll make sure someone looks after you until you're ten. Then, you can come work at the Gym."
Kane thanked Chiyama and left the Gym, though Komatsu seemed reluctant to see him go.
As Kane pedaled away from the Gym, he made his next move. His second stop was the largest gardening company in Ecruteak City.
At the entrance, he was greeted by two sisters with a Eevee by their side. The older girl, May, introduced herself and her younger sister, Taotao.
After Kane explained he was looking for a job, May took him to see their mother. However, Kane was turned down again due to his age. May's mother did, however, offer him 500 yen as a gesture of goodwill, which Kane politely refused.
Although he didn't secure a job, Kane's persistence earned him a good reputation with the family, which would benefit him in the future. He needed to maintain a respectable image to mask his more secretive actions later on.
Kane's afternoon of running around had been fruitless, but he remained undeterred. After a quick meal, he decided to head elsewhere.
"It's time to check that place out," Kane said, hopping back on his bike and riding off into the evening.
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