----
Before nightfall, Kai and Sabrina found the only inn in the village and booked two rooms.
Given how sparsely populated Navel Island was Kai had no concerns about the inn is fully booked.
Aside from the two of them, there weren't any other travellers on the entire island!
The inn was simple and rustic, reflecting the agricultural lifestyle of its residents. However, as night fell and a gentle breeze blew through the open windows, the faint sll of Tauro's manure wafted into the rooms.
For the locals, who were likely accustod to the odour, it probably wasn't noticeable. But for Kai and Sabrina, the intermittent sll made the night rather unpleasant.
Thankfully, the rooms were clean and tidy, and staying indoors was still far better than camping in the wilderness.
After switching Sabrina's room to one that faced away from the wind, Kai tightly shut his own windows.
Although the room beca stuffy, it helped block out most of the sll.
The village grew quiet after just 7 or 8 p.m., with the surroundings shrouded in darkness. Even the faint glimrs of light were sparse.
Having grown used to the hustle and bustle of city life, Kai found it impossible to sleep.
He tossed and turned for over an hour before finally dozing off, only to wake up the next morning feeling sore and fatigued.
Despite the picturesque scenery, Kai thought to himself: This is definitely not a place I'd visit twice.
After washing up, the two headed to the inn's dining area and enjoyed a hearty breakfast.
As they prepared to check out, the innkeeper, a broad-shouldered, weathered woman, looked them up and down with a knowing smile.
"Well, how did you sleep last night? Judging by your looks, I'd bet you're here to challenge Danny!"
Kai smiled wryly. "It was fine… aside from your Tauros having so stomach issues last night. And yes, Danny is the Gym Leader of Navel Island, isn't he?"
"That's right!" The innkeeper bead with pride. "He's one of the Orange League's Southern Cross stars. He's incredibly strong and has defeated many challengers. Don't underestimate him!"
"Thanks for the heads-up," Kai replied as he stacked their dishes. Then, with a confident smirk, he added, "I'm pretty strong myself. Just a few days ago, I defeated Cissy, the Gym Leader of Mikan Island!"
The innkeeper raised her eyebrows in surprise. "You've already beaten Cissy? Not bad, not bad!"
Compared to Kai's confidence, Sabrina remained more cautious.
"How did you know we're here to challenge the Gym?" she asked.
The innkeeper chuckled heartily. "It wasn't hard to guess. Navel Island is a quiet, rural place. Hardly anyone visits, so when I see unfamiliar faces like yours, it's obvious you're here for Danny."
"That makes sense," Kai said with a smile. "By the way, do you know where we can find Danny's Gym?"
The innkeeper pointed toward the towering mountain visible from the window.
"His Gym is at the summit of Navel Mountain. You'll have to climb to the top. But Danny doesn't always stay at the Gym. You might find him on the beach or sowhere near the base of the mountain."
---
After leaving the inn, Kai and Sabrina followed a winding path toward Navel Mountain.
Halfway there, as they passed a seaside cliff, they heard the sound of lively tropical music coming from the ocean.
Curious, they turned to look and spotted a small sailboat cutting through the waves. Standing on the boat was a man, skillfully navigating the vessel, with the music blaring from an old speaker at his feet.
Sabrina glanced briefly at the scene before continuing forward, uninterested. But Kai lingered for a mont, watching the man.
The sailor appeared to be in his late twenties, his skin bronzed from the sun. He wore a bright red shirt patterned with Geodude, along with casual shorts. His carefree deanour and vibrant energy stood out.
From the innkeeper's description, Kai recalled that Danny, the Gym Leader of Navel Island, was an outdoor enthusiast who excelled at activities like sailing and climbing.
Given how few young people remained on this quiet island, Kai surmised that this man was likely Danny himself.
'A morning sail with lively music what a laid-back lifestyle for a Gym Leader!' Kai thought, sowhat envious.
Once I'm done travelling, I hope I can live just as freely and unrestrained as this guy.
Despite recognizing Danny's identity, Kai chose not to disturb him and instead hurried to catch up with Sabrina.
anwhile, Danny had noticed the pair heading toward his Gym. Adjusting the sail, he steered his boat toward them.
"Hey, you two! Wait up!"
Danny skillfully beached his boat and leapt onto the sand in one smooth motion.
"Are you here to challenge the Navel Gym?" he asked with a wide grin.
"Yes," Kai replied.
Danny's smile grew even brighter, revealing gleaming white teeth. "I knew it! Welco! My na's Danny pleased to et you."
He even gave a playful salute as he introduced himself.
'So I was right. This guy really is Danny,' Kai thought, though he kept his expression neutral.
"Nice to et you. I'm Kai. Is there sothing you need?"
"Well…" Danny scratched the back of his head sheepishly. "I figured you two might be visitors who don't know the way to the Gym. I'm heading up to Navel Mountain myself, so I thought I'd guide you there!"
Although Danny's offer sounded kind, Kai sensed there might be an ulterior motive. After all, Danny had yet to reveal his role as the Gym Leader.
At that mont, Danny turned to Sabrina.
"And what's your na, lovely lady?" he asked with a charming smile.
However, his words were t with silence.
Sabrina simply stared at him with a neutral expression, her eyes calm and unwavering.
It was as if she were looking at a pebble on the road completely unremarkable and not worth acknowledging.
----
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