After taking Misty out, Joshua & Mr. Mime try to take some time off on the Cerulean Cape and instead are faced with a rival battle, a bunch of bullies on Nugget Bridge, and that Lovecraftian freak Bill. They even have to step in to solve a crime for Officer Jenny. Once they finally make it to Vermilion City, they take a cruise on the S.S. Anne where the joy of receiving HM 01 Cut is cut short when Joshua loses a 'mon overboard. Then, the trainers chop their way into Lt. Surge's trash-filled gym and kick him to curb with the rest of it.