[That's one advantage of being almost entirely irrelevant to actual plot: being removed from the ensuing drama. Character development? Furthering the story? Nope, just the bug guy!]

Goldenrod city. [why?] The bug catching contest is in progress.

... It would not be too much trouble to head to Blackthorn soon, however. [As much as he appreciated the need to keep certain things private, he... kinda maybe wants to feel included with the rest of the ninja gang.]