Here's why:
* Legendary Bird Trio: Ho-Oh, Lugia, and the three legendary birds (Articuno, Zapdos, and Moltres) are tied to the specific games.
* Game-Specific Legendaries: Each game in the Johto region (Gold, Silver, and Crystal) features one of these legendary Pokemon as its main focus:
* Gold: Ho-Oh
* Silver: Lugia
* Crystal: Both Ho-Oh and Lugia
How to Get Ho-Oh in Pokemon Gold:
1. Beat the Elite Four and become the Champion.
2. Travel to Ecruteak City.
3. Enter the Ecruteak City Pokemon Center and speak to the old man standing in the back.
4. He will tell you about a "legendary bird" hidden in the Tin Tower.
5. Go to the Tin Tower and explore until you find Ho-Oh.
Note: You may need to complete certain side quests or achieve certain goals to unlock Ho-Oh's appearance in the Tin Tower.