"I don't want to lie to you. All I can say is, it's complicated. When I'm ready, I promise I'll tell you the truth."
Bathed in the gentle warmth of the sun, Mew had already fallen into a deep sleep. Even the world around them seemed to have quieted in response.
In the end, Haru chose not to tell Iono the secret of his time travel.
The reason was simple: they just weren't... close enough.
Time travel was a tangled web, too complex, too dangerous.
If Mew and the Paradox Pokémon were secrets Haru had always planned to eventually reveal, then time travel was something he absolutely never wanted anyone else to know about.
And honestly, Haru understood. Iono had developed a special fondness for him—likely because he had helped her twice before.
For many people, those who reach out a hand when you're at your lowest become unforgettable, etched into your memory for life.
Maybe it's a small gesture for the one who extends the hand, but for someone trapped in hardship, that help is priceless.
Iono was no different.
And now that he had helped her a third time, that special feeling in her heart was only going to deepen.
But... it was all one-sided.
From Haru's perspective, Iono was just someone he'd helped out of convenience, twice. At best, they were acquaintances—not close friends, and certainly not close enough to trade secrets.
And Haru was not the kind of man who let a woman cloud his judgment or sway his emotions.
After all, he was destined to stand at the summit of the Pokémon world!
"I see."
Even after being rejected, Iono's expression didn't show the slightest trace of annoyance. She still looked as carefree as ever, lost in her own musings.
"I came here because I wanted to see you."
"But for some reason, seeing you makes me remember all kinds of things. This meeting—it's a joy."
"So why would I ever force you to say something you don't want to? Lady Iono isn't that kind of person."
"..."
Compared to the Iono in his memories, the girl before him was clearly far more mature in every way.
Though... her "aggressiveness" had gone up a notch as well.
Just as Haru was quietly marveling at her newfound thoughtfulness, the girl with the two floating Magnemite suddenly leaned in close, her voice barely a whisper:
"So... did you like what you saw?"
"...What?"
Haru was caught completely off guard.
"That thing you saw from that angle just now. Did you like it?"
"..."
Oh no. Now he got it.
She'd noticed.
He hadn't meant to look—it had only been a fleeting glance! But somehow she'd caught him, and now he wanted to dig a hole and disappear.
He opened his mouth, trying to explain, but no words came out.
"No worries, I won't blame you."
"Just think of it as a special fanservice moment for a VIP fan. Lady Iono is a very responsible streamer, you know."
"To make sure her most devoted fans stay smitten, Lady Iono will spare no sacrifice~"
Iono stood up, grinning playfully—clearly she had adjusted her angle on purpose earlier.
"But, if you won't answer my question... then give back that underwear you took with you."
"I really didn't do that! If there's even a vague possibility it's related, then—"
Haru took off the pendant he wore and held it up for her to see. "This is all I've got on me."
"I'm not a fusion of a Bronzong and a Thievul. Why would I steal someone's underwear?"
"Hmm—okay, fair enough."
Iono had originally planned to "exchange souvenirs" with Haru—perhaps to update his mental image of her size—but now she suddenly stopped.
She fiddled with her Magnemite device, then tilted her head and said:
"The League's backup has arrived. They already rescued the friend I brought, and now they're on their way here."
"They'll be here in ten minutes."
"This time, Geeta came herself, and she brought the Elite Four. There's no way anything could go wrong."
"So, why don't you leave with us?"
The Paldea Pokémon League was structured differently from other regions.
Most regions had only one regional Champion. When a new challenger defeated the current one in the league tournament, the former Champion had to step down.
But Paldea was different. Anyone who wanted to become Champion had to challenge the top Champion, Geeta. Defeating her granted the title of Champion—but there was no limit to how many people could hold it at once.
That said... no one had ever defeated the Elite Four and then gone on to beat Geeta.
No one—yet.
But Haru, who knew what the future held, was certain that someone would claim that title before long.
Maybe even two people.
Sadly, for now, he couldn't be part of the fun that was "invading" the Pokémon League. He'd just have to find another chance later.
"I can't leave yet. I still have things to do."
The cooldown on his time machine was almost over—his next journey through time was about to begin.
But before that, Haru had to find the intruders from Area Zero... and take care of them.
"You really won't travel with me? Don't tell me... you already have other companions?"
"Absolutely not! Your travel partner can only be me!"
She was still as petite as ever, but Haru suddenly felt a strange weight settle on his shoulders. It was as if someone had used Gravity.
This woman... was unexpectedly heavy.
"...Or are you planning to abandon poor little Iono, after seeing something a girl shouldn't show a man?"
Didn't she say she wouldn't blame me?!
Haru's expression was a masterpiece.
---
After a few minutes of struggling, Haru finally managed to escape.
As a compromise, he reluctantly agreed to appear on Iono's upcoming show—and was informed there would be a "reward" for participating.
He had no idea what that "reward" might mean.
One thing was certain: in these five years, Iono had become terrifying.
Back at the scene, Iono soon met up with Geeta and the others.
To her surprise, not only had Geeta brought the Elite Four, but she'd also brought along a female student from Naranja Academy. And that girl seemed especially interested in the mysterious man who'd appeared on Iono's livestream...
Elsewhere, Haru found himself surrounded.
Though technically... he was the one surrounding everyone else.
"You people shouldn't have come."