As arranged for the battle practice class, Satoru followed Chihaya Anon to the battling department's dedicated training field.
What puzzled him was the unusual kindness Anon was showing him, even though he hadn't done anything to attract attention.
According to his memory, he hadn't had much interaction with Anon before.
Chihaya Anon was a transfer student who had just arrived yesterday. Based on her appearance and personality, she was a top-tier girl.
Good looks and a kind, gentle personality.
Could it be that she has already sensed my battle spirit?
Satoru pondered for a moment but didn't dwell on it.
In his heart, she couldn't compare to the Piplup belonging to that girl named Takamatsu Tomori.
That Piplup could one day become a Competitive Empoleon. Satoru was already eager to get on good terms with Tomori.
Just think about it...
What is Empoleon?
It's the most popular starter in the Sinnoh region, with a Water/Steel typing and the Competitive ability. As a starter, it couldn't be better.
While it might not be on the level of Rillaboom or Incineroar, it was much stronger than the other Sinnoh starters.
I really want my Froakie to battle her Piplup.
Satoru's fighting spirit ignited as he arrived at the training field.
The battling department's training area was enormous, large enough to accommodate an entire class for training, though all the fields were standard battlefields.
For official Gym and tournament battles, the fields could be grass, rock, ice, or water.
Niji-no-Hane Academy only granted access to these specialized fields to a select few.
For example, top students about to challenge a Gym, or those from wealthy families who sponsored the school.
Typically, one had to achieve outstanding grades or join an influential group to gain access to specific fields, a rule that applied both on and off campus.
"Froakie, get inside your Poké Ball for now."
Satoru took a Poké Ball from his pocket, pressed the button to enlarge it, and held it out to Froakie.
This was an exciting first for him as a Pokémon Trainer, an opportunity he couldn't miss.
"Kero!" Froakie's gaze met Satoru's. It raised its hand happily, pressed the button on the ball, and was drawn inside.
With a few sound effects, Satoru had successfully caught Froakie.
"I caught a Froakie!"
He immediately raised his arm, lifted his head, and exclaimed with high spirits, completely ignoring the baffled look on Chihaya Anon's face in front of him.
Eh? So you hadn't even caught that Froakie yet?
...And do all of you hat-wearing people get this excited, without a care for what others think?
As a normal person, Chihaya Anon really couldn't understand. And this was despite her having just returned from the Galar region.
After all, Galar's strongest trainer also wore a hat and had that same passionate demeanor.
The unbeatable champion—Leon!
Anyone aspiring to be a Pokémon Trainer knew that to become the world's strongest, you had to challenge and defeat Leon. And in the Galar region, thanks to the rise of Dynamax, Pokémon battles were incredibly popular. Chihaya Anon had essentially fled from that environment.
Recalling this, Anon's expression couldn't help but darken.
Satoru, full of vigor, picked up the Poké Ball containing Froakie and turned his gaze to Chihaya Anon.
"Anon, sorry to keep you waiting."
By now, most of the trainers had started training with their partners, while only the two of them had yet to begin.
Because the school emphasized university entrance and had a scholarship system, if you didn't work hard, you would miss out on the future High School League.
Even in the world of Pokémon, it was surprisingly realistic.
The teacher was standing on the training field explaining battle knowledge, but not many people were listening. It was as if he was being isolated, which made Satoru feel a bit of sympathy.
The scene inexplicably overlapped with memories of going to the lab for classes in his past life.
As soon as you could get hands-on, the teacher's presence was infinitely diminished.
After all, they were already on the training field, able to have exciting Pokémon battles. Who would want to listen to boring theory?
Satoru could only offer a silent prayer for the teacher.
But Chihaya Anon wasn't bothered by such things. Instead, she blushed slightly, looking a bit shy.
He called me by my first name? Could it be that Asama-kun... is a player?
No... no, why am I having such thoughts...
Anon forcibly suppressed her emotions and took out her Poké Ball. The sunlight glinted off its surface.
"Go, Eevee."
She threw it with force. The ball traced a graceful arc in the air and released a dazzling light.
She pushed aside her shyness and anxiety. Under the brilliant light, Eevee leaped out of the Poké Ball.
"Vui~"
"Go, Froakie!"
Satoru held the gleaming Poké Ball, gave it a gentle swing, and then threw it hard.
Froakie's figure sprang from the ball, its eyes filled with battle intent as it faced the squirrel-like Eevee before it.
"Kerokero!"
"Water Pulse!" At Satoru's command, Froakie leaped up and launched a Water Pulse. A blue orb of energy gathered in its hands, surging like a torrent towards Eevee.
"Dodge it with Quick Attack."
Facing the incoming Water Pulse, Eevee showed no fear. It quickly gathered energy and used Quick Attack, deftly evading the attack.
"Chase it down. We'll use Quick Attack too."
Froakie also unleashed Quick Attack, moving like a bolt of lightning. Eevee had dodged the Water Pulse, but it couldn't evade this sudden burst of speed.
"Vui~!"
Froakie's attack hit Eevee squarely, the force sending it flying.
Froakie's base speed stat is 71, much higher than Eevee's 55.
In battle, even a small difference in the speed stat of high-speed Pokémon can drastically change the outcome.
But... there isn't really a Pokémon whose speed drops after Mega Evolving, right?
After a small internal jab at a certain Pokémon that can't learn Dragon Dance, Satoru took advantage of Eevee still being down.
"Press the advantage! Use Water Pulse!"
At his command, Froakie launched another Water Pulse, this one even more ferocious than the last. The wave of water slammed into Eevee, and the immense force knocked it to the ground.
This is Pokémon battling. Turn-based has its fun, and real-time has its fun.
Satoru was thoroughly enjoying the battle.
Ugh! My Eevee!
"Ugh... Eevee, use Take Down!" Chihaya Anon's hands were clenched, her brow slightly furrowed.
The distance between the two Pokémon was minimal. Eevee got back on its feet and charged towards Froakie.
Next up was Take Down—a move with 90 base power, boosted by Same-Type Attack Bonus (STAB) and Eevee's Adaptability ability. Anon was sure that victory this turn was hers.
But Satoru spoke softly.
"Protect."
A green barrier instantly formed around Froakie. Eevee's unstoppable attack crashed into the shield with a loud bang, and the force sent it flying back.
"Water Pulse!"
"Kero!"
With those words, the battle came to a close.
"Vuii..."
Struck by the fierce Water Pulse, Eevee was knocked to the ground by the powerful impact, unable to get up again.
Froakie stood its ground, proudly looking down at the fallen Eevee.
"We won! That was a fun battle! Froakie, you did a great job."
"Kerokero~"
The battle was over. Satoru and Froakie celebrated with a high-five, his eyes full of praise. Observing the joy in Froakie's expression, he couldn't help but feel a sense of admiration.
I lost... Do I really not have the talent to be a trainer?
Chihaya Anon's face fell, looking at the happy Satoru and Froakie ahead. A sense of imbalance grew in her heart.
The overwhelming victory had left her Eevee with no chance to even act, filling her with regret.
Satoru didn't celebrate with Froakie for long. Wanting to thank Chihaya Anon for the battle, he walked up to her.
"What's wrong?"
"Anon, thank you. I was really happy to be able to battle you."
The corners of his mouth lifted into a sunny smile. His cheerful expression made Anon's cheeks flush a faint red, and her heart began to beat faster.
"Um... you're welcome."
[Host, this girl is way too weak. Let's find someone else to practice with, like the teacher.]
Miss Furiko's voice sounded in his head, and Satoru couldn't help but frown.
If I just go to the teacher now, wouldn't that be like saying Anon is weak?
Although, she is pretty weak.
Satoru maintained his grateful expression, and Furiko gradually began to understand his true intentions.
[Hmph~ Mission: Challenge the instructor and make him fall at your feet.]
Stop being weird, I'm not a girl...
Satoru's expression hardened as he shook his head, about to refuse.
[Reward: Ability Patch]
I accept!
To restore the glory of Greninja is my undeniable duty!
-------
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