"Pachi~ chi!"
With matters finally settled, Satoshi and Sakiko found Grookey lively and full of energy the next morning.
After nearly a whole night's care, Grookey's injuries had largely healed, leaving it healthy and without any lasting harm.
"See you around, Grookey!" Satoshi gently waved goodbye, turning around to head back.
The two walked along the road home.
"Satoshi, are you really not planning to catch it? We've come all this way, after all." Togawa Sakiko's brows furrowed slightly, her tone carrying a trace of uncertainty at Satoshi's decision.
Rillaboom's strength was widely known, and in the hands of the champion Leon, it was truly extraordinary, rivaled only by his ace Charizard. No trainer would easily pass up the chance to catch a potential Rillaboom.
"It's okay like this. Just being able to come here and save Grookey is enough for me. More than catching Pokémon, I prefer being friends with them, having good relationships with Pokémon around the world."
"Grookey's made its choice already."
Satoshi didn't feel any disappointment. Simply meeting Pokémon was enough to make him happy.
Besides, he disliked forcing Pokémon into capture, especially given that Grookey seemed afraid of humans.
He chose to respect Grookey's wishes.
"I don't think that's quite right… Grookey might still choose to go with you."
Sakiko's lips curled into a faint smile, eyes fixed ahead. She stopped gracefully, calmly poised.
"Huh? What do you mean?"
Satoshi glanced over, slightly puzzled, but quickly followed her gaze and saw a familiar Pokémon standing not far ahead.
"Grookey…when did it run ahead of us…?"
"Pachi, pachi!"
Grookey waved cheerfully, quickly sprinting toward them and stopping right in front of Satoshi.
With a nimble leap, it pulled a shining Poké Ball from Satoshi's pocket.
"Pachi~"
Grookey enlarged the Poké Ball and pushed it toward Satoshi.
"It seems to have taken a liking to you, Satoshi."
For reasons she couldn't explain, Sakiko felt happier now than if she herself had caught Grookey.
"Is that so? Grookey, do you want to come with us?" Satoshi knelt down, meeting Grookey's eager eyes.
"Pachi!" Grookey leaped joyfully, pressing the button on the Poké Ball. A flash of red light enveloped Grookey, pulling it inside. The ball shook briefly before settling, signaling Grookey had officially joined Satoshi's team.
Surprised by Grookey's decisive action, a gentle smile spread across Satoshi's face.
"Looking forward to our adventures, Grookey!"
The Poké Ball seemed to nod softly.
In high spirits, Satoshi lifted the Poké Ball high and shouted triumphantly.
"I caught Grookey!"
[My dear Satoshi~~ Ehehe, you caught another Pokémon!~~]
"You really haven't changed at all…"
Sakiko's mind drifted nostalgically to the sweet, precious memories of childhood. Days spent carefree on a certain island, with her childhood friends, and Satoshi's small figure proudly holding up a Poké Ball…
Satoshi: "I caught a Pichu!"
Suddenly, an idea crossed Sakiko's mind.
If I invite him to join my team, could we perhaps return to how we were before?
But my current strength is too weak. If I want to improve, I'll either have to reclaim my previous Pokémon from my family or retrieve Haruhikage from Tomori…
Sakiko felt a headache rising but quickly brushed the thought aside.
She simply…wanted to be with this boy again.
…
"That good-for-nothing old man…"
"Huuu~"
Back at home, Sakiko cleaned up the broken liquor bottles alongside Milotic. Apparently, her irresponsible father had thrown another tantrum last night, likely because she hadn't come home and cleaned up.
She desperately wanted independence, never again wanting to experience this kind of life.
Over the past year, she'd left behind the privileged life of a wealthy heiress and moved into this shabby apartment.
She'd faced all sorts of hardships, even enduring nights without electricity or water, relying on Milotic's [Hydro Pump] or her useless father's alcohol just to get by.
It was a life too ridiculous to reminisce about.
Right now, she had two ways out: one, to become a strong Pokémon Trainer—at least elite level—or two, to work at EcoDome and perhaps become a police officer through Officer Jenny.
Both required strength.
Thus, Sakiko's current choice was…
"So nostalgic…"
From her bag, Sakiko carefully took out a black mask—a gift from Satoshi, bought with prize money from his very first Pokémon battle.
Satoshi had said: "If battling makes you nervous, wear this mask. Maybe it'll help ease your anxiety."
Truthfully, Sakiko had felt utterly embarrassed wearing it back then, yet it had strangely comforted her, as if allowing her to become someone else.
During that first battle against their mutual childhood friend, Hatsuhana, she'd been too shy, so Satoshi gave her this mask to help her overcome the awkwardness. Now, she needed it again.
As a trainer, she wasn't willing to lose to Satoshi.
And then there was her private motive…
Gently placing the mask on her face, Sakiko gazed into the mirror, contemplating this different version of herself. A new resolve awakened within her.
"I'll become Satoshi's rival and enter the High School Pokémon League!"
"Huuuu~!" Milotic excitedly cheered beside her.
"As for a code name…let's go with 'Oblivionis.'" Determination shone fiercely in her eyes. Taking a deep breath, she made up her mind.
Wait for me, Satoshi.
---
"Crap, I'm late for class…Oh well, since they'll just deduct points, might as well skip school today."
Satoshi wandered aimlessly along the streets, looking around curiously for anything interesting.
Missing school today would only cost him 50 points, after all. Considering he still had 4,500 points, losing a mere 50 hardly fazed him.
Compared to studying, adventuring was much more appealing!
[Satoshi, dear~ Given our strength, we should really find some tougher opponents~ After all, you've already defeated Team Rocket~ Ehehe~ You're so cool, my dear Satoshi!~]
Stop freaking out in public!
"As if strong trainers are just hanging around randomly. It's not like this world is that small…Wait, actually, it might be."
Satoshi sighed, shaking his head, but soon noticed something intriguing on a nearby grassy field.
"Electabuzz, use [Thunder Punch] and charge ahead!"
"Beartic, counter with [Ice Punch]!"
A blond girl with guitar-pick-shaped bangs confidently commanded her Electric-type Pokémon, Electabuzz.
Opposing her was a calm, dark-haired girl, instructing her Beartic to strike back.
Clearly students, yet not attending class and openly battling outdoors—obviously they had special privileges.
"Those two girls are amazing!"
"Yeah, they could probably challenge gyms by now, and they're still just students."
A crowd had gathered, making it difficult for Satoshi to push through for a better view.
After squeezing into the crowd, Satoshi's initial surprise quickly melted into an eager smile.
[My dear Satoshi, what's gotten into you~?]
Watching their fierce battle, excitement surged through him.
"I can feel the presence of a true rival."