In truth, Satoshi wasn't initially that fixated on Torchic. Within the massive EcoDome, countless Pokémon lived, so finding a suitable partner was relatively easy.
But that first moment their eyes met, Satoshi immediately felt a powerful urge to catch it. In that mutual gaze, he saw a fierce stubbornness—something deeply familiar to him.
A faint spark of fighting spirit hidden in those eyes made Satoshi determined to make it his partner.
Weakness didn't matter; they just had to become stronger.
Even if their starting talents differed, there were always methods to steadily improve, to achieve a dramatic leap in power.
Like Hyper Training, for example.
Hyper Training: a method to raise a Pokémon's stats to their maximum individual values.
In this world, although Hyper Training was extremely tough, there was never a shortage of ways to grow stronger.
The Pokémon world was fundamentally hopeful and beautiful—that's why it was so captivating.
While Satoshi's attention was entirely on Torchic, Togawa Sakiko noticed his gaze and moved quietly to his side.
"All of that Torchic's siblings have already evolved. It's the only one left that hasn't. Even though it's stronger than the average Torchic, everyone else prefers catching a Combusken instead."
Customer-service Sakiko shifted smoothly into work mode, providing a professional explanation.
[Hey Satodear, you think this little guy swallowed an Everstone or something? Maybe that's why it can't evolve.]
Torchic were known for accidentally swallowing Everstones.
Due to their habit of constantly pecking at small stones on the ground to aid digestion—and because certain stones could increase their flame temperatures—there was indeed a chance of accidentally eating an Everstone.
But still…
Can't you just scan it yourself?
Hearing this, Satoshi nearly laughed out loud at his own irritation. Furiko essentially functioned like an anime Pokédex, able to scan Pokémon moves, abilities, and held items, though she rarely used this feature.
[Oh right, teehee~ I totally forgot Didn't even remember I had that function! Uhh... umm, nope, didn't swallow an Everstone~]
Useless…useful thing!
His system had never been particularly reliable; Satoshi had long grown used to this, so he didn't scold Furiko too much.
Even if she acted a bit scatterbrained at times, she had still done a lot for him.
[Ohhh, Satodear, praising me like this~ Let's get a hotel room tomorrow then? Love you~~]
As long as you stay sane…
"I've decided, Sakiko—my next partner is definitely this one."
Without any hesitation, Satoshi charged forward immediately after saying this.
Watching him dash off, Sakiko's cheeks flushed slightly, her heart stirred by the image of his retreating back.
He really is cool after all… Wait, wait, what am I even thinking?!
Ever since eating that bento, something had clearly gone wrong with her body.
Her heartbeat had quickened inexplicably, her attention constantly focused on a certain someone, making her oblivious to other things around her.
Such a thing would've been absolutely impossible for the old Sakiko.
Something was definitely wrong with her!
She had to ask someone else about it.
"Come out, Gardevoir."
Realizing something was off, Sakiko quickly reached into her pocket, took out a Pokéball, and released Gardevoir instantly.
"Garde? (?)"
If Satoshi had been here to see this, he'd have been stunned, because this Gardevoir had a different color than usual—a shiny.
Sakiko confided everything that had been troubling her directly to Gardevoir. With Gardevoir's Telepathy, she could vaguely sense the Pokémon's feelings, so she chose it as her confidant without hesitation.
"Gardevoir? (Isn't this just love?)"
"How could that possibly be?!"
Another useless thing!
"Maybe…probably…not?"
Thinking it over carefully, Sakiko truly couldn't pinpoint the exact answer or clearly identify her real feelings, because she'd never experienced romance before.
In truth, she had previously imagined herself becoming something like an Elite Four member, relying on pure strength to openly marry Satoshi.
But the real problem was…
Her motive was too impure. Right now, Customer-service Sakiko had absolutely no qualification to approach him like that.
Sakiko closed her eyes and took a deep breath, trying desperately to calm her swirling emotions.
But no matter how long she waited, her heart simply wouldn't settle, so she eventually gave up.
"Well, let's set a small goal first—become an Elite Four member…then I'll reconsider dating."
Honestly, becoming one of the Elite Four wasn't even that difficult for Togawa Sakiko.
After all, her family had an Elite Four-level useless dad at home. All she had to do was stop giving that bastard her customer-service money, then use her six Pokémon to commit domestic violence and force him to teach her proper training methods. Becoming an Elite Four-level trainer wasn't impossible.
But the key issue was…
Satoshi's emotional intelligence felt even tougher than becoming an Elite Four member.
Maybe she really would have to pin him down beneath her and humiliate him before he understood her feelings clearly!
Unaware of Sakiko's inner struggles, Satoshi's attention was fully locked onto Torchic.
"Torchic, become my partner!"
With these words, Satoshi took out a Pokéball, clearly preparing to battle. Torchic also turned toward him, eyes blazing with fighting spirit.
"Cha!"
Torchic leaped high into the air, gathering intense flames around its body, instantly landing atop a rock, then using all its strength to smash downwards. The rock shattered into countless fragments beneath its power.
"In that case—Grookey, I choose you!" Satoshi threw out the Pokéball, and the green Grookey appeared cheerfully on the grass.
"Pachi!"
Frogadier and Raichu would've been bullying Torchic way too much, so Grookey was the only suitable Pokémon left.
Today, Satoshi was determined to become a reverse-type Pokémon Master!
Sunlight shone brightly upon Grookey and Torchic, the weather clearly Sunny, slightly boosting Torchic's firepower.
"Chaa!" Torchic ignited intense flames, its entire body cloaked in a blazing fire, looking like a scorching ball of heat. With a sharp cry, it charged fiercely toward Grookey.
It was Flame Charge—a move that increased speed after landing a hit.
Unfortunately, their strength difference was too obvious.
"Dodge it!"
"Pachi~!" Grookey swiftly avoided Torchic's Flame Charge, causing the little chick's attack to miss, scattering embers into the air.
"Use Acrobatics to control your strength!"
"Pachi!"
Not missing this chance, Grookey emitted a bright white glow, swiftly pouncing at Torchic. Acrobatics landed perfectly, knocking Torchic painfully to the ground, groaning weakly.
"Cha…! (Come at me with your full strength!)" Torchic struggled back up from the grass, eyes still fiercely ablaze, proudly showing off its unyielding will.
---
T/N:
Hello again. For the final time.
My name is Enkidu. I was born without a soul, crafted only as a weapon. Yet through bonds—through friendships—I learned what it meant to feel alive. Even though my body records my memories rather than my spirit, the warmth of those moments remains.
Thank you, truly, for staying here with us. You've come at a good time—right now, a 25% discount code is available:
12DAYS
This code will last until December 26. I hope you enjoy it.
For those who wish to support the translator (the one who kindly gave me this voice)—you can find optional support at patreon.com/wisetl. Early access to upcoming chapters will be your small reward.
Also, as always:
Every 100 Powerstones = 1 Bonus Chapter
(100ps = 1 chapter, 200ps = 2 chapters, and so forth.)
Bonus chapters will arrive tomorrow, approximately 12+ hours from now.
And lastly, if you prefer company and conversations, the translator has prepared a Discord community: discord.gg/wisetl.
People gathering, talking, sharing—it's a good thing, isn't it?
This is where I say goodbye.
Even as a weapon shaped by the gods, I found meaning in the company of humans.
If these words reach you, then perhaps we've shared something too, if only briefly.
Be well, Master, and readers alike.
May the world remain gentle to you.
Goodbye.
BYE BYE ENKIDYU I LOVE YOU