You can read ahead up to 30 chapters on my Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/darkshadow6395
Training could be dull, but thankfully, there were plenty of local events during the New Year season to break the monotony.
Luther, buried in writing training plans, was dragged out of the gym by Mai and Hakuya. Today, there was an event in Whitewind Town.
To mark new beginnings, the town was hosting its annual New Year's Battle, a friendly sparring tournament for Pokémon trainers who had recently started their journeys or planned to set off in the spring or summer.
At the end of the event, the town would select two titles: Most Promising Rookie and Rookie King.
"Whitewind Town's rookie trainers have nothing to do with me," Luther said flatly.
"There's a final exhibition round where the Rookie King gets to challenge Hakuya. In previous years, there wasn't a 'Most Promising Rookie' title. But since the rules changed this year, we need someone to verify the winner's strength."
"Verify?" Luther scoffed. "You mean crush their arrogance so they start their trainer journey with a 'humble heart,' right? You organizers sure know how to sugarcoat things."
"Just think of it as giving them a lesson," Hakuya replied cheerfully. "And you're perfect for it, after all, you've only been a Pokémon Trainer for six months."
Whitewind (Bai Feng) waved a placard in front of Luther as if trying to convince him through sheer persistence. Luther could only sigh helplessly.
The New Year had just passed, and the streets of Whitewind Town were filled with visitors again. With today's event, the crowds were packed together.
As Whitewind led the group through the bustling crowd, they were constantly greeted by local trainers and groups of rookies who looked barely fifteen or sixteen.
Whitewind smiled and waved at everyone while squeezing a path through the crowd. Eventually, he led Luther and the others backstage to the tournament area before heading off to find the announcer.
The venue was a small stadium that had been converted for the event. Luther estimated that it could hold about ten thousand people.
The rookie trainers were lined up waiting to register. Bored, Luther pulled out his phone and continued editing his training plan.
After his test battle with Hakuya, he decided that Espurr would be his lead Pokémon and Jumpluff would be his second Pokémon.
Neither Pokémon objected to the change. Jumpluff's counterattack-based fighting style often left her on the defensive, so Espurr's inclusion gave Luther more flexibility in move selection.
Luther's shoulders were now fully occupied: Espurr sat on his right, holding Milcery, while Jumpluff perched on his left, munching on snacks and peeking at the screen of his phone.
Luther had to keep shaking off the crumbs that fell onto the screen.
Milcery had recently developed a fondness for Espurr. She found it comforting to snuggle against Espurr's soft fur, a different kind of warmth than being cradled in Chansey's pocket.
Before long, Espurr became Milcery's second babysitter, floating around with her all day. The job had its perks, Luther now gave Espurr more snacks than before.
Milcery needed about six milk candies a day and didn't require any other food.
She could easily digest candies several times her size, so Espurr always wore two milk candies around her neck. To outsiders, they looked like decorative pendants, but they were actually emergency rations for when Milcery got hungry.
Meanwhile, Marill had lost all interest in Milcery. The reason was simple: Milcery no longer gave off that irresistibly sweet scent, leaving Marill deeply disappointed.
Mai sat nearby, chewing on biscuits and watching the crowd of Trainers registering for the event with keen interest.
"Sun Heart City hosts something like this, too," she said. "Every year, they crown a Rookie King and give him all the gear he'll need for his journey."
"If the winner doesn't qualify for a Pokédex yet, they'll be evaluated by the Sun Heart City Research Lab and granted one after becoming Rookie King."
Whitewind Town didn't have its own research lab; the nearest Pokédex distribution point was in Snowpoint City. As Hakuya had explained to Luther earlier, the town's Rookie King only received travel gear and a modest cash prize.
"You were Sun Heart City's Rookie King?" Luther asked, turning his head.
"Of course not." Mai waved her hand dismissively. "I started my journey on a whim. At first, I didn't even know what I wanted to do, whether to become a Pokémon Trainer, Breeder, or Doctor. I spent every day just drifting and overthinking. It wasn't until I met you that I finally realized what I truly wanted to pursue."
She glanced in a hand mirror; her long hair was dusted with snowflakes. Standing up, she removed her hair clip, smoothed out her hair, shook it loose, and bit down on the clip as she began fixing it again.
"These cookies are making me thirsty. Do you want something to drink? I'll go grab some."
After another quick check in the mirror to make sure everything looked fine, she stood up.
"Orange juice," Luther replied. Just then, a soft, warm breeze brushed his ear.
Milcery, with her cheeks flushed pink, was blowing into Luther's ear.
Luther chuckled and tapped her lightly on the shoulder. "And get a bottle of yogurt, too. Looks like Milcery's grown fond of that flavor."
Mai had barely walked off when Hakuya returned.
"There are even more sign-ups this year than in previous years," Hakuya said.
"Any particular reason?" Luther asked.
"Whitewind Town's population has officially reached the threshold set by the Pokémon League for city status. There's word that the League will soon increase its investment here, helping to develop the surrounding unused land. A lot of people from nearby regions have moved into town this year as a result."
The scene felt oddly familiar to Luther, but regardless, it was undoubtedly good news for Whitewind Town.
Suddenly, a baby Kangaskhan leapt from its mother's pouch and began climbing Luther's clothes.
The Kangaskhan froze, looking embarrassed, and called out repeatedly, trying to get her baby to come back.
The little one ignored her, though, climbing all the way up to Espurr's side and rubbing against her just like Milcery did.
Espurr stared at Luther, visibly troubled and unsure what to do.
After spending so much time around the gym, the baby Kangaskhan had clearly been influenced. Watching Milcery constantly cling to and nuzzle Espurr had piqued its curiosity. It finally found a chance to try it out for itself.
With a resigned sigh, Hakuya reached over and pried the baby Kangaskhan off Espurr's back. Espurr winced as a few tufts of fur were pulled loose. She turned to Luther, anxiously asking him to check her back.
Luther scratched gently at the spot. "Don't worry. Baby Kangaskhan doesn't have much strength. It just pulled out a few hairs."
Espurr sighed in relief, hugged Milcery tightly, slid into Luther's hands, pressed her back against his chest, and eyed Kangaskhan warily.
Kangaskhan apologized profusely to Espurr, then flicked her child's head a few times. The baby yelped, rubbed its head, and babbled a string of apologies until Kangaskhan finally stopped.
When registration was finally over, the busy staff and volunteers bustled about backstage. Hakuya suddenly raised his clipboard.
"You're coming with me to the opening ceremony," he said.
"Huh?" Luther blinked in disbelief.
"Well, you're the trainer who's going to spar with the most promising rookie in the finale. Of course, you need to make an appearance."
Luther's expression stiffened. "Wait, don't tell me there's an opening speech, too?"
"Oh, no need to worry about that," Hakuya said casually. "They won't expect you to do something like that in your position."
"Good," Luther sighed in relief. If he had to improvise a speech, he'd probably just embarrass himself, given his way of speaking.
(End of Chapter)