Chapter 193:
Watching the Alolan Vulpix, who adored the red scarf, Hayashi Kaede used a touch of telekinesis to support Sprigatito's egg, then personally tied the scarf around the little fox's neck.
Sure enough, with the scarf in place, the restless creature immediately calmed down. It trotted happily at Hayashi Kaede's side, occasionally lowering its head to admire the pattern on its new accessory.
In its heart, it was already imagining how it would return home and proudly tell its friends: "This is the mark carried by the future Alolan Vulpix hero!"
The thought filled it with joy, and soon it began to bounce lightly as it walked.
Hayashi Kaede didn't mind.
Although they were outdoors, smaller Pokémon like Alolan Vulpix were permitted to roam freely.
Just like in the supermarket now—
A youthful, bright-eyed girl was accompanied by a Shiftry. A passionate boy walked with a Charmander at his side. A lady in a wool sweater carried a Skitty nestled in her arms…
The same could be seen out on the streets.
Nagisuna City's public security was excellent; incidents such as Pokémon trafficking were practically unheard of.
Besides, though Alolan Vulpix had yet to evolve, her strength was already formidable.
[Pokémon: Alolan Vulpix]
[Gender: Female]
[Ability: Snow Warning]
[Aptitude: Red]
[IVs: …]
[Level: 36–38]
[Moves: Hypnosis, Moonblast, Tail Whip, Powder Snow, Ice Shard, Icy Wind, Disable…]
[Friendship: 100 (It sees you as its parent.)]
[Mood: 70 (I'm going to be the Vulpix Hero of this town…)]
Truth be told, Hayashi Kaede was a little surprised.
Despite behaving like an immature child, Alolan Vulpix was already at Gym Leader–level strength! And she could evolve at any time.
When their friendship had reached its maximum, the system had even rewarded him with an Ice-type item that suited her perfectly.
What puzzled Hayashi Kaede most was that he hadn't noticed when the system had awarded the Ice Stone. Only recently, when checking his system space, did he discover a gleaming stone brimming with frigid energy.
[SSS-grade Ice Stone — A stone naturally shed from Regice's body. After long-term absorption of surrounding Ice-type energy, it accumulated immense power within and transformed into an Ice Stone.]
The first time he laid eyes on it, Hayashi Kaede was stunned. For a moment, he even wondered if he was hallucinating.
Normally, the system would notify him when awarding such a rare item.
Tracing back, he finally discovered the Ice Stone had been given at… three in the morning?
Which meant that while he had been asleep, the system had rewarded him with the Ice Stone.
The realization had left Hayashi Kaede wide-eyed in disbelief.
Is that even possible?
That very day, after asking little nine what form she wished to evolve into, Hayashi Kaede had also asked Alolan Vulpix whether she wanted to evolve.
Her answer then was that she hadn't decided yet.
Hayashi Kaede didn't mind. He thought she was already wonderful just the way she was. Still, he couldn't help imagining her battling—her milky little voice calling out, while devastatingly powerful moves shocked her opponents.
That would certainly be a sight to see.
Just then, Alolan Vulpix tugged at his trouser leg with her paw.
Her expression was firm. "Vulpix!" (Battle! I want to become the Vulpix Hero!)
Hayashi Kaede: "…"
He had just been thinking about that.
"…Alright then."
Originally, he had only been considering whether to participate in the so-called Junior Cup. But now, it seemed he definitely would.
Threading his way through the bustling crowd, Hayashi Kaede reached the arena. After paying the entrance fee, he stepped inside.
The arena was vast—the flat ground alone was larger than his old berry plantation. With the addition of the spectator stands, Hayashi Kaede felt its scale rivaled the "Bird's Nest" stadium from his previous life.
It was the first day of the Junior Cup.
Inside, the atmosphere was lively, with the arena floor divided into several dozen battle zones.
Those qualified to compete were required to challenge other Trainers within these zones. Each participant needed to complete three matches within a single day, though they were free to battle more if they wished.
However, winning three matches did not automatically guarantee entry into the main tournament.
Because this was a comprehensive challenge, the skill of participating Trainers varied widely. Defeating three complete beginners, for example, would carry little weight.
Referees would score participants based on their performance across the three battles, then decide whether they qualified. To ensure fairness, scoring was done through cross-evaluation.
Therefore, the best strategy was to face strong opponents—or battle as many times as possible.
Hayashi Kaede, accompanied by Mew and Alolan Vulpix, wandered curiously through the arena.
Many of the battles unfolding around him were entertaining, with Pokémon trading blows in rapid exchanges.
He had intended to find Takagi Megumi first, but after scanning the crowds, he didn't see her anywhere. Perhaps she had lost track of time and hadn't arrived yet.
Just as he was about to call her, a "wild" Youngster suddenly appeared in his path.
"Hey! Looking for a battle? How about me?"
The boy, wearing shorts and a red headband, stood confidently with a Tepig at his side. His gaze flickered toward the Alolan Vulpix beside Hayashi Kaede, anticipation in his eyes.
According to his school teacher, Fire-type Pokémon had a massive advantage against Ice-types!
Hayashi Kaede raised his brows and looked at the Tepig.
The little pig sniffed with its red nose, its long ears perked, its whole stance brimming with fighting spirit. Its gaze was fierce, yet endearingly innocent.
For some reason, Hayashi Kaede found the unevolved Pokémon rather cute.
There was a clumsy sort of charm about it.
That impression deepened when he checked its stats:
[Pokémon: Tepig]
[Gender: Male]
[Ability: Blaze]
[Aptitude: Blue]
[IVs: …]
[Level: 6–8]
[Moves: Tackle, Ember, Tail Whip]
It only have three moves… so he probably just starting out…
Hayashi Kaede's smile softened.
He had been about to politely refuse the challenge—
But before he could, Alolan Vulpix leapt forward eagerly. "Vulpix!" (Let's do it!)
Behold, the first trial opponent of the future Vulpix Hero.
Her eyes burned with fighting spirit.
"…Alright then," Hayashi Kaede agreed with a helpless sigh.
Together with the Youngster, they made their way to a nearby vacant arena.