Satoshi couldn't understand.
Why would this girl say something like that right after they'd just met?
He did know her name, though.
Togawa Sakiko, a student from Class 1-B. Rumor had it she once used a Milotic to defeat their battle studies teacher.
Anon had tried to recruit her earlier today, but Sakiko didn't respond—brushed her off entirely, like she couldn't be bothered.
Was she working at the EcoDome or something?
Satoshi's gaze lingered on her. She looked nothing like a high schooler—more like a worn-down office worker. Her energy was completely drained, and there was a weight in her eyes that made him feel sorry for her.
Honestly, she reminded him of Larry, the Gym Leader from Paldea.
Sakiko's hair was slightly unkempt, like she no longer cared about appearances. Her expression was lifeless—no smile, only exhaustion etched deep into her face.
This isn't Togawa Sakiko. This is Camel Sakiko!
Where's her weak spot? If she has one, it's probably... getting her pay docked.
Seeing a fellow high school student so worn out stirred mixed feelings in Satoshi.
This wasn't the cutthroat real world. Still, it reminded him painfully of his past life—of his own miserable high school days.
"Um... Are you okay? Do you want me to call you a taxi or something?"
"Are you mocking me?"
Sakiko's voice flared, her eyes burning with sudden anger.
Satoshi winced. His past life memories hadn't fully returned—he still didn't know why she was so mad.
At best, he remembered bits and pieces from the past few years.
He couldn't recall anything he might've done to her.
They hadn't even interacted since the school year started. At most, he remembered catching her glancing his way a few times.
Did I mess something up with her in the past...?
Satoshi racked his brain, trying to recall anything. Family, friends—sure. But Sakiko? Nothing.
Watching her scowl, even Furiko couldn't hold back anymore.
[What the hell's her problem?! How dare she talk to my sweet Satoshi like that?!
(╬ Ò﹏Ó) I swear, I want to go full Mortal Kombat on her!]
Stop that, Furiko—she's clearly a corporate drone.
I'm not going Mortal Kombat on a wage slave.
Satoshi genuinely couldn't bring himself to be harsh to someone who clearly had a heavy burden.
[True, true... she's a working stiff... I sympathize... life's hard sometimes. ╮(╯▽╰)╭]
[But if she weren't a wage slave?! Oh my god, I'd punt Camel Sakiko's ass into orbit! (ಠ益ಠ)]
Her name is Togawa Sakiko! And what is with that dramatic dub voice?!
[Ehehe~]
Sighing, Satoshi reined in Furiko's nonsense and turned his attention back to Sakiko.
"Sorry, I didn't mean anything by it. You just looked... unwell. I wanted to help. But if you don't want that, it's fine. I'll leave you alone."
He stepped back.
Part of him wondered if he had wronged her in the past. But arguing wouldn't help. That wasn't his style.
"...You don't need to care about me. And I don't need your pity."
Sakiko inhaled deeply and calmed her voice, retreating into cool indifference.
Maybe it was because Satoshi didn't escalate that she relaxed a little. At least she didn't keep pushing.
The conversation ended there. Satoshi, having gotten a good look at the EcoDome, turned to head home.
The excitement he'd felt earlier had all but vanished. A cold wind had blown over his mood.
Did something happen between us before?
Apparently his family had some money—and rumor had it he even had a fiancée. Not that he remembered who.
Whoever it was didn't really matter.
He wasn't planning to get married until he achieved his dream of becoming a Pokémon Master. Anything else would be irresponsible.
Focus. TATAKAE!
Shaking off the gloom, Satoshi turned and walked away.
Meanwhile, Sakiko quietly adjusted her hair, slung her bag over her shoulder, and started walking off in the same direction.
Tap, tap... tap, tap...
The sound of her heels and his sneakers echoed in tandem across the pavement.
Their pace matched perfectly.
Click. Click. Step. Step.
Like they were... walking in sync. Like they were—
Couples?
"Hmm?" ×2
Why are you still walking next to me?! ×2
Their eyes met. Neither spoke.
But neither changed course, either.
Is this a romantic comedy now...?
They couldn't help thinking the same thing.
"Asama... are you doing this on purpose?"
Sakiko came to a halt, her small leather shoes pausing on the asphalt.
"...Nope. My house just happens to be this way."
"Can you not follow me?"
"My house just happens to be this way..."
"Ugh."
Sakiko finally lost her patience. Her hand slipped into her pocket and pulled out a Poké Ball.
Satoshi blinked. It was a Dive Ball.
"Huh?"
"Pokémon battle. If I win—you leave me alone. For good!"
Her voice rang out with clarity and conviction.
She'd heard the rumors—Satoshi had beaten a teacher.
A first-year student, barely a month into school, beating a pro? Impressive, sure—but not impossible in the Battle Department.
She'd done it too. In fact, she'd crushed her opponent.
So had Chitanda Eru and Nishikino Maki.
This year's freshman class was stacked with talent.
Most teachers were theory-heavy and out of practice. After spending years around newbies, their edge dulled. Hanging around rookies wouldn't sharpen her skills—it would dull hers too.
As a part-time EcoDome staffer, Sakiko was understandably frustrated.
She wanted to blow off steam.
If she'd just asked him not to follow her, Satoshi would've waited a few minutes before continuing on.
But she'd challenged a battle junkie.
And that meant—
There was no way he'd say no.
[YESSSSS!! Finally, I can smack this salty witch around! I've been dying for this moment! ヽ(`Д´)ﾉ]
[Your girl Furiko is about to LOSE IT!]
[Mission: Absolutely demolish Togawa Sakiko! Reward: A Friend Ball.]
Furiko, could you... maybe offer better rewards?
Satoshi sighed and tossed out a Poké Ball with force.
"Alright then—Raichu, I choose you!"
"Milotic—battle ready!"
Sakiko raised the Dive Ball to her lips, kissed it like a noble, and threw it in a flawless arc.
A flash of light—and Raichu and Milotic appeared on the battlefield.
Sakiko's lips curled upward slightly—but the chill in her eyes never left.
"Milotic, use [Dragon Pulse]!"
"Roooooar—!"