The battle had ended. Milotic lay on the ground, visibly weakened and worn out.
"You did great, Milotic."
Togawa Sakiko walked up hurriedly, her expression tense. She gently supported Milotic's body, pulling a spray potion from her bag and applying it carefully to its wounds. The soothing mist eased the pain and began mending the damage.
Watching her, Satoshi felt a pang of sympathy.
Potions came in various tiers: Potion, Super Potion, Hyper Potion, Max Potion, and Full Restore.
And Sakiko had just used a basic Potion—the weakest of the lot. It was the kind you'd normally use on baby Pokémon. For a powerhouse like Milotic, at least a Hyper Potion would've made sense.
At first, Satoshi thought she might've been using a Throat Spray—an item that boosts Sp. Atk by 1 stage after a sound-based move. It looked nearly identical to a Potion. People often mixed them up.
What happened...? What kind of student becomes so overworked that they can't afford anything better? Forced to use the cheapest spray available...
Her eyes were hollow. Sakiko looked utterly worn down. There was no smile—just layers of exhaustion.
The only time she tried to smile was when she told Milotic "Good job." And even then, it looked like a painful effort.
Suddenly, Satoshi felt the urge to help her. He'd already wanted to. But now, more than ever, he had to.
He wanted to protect both Pokémon—and human—smiles.
From his backpack, he pulled out a spray-type Full Restore and quietly walked over.
Sakiko looked up in confusion, her tired eyes blinking.
When she saw the item in his hand, her expression shifted—wide-eyed and uneasy.
"Don't use that! I can't afford to pay you back!"
"It's fine. I'm giving it to Milotic."
Satoshi knelt and gently applied the Full Restore to Milotic's body. The liquid shimmered in the air with a clean, soothing fragrance.
"That's... that's way too expensive..."
In the market, Full Restores went for ¥3000. That was ten times more than the basic Potion.
For a part-time customer service rep at the EcoDome like Sakiko, it was a luxury far beyond reach.
"Er... it's the cheapest thing I have on me."
Fortunately, his family had money. And for Satoshi, the worst items in the house were Hyper Potions.
Since today's training was going to be tough, he'd packed only Full Restores—just in case.
Money wasn't the issue. His Pokémon came first.
What even is this guy...
Sakiko was at a loss for words.
"Feeling better, Milotic?"
"Rooaa..."
She watched him closely. His movements were careful and gentle—tender. Under his care, Milotic's injuries began to vanish, its breathing easing.
That warmth—that attentiveness—Sakiko couldn't look away.
I've been completely defeated...
Milotic had grown up with her, a partner with a bit of a stubborn streak. And yet here it was—perfectly at ease with Satoshi.
It was honestly hard to believe.
Sakiko couldn't deny it: this boy had skill. Not just in battle, but in how he treated Pokémon.
She began to understand his personality more clearly now.
Sunny. Passionate. Sincere.
Maybe their meeting really had been a coincidence.
Thinking back to what she'd said earlier, Sakiko was mortified.
If there were a hole nearby, she'd dive in without hesitation.
"Sorry. I guess there was a misunderstanding. But really—my house is in this direction."
As he finished applying the Full Restore, Satoshi gently patted Milotic, double-checking for any lingering damage. He looked up at her and offered an apology.
Their battle had been accidental. And he hadn't explained himself fast enough—he knew that was partly on him.
"No... it's my fault, really. You don't have to apologize."
Sakiko's eyes lingered on the boy before her. For just a moment, her heart fluttered.
He was so honest—she couldn't bring herself to dislike him.
And besides... the loser didn't have a say.
As a Pokémon Trainer, it was only right for her to pay a price. Especially after making such a bold wager.
Togawa Sakiko: "If I win, you're never allowed to talk to me again!"
Those confident words now felt like broken wings. Her heart was a mess.
Helpless, she reached deep into her bag and pulled out a single bill—her freshly earned paycheck—and held it like it was something sacred.
She hadn't even used it yet.
"Take this... as my apology—and your prize." Sakiko's tone was heavy, her body tense as she held the money out. Her resolve was palpable.
Satoshi blinked, confused.
"No need. I didn't battle you for money. Honestly, I should be thanking you. You and Milotic were amazing—I learned a lot."
He gave her a small, easy smile, the kind that radiated pure warmth.
Sakiko's cheeks flushed pink. Her heart skipped a beat.
"I see..."
He's too pure... I'm going to cry.
It had been over a year since Sakiko had seen someone this genuine. Customer service at the EcoDome was brutal—every day full of complaints and stress.
One bad review and her pay got docked. Every deduction felt like the sky was collapsing.
"How about... we add each other as friends? Consider it me owing you."
She didn't have the means to repay him right now. But her pride wouldn't let the favor go unreturned.
"Sure! If you ever want to battle again, you know where to find me."
He smiled again and pulled out his phone. The two of them exchanged contacts with ease.
"By the way... why were you so pissed off at me earlier?"
That had been bugging him for a while now.
Sakiko's expression darkened instantly.
But then—just as quickly—she smiled faintly.
"That's a secret."
"Oh... alright."
Satoshi didn't press. His mind was already drifting elsewhere.
Judging from that battle, Raichu and Milotic were both Gym-level. Having a sparring partner like her would be amazing.
He based Gym-level power off what Wakaba Mutsumi had shown.
But to win the High School League... Gym level alone wasn't enough.
It's time to catch more Pokémon.
His eyes grew determined.
Together with his team, he would win the upcoming Afro Buffalo Cup.
And after that—he'd take the High School League championship!