"Eevee..."
Before Minato could speak, Eevee sensed something amiss, glancing nervously between the two humans.
Could it be... that this life of lounging on sofas watching dramas would end before it even began?!
"Calm yourself."
Minato rubbed Eevee's head firmly, signaling the Pokémon to remain silent.
When adults speak, children listen.
"Allow me to explain," Yosuke continued. "The Starlight Battle Club serves as a venue for trainers to evaluate their training results. It provides battle facilities, training equipment, sparring partners, and personal coaches. Your task would be completing assigned battle duties. You may choose whether to follow the personal coach's advice."
"A novice trainer like myself could serve as a sparring partner?" Minato expressed surprise.
"Under normal circumstances, no. However, I am acquainted with the club's owner. Arranging simple tasks for you poses no difficulty. For example... battling customers who are also novice trainers."
"You would receive daily wages for your time. The commitment would be minimal."
"Additionally, the club's fees are substantial. The clientele consists primarily of wealthy individuals. Even simple work commands respectable compensation. The practical combat experience proves secondary. As a Starlight Battle Club employee, you would enjoy preferential rates at Pokémon Centers. The club has established comprehensive partnerships with the centers."
Minato's interest was piqued.
The Starlight Battle Club represented a genuinely high-end establishment. Had he accessed such resources earlier, his own haphazard experimentation would have proven unnecessary.
The specialized training for Eevee had consumed tremendous mental energy, proving more exhausting than academic study. Continued strain might cost him his hair.
"I shall not refuse such generosity. My thanks, Brother Yosuke." Minato grinned. Such favorable conditions required no additional courtesy.
"Excellent. However, I must caution you. The personal coach I mentioned can assist you only to a limited degree. Your actual progress depends entirely upon your own efforts and Eevee's."
"That I understand perfectly."
"Very well. Tomorrow, present yourself at the address and contact information on the card. I wish you success in that... tournament of yours."
Yosuke departed as abruptly as he had arrived, leaving only the card behind.
Minato and Eevee exchanged glances before Eevee rolled helplessly across the sofa.
"Eevee, this opportunity is too valuable to waste. Professional coaching surpasses our isolated efforts. I have been concerned about how to teach you Bite, that Dark-type move," Minato said.
"Eevee." Eevee stuck out its tongue, returning attention to the television.
Seizing the remaining moments of leisure took priority.
...
Despite apparent reluctance, Eevee rose the following morning before Minato.
"Ugh..."
Removing the Silk Scarf covering his face, Minato regarded Eevee with resentment.
He had nearly suffocated.
Was the Pokémon attempting to murder its trainer?!
"Eevee!" Eevee shook its head, urging Minato to rise quickly. The Special Zone experience had instilled a profound determination to avoid repetition. Surpassing that, Pidgeot's strength became Eevee's new objective.
The primary objective remained the victory Minato had mentioned days earlier at the Little Ho-Oh Cup. Victory would secure Eevee its own smartphone.
This motivation alone prevented surrender. At the thought of the phone, Eevee's eyes sparkled.
"Very well. Breakfast first, then we depart."
Minato scratched his disheveled hair.
The Starlight Battle Club enjoyed considerable renown, with headquarters in the capital and popularity among upper-class clientele.
After breakfast, Minato and Eevee followed the card's address to the Heiwa City branch.
The distance proved substantial, though transportation options remained abundant.
"Starlight Battle Club..."
After some navigation, Minato located the building. Reading the seven large characters adorning the structure, he entered the lobby.
The Starlight Battle Club occupied considerable space. Even this branch location projected grandeur. The lobby shone brilliantly, supported by massive pillars. Upon closer inspection, each pillar featured celestial patterns. The overall layout created a distinctive atmosphere.
Numerous trainers conversed with their Pokémon throughout the space. Minato surveyed the area before approaching the reception desk. He addressed a remarkably refined receptionist:
"Excuse me. Could you direct me to Mr. Sanmei..."
"Ah, yes. We have an appointment. My surname is Minato."
"Welcome."
The receptionist smiled. "One moment, please. I shall contact him."
...
Meanwhile.
In the Starlight Battle Club reception room.
The branch manager, Mr. Sanmei, received two corpulent guests of substantial girth.
Mr. Sanmei appeared approximately forty years old, impeccably dressed in the manner of a successful businessman. Across from him, a middle-aged man of similar age consumed a beverage in large gulps before laughing heartily: "Old friend, you need not praise him. I know my own child's capabilities."
The obese man glanced at the chubby adolescent beside him, who appeared drowsy. He struck the boy's head sharply.
The youth, fifteen or sixteen years old, possessed ruddy cheeks and small eyes embedded within mounds of facial fat. Startled awake, his eyes darted about immediately.
"Indeed, he resembles your younger self," Mr. Sanmei said, shaking his head with a smile.
"Were he half as ambitious as I was then..."
The heavyset man spoke with resignation. This only son, sixteen years old, was a novice trainer who showed absolutely no interest in Pokémon. Though their family wanted for nothing, the father still hoped his child might become a Professional Trainer. Possessing a Professional Trainer license facilitated numerous opportunities, serving as credentials equivalent to academic degrees.
"Ah!" The youth protested loudly, raising his voice: "Nineteen victories, zero defeats."
"Silence. I brought you here to witness genuine trainers."
The obese man struck him again, pressing the youth downward forcefully until the sofa cushion depressed beneath him.
"Interesting. Had you arrived earlier, the club might have lacked suitable sparring opponents. However, circumstances have changed. An appropriate candidate has become available."
Mr. Sanmei smiled. "A business partner recently requested that I find battle training employment for a novice trainer under his care. According to my partner, this young trainer demonstrates considerable skill. I propose we arrange a match between these two novice trainers. The results might prove more... illuminating."
"Excellent. Excellent." The obese man's eyes narrowed with pleasure. This arrangement suited him perfectly.
As they spoke, a knock sounded at the door. Mr. Sanmei's secretary relayed the front desk inquiry.
After the secretary departed, Mr. Sanmei's smile broadened. "This proves remarkably timely. The individual I mentioned has arrived. Are you available now?"
"Immediately," the obese man said, rising.