Pokémon: Starting with a Bound Entry System

Chapter 108: Champion of Canton Province

"Wave Aura..."

High above the city, through thick layers of clouds, Hayashi Takashi and his father were each riding a Dragonite, observing the battles below.

"See that, Father? That kid is a Wave Aura user!"

"And let me tell you, back in Water City, his Wave Aura wasn't even this strong. To think he's progressed this much in such a short time… his talent is absolutely extraordinary!"

Takashi couldn't help but marvel at the sight.

The larger Dragonite next to Takashi's father snorted, as the elder man landed a couple of light knocks on Takashi's head.

"Takashi, show some respect. Calling me 'old man' like that?"

The elder Hayashi shook his head, his expression stern. His tone softened slightly as he continued, "Yes, the Wave Aura is impressive... but talent alone isn't everything."

He turned to look at Takashi, who grinned sheepishly.

"Shouldn't you worry about yourself? You're already Thirty-eight, pushing thirty! When will you find a girlfriend?"

Takashi's grin faded.

"Wait, I'm almost forty?!"

Takashi muttered under his breath but quickly changed the subject. "Anyway, about that kid... I heard from Gengar that he arrived in Kyoto with another girl following him around. What's his secret for charming girls? Should I ask him for tips?"

---

In the plaza, Rotom was replaying the highlights of Hikaru's recent battle, drawing a crowd of spectators who buzzed with excitement.

"That Larvitar is incredible! Even in a smokescreen, it could pinpoint Charmeleon's position!"

"Exactly! And that trainer clearly trusts his Pokémon to keep its cool while using Screech to weaken the opponent's attack!"

"Brilliant!"

Hikaru glanced at the leaderboard, where his rank had jumped to 198th after the victory.

With nearly three thousand participants in the qualifiers, climbing to 198th after one match wasn't bad.

"Hey, buddy, up for another match?"

A trainer approached Hikaru, his interest piqued.

"My Pokémon's a water-type Blastoise. How about you use Larvitar?"

Hikaru raised an eyebrow. "Do I look like an idiot?"

"Lucario!"

Lucario stepped forward, eager to take on the Blastoise.

The first day of the qualifiers was always the most exciting. Trainers were desperate to climb the rankings, and the leaderboard shifted by the minute as battles raged on.

By the end of the day, both Lucario and Larvitar had gained valuable battle experience. Larvitar, in particular, had made significant progress.

Despite its usual focus on eating and evolving, the rigorous battles helped stabilize its energy control—a crucial step for its eventual evolution into Tyranitar.

---

As the evening settled over Kyoto, Hikaru reviewed the rewards for the national championship.

As the highest-level competition for high school trainers, the National High School League Championship boasted incredibly generous prizes.

The most coveted reward was a pseudo-legendary Pokémon.

And not just any pseudo-legendary—the winner could choose from the Pokémon League's collection, tailoring their selection to suit their team.

What's more, the League would provide resources to support the Pokémon's development until it reached its final evolution stage—a prize worth millions in resources alone.

No wonder the championship attracted so much passion from trainers across Hua Nation.

Even qualifying for the main event came with over a million in funding or equivalent resources.

"Salamence, Metagross, Dragonite… which should I choose?"

Hikaru scrolled through images of the Pokémon in his Pokédex, deep in thought.

Salamence offered raw physical power and impressive speed.

Dragonite was balanced, excelling in strength, stamina, and versatility.

Metagross combined physical offense with exceptional defense.

Each was undeniably cool.

"Guess I'll figure it out after I win," Hikaru muttered, confident in his chances.

If necessary, he wasn't above showing the world the true power of Mega Evolution.

"Speaking of which, I should start drafting my Mega Evolution research paper. I wonder what Professor Ayame will think..."

The potential of Mega Evolution was too immense to ignore.

---

Elsewhere in Kyoto, a Sunflora faced off against an Arcanine.

The Sunflora, its petals scorched and blackened, was struggling to stand. In contrast, the Arcanine stood tall, its coat shimmering with vitality.

"Arcanine, Extreme Speed, then Crunch!"

The Arcanine's speed surged as it closed the distance, its glowing jaws clamping down on Sunflora's neck.

The Sunflora cried out in pain, collapsing to the ground.

Before Rotom could confirm the result, the Arcanine's trainer shouted again.

"Flamethrower!"

The fiery blast engulfed the defeated Sunflora, leaving its trainer horrified.

"Damn it, Sunflora!" The young girl rushed to recall her Pokémon, glaring at the Arcanine's trainer through teary eyes before sprinting toward the nearest Pokémon Center.

"What a weakling," the trainer sneered, recalling his Arcanine.

Despite the brutality, the trainer's expression was cold and detached, treating his Pokémon purely as tools for victory.

---

Once he left, the crowd began to murmur.

"Who is that guy? His Arcanine demolished a peak Gym-tier Sunflora like it was nothing!"

"Still, did he really need to go that far? The Sunflora was already down, and he used Flamethrower anyway!"

"That's Canton Province's champion, Kei hoshino. I heard he's notorious for being ruthless. During one match, he almost broke a Kingler's claw…"

---

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