Pokémon: Starting with a Bound Entry System

Chapter 128: Hikaru, What Are Your Goals?

"Ugh… I can't win this one."

As a Dragon Tamer, Sakura could sense the immense latent Dragon-type energy within Latias.

But Hikaru had told her to give it her all.

Resigned, Sakura issued her command. "Vikavolt, Thunderbolt."

"Latias, use Invisibility and Psychic!"

What followed was a battle devoid of suspense.

Latias's psychic strength far surpassed even Gardevoir's.

The powerful psychic energy ravaged the field, and in an instant, Vikavolt was caught and slammed into the ground.

"Vikavolt is unable to battle!"

The announcer immediately relayed the result.

Meanwhile, the audience erupted in excitement, declaring this year's National High School League to be the most thrilling yet.

The final match had been a rollercoaster ride, with both contestants showcasing exceptional Pokémon and strategies that left the crowd in awe.

"This last Pokémon is way too powerful! That Vikavolt, which defeated Greninja earlier, couldn't even resist!"

"It's a total mismatch. That final move…"

"What kind of Pokémon is that? Can I catch one too?"

---

Finally, Sakura's elder brother, Kei Hama, stepped onto the stage.

"I hereby declare the 2009 National High School League concluded. The champion is Hikaru! Let's give him a big round of applause!"

The arena erupted in cheers as if a tidal wave of sound had engulfed it.

"The award ceremony will take place in three days. All winners, please prepare accordingly!"

And with that, the league came to an end.

---

As Hikaru left the stage, he was unsurprisingly swarmed.

Reporters from various television stations peppered him with questions about how he trained his Pokémon to such heights.

University recruitment officers bombarded him with offers, each attempting to entice him with promises of rare resources and unparalleled opportunities.

Of course, Hikaru wasn't the only one being mobbed.

Almost all the competitors still in the arena found themselves surrounded, though none as much as Hikaru.

"Hikaru, come to Hua University! We have three A-ranked secret realms filled with Fire Crystals that can significantly boost Fire-type moves. You'll have unlimited access!"

"Don't listen to them! At Hai University, we specialize in Water-type Pokémon and have beautiful upperclasswomen who love the ocean. Join us, and you'll see!"

"Beautiful upperclasswomen? That's nothing! We have gorgeous professors..."

Hikaru sighed and turned his head, only to see Sakura standing nearby.

Hovering protectively over her was a Metagross—the same one that had maintained the floating platforms during the match.

No one dared approach her.

"Having connections sure is nice," Hikaru muttered with a wry smile.

Eventually, league officials intervened, insisting that such discussions take place in private.

---

As Hikaru exited the arena, he unexpectedly ran into an old acquaintance: Ash.

The boy looked disheveled, with twigs stuck in his hat, as if he'd just emerged from a jungle.

When Hikaru asked why Ash hadn't participated in the league, he replied with a dramatic sigh.

"I misremembered the date! I've been exploring a secret realm all this time, so I didn't get the memo!"

Hikaru: "..."

That explanation fit perfectly with his impression of Ash.

However, Pikachu, perched on Ash's shoulder, was now at Level 43, a clear sign that Ash's expedition had been fruitful.

"Looks like I'll have to wait until next year to join the league. It's a shame… I won't get to battle you."

Ash lamented briefly before quickly brightening up.

"Your matches were incredible, Hikaru! I'll see you in the Youth League. I'll definitely challenge you then!"

Hikaru simply smiled and nodded. "Sure, let's have a match then."

---

After the crowd dispersed, Hikaru lingered near the arena, waiting to speak with his senior, Yuki. He wanted to ask about her future plans.

However, he found her still sitting in the stands, lost in thought.

"What's wrong, Yuki?"

Hikaru approached her, his voice soft and concerned.

"Huh?"

Yuki looked up, startled. When she saw it was Hikaru, a faint smile appeared on her face. "It's nothing, Hikaru."

Hikaru sat beside her, unconvinced.

"Nothing? I don't buy it. You've practically written your thoughts on your face."

The two of them had shared life-and-death experiences and had been through so much together. They came from the same place, and Yuki's aunt had even entrusted Hikaru with looking after her.

Given their history, Hikaru felt obligated to check in on her.

"...Hmm."

Yuki remained silent, her gaze fixed on Hikaru.

The boy's face still carried traces of youthful innocence, but his words held a maturity beyond his years.

For a moment, she didn't know what to say.

She had worked so hard, yet the gap between them only seemed to widen.

It was a bitter pill to swallow for anyone.

"Why are you staring at me? Is there something on my face?" Hikaru asked, puzzled.

"Pfft…"

Yuki chuckled.

"Yes, there is. It's called charm."

Hikaru looked even more confused.

Thankfully, Yuki continued.

"Do you have a goal, Hikaru?"

"Of course," he replied, surprised by the sudden question.

"I have plenty of goals. Like leading Charizard to become a champion, striving for excellence as a trainer until there's no path left to tread, or encountering all the Legendary Pokémon on my journey..."

"Alright, alright, I get it. You dream big," Yuki interrupted with a playful pout.

She had initially planned to roll her eyes but ended up smiling.

Hikaru coughed awkwardly. "Uh… so, what about you?"

"I have a goal too," Yuki said softly, her gaze drifting skyward.

She raised her slender hand, spreading her fingers as sunlight streamed through the gaps, casting a gentle glow on her face.

"I've worked so hard to pursue it."

"But now, I feel like no matter how much effort I put in, I'll never reach it. Do you think I should give up?"

"That's all?" Hikaru laughed.

Yuki's expression faltered, but Hikaru quickly grew serious.

"Having a goal is a wonderful thing, Yuki. Take my Pokémon, for example."

"Come out, Charizard!"

"Rawr?"

Charizard blinked, looking curious.

Its injuries had fully healed thanks to Hikaru's Evergreen Aura.

Hikaru patted Charizard's claw.

"Charizard's goal is to become a champion, but is it there yet?"

"Nope. But it's still working hard toward that dream."

"Rawr! Rawr!"

Charizard nodded enthusiastically.

Hikaru recalled Charizard and summoned Pupitar.

"Pupi~"

Freshly evolved, Pupitar looked drowsy.

"What's your goal, Pupitar?"

"Pupi! Pupi!" (To be like my father!)

"Pupitar wants to grow strong like its parent, with broad shoulders that can shield those behind it from any storm."

In the stands, Hikaru's words began to resonate with Yuki, and the light returned to her eyes...

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