Pokémon: Starting with a Bound Entry System

Chapter 99: Misty, the Aspiring Water Pokémon Master

"This must be Hikaru, the Shuimu High School League Champion! And he's also a top-tier breeder?"

"The gap between people is just so vast… Forget it. Am I even human compared to him?"

"A top-tier breeder! Unbelievable!"

In the crowd, many were murmuring in awe.

Hikaru stood there, holding Latias's hand, greeting the onlookers with a wry smile.

As he endured the attention, the white-coated breeder returned in a hurry.

"Mr. Hikaru, your antidote is truly remarkable, nearing expert-level craftsmanship. We can purchase it for 100,000 Pokécoins per bottle!"

"I've got more. Take a look."

Hikaru pulled out another dozen bottles from his backpack, leftovers from his time in Water City while treating Latios.

Selling them now was just the opportunity he needed.

Luckily, he hadn't used these antidotes to counter the poison of the champion-level Arbok back on the cruise ship. Otherwise, the commotion it would've caused would have been unimaginable.

At 100,000 per bottle, selling all of them would net over a million—enough to buy the three Psychic-Type treasures and leave a little for travel expenses.

Nearby, Misty stared in shock, her mouth slightly agape. 100,000 per bottle?

One hundred thousand!

What now? She didn't have that kind of money!

As the transaction proceeded, she quietly retrieved her now-healed Staryu, intending to slip away unnoticed.

However, someone in the crowd pointed her out.

"Hey, young lady, where are you going? You just used one of his antidotes. Why are you leaving now?"

"Alright, thank you, sister."

Just as Hikaru completed his transaction and said goodbye to the blushing sales assistant, his Aura detected the girl's awkward situation.

She was surrounded by onlookers, her face flushed red, and tears welled up in her eyes.

"Everyone, listen up! This is my friend. It's all a misunderstanding!"

Hikaru's shout immediately diffused the tension. The crowd, realizing their error, quickly apologized to Misty.

Hikaru then led Misty and Latias out of the crowd, thanking everyone for their understanding as they left the Treasure Bureau.

"Phew, that was intense!"

Hikaru sighed in relief as they exited the building.

Turning to Misty, he observed her closely.

She looked about his age, wearing a yellow short-sleeved top and overalls, with neat orange hair tied into a small ponytail.

Her outfit exuded a lively charm, and she was undeniably a pretty girl.

"I'm sorry... but I really don't have that kind of money right now..."

Misty's voice grew smaller as she spoke, avoiding eye contact with Hikaru.

She had run away from home after arguing with her parents and had spent all her money during her travels.

And now, after using the antidote without paying and almost sneaking off, she felt deeply ashamed.

Yet this kind boy had still stepped in to help her.

Hikaru scratched his head, feeling a bit exasperated.

"So, when will you be able to pay me back?"

"I'll return it as soon as I can!"

She bowed deeply to Hikaru in apology.

"It's fine. It's just one antidote. Let's exchange contact info. You can pay me back on Green Bubble whenever you have the money."

Reluctantly, Hikaru let it slide.

He really just wanted to find a quiet place to craft energy cubes and test them with Latias.

After exchanging contact details, Hikaru was about to leave when he felt a gentle tug on his sleeve.

The girl was holding onto him, looking a bit embarrassed.

"Big brother, could you lend me some money?"

Hikaru: "???"

I just told you not to worry about the antidote, and now you're asking for a loan?

"I had a fight with my parents. I want to become a trainer, but they want me to be a Pokémon Coordinator, saying being a trainer is too dangerous. So I ran away from home.

I promise I'll repay you as soon as I qualify for the regional league."

Misty clenched her fists, her tone full of determination.

"Ah..."

Hikaru sighed.

Conflicts like this between parents and children over dreams weren't uncommon.

Her Staryu, which had been poisoned for quite some time, explained her desperation earlier.

No wonder she had rushed into the bureau.

But qualifying for the regional league? That wouldn't be easy.

From what Hikaru had observed, her Staryu was only Level 26—barely enough to participate, let alone stand out in a competitive environment.

By all logic, he should send her back to her parents to follow their wishes.

But doing so would mean crushing her dream of becoming a trainer.

"Alright, wait here. Let me craft some energy cubes to sell, and then I'll transfer some money to you."

"Then I'll stick with you until then."

Misty was adamant.

"Fine, fine."

Hikaru relented.

Curious, he asked, "How many gyms have you challenged so far, Misty?"

"That's right, call me Misty! I'm aiming to become a Water Pokémon Master!"

With Hikaru's agreement, Misty's lively personality surfaced.

"As for gyms... I've beaten three city-level gyms so far..."

"And provincial-level gyms?"

She lowered her head, dejected.

"I... can't win..."

"Alright."

Hikaru pinched his forehead.

His plan had been to challenge three provincial gyms first and then tackle city gyms.

But now, it seemed he'd have to adjust his plans to focus on training Larvitar instead.

"I plan to finish city gyms first, then tackle provincial ones."

"Okay. I also need to challenge city gyms. Let's team up!"

"I've already gone through all six city gyms in Nagumo City."

Nagumo City had six city-level gyms, if Hikaru remembered correctly.

So she had failed to beat three of them.

No problem.

"Then we'll head somewhere new."

Hikaru didn't mind changing plans.

But before challenging any gyms, he needed to test Larvitar's battle capabilities.

Heading to a nearby C-Rank Wild Zone, he explained his plan to Misty.

"I need to craft some energy cubes and find sparring partners for Larvitar. This C-Rank Wild Zone should be just right."

"Everyone, come out!"

After explaining his intentions, Hikaru called out all his Pokémon.

Gardevoir, Charizard, Greninja, Lucario, and Larvitar appeared one by one.

Meanwhile, Latias remained in human form, standing beside Hikaru.

Taking out energy cubes tailored to each Pokémon's preferences, Hikaru distributed them.

"Wow, Hikaru, you're amazing!"

Watching one powerful Pokémon after another emerge, Misty's eyes sparkled with admiration.

She then summoned her own Pokémon: Magikarp, Poliwhirl, Staryu, and a Lapras.

Her eyes gleamed with excitement.

"How about a battle?"

Hikaru glanced at the levels of her Pokémon and nodded.

"Alright."

"Go, Lapras!"

"Your turn..."

---

Read up to 20 Chapters ahead on patreon.com/Fanglin

[Please leave a 5 Star review and power stone for this novel]

*Thank you*