Pokémon: Starting with a Bound Entry System

Chapter 147: Hayashi Mei's Dragonite

"What's the matter?" Hayashi Dou raised an eyebrow at Hikaru.

Though he wasn't entirely happy about how this young man had seemingly stolen his daughter's heart, Hayashi Dou had to admit that if not for Hikaru, his daughter might not have safely returned. Moreover, Hikaru's talent was unparalleled—something Hayashi Dou had never witnessed in his lifetime.

"It's fine, Sakura. Since your father said so, it's better for you to stay in Kyoto." Hikaru gently patted her head. He didn't want to see her arguing with her father over him.

The journey ahead would be arduous, and Hikaru didn't want her to endure such hardships. Kyoto had everything she could need—there was no reason for her to wander the world with him.

"Oh…" Sakura responded, her voice filled with disappointment.

"Uncle, I'll take my leave now!" Hikaru said, ready to depart.

"Wait!" Hayashi Dou called out, hesitating briefly before sighing deeply. "Hikaru, if possible, try to come back before October."

"Huh?" Hikaru was momentarily taken aback but nodded. "Alright, Uncle, I'll do my best to return before October."

As Hikaru's figure disappeared into the distance, Sakura tilted her head and looked at her father. "Will I be undergoing the ceremony with him?"

"If I say no, you'll just keep arguing with me," Hayashi Dou replied with a sigh.

Sakura beamed at him and obediently called out, "Father."

Hayashi Dou sighed again, realizing that in her heart, this young man likely held more weight than he did.

---

After leaving the Hayashi estate, Hikaru immediately called Hayashi Ten.

"Hello? Who is this?" A somewhat irritated voice answered the call. In the background, a soft, feminine voice chimed in, "Big brother, who is it?"

The sugary tone nearly made Hikaru's spine tingle.

"It's me, Hikaru. Didn't we talk about your Dragonite yesterday?" Hikaru explained.

"Oh, Hikaru! Sorry about that," Hayashi Ten said, his tone quickly shifting to one of apology. "You're free already?"

"Yeah, I'll be leaving Kyoto in the next couple of days, so I wanted to address this matter before I go," Hikaru replied, deducing from the background voice that Hayashi Ten was likely on a date—no wonder he sounded annoyed at first.

"What? You're leaving so soon? Sakura's going to be upset when she hears about this."

"She already knows," Hikaru said, coughing lightly. "It's an urgent matter."

"Well, alright then. I'll get in touch with my sister… Wait, but what about the movie we were going to watch?" The feminine voice protested in the background.

"There's no time for movies—I've got urgent business!" Hayashi Ten shot back before ending the call. Moments later, he called Hikaru again to ask for his current location, offering to pick him up. However, Hikaru declined and said he would meet them.

Hayashi Ten gave him the location of the Treasure Bureau.

"Treasure Bureau, huh? Perfect, I can stock up on some Psychic-type resources for Latias with my recent earnings," Hikaru thought as he hailed a cab.

---

The Kyoto Treasure Bureau was bustling with people when Hikaru arrived. Standing tall among the crowd was Hayashi Ten, his build lean and his posture exuding an air of confidence.

Next to him stood a young woman who appeared to be in her early twenties. She wore a brown trench coat, her mature and commanding demeanor radiating authority. This was Hayashi Mei, Hayashi Ten's younger sister—a woman known for her strong personality.

"Hey, Hikaru! Over here!" Hayashi Ten called out cheerfully, waving to him.

Hayashi Mei raised an eyebrow as she observed Hikaru approach. Her Dragonite's persistent headaches had worsened in recent days, and now her brother had brought in a teenager to help?

"Seriously, Ten? You're saying this kid can help my Dragonite?" Hayashi Mei muttered under her breath, her tone skeptical.

"What? Mei, don't you recognize him?" Hayashi Ten asked, surprised.

"Why would I? Should I?" Hayashi Mei replied, glancing skeptically at Hikaru.

"Of course! It's Hikaru! He won this year's National High School League Championship. You even complimented his matches!" Hayashi Ten exclaimed.

Hayashi Mei froze, her memory finally clicking as Hikaru's figure became familiar. Initially, the Ever-Changing Mask had thrown her off, but now she recognized him.

"Oh… I didn't realize at first," Hayashi Mei admitted, then her tone grew sharp. "But isn't he the one who took my Dragon Pool slot?"

Hayashi Mei's voice rose slightly as she crossed her arms. Though she had admired Hikaru's skills in the championship, that didn't excuse taking her slot.

"It was an accident. Honestly, Hikaru didn't even know about it at the time," Hayashi Ten explained hastily. Seeing his sister's icy gaze, he added in a hushed voice, "Mei, please, do me a favor—just let this go."

Mei sighed and shook her head, but Hayashi Ten's unusual pleading softened her. "Fine. But he better fix my Dragonite."

At this moment, Hikaru reached them, greeting Hayashi Ten. "Thanks for coming so quickly. I know it's been a busy time for you."

"It's nothing. Let me introduce you—this is my sister, Hayashi Mei. Mei, this is Hikaru, the National High School League Champion."

"Hello," Hayashi Mei said, extending her hand, though her eyes remained scrutinizing.

Hikaru shook her hand briefly, his grip firm yet respectful. "I'm sorry about the Dragon Pool slot incident, Mei. It was unintentional."

Surprised by his humility, Hayashi Mei found her earlier anger dissipating. She nodded, her tone softening. "I'll leave my Dragonite in your hands, then."

"Let's find a space to bring out your Pokémon," Hikaru said.

"Follow me. There's a spacious area in the Treasure Bureau," Hayashi Mei replied.

The staff at the Treasure Bureau quickly accommodated them, guiding the group to a large room in the back. Once there, both Hayashi Ten and Hayashi Mei released their Dragonites.

Hikaru first glanced at Hayashi Ten's Dragonite and gave an approving nod. But when he turned his attention to Hayashi Mei's Dragonite, his expression froze…

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