Pokémon: Starting with a Bound Entry System

Chapter 185: A Clear Mind!

Hikaru gazed at the chained and pitiful-looking Bulbasaur, feeling a strong sense of curiosity toward it.

Indeed, the little guy had stolen fruit.

But in the law of survival, it had merely been trying to stay alive.

"What's wrong, Bulbasaur?"

Hikaru followed the tugging vine, crouching beside it. He activated Observation Eye again.

---

[Pokémon: Bulbasaur]

[Ability: Chlorophyll]

[Gender: Male]

[Potential: Gym Leader]

[Level: 17]

[Moves: Tackle, Growl, Leech Seed, Poison Powder, Sleep Powder, Take Down, Razor Leaf]

[Description: A lost Bulbasaur separated from its migrating herd. Accidentally ingested an Everstone, permanently losing the ability to evolve.]

---

"Huh?"

Hikaru's brows furrowed.

Just a few days apart, and this Bulbasaur had already eaten an Everstone?!

Losing its ability to evolve…

That was a significant setback.

---

For Bulbasaur—

Evolution meant survival.

Without it, how could it face the wild?

---

Upon seeing Hikaru again, Bulbasaur felt a surge of emotion.

For days, it had lingered near Aura Town, waiting for his return.

It had made up its mind—

It wanted to follow him.

---

"Why are you crying?"

Hikaru reached out, gently patting its head.

His Aura extended, connecting to Bulbasaur's memories.

Instantly, images flooded into his mind—

---

Like a slideshow, he saw what Bulbasaur had endured.

A mighty Salamence had driven its herd away.

Despite a Valiant Venusaur's attempt to shield them,

The oppressive heat waves from Salamence's Flamethrower forced them to retreat.

With no choice, they had embarked on a dangerous migration.

Yet, it was far from smooth.

Every dominant Pokémon in Qinling's wilderness had territorial instincts.

And with the region in turmoil, even their brief passage through any area led to violent confrontations.

Constant battles.

At one point, a King-tier Swampert had ambushed them by the river.

In the chaos—

Bulbasaur was swept away by the currents.

By the time it awoke—

Its herd had vanished.

---

"You've been through a lot, haven't you?"

Hikaru gazed down at the little creature, feeling a surge of sympathy.

Bulbasaur, however—

Stared straight into his eyes—

Burning with determination.

A fire-like resolve flickered in its bright orange pupils.

---

"Bulbasaur… do you want to defeat that Salamence?"

"Find your herd? Bring them back home?"

"Bulba! Bulba!"

Bulbasaur nodded vigorously, its vines tightening around Hikaru's leg.

It knew—

If it followed this human,

Its life would change forever.

---

Yet Hikaru…

Did not immediately accept it.

Not because he disliked it.

But because he was weighing the decision.

---

Level 17.

Cannot evolve.

Gym-Leader potential.

From a competitive standpoint—

Bulbasaur was severely limited.

A non-evolving Pokémon was unlikely to defeat a Champion-level Salamence.

---

But Hikaru hesitated.

Because—

He liked Bulbasaur's spirit.

It was resilient, self-reliant, and full of conviction.

---

And then it hit him.

What was he prioritizing now, when choosing Pokémon?

Potential? Power? Future prospects?

That wasn't how it should be.

---

Back when he chose Charmander—

Did he have any guarantee it would become strong?

No.

Yet he never hesitated back then.

So why was he hesitating now?

---

In that moment—

Hikaru's mind cleared.

He looked at Bulbasaur and smiled.

---

"Want to come with me, little guy?"

---

Bulbasaur froze.

Then its eyes widened in shock—

Before nodding furiously!

---

At the same time—

A farmer approached.

It was the stall owner who had caught Bulbasaur.

A tanned, straw-hat-wearing man with the rugged look of a hard-working farmer.

Hikaru stood up and scratched his head awkwardly.

"Sir, can I take Bulbasaur with me?"

"If it stole fruit from you, I'll pay ten times the market price as compensation."

---

"Huh?"

The farmer blinked, then let out a boisterous laugh.

"What are you saying, kid? If someone like you wants this Bulbasaur, then take it!"

"Money doesn't matter."

---

With that,

The farmer squatted down and unlocked Bulbasaur's chains.

---

"This… Thank you."

---

Hikaru didn't hesitate anymore.

He pulled out a Poké Ball and lightly tapped it against Bulbasaur.

A red light engulfed it—

And the Poké Ball shook once before clicking shut.

---

"Train hard, Bulbasaur."

"Someday, defeat that Salamence and reclaim your home!"

---

As if responding,

The Poké Ball trembled slightly.

---

Hikaru turned toward Latias, ready to depart.

But before he could call for her—

A thought struck him.

He turned his gaze toward the distant Lucario.

It was still talking to the townsfolk.

He wanted to thank it again.

But after some thought—

He let it be.

---

Instead, he called for Latias and flew toward Qinling.

There was one last thing to do.

---

On the Way to Qinling

As they soared through the morning sky,

Latias slowed down,

Her expression a little troubled.

---

"Something wrong, Latias?"

---

"Um… that Lucario back there…"

"I think it figured out who I am."

---

Latias puffed her cheeks slightly, looking frustrated.

Hikaru had always warned her to keep her disguise intact.

And yet—

A single look from Lucario had seen through it.

---

Hikaru blinked.

Then chuckled.

"Oh, that?"

"That's not a problem."

"It's a Level 90 Lucario. Of course, it can see through disguises."

---

Latias breathed a sigh of relief.

Then—

Suddenly smirked mischievously.

"Oh, Hikaru, hold on tight!"

---

"Huh?"

Before Hikaru could react—

BOOM!

Latias abruptly accelerated, shooting forward like a jet.

Hikaru's instincts kicked in—

And he grabbed onto her neck for dear life.

---

"Latias! What are you doing?!"

---

The red and white dragon just giggled mischievously—

And soared even faster.

----

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

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

*Thank you*