Pokémon: Starting with a Bound Entry System

Chapter 111: Ninetales, Do You Think We've Caught Up With Him?

The call was a video call.

The background showed a bustling street.

The people in the video were Ayame, Takashi Hayashi, and... Misty.

Were the three of them out shopping?

Upon seeing Hikaru, Takashi Hayashi gave a thumbs-up while holding Ayame's hand with the other.

He was signaling that their relationship was now official.

Hikaru was momentarily stunned but then smiled, replying, "It's done. The main delay was documenting Riolu's evolution."

"Huh? You're an evolution researcher too?"

Takashi Hayashi was initially surprised by their conversation, then stared at his phone in shock.

This was the first time he learned that Hikaru could also research Pokémon evolution.

This kid... could he be a jack-of-all-trades?

Ancient texts, aura abilities, training talent, breeding expertise—and now he's writing a paper on evolution?

Misty, standing nearby, was also briefly stunned but quickly returned to normal.

To her, this was not too surprising. After all, Hikaru had helped her Gyarados evolve back then.

"Surprised? This kid is much more capable than you!" Ayame cast a sidelong glance at Takashi Hayashi, who was overreacting.

She then smiled warmly at Hikaru. "Hurry up and upload your work. Once I review and approve it, along with some experiments, your senior researcher certification will be granted!"

"Hikaru, Hikaru, look! I'm ranked 26th now!"

Misty leaned closer, speaking excitedly. Her personality was as lively as ever.

"Wait for me. Once I reach the finals, I'll pay you back the money I owe!"

Hikaru encouraged her, "Good luck!"

"By the way, are you at Sister Dila's house? I saw her in the background."

"Cough, cough..."

Hikaru turned around and saw Takashi Hayashi in the background, looking at him with a meaningful expression.

Hikaru explained helplessly, "I'm telling stories—about how I helped your Magikarp evolve into Gyarados. Everyone loves hearing it."

"Evolution?"

Ayame seemed to catch the keyword.

"Magikarp evolving into Gyarados?"

As a workaholic, hearing such a statement triggered her immediate interest.

Misty replied happily, "Yes! My Gyarados evolved thanks to Hikaru's help!"

"Hikaru, have you discovered the key to Magikarp's evolution?"

Ayame's tone turned urgent.

The last time, Hikaru had provided the key insights for Eevee's evolution.

Since then, her research group had been studying Feebas and Magikarp as their evolution subjects.

Both Pokémon exhibit drastic changes post-evolution.

If they could uncover the mechanism, it would revolutionize the research field.

Unfortunately, Magikarp had been a frustrating subject—whether they focused on strength or bonds, progress was difficult.

Now, hearing Hikaru might have found the key, Ayame was both surprised and eager.

"Cough, cough..."

Hikaru cleared his throat.

"It's just a hypothesis for now, but I think I'm close."

Ayame fell into deep thought.

Could she truly call herself his teacher?

"Well... Let's talk about it later. Focus on the university league for now."

Although she was eager to know, Ayame understood that Hikaru's priority was the competition.

"Yes, teacher, don't worry. I won't neglect research or training."

Hikaru nodded.

Ayame added, "As a mid-level researcher, you can apply for 500,000 research funds monthly from the institute, which can be used for Pokémon training or research."

"Senior researchers can carry two additional Pokémon. Once I've reviewed your paper and discussed it with the board, you should be promoted soon."

"Thank you, teacher," Hikaru said, smiling gratefully. "Alright, I won't disturb you anymore."

After hanging up the call, Hikaru let out a sigh of relief.

Advancing from senior trainer to master trainer was a significant leap.

With the university league approaching, he already had six Pokémon. Winning the championship rewards would be critical.

If limited by the number of Pokémon he could carry, it would be problematic.

"Alright..."

Determined, Hikaru planned to work through several nights, finalizing his hypothesis on Magikarp's evolution into Gyarados while intensifying his Pokémon's aura training.

---

Elsewhere in the capital

After absorbing the Ice energy core, Yuki had been training tirelessly with her Vulpix in various secret realms.

The hardships were indescribable, but the growth of her Vulpix was astounding.

In an icy mountain secret realm, she found an excellent Ice Stone that allowed her Vulpix to evolve successfully.

Now, her Ninetales had reached the peak of the Gym Leader level.

This put her opponent, a top 50 trainer, in a tough spot.

His chosen Pokémon was a Vibrava, which was at a disadvantage both in type and strength.

It was almost laughable.

Ice-type Ninetales, both Ice and Fairy types.

In two words—no chance.

"Ninetales, Snowfall!"

Unlike before, Yuki had cut her long silver hair into a shoulder-length ponytail. Her once gentle expression had turned cold and distant.

Clearly, she had been through a lot.

On the field, Ninetales stood tall, its fur gleaming like clouds, and its sky-blue eyes sparkled brilliantly.

Compared to its cute appearance as a Vulpix, Ninetales was now an elegant goddess.

"Whoosh~"

Ninetales exhaled, releasing a flurry of snowflakes that filled the battlefield.

A wide-range AoE attack right at the start!

"Vibrava, use Supersonic!"

The opposing trainer, flustered, tried to have Vibrava blow away the snow with Supersonic.

But the energy disparity was evident—Supersonic couldn't fully dispel the snow.

"Sand Attack!"

Despite having almost no chance of winning, the trainer refused to give up.

"Dodge it!"

Yuki's voice was icy yet graceful.

Ninetales moved like a white shadow, effortlessly dodging the attack.

"Follow up with Icy Wind and Ice Beam!"

Cold winds enveloped the battlefield as Ninetales exhaled a freezing gale.

Vibrava couldn't avoid such a broad attack.

Even the spectators shivered from the chilling air.

Then, a sharp Ice Beam shot from Ninetales' mouth, striking Vibrava mid-air with pinpoint accuracy.

"I lost..."

The trainer sighed bitterly.

Though he had anticipated the outcome, it was still frustrating.

Still, the girl opposite him was breathtakingly beautiful.

"You're amazing! Can I have your number?"

Yuki stroked Ninetales' head. "Sorry, I already have someone I like."

"Oh, I see... Sorry to bother you."

The trainer left dejectedly.

Yuki looked down at Ninetales.

"Ninetales, do you think we've caught up to him?"

"Yip?"

---

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