Unfortunately, Satoshi currently had no way of catching that Torchic. Even if he wanted to, he'd need the permissions granted after the "Afro Buffalo Cup."
His desire to catch Torchic, however, was quite simple.
He could somehow sense Torchic's thoughts, resonating with its unyielding and passionate spirit.
Coach, I wanna enroll in Aura classes! Where do I sign up?
This must be the power of Aura. Lately, he could increasingly sense Pokémon's emotions. If this continued, he'd probably soon be able to form an [Aura Sphere] in his hands.
Maybe I should find a Riolu instructor in the future.
Riolu had an exclusive skill—[Coaching].
[Coaching]:Through proper guidance, it boosts the attack and defense of allies.
Maybe it could even teach him to control Aura.
"Satoshi, are you even listening?" Sakiko noticed Satoshi's gaze was fixed firmly on that Torchic.
Ugh…
A strange feeling of jealousy surged within her. Here she was, diligently explaining everything, yet his attention was stolen by a Pokémon.
"Ah…sorry! It's just—I want it as my partner. That move Torchic used was just so cool, I got carried away."
Realizing his mistake, Satoshi hurriedly apologized.
How should she respond at this moment?
Should she coldly say "Wish you happiness," then walk away?
"Hmph~" Sakiko hesitated, her jealousy lingering before finally settling on a dismissive hum.
She wasn't the type to actually get jealous over a Pokémon. Besides, even she had noticed Torchic's unusual talent. Its moves were extraordinary for an unevolved Torchic.
According to Sakiko, all its siblings had already evolved, leaving only this Torchic behind. Although it was stronger than most of its peers, most trainers preferred catching a ready-made Combusken.
"Please forgive me, Sakiko!" Satoshi bowed earnestly, clearly sincere.
Seeing this, the corners of Sakiko's mouth involuntarily lifted into a gentle smile.
She didn't know why, but while she felt indifferent when others (like her maids) acted this way, seeing Satoshi so earnest filled her with a distinct pleasure.
It stirred a sudden impulse within her to pin him down and have daily Pokémon battles together.
Sakiko, the overworked corporate slave, wanted Satoshi for her stress relief!
A beast-like gleam briefly appeared in Sakiko's eyes. Her hand brushed the Pokéballs in her pocket, but she restrained herself from pulling one out.
My mind really is full of selfish thoughts, huh…
"Fine. I'll forgive you." Sakiko forcibly suppressed her impulse.
Right now, she had six Pokémon while Satoshi only had three. A three-on-three might be interesting, but a full six-on-six battle would be much more satisfying.
It was still too early.
Unaware of Sakiko's thoughts, Satoshi's eyes continued wandering to the many Pokémon around him. Had he known, he'd probably excitedly drag her into a battle right then and there.
"Sakiko! Look over there, an Altaria just flew past!"
"I see it already… Don't suddenly grab my hand!" Sakiko flushed bright red, helplessly glancing at him.
...
"I really do want that Torchic after all."
After leaving the EcoDome, Satoshi couldn't get the image of Torchic's evolved form out of his head.
Blaziken, with the [Speed Boost] Ability, was undoubtedly top-tier.
Its Fire and Fighting types were among the most powerful offensive types.
Why so popular? Steel types resisted far too many attacks, making Fire, Fighting, and Ground moves essential.
Among the Fire-type starters, Blaziken was arguably the strongest in its normal form—possibly even rivalling Mega Charizard X without its own [Mega Evolution]. If [Mega Evolved], its strength would skyrocket even further, learning a broad range of powerful moves.
I really miss you, [Mega Evolution].
A deep yearning for [Mega Evolution] surged through Satoshi's heart.
He pulled out his phone, suddenly noticing a barrage of messages from Soyo.
"Soyo really cares about people like a mom," he sighed. For some reason, he always felt a strong maternal warmth from her.
Nagasaki Soyo truly has potential as a mother figure!
[...Uh, I don't think so. More likely she's just a yandere who's latched onto you.]
High-EQ Miss Furiko almost corrected Satoshi aloud, but she'd long given up on trying to enlighten him about the girls around him.
As a self-appointed love consultant, Furiko now found herself more interested in how their relationships would develop.
System functions? Sorry, I'm too useless as a System, I really apologize, Satobaby.
Soyo's messages were simple, mostly reminders that the Afro Buffalo Cup was rapidly approaching, and she hoped they could train together daily at her home until the tournament.
[Satoshi]:Sure, no problem~
After casually replying, Satoshi began heading home.
He didn't notice a girl watching from a distance.
---
"Satoshi just walked out of the EcoDome with Sakiko... What exactly is their relationship?"
Holding her phone tightly, Nagasaki Soyo stared at the messages. Her eyes had lost their shine, a chill settling in her heart colder than a May night.
Initially, she planned to invite the Gym Leader-level Wakaba Mutsumi to her team, but Sakiko had gotten to her first. While coincidentally passing by, she discovered that Sakiko had stolen away her boyfriend too.
What kind of Tauros behavior was this?!
As the victim, Soyo strongly condemned this despicable act.
If possible, she'd rather challenge Sakiko to a shadow duel right now and take back her boyfriend.
Well, she did realize they weren't officially a couple yet.
But if this continued, both her friend (Mutsumi) and her boyfriend (Satoshi) might get stolen away.
She had to act first to stop it.
"Sakiko will probably join the Afro Buffalo Cup too. Maybe I should give her an early warning..."
Soyo retrieved a Luxury Ball from her skirt pocket, releasing the Pokémon within.
A blue dragon-type Pokémon covered in black fur emerged, spreading three pairs of menacing wings from its back.
"I'll use you to handle her," she whispered coldly, her eyes flashing with irritation.
---
[Satobaby, wasn't someone just stalking us?]
"Hm? I guess so. But it doesn't matter. Right now, we need to focus completely on the upcoming tournament."
Satoshi continued his training with his three Pokémon, his spirits soaring higher than ever.
After all, the Afro Buffalo Cup was almost here!