This...is probably what they call a shuraba.
Right now, Satoshi was seated here, with Anon and Soyo beside him, and facing Karen, who smiled sweetly at him as if looking at her boyfriend.
Satoshi's take on this was simple: "No objections from me!"
It's fine, after all—I'm super eager to battle all three of you!
Aside from Anon and Soyo, the rest of the group didn't have any special feelings. They weren't trapped in love or anything.
But Karen had shamelessly wedged herself right into their group, picking up the menu and chatting directly with Satoshi.
"The Battle Café's really huge, huh? What are you gonna eat, Satoshi? It's gotta be the Champion Set, right? You know, it's been exactly 6 years and 12 days since we last saw each other!"
The whole vibe she gave off was that of a cheerful, energetic airhead girl, completely oblivious to the murderous glare Soyo was throwing her way.
Why the heck did you remember that date so clearly?
Satoshi couldn't help but feel puzzled.
As for the "Champion Set," it was a special meal designed specifically for trainers, packed full of nutrients. Many restaurants named their best meals similarly, suggesting that eating one brought you a step closer to becoming champion.
Typically, it was also the most lavish meal offered by Battle Cafés, perfectly balanced nutritionally for both trainers and their Pokémon.
"Um…Karen-chan, right? Could you maybe go back to your own seat first?" Soyo suggested gently, after realizing glaring daggers wasn't having the desired effect. She quickly concealed her true nature, softening her voice, desperately hoping to sound kinder and gentler.
"Huh? Why~? Can't I just spend some time with my childhood friend who I haven't seen in forever?" Karen tilted her head, her expression genuinely confused.
Seems like she really was a naturally dense idiot.
Because if you stay here any longer, I might lose control and just kill you!
Soyo forcibly suppressed the impulse to strike. If possible, she would've sent out Hydreigon to crush this girl immediately.
She had to endure this!
"I think Soyo-san is totally right~... Look, someone from your own team's been staring daggers at you for a while now. She probably wants you back. Besides, this celebration is meant just for our team, right?"
Without spending even a moment lamenting Soyo's helplessness, the sunshine heroine—Anon—immediately jumped into the battlefield.
She'd observed Karen's team closely, found a perfect reason, and prepared to push Karen away.
As someone who shared the same letter "A," Anon absolutely couldn't allow this fellow "A" to run rampant any longer!
She had to strike decisively!
Nice one, Anon-chan!
Soyo, who had failed to inflict even a tiny scratch on Karen, nodded in vigorous agreement.
"No way, it's fine~ I see my teammates every day anyway. How about you just count me as one of your members? As long as Satoshi wants me, I'll happily join as backup whenever you need me~"
Unfortunately, they'd underestimated the sheer thickness of Aijo Karen's skin.
Just hurry up and leave already! ×2
[Girl fights are seriously exhilarating!]
What're you talking about?
Satoshi shot a mental question mark toward Furiko.
[Uhh...nothing! It's just a high-level hobby you wouldn't understand, Satoshi~]
...?
Completely disregarding the commotion among the girls, Satoshi fixed his eyes firmly on the large screen, carefully studying Yuki Setsuna, who was at the level of their school's Elite Four.
In short, he was preparing in advance for the day he'd surpass them.
Whether it was the school's Elite Four or the real Elite Four, he was going to defeat them all—and even the Champion who stood above them.
Then he could boldly and freely challenge Team Rocket, too.
All evil had to face justice!
And since Yuki Setsuna specialized in Fire-types, he could learn from her experience firsthand.
"Emboar, use [Rollout] into [Heat Crash] and finish the opponent off!"
Setsuna had withdrawn her Arcanine and sent out Emboar onto the battlefield.
Ugh, even Emboar's here?
Upon seeing this Pokémon, Satoshi almost wanted to close his eyes to avoid watching.
Emboar—one of the infamous Four Disgraces of the Starters.
A Pokémon so utterly disappointing, it required no further words!
Among Fire-Fighting starters—Blaziken, Infernape, and Emboar—there was no doubt Emboar was clearly the weakest.
Yet, on-screen, Setsuna's Emboar was using [Rollout] to gain momentum and speed up its [Heat Crash] attack.
He had to admit—the trainer was using it very effectively.
If it were him, Satoshi honestly wasn't confident he could utilize such a disappointing Pokémon well.
But still, Fire-type Pokémon were genuinely useful—resisting many types and countering Steel, arguably the strongest defensive type.
"Looks like I really do need a Fire-type," Satoshi murmured quietly.
"Satoshi, are you looking for a Fire-type? I know a good spot you can catch one~!"
But even though he'd spoken softly, Karen had overheard him clearly. She somehow quickly appeared in front of him, having tunneled her way between chairs and tables so swiftly that Anon and Soyo didn't even react in time. Her method of infiltration was even something traditional—like trench warfare!
Their faces were so close they could clearly feel each other's breath. Just as Soyo was about to intervene, Satoshi opened his mouth.
"Nah, it's fine. I've already decided on a Fire-type—I plan on catching it soon at the EcoDome."
That Torchic—he definitely wanted to go catch it.
From its passionate flaming eyes to Blaziken's cool appearance, everything was just irresistible.
Especially Mega Blaziken—among starter Pokémon, its Mega form stood at the absolute peak, a solid T0 Pokémon.
He'd fallen in love!
He had to chase after it!
"Ohh~ Then how about we go together next time, just the two of us? After all, I know Fire-types really well!" Karen leaned in even closer. Her slender white feet, neatly encased in a pair of simple loafers, gently but deliberately sandwiched Satoshi's sneakers. Her cheeks blushed softly as she lowered her gaze shyly toward him.
"Karen-chan, please don't cling onto Satoshi like that~ Besides, we're already heading to the EcoDome in a few days, so your help won't be necessary."
Soyo was struggling to hold it together. She tugged at Karen's clothes lightly, urging her to back off.
"A childhood friend falling from the sky…? Isn't that just the worst kind?" Even Anon quietly muttered complaints.
Meanwhile, the rest of their group clearly had no energy to stop this overly-familiar girl.
Raana: "Mmm, matcha parfait tastes great."
Taki: "Tomori, how about ordering this one?"
Tomori: "Yeah, Piplup would probably love it."
Isn't Karen a bit too forward?
[You seriously just noticed that, Satobaby? Even Martians aren't as alien as you~]
"Anyway, thanks—but no thanks. I'll find it on my own. Still, thanks for thinking about me."
Satoshi gently ruffled Karen's soft brown hair, politely turning her down.
He had no intention of visiting the EcoDome with Karen.
He preferred exploring on his own—personally discovering the Pokémon's nature and habits rather than hearing someone else's description.
He'd finally come to this real Pokémon world, after all—nothing could be better than personally touching and interacting with Pokémon. Just thinking about experiencing Torchic firsthand was enough to excite him immensely!
Yet, from Karen's perspective, Satoshi's lips gently curved into a bright, cheerful smile. She blushed even more deeply, bashfully lowering her head.
"Mm?~"
After receiving his response, Karen quickly scurried back through her little tunnel, sitting bashfully on her own chair and keeping some distance.
That's some impressive power! ×2
Seeing this scene, Anon and Soyo both marveled inwardly.
Satoshi, however, didn't really notice or care much—he'd already refocused on the screen, thinking seriously about battle strategies.
The High School League had Elite Four-level trainers, a Champion, and—most importantly—lots of attention. This was his best chance to showcase [Mega Evolution]!
He'd fight stronger trainers and their Pokémon!
[Mega Evolution], don't worry—
I'll win your revival match right now.
Fighting spirit ignited, excitement surged through him.
"In that case, the next goal is catching Torchic."