Ayo, chat! What's good? Did you missed me? Haha, of course you wouldn't— I'm a nobody after all.
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Early morning.
Ryuu woke up early, got dressed, brushed his teeth, and washed his face before heading to the living room.
"Ryuu, come here quickly."
A kind-looking elderly woman approached him with a warm smile.
This was Fujiwara Hanae, Ryuu's grandmother—a highly respected Pokémon Breeder and the vice president of Kyoto University.
"Good morning, Grandma."
Ryuu had always been close to his grandmother. She had doted on him ever since he was a child, and among all the older members of the Fujiwara family, she was undoubtedly the one he respected the most.
"Oh my, my grandson is getting more and more handsome. I heard you've been doing amazingly well. You'll become a Champion Trainer in no time."
Fujiwara Hanae held Ryuu's hand as they sat at the table, chatting about everything from Pokémon training to his childhood friend, Shindou Aio.
Meanwhile, Fujiwara Kiyoshi walked into the room, dressed casually, carrying a tray of freshly made breakfast.
Despite being an Elite Trainer, at home, he was still just "Grandpa Kiyoshi," responsible for making breakfast every morning.
"Come on, let's eat."
Breakfast was simple: steamed rice, miso soup, grilled fish, and tamagoyaki.
Ryuu sat down with his grandparents, enjoying the warmth of a peaceful morning.
"Ryuu, do you have any plans after breakfast?" Kiyoshi asked.
Of course, his real plan was to search for new opportunities, seeking out rare encounters.
But saying that out loud might be suspicious.
"I might go out for a bit, explore the city, and see what Kyoto has to offer."
Kiyoshi nodded approvingly, then smiled. "Actually, why don't you come with me today? I'll introduce you to some people."
Connections were important. Strength alone wouldn't get him everywhere. If he could meet the right people, it could open up new opportunities.
Hanae agreed. "Yes, Ryuu, go with your grandfather. It'll be good for you to make connections with the right crowd."
Ryuu thought about it for a moment, then nodded.
Maybe, just maybe, he'd encounter something valuable today.
After breakfast, Ryuu got into Kiyoshi's car as they drove through the bustling streets of Kyoto.
Unlike other cities, Kyoto had a deep-rooted history in Pokémon battles. There were even ancient battlefields where great trainers once fought.
But for Ryuu, what mattered most was whether he could stumble upon a rare opportunity—something beyond luck.
As the car weaved through the city, he kept his eyes on the passing crowd. Trainers walked alongside their Pokémon, some strong, some weak.
If he could just spot someone with an extraordinary fate…
After some time, they arrived at an exclusive private club.
"Come, Ryuu. I want you to meet some people."
Kiyoshi led the way, his posture straight and proud.
Inside the elegant hall, a tall, graceful young woman approached them.
She had long, silky black hair and striking golden eyes. There was a refined aura about her—mature, elegant, and undeniably beautiful.
Her presence carried a quiet confidence, the kind that could only belong to someone raised among the elite.
Ryuu couldn't help but take a second glance.
"Yui, it's been a while. Where's your grandfather?" Kiyoshi greeted her warmly.
"Grandfather Kiyoshi, good morning. My grandfather is inside, waiting for you. You're the last one to arrive."
The girl, Takahashi Yui, spoke with perfect etiquette, her voice calm and composed.
Kiyoshi turned to Ryuu.
"Ryuu, let me introduce you. This is Takahashi Yui, granddaughter of Takahashi Haruto, the Fire-type Elite Trainer. You can call her Yui."
So this was the granddaughter of Kyoto's Fire-type Elite.
Takahashi Haruto was well known in the trainer community. Though slightly weaker than Kiyoshi, he was still one of the top three Elite Trainers in Japan.
It was said that no one could match him in Fire-type mastery.
Ryuu gave a polite nod. "Nice to meet you, Miss Yui."
Yui studied him for a moment, then smiled faintly.
"So you're Fujiwara Ryuu? I've heard about you. You recently became a trainer, right? I just started my journey as well. How about a Pokémon battle?"
Her golden eyes gleamed with excitement.
As expected of an Elite's granddaughter—her passion for battle was clear.
Kiyoshi hesitated. "A battle? Are you sure about that?"
Yui tilted her head. "Why not? Grandfather Kiyoshi, your grandson must be talented if you're bringing him here. I want to see for myself."
Kiyoshi glanced at Ryuu.
It wasn't that he doubted Ryuu's strength.
It was just that…
He was worried about Yui.
Ryuu had been training nonstop. His Greninja had already evolved. His Shelgon was nearing its final evolution. He had an Aron that was growing steadily stronger.
Would Yui be able to handle that?
Ryuu smirked slightly.
"Miss Yui, are you sure you want to battle me?"
Yui raised an eyebrow.
"What, are you afraid? Or do you think I'm not strong enough?"
Ryuu chuckled. "Alright, I accept. But don't hold back."
Kiyoshi sighed.
He knew this was inevitable.
Once Fire-type trainers set their hearts on a battle, there was no stopping them.
"Fine, but after I greet the others first. That's the reason we're here, after all."
Yui nodded. "Understood. But Ryuu, I hope you're ready."
She turned gracefully, walking ahead.
As she passed, Ryuu caught a faint trace of perfume—subtle, yet distinct.
It reminded him of the scent of burning embers after a fierce battle.
Ryuu exhaled slowly.
She was dangerous.
Not in an obvious way, but in the kind of way that made a person impossible to ignore.
"You might face a little trouble, grandson."
Kiyoshi laughed, clapping Ryuu on the shoulder.
"Huh?"
"That girl is one of the strongest rookies this year. If you underestimate her, you might regret it."
Ryuu smirked. "Then I'll just have to see for myself."
This battle was going to be interesting.
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Yo, just a note— this fic isn't going exactly great on webnovel & that's the reason I haven't been uploading any chaps even tho I do on Patreon...
patreon.com/Zexxxxy