Luther had planned to chat with Conway a bit more, but the elusive guy had already slipped away quietly. He didn't seem to have taken the Competitor's Passage on Luther's side.
On his way out of the Battle Arena, Luther fell into deep thought.
Revealing that Mismagius could use Dark Void was unavoidable. By the time the competition reached the Ranking Tournament stage, none of the remaining contestants were pushovers.
If all the participants in a regional tournament were weak, then that region would have no future.
Only by personally taking part in the tournament could one truly understand just how outstanding Ash's performance had been. He had faced the strongest Trainers from across the entire region, and not a single one of them was weak.
What Conway could deduce, the other Pokémon trainers would also figure out after observing Luther's battles.
Moreover, Conway's match today had given every trainer a successful strategy; it demonstrated the perfect way to shut down Marill.
Trainers in the same group wouldn't be the only ones to study and refine this method; other capable trainers would imitate it as well. At this point, Luther had to reveal more things beyond their expectations so they would be wary and think twice before trying to counter him.
After all, aside from Dark Void, he had another ace up his sleeve that only Cynthia could use for now.
Luther already had six Pokémon that had mastered this technique. It was the true ace he needed to keep hidden until a clash between top-tier opponents, to be revealed only at the decisive moment.
As he walked out of the Battle Arena intending to buy a drink, Luther spotted Hayata sitting on a nearby bench, carefully grooming the flowing fur of his Ice-type Ninetales with a comb.
When the Ninetales saw Luther emerge, it lowered its head and nudged Hayata, distracting him.
Luther was surprised. "I remember your S.S. ticket was for the evening of the day before yesterday, right?"
When Hayata left, Haruto Kisaragi, who had reconciled with Hayata, along with Airi and Luther, went to see him off. Unexpectedly, Hayata returned.
Judging by the situation, it seemed he had come back specifically to talk to Luther.
"Do you have time now?" Hayata stroked the Ice Ninetales' head and stood up.
Luther sat down beside him and asked thoughtfully, "You came back just to find me. This doesn't have anything to do with the Uematsu family, does it?"
Since Luther had already guessed part of it, Hayata didn't bother with formalities. He laid out the whole sequence of events, as well as his family's current stance.
Luther, who had been somewhat confused before, finally pieced everything together after hearing the full explanation.
The self-righteous family head and the eager competitor, both trying to impress a sponsor, had created a misunderstanding that left Kukui Tetsu unable to defend himself.
Although Hayata had devoted himself to Pokémon training and battling since childhood, his conduct and interpersonal skills were impeccable.
He could have told Luther everything the day he returned, but he waited until after today's match.
Luther had just won his battle and was in a good mood. Some time had also passed since the incident, allowing him to think more calmly.
The timing for an apology was ideal.
The key to resolving this issue now lay in Luther and Mai's attitude. Although Kukui Tetsu had already shown signs of softening, the fractured father-daughter relationship caused by the Uematsu family remained. If not handled properly, it would remain a thorn in the side of both families.
The Uematsu family placed great importance on Luther and Mai's position. The elders were concerned that an in-person meeting could lead to misunderstandings, so they entrusted Hayata with handling the matter.
"That's basically the situation. I'm really just a messenger," Hayata said with a wry smile as he shrugged his shoulders.
After thinking for a moment, Luther sent a message to Mai and then told Hayata, "I can't make this decision alone. I need to ask Mai."
After buying drinks, Luther saw Mai walking out of the arena with Eevee in her arms.
Still puzzled, she quickly learned the full story from Hayata. Her expression became complicated.
There was guilt, sadness, and a hint of resolve.
"I understand. Since you've already removed the family head, then I…" Mai trailed off, suddenly recalling something, and looked toward Luther.
Luther gave her an encouraging look. "You decide. I'm fine either way."
With his support, she continued, "I'll treat this as if it never happened. You can pass that on to the elders."
Hayata picked up his phone and typed something. "I've already sent the message back to them. I'm sure they'll handle the rest. How would you like to receive the compensation?"
"Compensation?" Luther froze for a moment.
Hayata looked puzzled at his reaction. "Yes, compensation. Would you prefer a bank transfer, cash, or a new Pokémon League account?"
Mai seemed to understand immediately. "Please thank the elders for their kindness. Since this matter is settled, though, take the compensation back with you."
This time, Hayata looked troubled. "If you don't accept it, the elders won't feel at ease."
The situation was oddly ironic; the Uematsu family now feared that Luther and Mai would refuse the compensation the most.
Even if Luther and Mai said the matter was over, how could businessmen like them be sure it truly was without something tangible?
By this time, the Uematsu family had practically offered themselves up, begging Luther and Mai to take a cut.
Only then would everyone feel at ease.
However, Luther and Mai hesitated; they didn't really want to accept the compensation.
Hayata then showed Luther the amount in the account. "I remember you saying that you wanted to buy land and build a manor in the future. This money might not be enough to buy land, but it should be enough to furnish it with high-end furniture."
Hayata was truly a capable negotiator. It was surprising that someone like him chose to be a Pokémon Trainer. One couldn't help but wonder if he would shine just as brightly in the upper ranks of the Uematsu family.
With Mai's permission, Hayata contacted the Pokémon League, opened a new account for them, and transferred all the funds into it.
Luther and Mai now had funds for their future manor. The Uematsu family gained peace of mind. Hayata could continue living on Lily of the Valley Island, enjoying the matches and sparring with other Pokémon Trainers to improve his skills.
A happy ending for all!
On the way back to the arena, Luther asked, "Don't you want to call him?"
Despite knowing it was all a misunderstanding, Luther hoped that Mai could improve her relationship with Kukui Tetsu.
After all, it was clear that Mai still had feelings for her father.
Kukui Tetsu had been unable to explain himself, and he must have felt terrible.
"No," Mai said, holding Luther's hand. "This is fine for now. It's better if we don't meet for the time being. When we can face each other calmly and not act on impulse, it won't be too late to meet again."
For now, having you by my side is enough."
Mai tightened her grip on Luther's hand.
(End of Chapter)
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