Hearing those words, Hayato's first reaction was disbelief.
Lucario was famous for its calm temperament and absolute loyalty to its Trainer. It was unthinkable for one to abandon its partner simply because the Trainer was too weak.
But still… that was someone else's private matter. Without knowing the full story, Hayato chose not to comment. Instead, he offered comfort:
"Maybe… something else has been holding it back."
"Let's hope so." The old man sighed.
Hayato glanced at the man's injured leg. "Do you need me to call a doctor for you?"
The old man shook his head and tested his right leg. "It's just a scratch. A few days' rest at home and I'll be fine. I can take care of myself. You should get back to your own journey. Thank you, truly."
With that, he stood up and, leaning on a makeshift cane, walked a slow circle around the wooden hut.
"Alright then, just be careful." Seeing his condition, Hayato nodded and prepared to leave, continuing his path toward the Bell Tower.
But before he could step out, the old man called after him.
Hayato turned, curiosity in his eyes.
The old man looked toward Entei and Suicune, then asked, "You're heading to the Bell Tower… to take the legendary Rainbow Hero's Trial, aren't you?"
"You know about that?" Hayato was surprised.
The old man grinned. "I've lived here for many years. Of course I know the legends of this place."
Hayato thought about it and realized it was only natural.
"The Rainbow Hero… it's been so many years since one last appeared." The old man's gaze lingered on Entei and Suicune, his voice almost a murmur.
After a moment, his eyes returned to Hayato. He lowered his voice, almost pleading.
"There's one more thing I'd like to ask of you."
"Go on."
"If you happen to meet a Lucario wearing a wooden necklace around its neck… please tell him I'm sorry."
His voice trembled with guilt. "All these years, I've been too selfish. If not for me, it wouldn't have been bound here, wasting so much of its life."
Hayato fell silent. "…If I meet it, I'll tell him."
"Thank you." The old man bowed his head once more. "If you ever need rest, you'll always be welcome at my hut."
Leaving the "Hermit's Cabin," Hayato mounted Entei and continued northward.
When they passed a clear pool, both Entei and Suicune suddenly stopped.
"What is it?" Hayato looked down at Entei in confusion.
Entei gave no reply. Instead, it stood tall, eyes stern and fixed ahead.
Following its gaze, Hayato froze.
Across the pool, atop a sloping hillside, stood a yellow, tiger-like quadruped Pokémon.
Jagged black stripes ran like lightning across its body, its underbelly a pale white. A sharp-edged, pale blue tail flicked subtly behind it.
A mane of dark purple fur, like a storm cloud cloak, rippled on its back, crackling faintly with sparks of thunder. Golden fur gleamed under the sun, its muscular limbs pressing firmly into the earth. From its jaws jutted two long, glacially sharp fangs.
Its head was raised high with regal pride, golden eyes glaring down from above—like a great predator silently hunting, still yet brimming with danger.
"Raikou."
Entei's deep, commanding voice echoed within Hayato's mind, naming the beast before them.
"I know." Hayato's gaze lingered on the final member of the Legendary Beasts.
But something about Raikou's stance… felt hostile.
Still—
That fur looks like it'd be amazing to touch…
Hayato's fingers twitched with an almost uncontrollable itch.
In the Shadow World, Marshadow only sighed softly.
So… it begins.
As Hayato studied Raikou, Raikou too was appraising him.
It stood aloof upon a boulder, eyes narrowed as it judged this human chosen by Ho-Oh's feather.
For a long moment, neither side moved.
Then, arcs of electricity crackled through Raikou's purple mane.
With the grace of a great cat, it leapt down from its perch. Thunderbolts rained down as its paws struck the earth.
Raikou lifted its gaze, eyes gleaming like blades.
"Then come, Chosen One. Prove to me you are worthy of the title of Rainbow Hero!"
As the thought roared through its heart, a storm of lightning erupted from its body, bolts striking the ground around Hayato like a signal for battle.
"Enough, Raikou!" Entei's warning voice thundered.
Suicune also stepped forward, its eyes filled with disapproval.
"?" Raikou blinked, then frowned. "What are you two doing? Your trials are complete—why are you here, interfering with mine?"
Entei said nothing.
Nor did Suicune, though its gaze upon Raikou carried… pity.
Poor soul…
"?" Raikou bristled.
Hayato couldn't hear the beasts' exchange, but their stances made the picture clear enough.
Raikou wanted to test him. Entei and Suicune were trying to stop it.
But Hayato only smiled wryly. There was no need.
He didn't want to make things difficult for either of them. He stroked Entei's mane gently, then leapt down to the ground.
Reaching to his Poké Ball belt, he pulled out a ball and fixed his eyes on Raikou.
"A battle against the Chosen—that's your trial, isn't it?"
Raikou stared coldly at the brave human. It said nothing… but its silence was an answer.
"Don't worry," Hayato reassured Entei and Suicune. "Just wait and watch from the side."
After ushering them back, he turned once more to Raikou.
"In that case—let's begin."
A Raikou, resurrected by Ho-Oh's flames a thousand years ago.
And a Gengar, who had lived just as long, bearing the Ghost-type Plate.
Which of them… was stronger?
"Gengar," Hayato whispered, tightening his grip on the Poké Ball, "I'm counting on you."
He tossed it high into the air.
With a burst of white light, a Gengar landed opposite Raikou.
The Ghost Pokémon tilted its head, glanced back at Hayato, and grinned. "Gengaa!"
Don't worry—this battle was as good as his.
End of Chapter