Thanks to the class schedule, Satoshi followed Chihaya Anon to the battle training field reserved for Pokémon combat students.
What puzzled him was how unusually friendly Anon was being. He hadn't done anything particularly noteworthy, and as far as he could remember, they hadn't had much interaction before.
From what he recalled, Anon was a transfer student—she'd just arrived yesterday. Judging from her appearance and personality, she was what you'd call a top-tier girl: good looks paired with a kind and gentle nature.
Could it be... she's already sensed my battling spirit?
Satoshi mulled it over briefly, then let it go.
Not even close to how cute that girl Takamatsu Tomori's Piplup was.
That was the one he really wanted to get closer to.
Just imagine—
Empoleon.
The most popular starter in the Sinnoh region, with a stellar Water-Steel typing and the Ability [Competitive]—for a starter Pokémon, it was practically perfect.
Maybe it wasn't on the same level as Rillaboom or Incineroar, but it certainly had more going for it than Emboar or Delphox.
I really want to battle her Piplup with my Froakie…
Fueled by that thought, Satoshi arrived at the training grounds.
The Battle Track's training area was huge—easily large enough for an entire class to train simultaneously. But they were all standard terrain fields.
In formal Gyms or League tournaments, battlefield conditions could include grass, rock, ice, or water terrain.
At Rainbow Wing Academy, access to such advanced facilities was limited to a select few.
Top-performing students preparing to challenge Gyms, or those from wealthy families who donated to the school—those were the ones who got the privilege.
Generally speaking, only those who earned excellent grades or joined influential clubs could gain access to specialty fields, both inside and outside of school.
"Froakie, let's head into the Poké Ball first."
Satoshi took a Poké Ball from his pocket, pressed the button to expand it, and held it in front of Froakie.
This was a moment to look forward to—his very first capture. As a Pokémon Trainer, he couldn't miss this chance.
"Kero!" Froakie locked eyes with him and happily raised a hand to press the button on the Ball, entering with no resistance.
A few familiar sounds played as the capture completed.
"I caught Froakie!"
He raised his hand in the air, head tilted upward, full of emotion—completely unaware that Chihaya Anon, standing ahead of him, was giving him a dumbfounded look.
Wait… Froakie wasn't yours yet?!
…And seriously, what's with you hat-wearing types and your complete disregard for social cues?
As a fairly normal person, Anon found it hard to understand. Even if she was fresh back from the Galar region.
After all, Galar's strongest Trainer also wore a cap and acted like a battle-crazed lunatic—
The undefeated champion: Leon.
Anyone who aspired to be the best Trainer in the world knew that, to reach the top, they'd have to defeat Leon. And in Galar, thanks to [Dynamax] battles, the scene was explosive—to the point where Anon had fled that pressure.
The memory darkened her expression just a little.
Meanwhile, Satoshi, brimming with energy, gripped Froakie's Poké Ball and looked her way.
"Sorry to keep you waiting, Anon."
Most of the class had already started training with their partners. Only the two of them were still standing idle.
Because this school had competitive exams and scholarships, anyone who slacked off risked missing their shot at the High School League.
It was a Pokémon world… but oddly grounded in real-world pressure.
At the edge of the field, a teacher droned on about battle theory, though barely anyone paid attention. It felt strangely isolating—and reminded Satoshi of his old school days in the lab, where students ignored lectures the moment they got to do hands-on work.
Once you can battle with your own hands, the teacher fades into the background.
We're on the training field now. Who wants to sit through dry theory when there's real battling to be done?
Satoshi silently lit a candle in his heart for the poor teacher.
Anon didn't seem to care. Her cheeks flushed slightly, looking shy.
He called me by my first name… Is Asama-kun that kind of guy?
No, no, don't get weird about this!
She forced herself to stay composed and took out a Poké Ball. Sunlight glinted off its surface, making it gleam.
"Go, Eevee!"
She gave it a firm toss. The Ball traced a clean arc through the air, releasing a brilliant flash.
Letting go of her nervousness, Eevee burst forth from the light.
"Bui!"
"Let's go, Froakie!"
Satoshi lifted his own Ball, gave it a gentle swing, then threw it.
Froakie leapt from the flash, eyes full of battle spirit, facing off against the squirrel-like Eevee with focused intensity.
"Kero kero!"
"Use [Water Pulse]!"
At Satoshi's command, Froakie leapt high and began channeling a swirling blue sphere of water between its palms. It surged forward like a crashing wave.
"[Quick Attack] to dodge!"
Eevee didn't hesitate. It charged a burst of speed and nimbly evaded the [Water Pulse].
"Chase it—[Quick Attack]!"
Froakie darted forward like a bolt of lightning. Eevee had dodged the pulse, but not the follow-up. The [Quick Attack] hit squarely.
"Bui!"
The impact sent Eevee flying back from the powerful strike.
Froakie's base Speed stat was 71—significantly higher than Eevee's 55.
In a real-time battle system, even a few points of Speed could swing a match.
Although… there are Pokémon that actually get slower after [Mega Evolution], right?
Satoshi smirked inwardly at the thought of a certain dragon Pokémon that couldn't even [Dragon Dance]. But he didn't let up—
"Now! Follow up with another [Water Pulse]!"
Froakie seized the opening. This time the pulse was stronger, more forceful. The water surged forward and slammed into Eevee.
That was the thrill of Pokémon battles. Turn-based had its own charm, but this real-time format brought a whole new layer of excitement.
Satoshi was loving every second of it.
No! My Eevee!
"Ugh… Eevee, use [Take Down]!"
Anon gritted her teeth, hands clenched. Her brows furrowed as she pushed forward.
With barely any distance between them, Eevee sprang to its feet and charged at Froakie.
[Take Down]—90 base power, STAB-boosted, and enhanced further by [Adaptability]. Anon was sure this strike would turn the tide.
But Satoshi calmly gave a single order.
"[Protect]."
A jade-green shield shimmered to life around Froakie. Eevee slammed into it at full speed—and was violently repelled.
"[Water Pulse]!"
"Kero!"
With a final cry, Froakie launched its finishing move.
"Buiiiii…"
The [Water Pulse] struck true. Eevee collapsed, unable to stand.
Froakie remained in place, proud and composed, looking down at its fallen opponent.
"We won. That was a great battle. Nice work, Froakie."
"Kero kero~"
Satoshi crouched to high-five Froakie, his eyes filled with admiration. Seeing the joy in Froakie's expression made his heart swell with pride.
I lost… Maybe I'm just not cut out to be a Trainer after all.
Anon's face fell. Watching Satoshi celebrate with Froakie, she couldn't help but feel a pang of imbalance in her chest.
The defeat was overwhelming—Eevee hadn't even landed a clean hit. The regret stung.
Satoshi didn't celebrate for long. He turned to face her, walking up to Anon with a soft expression.
"What is it?"
"Anon… thanks. I'm really glad I got to battle with you."
His smile was warm and radiant like sunlight. Anon's cheeks turned pink, and her heart skipped a beat.
"Y-You're welcome…"
[Host, that girl's way too weak. Let's find someone else to train with—like a teacher or something.]
Furiko's voice buzzed in his head. Satoshi frowned slightly.
If I go challenge the teacher now, wouldn't that basically be calling Anon weak?
…Though, to be fair, she kind of was.
Still, Satoshi kept his grateful tone. Furiko, to her credit, started to pick up on what he was trying to do.
[Hmm~ New mission: Defeat your class instructor and make him fall under your spell—er, battle prowess!]
Stop sexualizing it. I'm not even a girl…
Satoshi's gaze sharpened. He shook his head, reluctant.
[Reward: Ability Patch.]
I'm in.
Reviving the glory of [Battle Bond] Greninja is my solemn duty!