Eichi looked at the two people before him. He recognized Kota; the boy was a well-known talent in the town. Before Eichi became famous, Kota was considered the top genius. He excelled in his studies and attended a reputable academy in the city.
His family's circumstances were slightly better than Eichi's. Eichi remembered that Kota's first Pokémon was a Poliwag. Back then, owning a Pokémon like Poliwag was considered quite an achievement. Eichi's original self had been very envious of him. He heard that Kota had left to travel last year, so he hadn't expected to meet him again now.
The original Eichi had a good relationship with him. Because they were both considered talents and Kota was older, Eichi would often consult him when he had questions. However, Eichi didn't recognize the person standing next to Kota, though he could tell from his appearance alone that he came from an extraordinary background.
"Kota, you're back," Eichi greeted.
"Mhm, I just got back and came out for a stroll."
"Right, let me introduce you. This is my friend, Takuto."
As soon as Kota finished speaking, he introduced Takuto to Eichi. Takuto politely greeted him.
"Hello, I'm Takuto."
"I'm Eichi."
After the introduction, Takuto felt a wave of relief in his heart. The pressure Eichi gave off was simply too immense. To have such an aura at only ten years old—what would he become in the future?
"Eichi, what's all this?" Kota asked, pointing at the crowd surrounding Eichi and his father.
Eichi looked at the neighbors and his father. "I'm about to leave. They came to see me off."
"Are you going back to the academy?"
Eichi shook his head and said in a relaxed tone, "No, I took a leave of absence from the academy to travel. I plan to participate in this year's Indigo League."
"What? You're participating in the Indigo League?"
Kota and Takuto glanced at each other, both seeing the shock in the other's eyes.
"That's a coincidence. Takuto and I are also participating in this Indigo League."
"Oh? Really? Then let's all do our best."
Eichi felt a bit surprised. It was quite a coincidence that Kota was also entering the league this time.
"Well, I won't chat anymore. I have to go, or I'll miss the ferry."
"Dad, uncles, aunts—I'm leaving now."
"Go ahead, Eichi! We'll be cheering for you!"
"Stay safe!"
Eichi waved to the crowd behind him, then turned and departed. Mr. Yoshino watched Eichi leave from among the crowd, feeling a bit sentimental as he let out a sigh. The thought of the house being empty made him feel a bit lonely, but then he remembered Little Yu, and his mood brightened considerably.
After watching Eichi leave, Kota and Takuto continued their stroll. As they walked, Takuto suddenly asked, "Kota, how strong do you think Eichi is right now?"
Kota shook his head. "I don't know, but I think we just gained another rival for the Indigo League."
Takuto knew that he and Kota were likely no match for Eichi. After all, Takuto couldn't even beat his own younger brother. He couldn't wrap his head around how a talent like Eichi could appear in an ordinary family; it defied all logic.
Eichi walked slowly toward the harbor. Three days had passed since he challenged the Viridian Gym. He had spent those three days productively, training during the day and running to the department store to restock supplies.
Then there was the Pokémon training. Under his guidance, the Black-Patterned Beedrill's strength had improved steadily. He had taken it back to visit the forest yesterday. The Beedrill Leader was stunned to see how much the Black-Patterned Beedrill had evolved in just a few days. Especially after the Black-Patterned Beedrill defeated a group of Beedrill, the leader felt no regret—only relief. Its choice had been correct.
Walking along the road, he passed the Verdant Breeding House. Eichi didn't go in, as he had already said his goodbyes to Amelie yesterday. Counting from the day he returned, he had stayed home for seven days. A lot had happened in just that short time.
The reason he was leaving now was to stay alert regarding Team Rocket. Moreover, something was bothering him. Eichi felt that Teacher Arno was acting strange; every time they chatted, Arno would say mysterious things. This gave him a weird, eerie feeling about staying home. Eichi shook his head, deciding not to overthink such matters.
Half an hour later, Eichi arrived at the harbor and located his ship. He joined the queue, and it was soon his turn. He handed his ticket to the staff for inspection. Everything went smoothly without any surprises. After the check, the staff handed the ticket back along with a key card.
Once on board, Eichi found his room using the number on the magnetic card. The room was similar to those on other ships, equipped with everything necessary. After sitting in the room for a while, Eichi went out to the deck to breathe some fresh air.
Leaning against the railing, he preferred the fresh air outside to the stuffy room. Watching the Pokémon in the water, he suddenly thought of Little Yu. She was the biggest surprise of this trip home, and he liked her very much. If she were here, she would be very happy. He decided to take her on a ship ride next time he had the chance; she would surely love it.
As he was thinking, a commotion broke out nearby. He heard a man say to his companion, "Hurry! Someone organized a Pokémon battle in the main hall. I heard there are great rewards and prize money for the top three!"
His companion's spirits lifted. "Really? Let's get over there!"
The two hurried off the deck toward the hall. Other people on the deck heard the news and rushed away as well.
A competition? Rewards? Prize money?
Eichi's eyes lit up. He had to join the fun, especially with rewards on the line. He left the deck and followed the crowd.
Ring! Ring!
The school bell rang, signaling the end of classes. Arno cleared his desk, stood up, left the office, and locked the door. He went downstairs to a secluded spot and released a Pidgeot. Jumping onto its back, the Pidgeot flapped its wings and carried Arno into the distance.
They flew to the entrance of a villa. Arno took out a card, scanned it at the gate, and entered. He soon appeared inside a sealed underground base filled with high-tech equipment.
At this moment, Arno was wearing the uniform exclusive to a Team Rocket Executive. Along the way, the Team Rocket members he passed all saluted him. Arno arrived at a room and pressed the doorbell.
The door opened, revealed to be a Team Rocket grunt. Arno entered as the grunt left. The interior was styled like an office. A man sat in a chair inside—slender, wearing exquisite makeup, and possessing an androgynous appearance. He looked somewhat terrifying, radiating an immense, intimidating pressure.