Pokémon: Starting with a Bound Entry System

Chapter 116: Misty Leaves, Purple Perk [Shave]

A burst of red energy surged through the air.

[Kaioken] activated!

"Hitmonchan?!"

The previously balanced match suddenly became one-sided, leaving Hitmonchan utterly stunned.

Lucario's speed had increased so drastically that it was nearly impossible to track.

With a single Mega Punch, Lucario sent Hitmonchan flying.

Even the commentator was momentarily speechless before quickly snapping back to his duties.

"What just happened? What just happened?! We can see that Lucario's speed… no, not just speed—its strength, energy level, and all other aspects have drastically increased!

Is this the power of Aura?"

"Holy crap! Aura is that overpowered?"

The audience was in an uproar.

What had initially been a strategic but subdued match was now a display of raw, overwhelming power that left everyone stunned.

The astonishment wasn't limited to the spectators—even the Elite Four judges were taken aback.

Aura…

Could it really elevate a mid-level Gym-tier Lucario to Gym-peak tier?

That was simply absurd.

"Return, Hitmonchan. You did well."

Cheng Feng sighed as he retrieved Hitmonchan and sent out his Level 36 Ampharos.

"Thunderbolt!"

"Extreme Speed, followed by Aura Sphere!"

Knowing that time was precious while Kaioken was active, Hikaru wasted no time.

A red blur zipped through the air as Lucario leaped high, quickly forming a glowing blue Aura Sphere that struck Ampharos before it could even react.

"Ice Punch!"

Following up with an Ice Punch, Lucario knocked Ampharos out cold.

"Knocked out in one match… what bad luck."

Cheng Feng sighed again, recalling his Ampharos with a resigned expression.

"This match goes to Hikaru! His Lucario's debut has showcased the overwhelming power of Aura!"

---

Back in the stands, Hikaru barely had time to sit down before noticing something felt off.

Sakura's scrutinizing gaze was fixed on him, while Yuki had already left to prepare for her match.

"What's wrong?" Hikaru asked, noticing the redness in Sakura's eyes as though she was holding back tears.

His heart ached as he gently wiped her eyes.

The girl stubbornly refused to speak, letting out a soft whimper instead. Her pale blue eyes shimmered with unshed tears.

"Come on, why are you still such a crybaby even as an adult?" Hikaru asked, still unaware of what had upset her.

"I want to bite you!"

"Huh? What did I do… ouch!"

Hikaru winced as Sakura suddenly grabbed his arm with surprising strength and bit down hard.

"Hey, hey, what did I do to upset you this time?"

Hikaru knew this was something Sakura only did when she was angry with him.

After letting go, Sakura huffed and turned away, muttering, "Nothing."

Her mood, however, seemed to improve significantly.

Hikaru: "…"

He racked his brain, but he couldn't figure out what he had done to upset her.

---

The first round of matches lasted three days and concluded quickly.

July 4th

As the day to unlock his monthly perk arrived, Hikaru felt a wave of anticipation.

Every month, this was the moment he looked forward to the most.

"Next month will mark a full year…"

Hikaru's excitement grew. His last yearly perk had been the key to helping his Charmander evolve and thrive.

With several valuable perks due soon—quarterly, biannual, and monthly—he started planning what he might need next.

---

The first round had gone without major surprises.

Both Yuki and Misty had faced manageable opponents and advanced.

However, the second round proved more challenging for Misty.

Her Lapras wasn't quite strong enough to compete at this level, and her reliance on an all-water-type team made it easy for opponents to counter her strategy.

Even with a Gyarados, she struggled to make an impact.

Ultimately, she was eliminated in the second round.

Still, Misty felt content. Making it this far was already a significant achievement for her.

She messaged Hikaru through their chat app, "Waaa, my prize money is barely warm, and now I have to give it back to you."

Hikaru chuckled. "How about paying me back after you become a Water-type Pokémon Master?"

The million-yen debt was trivial to Hikaru. If he ever needed money, he could easily sell some antidotes to the Treasure Bureau.

"No way! A promise is a promise. I'm going to be a Water-type Pokémon Master one day, and I can't let you hold this over me!"

Having completed her matches and successfully passed the preliminary rounds, Misty chatted with Hikaru for a while about her parents' opinions.

After learning that her parents supported her decision to become a trainer, Hikaru felt relieved.

"What's your plan now?" he asked.

"Well, I want to travel the world and capture Suicune, the embodiment of the North Wind!"

"Hahaha, good luck! Just don't come crying to me about being broke again!"

"Go away, Hikaru!"

Even through the screen, Hikaru could sense her annoyance.

She even sent him a picture.

"Angry Magikarp.jpg!"

With that, their conversation ended.

The idealistic young girl quickly left the capital after her matches.

---

[Bound Purple Perk: Shave] — Using powerful momentum, you can briefly stay airborne by stepping on air. If you step on an opponent, it deals 80 damage.

Air suspension?

"Step on your own foot to spiral upwards?" Hikaru mused.

After some thought, he assigned the perk to Lucario.

Among his Pokémon, Lucario seemed the most fitting choice for the perk.

There was no way he could give Shave to his Tyranitar (or the future Tyranitar evolution).

The image of a hefty Tyranitar trying to use Shave was too absurd to imagine.

For now, his team's only grounded Pokémon was Pupitar.

Greninja could use Fairy Wings, so flying wasn't an issue for it.

---

Inside the training room, Hikaru watched Lucario test the new perk.

"How does it feel?"

Lucario leaped, momentarily stepping on air before landing gracefully.

"Lucario!"

Lucario appeared pleased, clearly satisfied with the perk.

Who would have thought a Lucario could stay airborne? And stepping on an opponent would even deal damage!

"Looks like you like it," Hikaru said, patting Lucario's shoulder. "Alright, let's head out. My second-round match should be coming up soon."

"Croak!" (Let me fight! Let me fight!)

Greninja raised its hand eagerly. With so many people watching, it couldn't wait any longer.

"Alright..."

---

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