Pokémon: Starting with a Bound Entry System

Chapter 132: Sakura's Invitation~

In a bright, pristine room, Hikaru stood before a display case holding two Pokémon eggs—one with blue and white patterns, the other a mix of blue and brown hues.

"To your left is a Dratini egg, and to your right, a Gible egg. As for Beldum... you'll have to wait a few months," Lance explained.

"I see," Hikaru replied, nodding. He had already made up his mind.

---

Pokémon Egg: Dratini

Time to Hatch: ~1432 hours

Potential: Champion

Pokémon Egg: Gible

Time to Hatch: ~1256 hours

Potential: Champion

---

The time needed to hatch either egg was quite lengthy.

"These are both freshly produced eggs, so the incubation period is a bit longer," Lance continued. "Would you prefer to leave it here or take it with you?"

This was a significant choice.

Leaving the egg in the league's care ensured its safety, while taking it home allowed Hikaru to nurture it with Aura.

"I'll take Gible with me," Hikaru said without hesitation.

Lance nodded approvingly.

Carefully, the egg, still encased in its nutrient solution, was handed to Hikaru. He immediately began channeling both Aura and Evergreen Force into it.

Aura would help establish a bond with the Pokémon before its birth, while the Evergreen Force would enhance its recovery capabilities once hatched.

---

As they exited the facility, Lance patted Dragonite on its side.

"You're saying you felt an augmentation when Hikaru was on your back?"

Dragonite let out a confirming growl.

"A 10% boost in speed? That's comparable to what my Dragon Tamer Power provides!"

For trainers like Lance, the augmentation they could provide their Pokémon diminished as the Pokémon's strength increased. Even for his Dragonite, Lance's power only gave about a 15% overall boost.

"A flat 10% speed increase at his age... that's extraordinary."

Lance furrowed his brow in thought.

"This boy doesn't seem to have Dragon Tamer Power, but... I did sense the aura of a Dragon Keystone on him. Probably something that Sakura gave him."

He sighed.

"When the Dragon Pool opens, I'll make sure he gets a spot. But… aren't all the slots already assigned?"

---

On the way back, Hikaru's thoughts were far from settled.

He was certain Dragonite had noticed the augmentation.

"What will Lance think of that?" Hikaru wondered aloud before shaking his head.

"Whatever comes, I'll deal with it when it happens," he muttered to himself, trying to calm his nerves.

---

With the conclusion of the national league, the bustling crowds in the capital began to disperse. The next surge of excitement would likely come in December with the Youth League.

Between the two major events, the High School League always drew the largest crowds.

---

The following morning, Sakura showed up at Hikaru's doorstep.

She was dressed in a white T-shirt and athletic shorts, her bright demeanor practically lighting up the room.

"Speak of the devil! I was just thinking about you," Hikaru greeted her.

"Thinking about me? How sweet!" Sakura teased, clearly pleased.

"You mentioned a secret realm you wanted to explore together?" Hikaru asked curiously.

Given her connections, Sakura could easily bring her Elite-level brother or her powerful Gengar along for protection.

"Yep! Five days from now. Don't run off ahead of me, okay?"

"Sure," Hikaru agreed, somewhat bemused by her insistence.

"Great! See you in three days, then. Love ya, big bro!" Sakura quipped playfully before dashing off.

Hikaru stood there, rubbing the back of his neck in confusion.

---

Shortly after, his phone rang.

"Hello, Yuki?" Hikaru answered.

On the screen, Yuki appeared at what looked like a train station. She wore her hair in a tidy ponytail and a casual white top.

"Hikaru, I'm heading back to Mizuki City," Yuki announced.

"Good for you! Say hi to Aunt Yukie for me. I was planning to ask about your post-league plans anyway."

"Oh? Why didn't you ask earlier?" Yuki teased.

Hikaru hesitated, scratching his head.

"I, uh… forgot."

Yuki chuckled softly.

"It's fine. You were right, though—I need to visit my mom and then set off on my journey to chase my dreams."

"Good luck, Yuki!" Hikaru cheered, making a fist of encouragement. "By the way, what's your goal? Can you share it?"

"It's a secret~!" Yuki leaned closer to the camera, her playful tone making Hikaru lean in instinctively.

At Kyoto Station, Yuki's radiant smile drew the attention of passersby.

A boy rushing to catch his train stopped in his tracks, transfixed by the scene.

Before he realized it, the train had already departed.

---

"Don't disappoint me, Hikaru. See you around!" Yuki said, blowing a kiss toward the screen before ending the call.

Hikaru stared at the screen in bewilderment.

"What's with everyone and their riddles today?" he muttered, shaking his head.

---

The next five days were a flurry of activity as Hikaru focused on replenishing his Pokémon's energy cube supply. The recent battles had depleted his stock, and every Pokémon needed fresh cubes tailored to their training regimens.

---

Pokémon Levels Post-League:

Charizard: 44

Greninja: 43

Gardevoir: 44

Latias: 45

Pupitar: 31

Lucario: 34

Of note was Pupitar, which had gained significant levels since its arrival, thanks to constant training and Evergreen Force nourishment.

"I still need to get high-grade Psychic Energy Cubes for Latias and test her Mega Evolution capabilities," Hikaru mused.

"And where's that mischievous Ralts? If it doesn't show up soon, I'll have to start writing my stories by hand!"

As he juggled these thoughts, the days flew by, and soon enough, the agreed-upon day arrived…

---

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