Pokémon: Starting with a Bound Entry System

Chapter 61: The Power of Dragon Mastery

"Let's give a round of applause to Hikaru for his wonderful speech. We wish him the best of luck in the upcoming Provincial Tournament and hope he brings honor to Shuimu City!"

As Hikaru stepped down from the stage, every gaze was fixed on him.

Some students looked on with awe, admiration, or even envy. Among them, a few muttered dismissively, "He's only this good because of his lucky Pokémon. If I had his team, I'd be way stronger."

The classic "I could do it better if I tried" attitude.

It felt as if Hikaru had become a local celebrity in a small town, suddenly accepted into the equivalent of a prestigious university. His success invited endless discussion and speculation.

Hikaru hadn't expected his school to call him to the stage for a speech when he came to request an extended leave for the Provincial Tournament.

What could he even say? Admit he was cheating with his system?

But even with his advantage, it wasn't entirely about luck. Without the system, he might still have achieved this level, albeit much more slowly.

On stage, Hikaru emphasized the value of talent, effort, and bonds between Trainers and their Pokémon.

"There are no bad Pokémon, only unqualified Trainers!"

They didn't see the abandoned Charmander relentlessly training with an unshakable will to grow stronger.

They didn't witness Riolu pushing its physical limits under extreme gravitational conditions or Kirlia practicing tirelessly until it collapsed from exhaustion.

Nor did they experience the arduous battles in the secret realms, where he and his Pokémon faced one challenge after another.

These achievements weren't something that came easily.

---

After his speech, Hikaru went to the office of his homeroom teacher and Coach Luo Hoshino.

Inside, both teachers gave him an appraising look. Despite having not seen him for just a short while, Hikaru already seemed more mature, his demeanor radiating a calm confidence.

They could tell at a glance that this boy had ventured into several secret realms recently.

They were part of the rescue operation during the Ice Secret Realm incident, where they had reprimanded Hikaru for recklessly entering a B-rank realm.

Even so, Hikaru couldn't help but smile at their genuine concern for him.

"Keep up the hard work," they finally said.

"Don't worry!" Hikaru grinned. "Just wait until I bring back the championship. Then you can brag, 'That handsome champion was my student!'"

Coach Luo Hoshino, as serious as ever, didn't take the bait, but Teacher Qin was amused and chuckled. "You shameless kid! I'd be overjoyed if you even made it to the Nationals!"

"Don't underestimate me! I'm aiming for the championship!"

After saying goodbye, Hikaru headed home but spotted Yuki waiting at the school gate.

The warmer weather had her dressed in a crisp white shirt with a light blue tie, her long silver hair tied into a high ponytail. She looked like she had stepped straight out of a manga.

"Hey, Hikaru..."

Her usual cheerful demeanor was replaced by slight hesitation.

"When are you leaving?"

"Tomorrow," Hikaru replied. "I want to settle in and get used to the area."

"Alright!" Yuki clenched her fists in determination.

She knew her Alolan Vulpix had improved after receiving Articuno's essence, but Hikaru's growth was astonishing.

His childhood friend—her competitor—had an immensely strong background.

If Yuki couldn't keep up...

"Hikaru, you're amazing, and your future is boundless. I've decided—I'm going to travel and challenge the Gyms across the region.

"Let's promise to meet again at the National High School Tournament!"

Under the warm sunlight, her gaze was sincere and unwavering.

Hikaru bumped her fist with his own, smiling. "It's a promise!"

---

Before leaving Shuimu City, Hikaru visited the Chenghua District to revisit the training grounds where he and Charmander had once practiced tirelessly.

He also checked on the nearby secret realm where a Gyarados had once scared him off.

Remembering that moment, he laughed.

"Well, Gyarados, I'll deal with you another day!"

This secret realm still intrigued him, especially since it was rumored to hold Ho-Oh's feather. Rare Pokémon like Frogadier and Ralts were also found there, hinting at deeper secrets waiting to be uncovered.

---

In Kyoto – The Hayashi Family

The Hayashi family was renowned as one of the most prestigious Pokémon Trainer clans in Huaguo, specializing in Dragon Pokémon.

Their members included multiple Champions and Elite Four members.

At the family's peak stood a Dragonite wielded by the clan's head—a Champion-level Dragonite capable of going toe-to-toe with Legendary Pokémon.

The Hayashi family's strength wasn't just due to their Pokémon. They had a special bond with dragons, known as the Power of Dragon Mastery, passed down through generations.

This power allowed Hayashi family members to resonate with Dragon Pokémon, enhancing their strength and even improving their innate talents over time.

Thanks to this bond, the family maintained a close relationship with the Dragon Island SS-tier secret realm.

And among the current generation, Sakura Hayashi—Hikaru's childhood friend—was recognized as having the purest Dragon Mastery in the past century.

In her room, Sakura Hayashi lounged on her bed, her silver hair damp from a recent shower. Her bare feet dangled off the edge, her blue eyes fixed on her phone screen, watching a video of Hikaru's Charmeleon battling a Shroomish.

"Dragonair," she mused aloud, "do you think you could beat his Charmeleon?"

A sleek, elegant Dragonair, about four to five meters long, opened its eyes lazily from its spot on the bed.

At level 38, the Dragonair regarded the video with a critical eye.

After a moment, it shook its head.

"Hmm, I guess so." Sakura Hayashi pouted, her tone playful. "But next time we battle, I won't use my Dragon Mastery to help you, and you'll have to hold back."

Dragonair: "???"

Dragonair sulked, its pride wounded. It vowed silently that if it ever faced Charmeleon, it would fight with all its might.

"Don't underestimate that Charmeleon," a mischievous voice chimed in.

A Gengar materialized from the shadows, its grin as eerie as ever.

"Look closely at its tail flame. Notice the white hues? And it's barely breaking a sweat despite the prolonged battle. That's no ordinary Charmeleon."

Dragonair's expression turned serious as it scrutinized the video again. The more it watched, the more it realized the Gengar was right.

Charmeleon's flame and stamina were extraordinary.

This opponent wouldn't be easy to beat.

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