NOVEL NEXT Chapter 123: Chapter 123: Kecleon of a Thousand Faces!
Chapter 123: Kecleon of a Thousand Faces!
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"...And so, the trainer and his Gyarados achieved countless victories in the challenge matches, earning widespread admiration…"
"Alright, that's the end of today's story!"
Hikaru glanced at the time, perfectly stopping at a cliffhanger.
"Ralts~"
Mew, still disguised as a Ralts, reluctantly stood up, having been lying on its belly and listening intently to the story.
"Want some Pokéblocks before you go?"
Hikaru took out a box of colorful Pokéblocks and placed it in front of "Ralts," his expression resembling a scheming uncle trying to bribe a child.
Determined to keep this "Legendary Pokémon" around, Hikaru had been putting extra effort into his storytelling.
"Ralts?"
Mew casually grabbed a Pokéblock and nibbled it, its eyes lighting up in delight. Before leaving, it decisively swiped the entire box and vanished with a teleport.
Watching the "Ralts" disappear, Hikaru couldn't help but chuckle.
"You guys should rest too," he said, addressing his Pokémon.
"Goodnight, Hikaru!"
"Goodnight!"
Latias and the others cheerfully returned to their Pokéballs.
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"So, aren't you supposed to go back to your room now?"
Fortunately, the bed was large enough—otherwise, Hikaru would have questioned its ability to accommodate himself, Latias, Gardevoir, "Ralts," and... Sakura.
Like Mew, Sakura lay on her stomach in front of Hikaru, propping her head up with her hands.
From this angle, her silky hair revealed her delicate, glowing neckline.
Her legs swung playfully, showing their fair, youthful sheen with a healthy blush.
Her bright blue eyes sparkled as they locked onto Hikaru, seemingly unblinking.
"Come on, it's still early," she pouted, scooting closer.
At this distance, their faces were barely a finger's width apart.
The faint fragrance unique to her wafted to Hikaru.
"When did you get so good at telling stories?"
"I used to have a hard time getting you to sleep," Hikaru replied, his tone teasing.
"Oh, you mean with those ghost stories? Those only made it harder to fall asleep..."
Hikaru coughed awkwardly, "Well, anyway, you should go to bed. There's a match tomorrow."
Sakura shifted topics, "Should I just let you win tomorrow?"
To her, it didn't matter who won.
The championship prize was a pseudo-legendary Pokémon and resources for its evolution—a reward that held little value for her.
But for Hikaru, it might be significant.
"Are you underestimating me?"
Hikaru poked her forehead gently, smirking. "Play your best."
"Fine…"
"Alright, time for you to leave."
This was the third time Hikaru urged her.
"Nope."
Sakura slid under the covers, leaving only her head exposed, and murmured, "I just showered."
Hikaru hesitated. "Did something upset you?"
Sakura didn't respond, but her silence spoke volumes.
Hikaru recognized her mood immediately.
As a child, whenever she was scolded by their orphanage matron, Sakura would sneak into his bed at night, seeking comfort.
"Alright, you take the bed. I'll sleep on the floor," Hikaru offered.
Sakura stubbornly protested, "No, you sleep up here too!"
"..."
Ultimately, Hikaru couldn't win the argument.
Even his usual trump card—threatening to scold her—proved useless.
She had clearly outgrown her fear of such tactics.
With no other choice, Hikaru agreed, marking a line down the middle of the bed as a boundary.
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The Next Morning
The atmosphere surrounding the National High School League Finals reached its peak.
However, Hikaru's morning began with an unexpected twist—he was confronted by Takashi for a lecture.
Apparently, Sakura's absence from her room hadn't gone unnoticed.
Despite Hikaru's repeated explanations of innocence, both he and Sakura endured a stern reprimand together.
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The packed stadium buzzed with anticipation.
Meanwhile, Hikaru fumed quietly in his seat.
"Unbelievable..."
Who wouldn't be annoyed after starting their day with a scolding?
Takashi's words still echoed in his mind:
"You're both too young! While I don't oppose the idea, my father hasn't approved yet..."
"And you, Hikaru! If I catch you having any improper intentions toward my sister, I'll skin you alive! If our father finds out…"
Hikaru couldn't help but feel wronged.
Does Takashi really have such a low opinion of me?
And to think I helped him win over someone he liked!
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Sakura giggled at Hikaru's sulky expression.
"This is all your fault!" Hikaru tapped her head lightly, eliciting a pout from her.
Nearby, spectators gawked at the duo.
Two finalists for the championship… playfully bickering?
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"You two seem close," Yuki asked curiously.
Hikaru shrugged. "We just got chewed out, that's all."
Sakura, however, wore a mischievous grin as she glanced at Yuki, her gaze practically dripping with smugness.
Yuki felt a wave of unease rise within her.
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The announcement came:
"The much-anticipated National High School League Finals is now open! Contestants, please take the stage!"
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As Hikaru approached the arena, a thought struck him.
This doesn't seem fair.
Sakura likely knows all of his Pokémon, while he only knew about her Dragonair.
And... was her Beldum now a Metagross? Or just a Metang?
The rest of her team was a complete mystery.
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"The chosen field is... Water Terrain!"
Water Terrain!
The entire arena transformed, with the ground sinking to reveal a massive lake, dotted with floating wooden platforms.
"Trainers, please release your Pokémon!"
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Hikaru took a deep breath, locking eyes with Sakura, who had shifted into a serious demeanor.
"Go, Greninja!"
In a water-based arena, there was no better choice than Greninja.
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"Go, Inteleon!"
From Sakura's side emerged a lithe, humanoid lizard Pokémon.
Its sleek blue body and yellow dorsal fin exuded a secret agent-like charm.
Standing upright, its piercing gaze reflected pure confidence.
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Hikaru's eyes narrowed.
"Level 46..."
The battle was about to begin.
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