Chapitre 109: Chapter 109: Takashi Hayashi: "And You Said You Don’t Know How to Woo Girls!"
Chapter 109: Takashi Hayashi: "And You Said You Don't Know How to Woo Girls!"
Two days after the preliminary rounds began, while the excitement still lingered, the intensity from the first day had noticeably subsided.
On May 4th, the monthly trait refresh day arrived, and a red flash appeared in the trait menu.
Hikaru raised his eyebrows, then grinned in anticipation. It had been a long time since he had received a red trait.
[Red Bound Trait (Armament Haki)]: Concentrate all energy into a single point, forming a black fluid-like substance that significantly enhances defense. This trait can be strengthened through training!
It seemed this was a result of his wish for a defensive boost for Larvitar. Inspired by a certain famous anime, the ability could harden specific areas of the body to an iron-like state.
Both offensively and defensively, this was an excellent upgrade. Since it was meant for Larvitar, Hikaru promptly bound it to the Pokémon.
Thanks to these battles, Larvitar had leveled up again.
[Pokémon: Larvitar]
[Ability: Guts]
[Gender: Female]
[Talent: Champion-level]
[Level: 28]
[Moves: Tackle, Payback, Leer, Rock Throw, Hold Back, Rock Slide, Crunch, Stone Edge, Endure, Iron Head, Mud Shot, Screech...]
[Equipped Traits: Thorned Carapace (Fixed), King of the Bottom, Food Supply Station, Armament Haki (Fixed)]
"Larvitar?"
The Pokémon examined its hardened, blackened skin curiously, clearly intrigued.
With its specialized Double Defense energy cubes, the Special Attack energy cubes, and now Armament Haki, the desert tyrant was shaping up to be the ultimate damage absorber.
"Let's go! We need to work hard today too!"
After seeing Larvitar and Lucario finish their energy cubes, Hikaru prepared to take them out for more battles in the preliminary rounds.
Unexpectedly, just as he stepped outside, someone was waiting for him.
It was none other than Takashi Hayashi, leaning casually against the doorframe.
"Good morning, Takashi," Hikaru greeted politely.
"Morning, Hikaru. Got a minute?" Takashi Hayashi straightened up, his usual carefree grin replaced by a slightly sheepish expression.
Hikaru had an inkling of what was coming. It wasn't every day a Dragon-type Elite sought someone out so earnestly.
"Of course," Hikaru replied cautiously.
"This might be a bit awkward, but can we talk somewhere more private?" Takashi suggested.
Hikaru was intrigued but nodded. "Sure. Lucario, Larvitar, return for now."
He recalled the two Pokémon into their Poké Balls and followed Takashi into the city streets.
---
At a quaint milk tea shop, the two sat across from each other, sipping on the house-special strawberry milk tea served by a cheery Alcremie waitress.
"So...what's the problem?" Hikaru finally asked after a few minutes of casual conversation.
Takashi leaned forward, his face a mixture of exasperation and embarrassment. "It's about dating."
"Dating?" Hikaru repeated, bewildered.
Takashi nodded solemnly. "There's this woman—she's amazing. Smart, beautiful, independent... But every time I take her out, it's a disaster. She's always bored and disinterested, and last time, she told me not to bother her with 'this kind of stuff' again."
Hikaru blinked. "I'm...not sure I'm the right person to ask."
"Don't play coy! Everyone knows you've got a way with the ladies," Takashi countered. "Look at your travel companions! That fiery redhead and Sakura Hayashi? You've got experience."
Hikaru was stunned. "Wait, what? That's not—"
"If you don't help me, I'll tell Sakura everything that happened in Water City," Takashi threatened with a mischievous glint in his eyes.
"What? I didn't even do anything in Water City!" Hikaru protested.
Takashi smirked. "Exactly. You've got nothing to hide, so help me out."
With no other choice, Hikaru sighed and agreed. "Fine. Let me think."
---
Hikaru began piecing together everything he knew.
From Ayame's interactions with Takashi, it was clear she didn't outright dislike him—otherwise, she wouldn't agree to go out with him in the first place. However, her comments about "not bothering her with this kind of stuff" indicated that she found traditional dates unappealing.
"She's an independent and accomplished researcher, right?" Hikaru asked.
Takashi nodded eagerly.
"Well, traditional activities like movies and dinners are probably too mundane for her. She's used to a highly stimulating and engaging work environment. You need to plan something that matches her energy—something adventurous and exciting," Hikaru explained.
"Like what?" Takashi asked, leaning closer.
"Take her to an amusement park," Hikaru suggested. "Go on thrilling rides, visit the haunted house, or try water-based activities like a log flume ride. It'll break the monotony and give her an emotional rush."
As Hikaru spoke, Takashi's eyes lit up. By the time Hikaru finished, Takashi was grinning from ear to ear.
"You're a genius!" Takashi declared, clapping Hikaru on the shoulder. "Still playing coy, huh? Don't think I didn't notice how effortlessly you come up with this stuff!"
Hikaru winced under the impact of Takashi's enthusiastic gratitude. "Easy there! I'm not as experienced as you think!"
But Takashi just laughed. "Oh, Hikaru, you're a natural. Don't worry—I'll let you know how it goes!"
As Takashi strode off with newfound confidence, Hikaru slumped in his chair, exhausted.
"Well," he muttered, taking another sip of his milk tea, "if this works, I better get an invite to the wedding."
---
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