Chapter 233: The Senior’s Implicit Hint...

Chapter 233: The Senior's Implicit Hint...

Hikaru, I still haven't properly thanked you for saving Yuki last time. Everything she's changed because of you... I've seen it all.

I know how capable you are, so I hope that in the future, you can look out for her. She's been without a father since she was little...

Before Auntie Yu could even finish, she was interrupted by an embarrassed and frustrated Yuki.

Mom—!!

Auntie Yu glanced at her daughter, her eyes filled with helplessness.

Silly girl, I'm helping you here...

Ahem...

After hearing Auntie Yu's words, Hikaru instinctively glanced at Yuki sitting beside him.

Under his gaze, her face turned visibly red at an alarming speed—

Like the lingering afterglow of the setting sun, warm and intoxicating.

But soon, she lowered her head so far it seemed she wanted to bury herself in her chest.

It was unclear whether it was shyness or outright frustration.

Hikaru looked away quickly, not daring to overthink it.

He immediately responded, This is obvious. Senior and I have been through life-and-death together, and Auntie Yu has always been so kind to me. We'll look after each other—mutually.

Auntie Yu nodded, satisfied.

That's all I wanted to hear. Alright, let's eat!

With that, everyone finally picked up their chopsticks.

It wasn't a particularly lively meal,

But it was peaceful and heartwarming.

Even Hikaru had to admit—

Auntie Yu's cooking was far beyond his own skills.

Throughout the meal, Auntie Yu kept serving food to the three of them.

By the time they finished, it was already past one in the afternoon.

Since both Hikaru and Yuki had been invited as Mizuki High School's outstanding students,

They naturally decided to go together.

On the way to school, Latias and Yuki walked on either side of Hikaru.

For a while, neither spoke.

Finally, it was Yuki who broke the silence—

She patted Hikaru's shoulder.

What have you been up to lately? You only responded to messages just now.

Huh?

Hikaru had been lost in thought, trying to figure out what generic speech he should give for the upcoming event.

But he quickly snapped out of it.

Cough, cough. Lately, I've been in a secret realm. No cell signal.

Hearing his response, Yuki pouted slightly.

I knew you'd say that.

Even when you're not in a secret realm, you never check your messages.

Hikaru let out an awkward chuckle, wisely choosing to remain silent.

His senior really understood him too well.

Forget it, forget it, she sighed.

You're a big deal now. I wouldn't dare bother you.

Noticing the slight resentment in her tone, Hikaru quickly changed the subject—

Ahem, what about you, Senior? What were you doing in Wind City?

Yuki rolled her eyes but didn't push further.

She was content just having a conversation with him.

Chasing my goals, of course.

Recently, I caught a Togepi in Wind City. The wind there has an amazing aura.

Hikaru was surprised.

Togepi?

Fairy- and Flying-type Togepi was a rare and powerful Pokémon.

Yeah, but this one has some flying issues, so I stayed there to train it.

I see...

Hikaru nodded in understanding.

Then Yuki asked, So, what's your next plan? Heading to another secret realm?

Hikaru shook his head.

No more secret realms for now. I'm going to challenge Gyms and then enter the Youth League.

Yuki stopped in her tracks, eyes widening in shock.

You're already joining the Youth League?!

Hikaru also paused, replying calmly,

Yeah, I want to give it a try.

Yuki's expression turned even more complicated.

Every time I think I'm catching up to you, you pull ahead again.

Despite her words, her tone wasn't as bitter as before.

Hikaru could only smile awkwardly.

And yet, seeing his clueless reaction, Yuki sighed internally.

I've already hinted so obviously... and he still doesn't get it?

He even asked what her goal was.

What a dense idiot...

But at the same time, she felt relieved.

If Hikaru actually understood what she meant,

Would it create an awkward distance between them?

Arriving at school, upon reaching the school gates, they sent messages to their respective teachers.

Then, they parted ways.

From here on, their schedules were in the hands of the school.

Inside Mizuki High School, this type of guest speech was largely symbolic.

But for certain groups of students, it had a major impact.

For example—high school seniors.

A million troops crossing a single-log bridge

This classic phrase about China's Gaokao (National College Entrance Exam)

Was just as relevant in this world.

For a small city like Mizuki,

A high school senior reaching Preliminary Pro Trainer status was already considered outstanding.

But for elite universities like Qingcheng University or North China University—

The absolute minimum admission requirement was being a Preliminary Pro Trainer.

And that was just the lowest bar.

The last time Mizuki High School produced a student who entered those top universities was over a decade ago.

Most of its best students ended up in Tier 1 or Tier 2 Pokémon Academies.

And even more—

Ended up in vocational Pokémon colleges,

Where they trained Pokémon only for specific careers.

Now, however—

Mizuki High had students like Hikaru and Yuki.

Naturally, the school wanted to hype them up.

1. Attract more students to enroll.

2. Motivate existing students to work harder.

3. Secure more funding from the Education Bureau.

For the school's long-term growth, this was a golden opportunity.

A city can only thrive if its education flourishes.

Only then would strong Trainers emerge.

Only then would the city's status rise.

Meeting with the School Leadership, Hikaru had no objections to any of this.

After all, back when he was still weak, the school had provided him with useful resources.

However, as the school leaders spoke to him, Hikaru noticed—

Even the principal looked at him with a mix of admiration and cautious respect.

This was new.

No matter how polite Hikaru remained,

The reality was—in a world where strength ruled, he had already earned their respect.

The school finally finalized the plans.

The speeches would take place in the main auditorium.

Yuki would go first, followed by Hikaru.

Before deciding, the school even asked for Hikaru's approval.

Only after he nodded did they proceed.

At the Main Auditorium, students from all over Mizuki High School gathered.

Hikaru took a quick glance at the crowd.

Compared to when he left, the student population had grown by at least a third.

That was the power of a National High School League champion.

Excited students crowded together,

Their eyes burning with enthusiasm as they gazed at the stage.

To them, national-level Trainers were usually untouchable legends.

Yet today—

These figures were standing right before them.

---

Read up to 20 Chapters ahead on patreon.com/Fanglin

[Please leave a 5 Star review and power stone for this novel]

*Thank you*