Chapter 47: A Challenge from Family

The Fujiwara Estate, a historic mansion passed down through generations, stood proudly in Kyoto.

Once a place envied by many, it now served as the home of Fujiwara Kiyoshi, Ryuu's grandfather.

As soon as Ryuu stepped inside the grand entrance, an elderly butler hurried toward him.

"You've returned, young master," the butler said with a respectful bow.

"Yeah. Good to see you again, Grandpa Kiyoshi," Ryuu greeted him politely.

This butler, also surnamed Fujiwara, was a distant relative of his grandfather—one of the many family members Fujiwara Kiyoshi had supported over the years.

But being part of the Fujiwara family didn't guarantee success.

His grandfather believed in merit.

Those who worked hard and proved themselves were rewarded.

Those who slacked off were left behind.

That's why Ryuu had always made sure to push himself harder than anyone else.

And it was also why Fujiwara Kiyoshi favored Ryuu more than his other grandchildren.

Not everyone in the family shared that sentiment.

"Young master, your two cousins are here as well," the butler informed him in a low voice.

Ryuu sighed.

As expected.

The family was too wealthy, and that naturally led to internal conflict.

Money was easy to split.

But powerful Pokémon?

Those couldn't be divided.

Still, Ryuu wasn't about to back down.

If there was a strong Pokémon up for grabs—

He wasn't going to miss out.

At the very least, he needed six Elite-tier Pokémon in his team.

Only then would he have a solid foundation to eventually reach the Champion level.

---

Inside the Fujiwara Estate

In the living room, Fujiwara Kiyoshi sat on a grand wooden chair, his piercing eyes fixed on two young men.

Ryuu's two cousins.

The eldest cousin, Fujiwara Renji, and the second cousin, Fujiwara Haruto.

Both were seated across from their grandfather, dressed in expensive designer suits, wearing smug expressions.

They were brothers—but neither of them had inherited their grandfather's strong will.

Their father's business only succeeded because of the family's reputation.

If not for Fujiwara Kiyoshi's influence, they would have been nobodies.

And yet—

They still acted like they were the ones in charge.

The moment Ryuu walked in, Fujiwara Kiyoshi's face lit up with a smile.

"Ryuu, you're finally here," his grandfather greeted warmly.

He didn't even acknowledge Renji and Haruto.

The two brothers' expressions twitched in frustration, but they forced fake smiles.

"Cousin Ryuu, good to see you," they greeted through gritted teeth.

Ryuu, unfazed, nodded politely.

No matter what, he had to at least keep up appearances.

"Ryuu, have you gotten your Pokémon yet?" Renji suddenly asked, his tone laced with mockery.

"How about a Pokémon battle?"

Ryuu raised an eyebrow.

It was obvious why they were provoking him.

There was a Pokémon egg—one that came from his grandfather's Electivire.

A Pokémon directly descended from an Elite's Ace Pokémon was incredibly valuable.

And they wanted to take it for themselves.

Anyone could have it.

As long as it wasn't Ryuu.

Fujiwara Kiyoshi's expression darkened.

Of course, he knew what was happening.

He had only one Electivire egg.

And he had already decided to give it to Ryuu.

But now, these two were trying to pressure Ryuu into proving himself.

How ridiculous.

These two had been trainers for over a year.

Ryuu had only had his Pokémon for a few months.

Yet they still felt the need to bully their younger cousin?

Did they have no shame?

He wasn't impressed.

What Renji and Haruto didn't realize was that their grandfather's opinion of them had just dropped even further.

---

"This is ridiculous," Fujiwara Kiyoshi snapped.

"Ryuu just started his journey—why would you challenge him?"

"Grandfather, don't worry," Ryuu said calmly, his voice steady.

"I don't mind."

Renji and Haruto smirked.

They thought Ryuu was playing into their hands.

But Ryuu wasn't afraid of them.

He already knew their type.

They were typical arrogant rich kids.

Spoiled. Overconfident.

With zero real battle experience.

If they wanted to humiliate him—

He'd just humiliate them instead.

"Alright then," Fujiwara Kiyoshi sighed.

"If you're going to battle, don't go too hard on your cousin."

Renji's smirk widened.

"Of course, Grandpa," he said.

"We'd never bully our dear cousin."

His expression, however, told a very different story.

Ryuu held back a laugh.

Renji really thought he was going to win?

If he knew what was coming, he wouldn't be grinning like an idiot.

"Let's head to the backyard," Renji said.

"There's a battle arena there."

"Fine by me," Ryuu replied.

With a calm, confident stride, he followed his so-called cousins outside.

This was going to be fun.

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