"So this is New Bark Town," Kise said, looking around the little town. He held onto his Swablu when a refreshing breeze picked up. "I think we're gonna like Johto," he added down to his Swablu, smiling when Swablu agreed.

"You're here to get eight badges, not have fun," Kise's old senpai, Kasamatsu, said, smacking the back of Kise's head.

"So mean," Kise pouted, shaking off the light abuse. He smiled again. "But you're glad to come along with me, aren't you?"

"I only went because you told me no one was going with you," Kasamatsu argued. "I didn't want the next reason for you being on TV to be because they found a dead body."

"That wasn't going to happen," Kise reassured. "I'm partly here on work too," he sheepishly admitted.

Kasamatsu paused, taking in Kise's confession. "One more time!?"

"It was the only way my manager agreed to let me go to Johto!" Kise quickly defended himself, saving his Swablu when Kasamatsu called out his Hitmontop to help kick Kise.

"So I didn't even need to come?"

"But, Senpai! We'd be so lonely if it was just us!" Kise whined about him and his Pokemon.

Kasamatsu groaned. Whatever. He was traveling anyway. Why not with another and to a new place.

Kise's phone suddenly went off, the trainer opening the message. It was Akashi in their group chat. Looked like everyone reached it to their starting town and their journeys was about to begin.

Kise smiled, pocketing his phone once again. "Come on, Senpai!"

Let the race begin.


Remember to always travel with a buddy! And that Kise is still a wonderful coordinator by heart~