As Miki said, the interior of this tower has a unique atmosphere. It's not just because there's no one, but there's an atmosphere where something else is at work.

"Miki-san, why do you keep coming here so many times?"

"Oh, yes. You're curious, aren't you? ”

"Can you tell me if you don't mind?"

"I've seen Shui-kun here before. I can't forget the excitement I felt at that time, and I've been here many times to see Mizu-kun again. ”

Perhaps realizing that she was curious, Miki said, scratching her cheek.

I think I like the real thing. But I also work as a fitness instructor. ”

"Fitness instructor! You're a fitness enthusiast too. ”

"I don't have any special records."

"Results don't matter, as a gym leader, I know that gym coaches need to have a certain amount of strength and flexibility, not everyone can do that."

"Thank you"

"Next time, I'll have to fight you."

"Even if the martial arts department gym instructor challenges the ghost department gym master, the result is obvious."

"If that's just your type.

"Mother"

Fighting attacks have little effect on ghosts. However, as a gym trainer, the ability of a gym trainer is not low enough to neglect to take measures against opponents with poor genre compatibility. Even if the opponent is a ghost, Kem has enough strength to fight.

"Anyway, there is a Pokémon Alliance in the Sinnoh region this year, right?"

"Ahh

"Miss Sirona is the champion, that's right, but will Miss Kem show up too?"

"No, I don't want to leave"

“？ Is that so? ”

"You're not mature. And"

Kem interrupted himself for a moment, smiling and looking into Matsuba's eyes.

"There's a game I want to watch."

Hearing this, Matsuba smiled and understood Kem's true intentions.

'I get it, I don't care whose game it is, but I hope we can play better.'

"Oh, I'll support you."

Matsuba left Sita with a pleasant smile. On the way back, he only said that it was okay to go back to the way he used to be, and then he went back to his job as a gym leader.

"Keim"

"Yes"

After Matsuba left, there were only two people left, and Bai Nai asked Kem.

"You say you're going to support me, but who are you going to support?"

"Do you need me to ask?"

"I want to hear it."

Sirona said, looking into Kem's eyes. I knew there was some prank, but more importantly, I looked Kem in the eye seriously.

“… Really"

"yes, let me hear it."

"Sirona, this year's Pokémon League is definitely going to be another fierce battle. Although you are the undefeated champion in the official competition, you will have a tough time facing the Four Heavenly Kings and the Gym Master. I can't help you directly in battle. ”

"That's why, at least, I want to support Shirona so that she and her Pokémon can do the best they can."

Hearing Kem's earnest voice and eyes, Bai Nai stretched out his hand to him.

"In order for me to win the championship again, your presence is indispensable. I plead with you too. Can you get through this battle with my Pokémon? ”

"Oh, I'll support you and make Sirona a champion again."

Kem took the outstretched hand and wrapped it gently.

Seeing this, Sirona smiled lightly. He also survived the Pokémon League with Kem. I swear.

On that day, a Pokémon with rainbow-colored wings was confirmed in the sky over Sita.

*

"It's getting dark"

After leaving Sita, the two continued to walk in Yanzhou City.

Summer is just around the corner, and the nights are getting cooler. There is still some time until the return time of the rented kimono. After reading all the places I planned to go today, I decided to go for a walk.

I parked the car in front of the kimono shop and returned it.

"Thank you Bashamo. Good job. ”

Bashamo seemed pleased with being able to move all day, and Kem patted Bashamo lightly on the back.

I asked Basamo to get the ball back on and decided to move around until the time was up. A small river flows through the middle of the stone path, and weeping cherry blossom trees cast shadows under the streetlights.

"The composition of the river that flows through the city is similar to that of Altomaré."

"Come to think of it, yes. It's all stone roads. The difference is that the bridge over the city of Yanzhou is a wooden bridge. “

"The bridge in Altomare is also made of stone."

"There are also stone bridges, but there are more wooden bridges.

"Is Sita a good example?"

"They are all precious examples of an intact old townscape.

"It was a more fulfilling trip than I could have imagined.

"Hehe, that's true, I'll discuss it next time."

Walking and chatting in kimonos.

The trip was not originally planned. However, I experienced a lot during this trip. Not only did I meet legendary Pokémon, but I also learned about the history and culture of other regions. After some battles on the way, I found that my skills were improving. It was a fulfilling trip that I couldn't have imagined before.

"Good experience"

"I'm glad to hear that."

"The thought of returning to Sinnoh the day after tomorrow makes me feel a little lonely."

"yes. Just because I met Latias, Sherabi, and Towa-san. “

"Donghe-san, I want to see you again."

"Yes. I'm sure I'll be able to meet Towa's family. “

"That man's genes seem to be very strong."

"Which of your parents does Kem look like?"

"Father. Mainly eyes and hair. ”

He seems to have inherited his father's hard black hair and slightly piercing eyes.

"Cam's parents are teachers, aren't they?"

"My father was a school teacher, and my mother was a clerk at the Nanmao department store."

"Southside is a very urbanized city, isn't it?

"Maybe. Traveling a lot, I guess so. ”

"One day I want to go there"

"To Menamo?"

"Yes. I want to see the town where you were born and raised. ”

"It's okay when my sister isn't there."

“？ Why? ”

"If you take Shirona with you, it's going to be louder."

We've known each other for almost three or four years, but I don't know much about Kem's family. In addition to that, I was able to learn more about Kem himself, but I didn't know much about his family. Shirona herself doesn't talk much about her family, so it may be inevitable in a sense.

"What kind of sister are you?"

"Freedom in every way. Certainly more talented than me. ”

"What kind of talent are you talking about?"

"The main thing is fighting. It took me about three months to collect all the badges in the Hoenn region. After that, I moved from one region to another. ”

"Hehe, this is probably the first time I've heard about your family from you."

"Maybe. It's not that we don't have a good relationship, it's not that we have a good relationship. ”

"Yes, what is your sister doing now?"

"What are you doing? I haven't contacted you in a while, so I don't know. The last time I saw you was before I entered college. ”

"How old are you?"

"Older than Sirona"

"Then the distance between you and your sister is still very far, is it?"

"Ahh

Keep talking and don't stop. So far, Kem hadn't talked much about himself, so Sirona was somewhat happy to be able to talk like that. I think the distance has been closer since we've known each other for a long time, but even so, we've all grown up and experienced a lot. So don't be surprised if you don't know.

That's why Sirona wanted to hear about Kem's childhood experiences, which she didn't know until now.

You won't talk about it because you hate it

But Kem didn't say it, thinking he wouldn't say it.

“A”

Kem suddenly raised his voice, and following his line of sight, a back alley appeared. Although it is a back alley, it is also a little wide, and the road is so wide that it is not difficult for two people to walk side by side. The pavement is paved with stone, and the appearance of street lighting is somewhat mysterious.

"Anyway, it's a good road."

"Oh, maybe I can understand a little, it feels like a secret passage."

"I still have a little time, why don't you go?"

"Okay"

Step into the back alley.

There are street lights, but they are dim. The stone road is also a few years old, and it is a little difficult to walk.

However, this place alone has an atmosphere that makes you feel as if you have stepped back in time. Originally, the whole town has retained its old appearance to a certain extent, but this road is not something left over after adapting to the modern era, but it does retain the way it used to be.

"Hehe, it looks like you got lost before."

"Actually, I've been lost before."

"Oh, I see."

There aren't many people in the world who have actually experienced getting lost. It can be said that the experience of Shirona and her family is very valuable. Of course, Shirona didn't forgive Sakaki, and that's what caused all this.

"How are you, Sherabi?"

"I'm fine, I'm sure."

"yes, a little"

When he tripped and nearly fell on the slightly raised stone pavement, Kem caught him.

"I'm sorry, thank you."

"Be careful, the atmosphere is good, but it's not very well maintained, aside from the clothes I usually wear, I'm not used to the clothes I'm wearing now."

"yes, I'll be careful."

Kem held out his hand to Sirona.

Sirona didn't understand the meaning of the hand, and her eyes widened.

“”

"Hands"

"Hands, but?"

"Hold your hand out. This is the easiest to catch. It also helps prevent falls. ”

"Yes, thank you."

This is true of Kem's words, and Sirona decides that it is safest to seek Kem's help in this situation. Sirona realized this, but Kem looked like she was used to it, and kept her composure. Although she was a little unconvinced, the joy of being cared for overwhelmed her, and Sirona meekly grabbed Kem's arm.

Kem's well-trained arms are passed through the kimono. I find that I feel more comfortable walking than before.

"I got help so quickly."

"As usual."

"Hehe, yes, you've always supported me."

"That's the assistant."

In Sita, I asked her to put it into words, but even Shirona knew why she was here now. Without Kem's support, I wouldn't have been able to come to the Johto area like I am now. Even now, I'm afraid that the work as a champion is not over, and I don't know if the thesis is written or not. With Keim by my side, my productivity has increased immeasurably.

Perhaps without Keim, Sirona could have become both a champion and an archaeologist. However, if she were asked if she was living her life to the fullest as she is now, Sirona would definitely answer "no".

“”

I touched the hairpin tied to my hair.

Kem doesn't know what it means to give Kanzashi. The man himself certainly thinks that this is nothing more than a gift.

I don't want you to know what that means. But if Kem had a little bit of that feeling, I'm sure he'd be happy. Sirona thought so.

The hand that grabbed Keim's arm was full of strength.

"What's wrong?"

"No, nothing."

"Really"

I wish this happy time would last a little longer, but I never said it.

ーー

"Whew"

After returning the kimono and returning to the inn, Kem sighed tiredly.

"Oh, well done"

"It's been almost a month since I left, and I'm a little tired."

"Yes.

Shirona was a little tired. During the day, he conducts research and walks, in his spare time he trains his Pokémon to keep their skills and senses strong, and at night he carefully studies research materials. Not only was there a limit to what I could do when I was away from home, but I also had to move a lot, so I didn't have much time to relax. As Sirona expected, I was tired too.

In addition, I walked all day today for sightseeing and investigation. Sirona isn't superhuman enough to get tired of it.

"This inn seems to have a hot spring, so you can bathe with Pokémon."

"As if"

"You've already made an appointment, haven't you?"

"Maa"

I booked this hostel together when I booked it. He was a shrewd man as always.

"If you go this far, you're already a manager."

"It's similar, isn't it?"

"Yes?"

"Baiyin. I'm going to that hot spring now, so what about Shiranai? “

"I'll go too."

"I'll see you later."

"Yes"

After saying goodbye to Bai Nai in front of the curtain, Kem walked through the curtain that read the men's bath and entered the locker room. I took off my clothes, folded them so as not to wrinkle, took the Pokémon out of the bowl and opened the door with a bath towel.

It's not big, but it's a quiet and beautiful hot spring. The tub is steaming, and the tub is sturdy and large enough for Pokémon to enter.

"Hehe, that's fine."

After thoroughly washing his body with the soap and shampoo provided, and washing off the foam in the shower, Kem began to wash the Pokémon.

When Bashamo finishes bathing, he fills Mukhok with bubbles, turns it into a snowman, and starts playing with it. Mukhok didn't move too much, because it was fun to have bubbles all over his body. Lucario bathed himself in a towel like a samurai, and Kem thought he must have been a samurai in his previous life. In addition, Xiao Hei naturally let Kem wash it, and he seemed to be very satisfied.

When they had washed themselves, they soaked in the bathtub.

"Ugh"

Kem rested his head on the edge of the tub and relaxed. Accompanied by warmth, the accumulated tiredness melts the sensation of the whole body.

The Pokémon are also relaxed by the warmth of the hot springs and enjoy their favorite hot springs. Mukhok skillfully put the towel on his head and put half of his body into the bathtub, while Bashamo only washed half of his body because he was a fire type and was not good at water. Lucario immersed himself in shoulder-high water and meditated with his eyes closed. Blakey melted beside Kem.

Comb your hair and look at the ceiling.

“”

I can only sigh. The tiredness and healing of the hot springs, as well as the wearing of a kimono, still haunt me to this day.

I think it's beautiful. I told him what I really thought. My sister told me to be honest about complimenting women who can dress up, but my sister's words at the time were completely beyond my imagination.

"Ah, that's not good"

At the moment, it seems that the appearance of Shirona in a kimono has not disappeared from my mind. I know it's not just the hot springs that make my face hot.

"You're not kind, but I'm sure you'll find good people. I'm probably old enough. I like to take care of people, so maybe someone who is a little sloppy would be better? “

I remember what my sister said to me before I went to college. It's annoying, but it's pretty much the same.

"Cut, you fucking big sister."

Kem cursed, losing his strength again.

ーー

After drying her hair and changing into a yukata, Sirona walked through the curtains.

Kem was in the hallway drinking coffee milk from a bottle.

"Thank you for waiting, sorry I'm late."

"I knew it was going to happen, so I took it easy.

"Thank you"

Instead of wearing a yukata at the hotel, Kem wore a black sweatshirt and short-sleeved underwear.

Sirona didn't miss the body of Kem seen on a passing female customer, her muscles had become strong.

"What if I wear a jacket?"

"It's hot."

"Then you should wear a yukata."

"Fluttering is calming."

"Do you wear a kimono during the day?"

"I wasn't comfortable with it, but the quality of it was pretty good, so I was able to live with it.

"Hmm.

"What"

"Kem is a martial arts gymnastics coach, so there may be a lot of people around you who dress like that, but there aren't many people like that in the hotel."

"Of course. Then I'll wear a T-shirt. ”

He took a black shirt out of his bag and put it on.

I stood up, placed the bottle in the designated box, and turned my gaze to Sirona.

"I'm not complaining, that's all"

"Yes"

Kem had no guess at Sirona's true intentions and nodded in satisfaction.

After the two returned to their rooms, they ate the food they had brought and drank the junmai sake brewed in Enju Castle.

"Delicious..."

"It's easy to drink, and it looks like it's going to collapse soon. Mostly me. ”

"You're weak."

"Mitigation"

Pour the clear liquid poured into a sake glass. Fruity aromas pass through the throat with the smell of wine.

"Good wine is hard to drink"

"I feel like I'm going to drink too much."

"I'm going to stop soon, and it's going to affect tomorrow."

"Then I'll take the rest."

"What?"