Shunya chose the road toward the town.
Not because the wilderness scared him—but because something inside him said this was where his journey was meant to begin, not explode.
The trees gradually thinned, replaced by stone paths worn smooth by years of footsteps. The scent of grass gave way to something warmer—baked bread, clean water, faint smoke drifting lazily into the sky. The rooftops he'd seen from afar came into full view, lined neatly like they belonged exactly where they were.
A town.
A real one.
"This is…" Shunya slowed without realizing it. "It's exactly like the anime."
Pikachu chirped softly, ears twitching as it took everything in. It hopped ahead, then doubled back, clearly excited but staying close.
People were everywhere.
Trainers chatting near the road. A woman guiding a pair of Pokémon carrying crates. Kids—actual kids—laughing as a small water-type splashed in a fountain near the square.
No one stared at Shunya.
No dramatic welcome.
No announcement.
He was just… another trainer walking in.
And somehow, that made it feel more real than anything else so far.
A familiar red-and-white building stood near the center of town.
Shunya's steps slowed again.
"…A Pokémon Center."
It looked exactly how he remembered—bright, welcoming, almost comforting just to look at. Automatic doors slid open as he approached, and cool air washed over him.
Inside, the atmosphere shifted instantly.
Warm lights. Clean floors. The faint hum of technology blended with gentle music that eased the tension in his shoulders without him noticing.
A nurse stood behind the counter, smiling the kind of smile that felt practiced—but sincere.
"Welcome," she said. Her eyes moved naturally to Pikachu. "First visit?"
Shunya nodded. "Y-Yes."
"Go ahead and place your Pokémon here."
He hesitated for half a second, then gently lifted Pikachu into his arms. Pikachu didn't resist. If anything, it leaned into him slightly before hopping onto the counter.
A soft glow surrounded it as the machine activated. The crackling electricity around Pikachu faded, replaced by a calm, steady energy.
Shunya watched, hands clenched together.
He didn't realize how tense he'd been until the nurse spoke again.
"All set."
The glow faded. Pikachu hopped down immediately, looking livelier than before.
"Pika!"
Shunya let out a breath he hadn't known he was holding. "…Thank you."
The nurse smiled. "Take your time in town. New trainers always rush. The world isn't going anywhere."
He nodded again, committing those words to memory.
---
Outside, the town felt different now.
Safer.
But not boring.
Shunya wandered without a destination, letting curiosity guide him. A shop selling Poké Balls and supplies. A notice board filled with handwritten requests—lost items, escort jobs, Pokémon sightings.
Some notices were marked with faint symbols.
"World events?" Shunya muttered, leaning closer.
Before he could read more, a voice spoke up beside him.
"First day?"
He turned.
A boy about his age stood there, arms crossed, a confident grin on his face. A small fire-type Pokémon sat at his feet, tail flame flickering proudly.
"Yeah," Shunya admitted.
"Figured," the boy said. "Name's Kai. Starter?"
Shunya gestured to Pikachu. "Pikachu."
Kai's eyebrows rose. "Nice. Kanto start, huh? That's classic."
Pikachu puffed its cheeks, sparks snapping faintly.
Kai laughed. "Yeah, yeah, I get it. Strong type."
They stood there awkwardly for a moment.
"So," Kai said finally, "you heading out soon? Or gonna grind town quests first?"
Grind.
The word felt strange in this place.
"I think…" Shunya glanced around. "I think I want to understand the world a bit more first."
Kai studied him, then shrugged. "Suit yourself. Just don't fall behind."
He walked off without another word, flame bobbing behind him.
Shunya watched him go.
"…Everyone really is different," he murmured.
---
The sun dipped lower, painting the town in warm gold.
Shunya found himself back near the town's edge, standing beside a stone marker carved with faded symbols. Pikachu sat beside him, unusually quiet.
"Hey," Shunya said softly. "You okay?"
Pikachu looked up at him, eyes reflecting the fading light.
Something stirred in the air.
Not danger.
Not yet.
Just… anticipation.
Shunya felt it too—a subtle pressure, like the world holding its breath.
He didn't know it then, but the moment he stepped into town, his presence had been logged somewhere far beyond menus and interfaces. Systems older than him had taken note. Trainers stronger than him would eventually hear his name.
And legends—still sleeping—had shifted ever so slightly.
Shunya clenched his fists, smiling.
"This is just the beginning," he said.
Pikachu answered with a quiet, determined spark.
Somewhere beyond the town, the wilderness waited.
And soon, Shunya Shiraishi would answer its call.
To Be Continued.[1]
[1] What do think about story so far after reading 4 chapters.