----
After leaving Orange Stadium, Kai and his friends made their way down the hill toward the rental house he had been staying in.
By now, it was already past 4 PM. The crowds in the streets had gradually started to disperse, but many people still lingered, discussing and reminiscing about the battle they had just witnessed.
To avoid being recognized, Kai pulled on a hat and sunglasses, wrapping himself up as much as possible.
That was the price of fame he had to take precautions if he wanted to enjoy some peace and quiet.
Once they arrived at the rental house, Kai didn't hold back he ordered a massive feast from the landlady, spending a considerable amount of money to celebrate his victory properly.
After all, what's the best way to celebrate a championship?
A grand feast, of course!
As night fell, the outside world became completely dark.
Kai released his larger Pokémon into the courtyard, preparing special food for them, while the smaller Pokémon joined the group inside, sitting around a low tatami-style table.
The bright lights illuminated the cosy and crowded room, filling it with warmth and excitement.
The landlady, having seen Kai's victory on television, was overjoyed to have such a famous guest staying at her inn. To show her appreciation, she even added extra sushi and sake to their meal.
The entire table was packed with delicious dishes, each one radiating an irresistible aroma.
"Let's raise our glasses, cheers!!"
Everyone clinked glasses before downing their drinks in one go.
But almost immediately—
Ash and Misty stuck out their tongues in disgust, while Tracey winced, clearly not used to alcohol.
"Ack—so strong!" Ash clutched his stomach, his face scrunched up. "It feels like my whole body is on fire!"
Kai laughed heartily.
"You guys… this is the weakest sake available, and you still can't handle it? If you can't drink, just stick to juice. But no you insisted on trying it. Now look at you!"
Misty, still wiping her mouth, pouted defiantly.
"What's the big deal? We just wanted to try it! Besides, today is a special occasion, of course; we have to drink at least a little!"
With everyone in high spirits, the dinner party reached its peak.
Ash, as usual, ate like he hadn't seen food in years, stuffing his face with zero concern for appearances.
In contrast, Sabrina ate gracefully, savouring each bite with elegance.
Meanwhile, Gengar entertained everyone by making silly faces, and Tracey told funny stories on the side.
Even Kai, fueled by alcohol, teased Misty a little, making her blush furiously.
The entire room was filled with laughter and joy, the perfect way to celebrate a hard-fought victory.
Halfway through dinner, when everyone finally slowed down, Kai turned to Ash and reminded him.
"Ash, since you're challenging the Winner's Cup, don't forget to sign up tomorrow. You can't challenge Drake unless you book your match in advance."
Still chewing on a chicken leg, Ash nodded eagerly.
"Got it! I'll sign up first thing in the morning!"
Kai grinned slyly.
"Oh, by the way… I already talked to Drake about you. I gave him a detailed introduction so rest assured, he'll take special care of you."
Ash's face lit up with gratitude, completely unaware that Kai had just set him up for an incredibly tough battle.
"Thanks, Kai! I'll do my best!"
Meanwhile, Misty asked, "Kai, what's next for you?"
Kai didn't even hesitate.
"I'm heading to the next region."
Ash's eyes sparkled with excitement.
"Which one? Where are you going next?"
"Johto. I'm going to challenge the Silver Conference. It's the closest region from here."
"What? You're not staying to watch my battle?"
Kai shook his head.
"Nope. I already know you're going to win. Besides, you're catching up too fast. If I don't stay ahead, I won't have enough of a lead over you!"
Hearing Kai's confidence in him, Ash's heart burned with determination.
"I won't let you down!"
After dinner, Kai borrowed a karaoke machine from the landlady.
With Sabrina relaxing in the hot spring, the rest of them sang their hearts out late into the night.
By the time they finally stopped, it was already past 11 PM.
Later that night, still too excited to sleep, Kai burned off the rest of his energy with Sabrina not stopping until well past midnight.
...
The next morning, Ash woke up early to register for the Winner's Cup.
Before leaving, he turned to Kai for a final farewell.
"Kai, after I finish the tournament, I'm heading back to Pallet Town to deliver the GS Ball to Professor Oak. Once that's done, I'll come find you in Johto!"
Kai, still half-asleep, waved lazily.
"Good luck. See you in Johto. Oh, and say hi to Delia and Professor Oak for me."
Ash and Tracey left together, but Misty lingered, looking back reluctantly every few steps.
After watching them disappear into the distance, Kai crawled back into bed, taking a much-needed nap.
It wasn't until late morning that he finally got up, packed his things, and checked out of the rental house.
But before heading to the next region, there was one last thing he had to do.
Settling a Bet
Following the coastal road, Kai made his way to the fruit stall where he had made a wager before the tournament.
As soon as he arrived, he saw the vendor already waiting with several large boxes of oranges packed and ready to go.
The vendor looked a little awkward, probably remembering his earlier claims that Drake would win for sure.
Kai broke the silence with a friendly grin.
"Hey, boss! Remember me? I'm here to collect my oranges!"
The vendor forced a laugh.
"Of course, of course. I've got them all ready for you."
He gestured toward a mountain of boxed oranges.
Kai burst out laughing.
"Come on, you don't actually expect me to eat that many, right? I'll take three boxes, and you can keep the rest. Otherwise, I'll be the star of a news article: 'Shocking! Indigo League Champion Scams an Old Man for Free Oranges!'"
The vendor hesitated, but seeing Kai's sincerity, he nodded in relief.
Before leaving, the vendor shyly asked.
"Could I trouble you for an autograph? My grandson is a huge fan of yours."
"Of course!"
Kai signed a personalized message:
"To Atsushi, May you become a great Pokémon Trainer!"
With one final handshake, the vendor handed over the oranges, which Charizard easily carried in its arms.
Afterwards, Kai made a quick stop at a courier service; He sent one box to Professor Cerise's lab so that everyone could enjoy it.
He mailed his Winner's Cup and victory photo there as well.
Since he didn't have a permanent home, Professor Cerise's lab had become the storage place for all his trophies and belongings.
Lastly, he sent a box of oranges to Erika, hoping she could plant them in her greenhouse.
And with that—
Kai and Sabrina boarded Charizard, flying toward Orange Island's largest city.
From there, they would board a ship to Johto.
And so, his Orange Islands adventure officially came to an end.
----
The end of the Orange Island arc; thank you for reading until now. Soon the new arc will start.
Don't forget to drop some PowerStones!💎💎💎
For early access to advanced chapters on p@treon.
P@treon/iamxeno
Thank you so much for your support and for reading!