Kazuki stretched lazily and replied with a laid-back grin, "Yup. Why? Is there a rule that says men can't enter this competition?"
"Uhh…" Misty and Delia exchanged glances. "Well, it's not really about gender…"
"It's just… do you know how to do Pokémon makeup?"
"Nope! But…" Kazuki gave the two girls before him a once-over, gaze drifting between their respective charms, "that's why I've got two gorgeous ladies, right?"
Kazuki's plan was simple: leave the Pokémon makeup contest to his "senior and junior wives." After all, if it came down to doing the makeup himself, he might as well forfeit now.
"Us?"
"Yeah! I'll provide the Pokémon—you two handle the makeup and performance!"
"We win, we split the prize money. Sound fair?"
"Then… could you let your shiny Horsea compete?" Misty was more interested in seeing the glittering seahorse again than the competition itself.
"Sure thing. That was the plan anyway," Kazuki replied, glancing at the waves of praise still rolling in on social media over the shiny Horsea. If they were going for the win, better start with the strongest candidate.
"Awesome! I've learned some performance skills for Water-types from my sisters. Leave the show part to me!" Misty lit up the moment she realized she'd get to team up with the shiny Horsea.
"As for the makeup…" Kazuki looked to Delia with hope in his eyes.
"Um… I can do makeup," Delia said, scratching her cheek, "but I've only done it for people. I've never styled a Pokémon before…" She smiled apologetically at Misty and Kazuki but still agreed, "Alright, I'll give it a try!"
"Yay! Then let's all give it our best for the Pokémon Costume Showcase!" Misty, even without Kazuki saying they had to win, was already full-throttle—working with a Water-type meant she was gunning for first place.
With everyone's roles set, Kazuki opened his Pokédex and swapped out Butterfree for his shiny Horsea.
[Ding! Please wait—Horsea is not currently inside a Poké Ball.]
Back at the lab, the researchers were still observing the shiny Horsea's behavior.
Hearing the alert, one of the assistants promptly retrieved the Pokémon into its Poké Ball.
"It's only been a few days since we got this shiny Horsea, and it's already being deployed again?"
"Probably not for a Gym battle—it's not strong enough yet."
"Then Kazuki must need it for something else."
Professor Oak hadn't even finished gathering data on it yet. He reluctantly sent it off.
"If it's not for battle…"
"Then the Pokémon Kazuki just sent back must be one of his core team."
"Let's take a look!"
Oak eagerly released the recently transferred Pokémon.
Chii—
Butterfree spread its wings, vibrant with a ripple of red across the patterns.
"Wha… what species is this Butterfree?!"
"Another shiny?"
"No… normal coloring—but still!"
"Such a healthy and powerful Butterfree… Kazuki really is something else."
"Phone. I need to call Gary again!"
Each time Kazuki sent a new Pokémon to the lab, Gary Oak suffered another psychic blow—the infamous "neighbor's kid" syndrome at its peak.
Once the shiny Horsea was retrieved, Delia sat face-to-face with it, staring in awkward silence, unsure how to begin.
"Ah~" Misty yawned. "How about this—Delia, why don't you take a few pictures and study them first? I'll take Horsea to practice for the performance."
"Alright, you go ahead. I'll take some time to figure this out." Delia snapped a photo, still a little flustered.
"Let's go, shiny Horsea! Time for training with big sis Misty~!" Misty happily trotted off with the sparkling Pokémon to the nearby pool.
Kazuki gave Delia a gentle pat on the shoulder. "Don't worry. You've got time—three days until the contest."
"Sorry, Kazuki. I've just never done makeup for a Pokémon before… I really don't know where to start."
Delia did have a few ideas, but she was afraid of letting him down, afraid of not winning the crown he was aiming for.
"It's fine! This is just a fun little side event, no pressure."
Encouraged by Kazuki's words, Delia's mood lightened. Then suddenly—an idea struck.
"Wait! I know someone who might be able to help!"
"Who?"
"My friend Grace—her daughter Serena is a genius when it comes to Pokémon styling!"
"She's been talented at it ever since she was a kid!"
"We could video call her for help!"
Serena, huh? Kazuki chuckled. Didn't think I'd meet her this early. What a pleasant surprise.
"Sounds good. Better than running around like headless Torchic."
Delia nodded and began dialing Grace.
After a few seconds, the screen lit up with the image of a woman in a tight black top—Grace, with her signature yellow hair clip, leaning forward as the video connected.
"Oh! Delia! Look at you!"
Grace's voice was bright and affectionate, though the way her chest strained against the fabric might have stolen a bit of attention.
"Where are you? When are you coming to Kalos?"
"Hi Grace! Not for a while—I'm on vacation in Porta Vista right now!"
"Oh, and this is Kazuki, a Pokémon Trainer." Delia quickly introduced him.
"Mmm, he's got good energy! Is he your little brother?" Grace didn't know their real relationship yet, so she assumed the innocent option.
"It's… sort of like that," Delia said vaguely. "We're very close."
"Well then, why don't you both come visit? You're always welcome!"
"I'm not sure just yet. Kazuki's competing in the Indigo League at the moment… maybe after that?" Delia turned to gauge Kazuki's thoughts.
"Thank you for the invitation, ma'am. I'd love to visit after the tournament," Kazuki replied smoothly, laying groundwork for future alliances.
"A spirited young man—I like him already," Grace said warmly.
"So, what do you need help with?"
"We're competing in a Pokémon Costume Contest here in Porta Vista," Delia explained. "But I've never done Pokémon makeup before…"
"I remember you mentioned Serena had a real gift for it—do you think she could help us?"
"Serena? You want her to teach you?" Grace laughed. "I always thought she'd be the one learning, not teaching!"
"Well, I was hoping she'd become a Rhyhorn racer…"
"But if helping you could be her breakthrough moment, I'm all for it!"
"Serena! Come in here for a sec!"
Out back, Serena was lounging on a Rhyhorn. She sat up with a groggy, "Coming!" and climbed off the beast.
Onscreen, Kazuki watched as a girl with soft chestnut hair stumbled into the frame and fell into her mother's arms.
Her sapphire-blue eyes sparkled, her delicate face radiant with youthful charm. Even in her riding clothes, she wore a pink dress with a white bow at the collar, the hem decorated with intricate embroidery.
As Serena snuggled up to her mother, she turned toward the screen and locked eyes with Kazuki.
In an instant, she straightened her posture, excitement flashing in her eyes.
"Wow! He's so handsome!"
"Ahem, Serena, manners," Grace tugged her upright again.
Serena blinked, assuming she was being introduced to a prospective fiancé. "He's nice! Mom, what region is he from? Will it be hard to visit?"
"Could I meet him properly after entering a performance tournament myself?"
Grace frowned. "What are you talking about, Serena?"
"Wait—what?"
Serena looked confused. "Weren't you just… matchmaking…?"
"No! That's your Aunt Delia and her little brother Kazuki!"
"Oh! Delia! You look even prettier than I remember—so radiant!" Serena scrambled to hide her blushing face, trying to salvage her dignity.
"S-So, um, what do you need help with?"
Kazuki's going to enter a Pokémon Costume Contest here in Porta Vista," Grace explained. "Delia remembered your gift and recommended you!"
"A Pokémon Costume Contest?" Serena's eyes widened with amazement.
"Mom! You're really letting me help with Pokémon makeup?!"
"Er…" Serena's excitement nearly knocked Grace over.
"I thought it was just a hobby—you know, I wanted you to focus on Rhyhorn riding so you'd have a stable career."
"But if Kazuki personally asked for your help, and you can get a good result…"
"Then maybe we can consider this a real path for you."
"Yay! Mom, you're the best!" Serena squealed, hugging Grace tight and knocking her flat.
After the hug, she straightened, eyes shining as she looked at Kazuki through the screen.
So this is the man who's going to change my life… and he's so handsome, too…
Okay, calm down, Serena. Stay cool.
He trusts me—that means I can't let him down! I have to win him the championship!
Serena took a deep breath, fixed her posture, and introduced herself with poise.
"Kazuki—nice to meet you! I'm Serena. It's an honor to help you with your Pokémon's styling!"
---
New Goal:- 100PS
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