Reincarnated Into a Pokémon World and Can See Their Hidden Potential?!

The warm afternoon sun cast long shadows across Arena D, but Kira Damos felt only the rush of adrenaline. She adjusted her gloves and walked toward the battlefield with quiet determination, her boots clicking against the stadium floor. Today marked her debut match in the Intermediate Trainer Tournament—and nothing was going to shake her focus.

Inside the tunnel, her name flashed on the overhead screen:

MATCH 27 – KIRA DAMOS VS. TYSON VALE

Ray watched from the stands, hand resting under his chin. "Show them who you are, Kira."

As she stepped into the sunlight, a breeze ruffled her auburn hair. Her opponent was already waiting—tall, lean, with slicked-back hair and a half-smirk. Tyson Vale looked her over with a gaze that lingered too long, clearly more interested in appearances than strategy.

"Well, well," he said, crossing his arms. "Didn't expect my opponent to be this cute."

Kira's expression turned cold instantly. "I didn't come here to flirt."

Tyson laughed, apparently unbothered. "Come on, no need to be shy. After this, how about you let me buy—"

"No," Kira said firmly. "Let's just battle."

In that moment, something crystallized inside her. She didn't just dislike this type of guy—she couldn't stand the way he looked at her. Strangely, she realized she never minded when Ray looked at her, even when he stared too long. But anyone else? It made her skin crawl.

"Trainers, send out your Pokémon!" the referee called.

Kira reached for her Poké Ball and called out with calm resolve, "Machoke, take the field!"

The brawny Fighting-type materialized in a flash of white, pounding his fists into his palms with a confident growl.

Statsight (Ray's Internal View):

Species: MachokeAptitude: Deep BlueLevel: 42Trait: Enduring ForceCondition: StableSync Rate with Trainer: 84%Combat Readiness: HighNotes: Recently demonstrated live-battle growth. Responds strongly to emotional resonance with Trainer.

Tyson smirked again and tossed his Poké Ball. "Let's have some fun, Raichu."

The Electric-type Pokémon appeared, lightning crackling at its cheeks as it danced side to side, tail curling upward like a question mark.

"Match begin!" the referee declared.

Tyson was first to act. "Nuzzle! Let's keep her Machoke still!"

"Low Sweep," Kira said coldly.

Machoke dropped low, dodging the spark-filled tackle and sweeping Raichu's feet from under it. The Electric-type rolled and yelped, crashing into the dirt.

"Feisty, aren't you?" Tyson teased. "I like that."

Kira ignored him entirely. "Bulk Up."

Machoke stood tall, his muscles glowing with an inner pulse of strength as his body hardened.

"Electro Ball!" Tyson countered.

The glowing orb of lightning spun toward Machoke, slamming into him with a loud crackle. He stumbled but held firm, fists clenched.

"Now Seismic Toss!" Kira commanded.

In a flash, Machoke grabbed Raichu, leapt high, and spun the Electric-type into a massive arc before slamming it down into the field with thunderous force. Dust flew into the air.

When the cloud cleared, Raichu twitched once—then went still.

"Raichu is unable to battle! Victory to Kira Damos!" the referee shouted.

The audience roared. Kira let out a slow breath and gave Machoke a small nod of gratitude. He flexed and let out a victorious growl.

From the stands, Ray jumped up and cheered loudly. "That's how it's done!"

Kira turned and caught his eye, offering a genuine smile. Then she turned away from the battlefield without sparing Tyson another glance.

As she exited the arena, Tyson called after her, "Hey—wait up! That was a great match! Want to talk—?"

"No," she said without looking back.

Outside the arena, her father clapped her on the back. "Strong showing. And fast."

"Thanks," she said softly. "He was annoying."

"Thought so too," her father chuckled.

Ray met up with them a few minutes later. "You okay?"

Kira nodded. "Yeah. I'm just… glad you were watching."

Ray smiled. "Wouldn't have missed it."

They walked together toward the gathering area, their shoulders brushing. For a brief moment, Kira looked up at Ray and realized something. When he smiled at her, she didn't feel cold or uncomfortable. She felt safe.

And maybe… maybe that meant something more than she had allowed herself to admit.