Back at the main estate, Kai found Erika in the floral studio just as a flower arrangement class had ended. A group of women exited the room, chatting quietly as they passed him in the narrow hallway.
Since there wasn't enough space for everyone, Kai politely stepped aside to let them through.
The soft squeak of white stockings brushing the wooden floor mixed with the lingering scent of various perfumes, sweet yet just sharp enough to make his nose twitch.
As they passed, several of the women cast curious glances his way. Some were subtle, others bold, openly admiring his looks.
He stood out not just because of his presence, but because his casual, traveler's attire clashed with the delicate elegance of the tea house. He looked more like a tourist than a tea guest.
Once the crowd disappeared down the hallway, Kai peeked into the floral room. Inside were Erika, Koume, and another woman in a refined kimono.
Her face bore a resemblance to Koume and the others. This had to be the eldest sister they mentioned before.
When Kai stepped in, Koume quickly rose and introduced them.
"Kai, this is Sakura, our eldest sister. Sakura, this is the trainer I mentioned, traveling with Erika."
So this was her, the eldest of the Kimono Sisters.
Their greeting was formal, almost like a polite first date.
"It's a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Kai."
"Likewise, Miss Sakura."
Kai noticed that Sakura appeared a bit older than the sisters he'd seen earlier. She was stunning, graceful, and serene, with a quiet confidence.
One thing stood out: all the sisters, including Koume and Sakura,, wore decorative Poké Balls in their hair, styled like elegant accessories. Was it a family tradition?
In front of Sakura sat a vase filled with vibrant flowers, their colors richer and more vivid than anything Kai had seen in the wild.
He didn't know the art of flower arrangement, but he had an eye for beauty, and these were no ordinary blooms.
"What were you up to just now?" Erika asked, looking at him with a gentle smile.
Kai casually sat down beside her and jerked a thumb over his shoulder. "Had a few quick battles out back, just passing the time."
He chuckled. "What do you think? Five or six matches. Barely broke a sweat."
Koume blinked. "Wait—you're that good at battling?"
Before Kai could reply, Sakura smiled knowingly and glanced at her younger sister. "Koume, you really don't know who he is?"
"Know who…?" Koume looked confused. She'd only met Kai yesterday, how could she know?
"I assumed he was just a traveler."
Sakura laughed softly. "Kai here is the Indigo League Champion."
"The Champion!?" Koume gasped, her eyes wide as she quickly slapped a hand over her mouth, embarrassed.
"That makes sense! No wonder your name sounded familiar when I heard it yesterday!"
She hadn't seen his battles personally, but there'd been a time when Kai's name was all over the news.
Kai simply smiled, shrugging it off. He wasn't one to flaunt his title like some fame-chasers who wore their victories like badges of honor.
Besides, becoming a Champion wasn't that rare; there was a new one every year in every region. His real goal was the Grand Slam.
No time to get cocky over a single league win.
He cleared his throat and smoothly changed the subject. "So, what were you all working on in here?"
Sakura smiled warmly. "Erika and I were sharing some flower arrangement techniques. Even though we're from different regions, it's amazing how similar our styles are."
Erika nodded. "Sakura's really talented, her technique is beautiful. I've learned a lot just from observing her."
"You're too kind," Sakura replied with a modest wave of her hand. "Erika's elegance and sense of balance are so refined… I feel like we really connect."
Kai rolled his eyes as Koume groaned, "Okay, okay! You're both amazing, but can we chill with the compliments?"
They all laughed, the atmosphere light and relaxed.
After chatting a while longer, Kai and Erika said their goodbyes, and Koume led them out to explore more of the grounds.
As they reached the koi pond, soft music floated through the air, graceful and haunting.
They followed the sound and found a young girl seated on a red carpet beneath a cherry tree, dressed in a soft pink kimono. A Poké Ball ornament rested atop her head as she played a traditional stringed instrument.
She looked even younger than Koume and didn't seem to notice the others approaching.
Koume spoke softly so as not to disturb her. "That's Sumomo, my little sister, the youngest of the four of us."
Sumomo. The name struck a chord with Kai, reminding him of Misty's oldest sister, but this girl was nothing like her.
They stood quietly and listened. Kai didn't know classical music, but Erika nodded along in appreciation.
"This is Twilight at Tangen Vale. It's a beloved traditional melody back in Kanto. Very nostalgic."
She turned to Koume and smiled. "You Kimono Sisters are incredible. Dancing, floral art, music, every one of you is gifted."
Koume blushed. "Well… It's how we make our living. We practice every day."
Indeed, each of the sisters brought something unique to the group—
Koume, the elegant and reliable second sister; Tamao, the thoughtful and scholarly one with a love of folklore;
Satsuki, the bold and passionate performer of traditional dance;
and Sumomo, the soft-spoken musician whose melodies could move a crowd to tears.
And of course, Sakura, their poised and graceful leader.
Though Sumomo's song was still playing, the group moved on, circling around the pond.
They eventually arrived at a beautifully screened-in clearing.
"This is where the tea ceremony will be held," Koume said with a smile. "Let's go in while it's still quiet."
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