The tall teenager navigated his way through the forest to his secluded retreat, an old house. In this hideaway, he quietly sank into a wooden chair, his weathered face softening into introspection. His dark blue coat lay against his frame as he stared at the decaying ceiling, an Ultra Ball nestled in his hands.

He murmured to himself, "Taro, we must improve. For them, for us." His words held a weighty mixture of resolve and sorrow, his amber gaze ablaze with resolution.