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Beyond the folding screens was a ten-meter-wide tatami mat space. Kai and Erika removed their shoes at the entrance and stepped up onto the mat.
Right away, they noticed a striking woman kneeling formally at the far end, dressed in a sleek black kimono.
She appeared to be around Kai's age, with a refined coolness to her demeanor. A decorative Poké Ball ornament was clipped into her hair, just like the others.
There was no need for an introduction; she was clearly one of the Kimono Sisters.
With this, Kai had now met all five of them.
Upon seeing their arrival, the woman bowed deeply in a formal, precise motion.
Kai recalled something Erika had explained earlier during one of their conversations. This was a true ceremonial bow, one of the most respectful forms of greeting used in traditional events like tea ceremonies. A full 90-degree bow, only used on special occasions.
"Welcome to my tearoom," she said with composed elegance.
Erika responded with a formal bow of her own. Kai, a little less accustomed to such rituals, simply gave a respectful nod in return.
"This is Tamao," Koume explained warmly, gesturing to the woman. "She's our third sister."
Then, she introduced Kai and Erika. "This is Kai, the Indigo League Champion, and this is Erika, the Gym Leader from Celadon City."
Ever since learning about Kai's Champion title, Koume had also discovered that Erika was a Gym Leader. That revelation had thrilled her.
Who would've guessed that two people she casually met during a performance would turn out to be such high-profile figures and even become her friends?
Of course, this wasn't about status or ego.
Though the Kimono Sisters were well-known throughout Ecruteak City and often performed for distinguished guests, including Gym Leader Morty himself, those connections were usually through her elder sisters.
Koume, being the fourth sister and only seventeen, was just starting to build a life of her own.
Kai and Erika were the first high-level Trainers she'd personally bonded with. That meant something to her.
"Apologies for the intrusion, Miss Tamao," Erika said gently.
Tamao's eyes lingered on Erika a moment, then moved to Kai, clearly surprised by their presence.
"What brings the two of you to Ecruteak?"
"We're traveling," Kai answered, "and getting ready to take on the Silver Conference."
"I see," she replied with a calm nod.
After some polite exchanges, Tamao returned to her role as host.
"Then allow me to prepare your tea."
She had a beautiful array of tools arranged beside her: a handcrafted tea whisk, bamboo scoops, a lacquered tea caddy, and a kettle heated over a small wood fire. With practiced grace, she lifted a cloth and began wiping each utensil.
Kai watched with quiet curiosity.
"This is the usucha method," Erika whispered beside him. "Every step of the ceremony begins with purifying the tools. Then she'll draw hot water into the tea bowl, rinse and warm it, discard the water, measure the powdered tea, and finally whisk it to create a smooth blend. After tasting, we'll admire the bowls and conclude the ceremony with a closing bow."
"…That's a lot for just a cup of tea," Kai muttered.
Back on Earth, tea was just leaves and hot water brew, sip, done. As long as it quenched thirst, that was all that mattered.
But here? This was an art form, a ritual passed down for generations.
"You know how to do all this?" he asked Erika.
"Of course." She smiled. "We occasionally host tea gatherings at the Celadon Gym. If you're interested, I could prepare a personal one for you sometime."
Of course. She's from a refined, well-rounded, and good-natured noble family.
Kai said nothing more. He turned his full attention back to Tamao's movements, remembering that guests should remain silent during the preparation.
Though he and Erika kept their voices low, the tea room was intimate, and no sound went unnoticed. Still, Tamao continued without comment, her hands flowing from one motion to the next like water.
She finished wiping the bowl and dipped the ladle into the kettle, filling the tea bowl with steaming water. She cradled it gently, warming the bowl and brush. Then she discarded the water into a waste container.
Next came the powdered tea. Using a precise hand, Tamao scooped matcha into the bowl three scoops, then lightly tapped the scoop against the edge, creating a clear, delicate sound.
Her movements were mesmerizing. Every step deliberate, refined. Watching a graceful woman perform the tea ceremony like this… it was hard not to admire the entire experience.
When the tea was whisked to a frothy finish, Tamao carefully presented two bowls to her guests.
"Thank you for your patience. Please enjoy."
Kai looked down at his bowl.
He'd expected something more like a teacup… but this was a full ceramic bowl. And instead of tea leaves, the drink was bright green and foamy.
It reminded him more of rinsed-out soup than anything else, but it definitely smelled like high-quality tea.
Still unsure of etiquette, he looked to Erika.
She gave Tamao a small nod of appreciation, then gracefully lifted the bowl. She rotated it slightly, then took a slow, deliberate sip.
"Mmm…" she smiled. "Perfectly balanced. The temperature's ideal, and the taste is beautifully smooth. Thank you."
Kai mirrored her motions—rotating the bowl, taking a cautious sip.
It was surprisingly sweet, smooth on the tongue, and left a light, fragrant aftertaste.
He wasn't sure what he was supposed to say, so he simply nodded, putting on his best "informed tea drinker" face.
"…Yeah. That's good tea."
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Note: The Kimono Sisters in this adaptation are inspired by their portrayal in Episode 7 of "Pokémon Evolutions – The Show." Their appearances and personalities here are adapted for narrative consistency and enhanced character depth.
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