Masato Hijirikawa

[Masato appears in the post, looking as calm as ever. Definitely not the happiest camper, but he's got a newfound determination.

...and a very eager Karrablast sitting on his shoulder who, thankfully, isn't drooling on him today.]

...If one was to begin a journey to collect badges... Would you advise starting at Pallet Town or New Bark Town? I've done research on both, and... well, I'm actually a bit of a distance from either.

[He takes a deep breath.]

Although it's been over a year... I think it may be time for me to begin a quest of my own here. To find my meaning in this world.

...It'll at least give me something to do, wouldn't it?

[And with that, he glances away. A look of longing gently drifts onto his face, and he quietly turns the gear off. He's been thinking, long and hard about this. He's spent too much time being dependent on others. It was time to be stronger, for himself.]

[[Private to Ren Jinguji and Utau Hoshina]]

I'm sorry to have left so suddenly. Parting, however sorrowful, is sometimes necessary. At least for a short while.

I'll find you both again when I have a few badges in my collection.