Under Delphox's murderous glare, Klein ultimately recalled Florges into a Poké Ball. From start to finish, Florges willingly entered without the slightest resistance or reluctance.
Watching this unfold, Lucas nudged Klein with his mechanical elbow. "Hey, did you catch Delphox the same way back then?"
"More or less."
"I swear, you're wasted as the Sandstorm Elite. You should be called the Harem Elite instead."
Ignoring Lucas's teasing, Klein looked at his friend. "When do you plan to head to Johto?"
"I'm leaving soon. I came to Cinnabar Island mainly to see you."
The atmosphere turned somber for a moment. Then Klein stepped forward, staring intently at Lucas. "You're only going to Johto for the regional tournament, right?"
"Hey, Harem Elite, what are you implying?"
Under Klein's unwavering gaze, Lucas hesitated before softening his tone. "Don't worry. You'll see me win the Silver Conference championship soon enough."
"Take this."
Klein rummaged through his bag and handed Lucas an intricately designed wristwatch. "I modified it. It has a Pokédex, communication, and GPS functions. It might come in handy on your journey."
"This looks high-tech. Man, being an Elite Four sure comes with perks."
"Take care, Lucas."
"You too. Be a good Elite Four for Kanto. Appreciate what you have."
As he watched Lucas walk away, Klein felt a deep unease, though he couldn't pinpoint the reason. He could only hope Lucas would return safely from Johto.
—
Outside Cinnabar Research Lab, a massive memorial stood. After bidding farewell to Lucas, Klein attended the ceremony as Kanto's Elite Four representative.
Among those present were the families of the fallen researchers, Blaine, the Gym Leader of Cinnabar Island, Agatha, the Ghost-type Elite Four, and Giovanni, the president of Silph Co. Several Gym Leaders from nearby cities were also in attendance.
A solemn melody played as each person held a bouquet, paying tribute to the victims of the disaster.
Klein, Agatha, and Blaine remained silent throughout. Klein's emotions were the most complex—had it not been for Lillie's recklessness, Cinnabar Island wouldn't have suffered such devastation.
Dr. Fuji's explanation about the Platinum Plate fragments remained vague. It was increasingly evident that its origins were tied to Silph Co.
After the ceremony, Giovanni approached Klein. "Cinnabar Island is in your debt. Without you, our losses would have been far worse."
"It was my duty."
Giovanni handed Klein an official document bearing Silph Co.'s seal. "As a token of appreciation, our company has allocated funds for constructing a new Pokémon Center and expanding Kanto's educational facilities. This is also to acknowledge your efforts in seeking justice for the victims."
"Thank you."
Since the funds were for public welfare, Klein had no reason to refuse and accepted them. As Giovanni departed, Agatha approached with a frown. "You have dealings with that man?"
Agatha had nothing but disdain for Giovanni. As the mastermind behind Team Rocket, he had caused endless trouble for the Kanto League.
"I met him at the Silph City Pokémon Center inauguration."
Klein briefly explained his connection to Giovanni. Upon learning that a significant portion of the school's funding came from Team Rocket, Agatha rolled her eyes and muttered curses about Giovanni's deceitfulness.
As Klein left the venue, he spotted Blaine lingering nearby. He returned a notebook he had borrowed earlier. Blaine smiled as he took it back. "What are your thoughts?"
The young man before him was a rare prodigy. During the battle at Seafoam Islands, his single-core Sandstorm strategy had already pushed the limits of his peers. If he wanted to go further, he would need to develop a dual-core battle system.
Trainers who mastered dual-core strategies were strong enough to serve as regional champions in some smaller leagues. In Kanto, aside from Klein, the other three Elite Four members had long since incorporated dual-core tactics.
"I have some ideas for my second core. Right now, I'm focusing on strengthening my Pokémon."
Klein's words surprised Blaine and Agatha. They hadn't expected him to consider a second core so soon. But then, both recalled a certain Pokémon from the battle at Seafoam Islands.
"If it's that one, it would be the ideal second core."
—
In Johto, at a grand estate on the outskirts of Ilex Forest, a lavish banquet was being held. The event marked Koga's official appointment as the new head of the Kamikura Foundation's Kanto division.
Koga, now Johto's new Poison-type Elite Four, hosted the banquet. The guests were all influential figures from various industries who maintained close business ties with the Kamikura Foundation.
Both the Kamikura Foundation and the Hunter Association operated from the shadows. After the previous leader's downfall, Koga took over as the foundation's Kanto representative.
—
"Koga, this banquet's food is far too plain!"
A wealthy middle-aged man approached with an irritated expression, prodding at the food on his plate. "Synthetic meat and Miltank drinks? Are you treating us like beggars?"
Compared to his predecessor, who was more pragmatic, Koga was rigid and uncompromising. Since taking over, he had shut down several of the foundation's previous operations, earning the middle-aged man's disdain.
Koga's cold gaze met the man's. "Johto prohibits commercial breeding farms aside from Miltank. So, I apologize if you're unable to enjoy a particular delicacy."
"That's nonsense! Your predecessor approved my funding for an Ice-type Pokémon farm. We raised a large number of rare Alolan Vulpix. But after you took over, that farm disappeared!"
Koga smirked. "That facility was seized by the Johto League after the incident at Seafoam Islands."
"I don't care! With this kind of pathetic hospitality and attitude, our association will no longer do business with the Kamikura Foundation!"
The man shot Koga a scornful look before storming out. Koga, however, remained unfazed.
—
"Koga, someone just broke into your office and stole your safe."
Inside that safe were the Pikachu mask and a portion of the documents given to him by that mysterious young man. Upon hearing the report, Koga simply nodded, his expression as calm as ever. "I see."
—
Leaving the banquet, the middle-aged man's face was grim as he and his subordinates prepared to depart. Just then, footsteps echoed in the darkness.
"Who's there?"
A golden flash of electricity illuminated the night. In an instant, his subordinates collapsed, unconscious. The man let out a scream as a blinding light seared his eyes, leaving him bleeding and kneeling on the ground.
Without a word, a mysterious youth wearing a Pikachu mask emerged from the shadows, a gleaming dagger in hand, slowly advancing toward the terrified man.
"P-please… spare me," the man begged.
The masked youth remained emotionless.
The dagger struck—again and again.
The man's screams echoed through the forest, his blood pooling beneath the moonlight.