Pokemon: With Title System

Chapter 109 - Sabrina's Background

Saffron Gym

After parting ways with Asahi, Sabrina's expression returned to its usual cold demeanor. She walked through the gym, her presence commanding silent respect from the psychic trainees around her.

Entering the private quarters at the back of the gym, she suddenly stopped.

Her eyes narrowed as she glanced toward a shadowy corner of the room.

"Come out."

A cough broke the silence.

Sird stepped out from the darkness, her arm wrapped in bandages, looking visibly exhausted.

Sabrina's gaze turned sharp and dangerous as she stared at Sird. "Who gave you permission to come here?"

The air in the room shifted. Objects trembled as if reacting to her psychic energy.

[Such terrifying psychic power…]

Sird was wary, but she kept her composure, covering her mouth with a hand as she chuckled. "We're in the same organization, aren't we?"

"And?"

Sabrina's expression remained impassive.

"...."

Sird fell silent.

The tension between Rocket's Three Beasts and its Executives was no secret.

Suppressing her emotions, she finally asked, "Why did you tell me to retreat earlier? If you had cooperated, we could have easily taken down Asahi. And now, how do you plan to explain this to Giovanni?"

From her perspective, if Sabrina had joined forces with her, the mission would have been completed by now.

Hearing this, Sabrina's lips curled into an odd smile.

"That was your mission. What does it have to do with me?"

She brushed her hair back, her tone mocking. "Besides, if I exposed myself, wouldn't I end up like you Three Beasts—hunted by the League and reduced to a stray dog?"

"You—!"

Sird's smile faltered, her expression turning to frustration.

But Sabrina remained indifferent to her reaction. "I'll be personally reporting this to Giovanni. As for you… go back to the Sevii Islands. And get out of my gym."

As she spoke, her psychic energy radiated an unmistakable malice.

Persian, standing beside Sird, immediately sensed the hostility. Its fur bristled as it paced back and forth, ready to pounce at its trainer's command.

Yet, Sird ultimately held back.

She was already injured, and fighting on Sabrina's home turf would put her at a severe disadvantage. There was no way she could win.

Instead, she forced a smile, gave a slight bow, and then disappeared from Saffron Gym with her Persian.

Once Sird was gone, Sabrina slowly retracted her psychic energy.

She sank into the couch, her mind replaying everything about Asahi.

That unique power of his… and the mysterious slate floating beside his shiny Gardevoir.

[How intriguing…]

—

When Asahi returned to the manor, Sirfetch'd had already prepared dinner.

After eating, he let all his Pokémon out to roam freely while he contacted Lance to summarize the day's events.

"…In short, I suspect the Sylph President is hiding critical information."

Lance fell into deep thought upon hearing this.

He trusted Asahi's judgment. His previous predictions—regarding Rocket's Celadon hideout and Lt. Surge in Vermilion Gym—had all been spot on.

However…

"Sylph Co. is complicated."

Getting an investigation team inside had already been a struggle between multiple factions. Now, even though the team had lost their memories, Sylph was technically still a victim of Team Rocket.

"I'll see what I can do," Lance said. "If you uncover anything else, you have discretion to act as needed. If you need backup, you can contact Sabrina at Saffron Gym."

"…?"

Asahi was stunned.

Before he could even bring up his suspicions about Sabrina, Lance was telling him to go to her for help.

Lance noticed Asahi's confusion and chuckled.

"Unlike Surge, the Saffron Gym has been around for three generations."

"Sabrina's father currently serves as the president of the Psychic Association in the League and holds a key position in the Kanto Pokémon Association. That's why I trust her."

Asahi finally understood why Lance had sent Sabrina as reinforcements without hesitation.

With a background like that, she seemed like a model League official.

In Lance's mind, even if every other Gym Leader defected to Rocket, Sabrina wouldn't—because she had no reason to.

[Well, you've really misjudged this one, Lance. Sabrina's the rebellious one in her family.]

Asahi chuckled inwardly.

With Sabrina's strong connections, proving her double identity would require solid evidence.

Just as he was about to end the call, Lance spoke again.

"By the way, your new credentials are ready. I'll have Dragonite deliver them shortly."

"The League and Interpol have officially approved you as the temporary head of Kanto's division."

"From now on, you have full authority over Kanto operations. Of course, major cases still need to be reported to the League and Interpol HQ…"

"Congratulations, Inspector Asahi!"

For the first time today, Asahi heard some good news.

At least something made up for the headache-inducing events of the day.

After thanking Lance for his support, he ended the call and leaned against Dragonair, who was curled up on the carpet. Hugging Eevee, he turned to Green and grinned.

"Kanto Division is ours now!"

"So, should we start working on rescuing our captured colleagues?" Green asked, still playing cards with Chansey, Jigglypuff, and Torchic.

Asahi deadpanned.

"…You make it sound like I deliberately ignored them before."

"But you're right. It's time to track down those old teammates of mine… Hopefully, they're still holding out and haven't defected to Rocket."

"And since I'm officially in charge now, I can start recruiting, too… In fact, I already have someone in mind."

"Who?" Green asked, curious.

Asahi smirked and pulled out his communicator, dialing a number.

"Hey, Gary? I've got a great opportunity for you."

"...What kind of opportunity?"

"A part-time job that'll seriously boost your battle skills! Plus, the pay's amazing."

"I know you're not hurting for cash, but trust me, earning your own money feels way different from spending family wealth."

"...Lying to you? Come on, have I ever lied to you?"

"Besides, I haven't even told Ash about this. Only you."

"Relax, just get over here! I'll be waiting in Saffron City."

—