Chapter 18: A Promise from the Past

The battle between Mewtwo and Mew caused a massive disturbance. At the very least, it had completely diverted Giovanni's attention. As he stared at the towering psychic energy pillar in the distance, a hungry desire flickered in his eyes.

Mewtwo… it really has returned to New Island.

Sensing this, Team Rocket forces stationed around New Island immediately mobilized. Dozens of aerial combat units appeared, setting their sights on the island.

However, for now, Giovanni and Klein were stuck in a stalemate, keeping each other in check. Neither could make a move toward New Island without alerting the other.

Giovanni suddenly regained his usual warm smile and turned to Klein. "By the way, the new Pokémon Center here carries a few advanced healing medicines with remarkable effects. Why don't I show you around?"

With that, the two walked side by side into the Pokémon Center.

The facility's design and equipment were of the highest standard. Plush carpeting, chandeliers, and an elegant interior reflected its luxurious cost.

The healing and sales areas were separate, and as they walked through the hallway, Klein noticed numerous famous paintings displayed along the walls.

"Are these all authentic?"

"Just a few pieces from my personal collection."

Klein raised an eyebrow and couldn't help but give Giovanni credit for his extravagance. "You really know how to live, Giovanni."

As an Elite Four, Klein knew he would inevitably have to deal with figures like Giovanni—people who walked the line between the underworld and the League. He understood why Giovanni was trying to keep him occupied, but it didn't matter.

After all, Team Rocket would fail in their New Island operation no matter what.

Giovanni led Klein to a display case showcasing a brand-new golden-labeled medicine.

"This," Giovanni said proudly, "is our latest healing formula. Compared to traditional potions, the Gold-Class Healing Serum is twice as effective, almost matching the full restoration capabilities of a Pokémon Center machine."

To prove his point, Giovanni applied the serum to his previously injured Nidoking.

In just a few minutes, the fractured arm and psychic damage Nidoking had suffered from Lucario's attacks completely healed.

Klein had to admit—it was impressive. Fortunately, the cost and ingredients of this serum seemed extremely rare and expensive, meaning Team Rocket couldn't mass-produce it.

"This bottle alone is probably ten times the price of an ordinary potion, isn't it?"

Klein flipped through the medicine's ingredients and found that many of them were sourced from various regions. Even Team Rocket wouldn't be able to equip their entire force with such a costly item.

In the sales area, several trainers were browsing, though most backed away after seeing the price tag.

Just as Giovanni was about to respond, a passing red-cloaked trainer scratched his head and muttered, "It costs ten times more, but the actual healing effect is only about twice as good. I'd rather just buy normal potions."

Giovanni wasn't bothered by the comment. In regular battles, economical potions were the smarter choice. However, for League operatives on dangerous missions, the Gold-Class Serum was invaluable.

Then, Klein noticed something familiar about the red-cloaked trainer.

Beside him stood a young twin-tailed girl, curiously scanning the Pokémon Center. The moment she turned around and saw Klein, her eyes sparkled with excitement.

"Klein!"

The excited twin-tailed girl ran toward him joyfully, only to trip and fall mid-sprint.

Her older brother, the red-cloaked trainer, glanced over with a slightly concerned look—but more for Klein's reaction than for his sister's fall.

As a father-figure to his younger sister, he had long accepted her clumsiness. She tripped at least once a day, whether Klein was here or not.

Klein reacted instinctively, catching the girl with one hand before she hit the ground.

Her face immediately turned bright red. "Ah—sorry!"

"It's fine," Klein reassured her. "Didn't expect to see you two again."

"You remember us?" the red-cloaked trainer asked, surprised.

The young girl, eyes full of admiration, beamed.

Klein smirked. "Last time I saw you, you used Psychic to attack your brother during a Gym assessment."

"So cool!" The girl's eyes lit up even more.

Despite Klein's reputation for being cold, he actually had the warm demeanor of an older brother. Unfortunately, because his team consisted of powerful and aggressive Pokémon, many people assumed he was a ruthless trainer.

The red-cloaked trainer sighed, taking a lollipop out of his mouth while holding a bag of chips—which he had confiscated from his sister.

"That was… a misunderstanding," he muttered.

At his words, the twin-tailed girl immediately turned furious.

"You called me flat-chested! You said I had no womanly charm!" she yelled.

"You're my little sister, not my older one," he replied nonchalantly.

"If I had an older sister, she'd be—"

"PERVERT! DIE!"

The girl's psychic powers flared, launching her brother across the room in what seemed to be a daily routine for them.

Klein noted her strong psychic abilities.

While he wasn't sure how powerful someone like Caitlin was, this girl's raw psychic strength already surpassed an ordinary Kadabra.

She quickly turned back to Klein, eyes full of hope.

"Um, Klein! Can I get your autograph?"

"Sure. What's your name?"

"Nicole! My name's Nicole!"

She flashed him a pleading, adorable look, completely different from the fierce girl from seconds ago.

Klein chuckled, signed his name, and handed it to her.

Then, out of the corner of his eye, he noticed someone he would never forget.

A girl with brown hair tied in twin tails quietly walked out the Pokémon Center doors.

Klein's expression changed instantly.

Rosa…!

He immediately handed the autograph back to Nicole before dashing outside, chasing after the girl.

"Rosa! It's me—Klein!"

But Rosa kept walking forward, completely ignoring his voice.

Do you still remember?

Back in the present, Klein's voice trembled as he called her name again.

Do you still remember our promise?

Finally, Rosa paused.

She turned around.

And Klein's eyes lit up with hope.

(End of Chapter)