Chapter 81: Cinnabar Island Chronicles (Part 1)

In the Kanto region, the Elite Four represent the strongest trainers of the region—a peak that most trainers never reach in their lifetime.

Even for Klein, reaching this level would have been impossible without the Dream System and Devon Corporation's sponsorship.

After the Hoenn War four years ago, Devon had provided unlimited resources for Klein to train his Pokémon—a reward for saving Hoenn from destruction.

Without those resources, even as an Elite, Klein would have only been able to manage twenty to thirty Pokémon at most.

A young boy flipped through a trainer magazine, his eyes immediately lighting up at a familiar name.

"Is this about Lorelei?!" he blurted, recalling all the doujinshi stories he'd seen of her.

Beside him, a more mature female trainer shook her head.

"If we're talking about Cinnabar Island, it's probably Bruno," she said.

However, another trainer disagreed.

"Ghost-type Elite Agatha wouldn't just randomly be here. Maybe it's the Sandstorm Elite, Klein?"

At the mention of Klein, the female trainer's eyes sparkled with excitement—her newest celebrity crush.

"Haha, actually," another trainer laughed, "It's both of them. Agatha and Klein train here together."

Ever since the Kanto Academy branch was established, Agatha and Klein's base of operations had been on Cinnabar Island.

While they still attended League meetings in Indigo Plateau, most of their time was spent training and researching here.

As a result, Cinnabar's tourism industry had exploded—a major financial win for Blaine.

As the conversation about Klein continued, Rosa remained indifferent—but Emboar's ears twitched.

It glanced at the magazine curiously, wondering if this "Sandstorm Elite Klein" was the same person from its trainer's memories.

"Emboar, let's go report to the Pokémon Center," Rosa called.

Emboar hesitated for a moment, then reluctantly followed.

At the same time, another high-profile arrival was taking place.

A large delegation from Sinnoh had just landed at Cinnabar Island Airport.

Leading the group was none other than Cynthia.

Accompanying her were officials from Sinnoh's main academy, along with a group of elite young trainers.

Although Cynthia had tried to arrive quietly, the press was already waiting.

Cameras flashed as reporters rushed forward, eager to capture the Sinnoh Champion's visit.

"Cynthia, is it true that you've come to Cinnabar Island to meet with the Sandstorm Elite, Klein?"

Cynthia paused for a moment, then nodded.

"That's correct. I came to find him."

She admitted it?!

"Could you elaborate?" another reporter asked.

"Klein's sandstorm tactics are intriguing," Cynthia explained. "There are elements of his strategy that I'd like to discuss with him."

Wait… what happened to "admitting" it? Now it just sounds like a casual battle discussion…

As the reporters continued pressing her for details, Cynthia's patience began to wear thin.

Sensing this, the Sinnoh Academy officials quickly intervened, redirecting the interview.

They announced that Cynthia and Klein would be having a special exhibition match.

However, that wasn't the only event planned.

Alongside their battle, Sinnoh had sent several talented young trainers to compete against Cinnabar's academy students.

The exchange matches were structured as follows:

Two 1v1 single battles

One 2v2 double battle

A final 3v3 match between Klein and Cynthia

Agatha, who was overseeing the event, found no issues with the arrangement and approved it.

Coincidentally, Cinnabar Island's new battle stadium had just been completed.

Designed with official League standards, it featured multiple battlefield environments and dynamic terrain changes.

Back in the Academy Office…

Klein reviewed the match schedule, deciding on his student representatives.

After careful consideration, he made his selections.

"Brooke, Silver, Gary, and Jeanette."

Brooke and Jeanette would handle the single battles. Gary and Silver would team up for the double battle.

Jeanette had previously lost to Ash in the League Tournament, but she was still one of Kanto's strongest young trainers.

Brooke, after his ordeal in Johto, had trained intensely to improve himself.

As for Gary and Silver—they were the top-ranked students at the academy.

Klein wanted to further develop their teamwork, so he assigned them to the double battle.

Agatha nodded in approval.

"No objections from me," she said. Then, with a sly smile, she added—

"But what about your battle with Cynthia? Are you hiding Mawile from the public?"

"Yes," Klein confirmed.

Mawile was his secret weapon.

It wasn't ready to be revealed just yet.

"Interesting. You seem cautious about this match."

Klein shook his head.

"I just have a specific strategy in mind for Cynthia's team."

Agatha chuckled.

"Fair enough. But outside of the official battles, there will be plenty of informal matches. Are the Pokémon Center staff prepared?"

Klein opened his communications device and contacted the new Cinnabar Pokémon Center.

However, the response was unexpectedly hesitant.

"The originally assigned Nurse Joy had to withdraw due to pregnancy, so we've relocated a different caretaker from Celadon City."

Klein's expression darkened.

"Wait—a caretaker? Not a Nurse Joy?"

He had personally reviewed and approved the original Nurse Joy candidate—one of the most elite graduates of her class.

Now, the Joy family had suddenly changed plans?

"Does this mean the Joy family isn't taking the academy seriously?"

"Should we dismiss the new hire?"

Klein paused.

"No. Give her a test."

"A theoretical and practical exam—she needs to score 135 points or higher to qualify."

For reference—

The average Nurse Joy graduates with 120 points.

Requiring 135 points was extremely demanding.

Meanwhile…

Rosa's face turned red with frustration.

"An exam?!"

She slammed the table.

"Are they looking down on me just because I'm not from the Joy family?!"

"Uh… I'm just passing along the message," the official muttered nervously.

"Who decided this?!"

"Ah… Elite Four Klein."

Rosa's expression darkened even further.

"So this Klein guy thinks I'm not good enough, huh?"

She turned on her heel, preparing to storm out.

But just as she was about to leave—

Emboar grabbed her arm.

"Emboar? What's wrong?"

Emboar struggled to find a way to explain itself.

Inside its Poké Ball, Serperior sighed.

Idiot.

But Rosa misinterpreted Emboar's hesitation.

"…You're saying I shouldn't make decisions based on emotions, right?"

Emboar was about to correct her—but Rosa had already made up her mind.

With renewed determination, she turned back to the official.

"Fine. I'll take the test."

But inwardly, she cursed—

"Klein, you arrogant bastard, I hope your wife makes you sleep on the couch!"

(End of Chapter.)