Chapter 100: The Gathering

After returning from Shamouti Island to Cinnabar Island, Klein took a short break at the local Pokémon Center. However, before he could fully settle in, the island elder, along with Melody and several island residents, came to see him.

Ash and his group had already left, likely heading for their next Orange League Gym challenge. Meanwhile, upon hearing about Klein's arrival, the elderly leader of Cinnabar Island cautiously approached him.

"You're saying that a lost island once existed in the Cinnabar Archipelago… and during the recent battle, it resonated with the altar?"

Having witnessed the Lugia Incident, the elder had become a staunch supporter of the Greater Kanto Alliance. Eager to earn favor with an Elite Four member, he presented an ancient text to Klein. The history of this sunken island was largely unknown even to the locals, but they willingly entrusted the information to him.

"In addition to the three sacred islands devoted to Fire, Ice, and Thunder, there was once a fourth island—said to have been destroyed by a great catastrophe and swallowed by the sea. Due to the passage of time and the turmoil of war, most records of it have been lost."

A fourth island?

Klein flipped through the ancient text, examining a damaged statue and rough sketches of the island's perimeter. He furrowed his brows. "And what was the deity worshiped there?"

"We don't know. The war erased many of our records."

Across the entire Orange Archipelago, Klein was likely the only trainer with a Wailord, making him uniquely suited to explore the deep ocean trenches where the island was said to have sunk.

However, investigating this mystery would have to wait. For now, his priority was returning to Cinnabar Island to report to the Kanto League.

—

With the storm now over, Cinnabar Island had returned to its lively, well-lit state.

Inside the New Pokémon Center, Rosa sat idly, scrolling through news articles. It had been several hours since the Orange Archipelago incident, and as she browsed through reports online, a look of frustration crossed her face.

"Why is all the media coverage focused on Ash? There's barely any mention of Klein!"

Nurse Joy chuckled. "That boy is challenging the Orange League, so the Kanto Alliance is eager to promote him. As for Klein? People are already used to him constantly running around, putting out fires. So, naturally, his media exposure is lower."

Hearing this, Joy glanced at the water bottle on Rosa's desk and smirked. "You sure are easily won over. One little water bottle, and now you're speaking up for him?"

Rosa scoffed. "I am not defending him. I just think it's kind of unfair. He lost to Cynthia, then went to the Orange Islands and became a hero… but now he's getting almost no recognition for it."

"That's already more than enough concern."

A sudden voice startled Rosa. She turned to see Klein, who had just rushed back from his mission, now staring at her with a rather unreadable expression.

"Why are you looking at me like that?"

"…Nothing."

Klein had been exhausted just moments ago. But after hearing Rosa's complaints on his behalf, he suddenly felt rejuvenated. Handing his Pokédex to Rosa, he rubbed his eyes. "Has Cynthia already gone to rest?"

Joy walked over, handing Klein a room key. "After the incident, Cynthia and Steven returned to the Pokémon Center to rest. They've been keeping an eye on the situation at Cinnabar Island."

"Good. Tomorrow at noon, please arrange a lunch gathering for me. Send invitations to Cynthia, Steven, and these names on the list."

With the spacious facilities of the New Pokémon Center, it was the perfect venue for a luncheon. Joy, being well-versed in event planning, quickly contacted the appropriate staff to arrange the gathering for the next day.

Among the invitees were Klein's students—the young trainers who had fought alongside him, including Gary, Silver, and the others.

"There's still one more person missing," Klein added. "Rosa, would you like to join us?"

There was a slight tension in Klein's voice. It was clear he wasn't used to inviting girls to events like this.

Rosa blinked before flashing a playful smile. "And why exactly do you want me there, Elite Klein?"

For some reason, Klein felt an instinctive fear when Rosa smiled like that—like a prey caught in a predator's gaze.

"I… need a female companion. Join me."

Rosa took a sip from the water bottle Klein had given her and responded flatly, "If that's your only reason, I'm not interested."

"…"

Klein hesitated for a moment before finally coming up with a new strategy. "The food at the gathering will be excellent. They'll be serving your favorite—plum fruit juice."

"…Plum fruit juice? Do I… like that?"

Rosa frowned, puzzled. She couldn't recall ever drinking it before. How was Klein so certain she would love it?

Still… it was a decent enough excuse.

"Fine, I'll go."

As Klein walked away—looking oddly relieved—Joy leaned closer and grinned. "Wow. I didn't realize you had Klein the Sandstorm Elite wrapped around your finger. He really listens to you, doesn't he?"

Rosa stuck out her tongue. "I don't know what you're talking about. He's just… fun to mess with."

—

With the weather finally calm, Cynthia sat under a shaded pavilion, staring intently at the various desserts before her. She looked completely lost in thought, struggling to decide which one to try first.

Meanwhile, Steven was grinning as he watched Klein and Rosa arrive together.

Steven had always been proud of Klein. He had given his student only minimal guidance, yet Klein had managed to climb to the top all on his own.

"You're smiling weirdly, Steven."

"Oh, nothing. I just think you look… very well-dressed today."

Klein and Rosa had both arrived in formal attire, immediately drawing the attention of the crowd.

Rosa felt slightly awkward under the stares, but Klein remained completely unfazed. He casually picked up a glass of plum fruit juice and handed it to Rosa.

"Try it. You'll fall in love with it."

Rosa took a sip, unimpressed. "You're exaggerating—"

Then her eyes lit up.

"Whoa. This is amazing!"

Her delight was so genuine, it even made Klein chuckle.

Meanwhile, Klein's students arrived. Among them, Gary stood out the most—his stylish outfit immediately drawing cheers from female admirers.

As Rosa wandered off to sample more food, Steven approached Klein.

"You've been in Kanto this whole time, yet you only just found Rosa?"

Klein stared at her silhouette. "I was worried. If the Kamiyama Foundation wasn't dealt with, bringing Rosa back might have put her in danger. After all, we both played a role in destroying their plans."

"Now that you're part of the Elite Four, you can't just walk away from your responsibilities."

Klein's expression remained calm. "I know. And I have no intention of running from them."

(End of Chapter)