Chapter 102: The Revival of Team Malice

Moro Island, located in the southeastern region of the Orange Archipelago, was once home to an ancient Orange League museum. Today, however, that museum lay in ruins, symbolizing the decline of the Orange League's former glory.

Standing amidst the rubble, countless figures clad in gray uniforms had gathered—each one a loyal follower of Team Malice, eagerly awaiting their organization's rebirth.

Four years ago, during the Hoenn War, Team Malice's leadership had been sealed away, leading to its disbandment. However, after years of preparation, the organization had finally re-emerged on Moro Island, ready to rebuild.

Near the outer ruins of the museum, three figures in gray cloaks stood silently, awaiting the arrival of Team Malice's leader—Naga.

—

With the Kamiyama Foundation's assets now fully transferred overseas, Naga and Komon had successfully diverted the attention of both the Johto and Kanto Leagues, allowing Team Malice's three top lieutenants to complete their relocation plans.

Unlike Team Rocket and the other large-scale criminal organizations, Team Malice had a much smaller structure—consisting of only three lieutenants and around thirty regular members. The group's small numbers made them seem insignificant compared to other syndicates, but each core member was a highly trained specialist.

As Komon walked alongside Naga, he glanced at the three lieutenants standing before them. Naga, wearing his signature eerie grin, opened his arms wide and declared:

"My beloved companions, welcome back. This broken world will one day be shattered by the power of Malice!"

"Malice will destroy the world!"

The three lieutenants responded in unison, and the surrounding Team Malice members erupted into a frenzy of cheers.

Komon, however, remained unimpressed.

Seriously? He spouts some doomsday nonsense, and these guys eat it up?

He had never fully understood the cult-like devotion that Naga's followers seemed to have. Watching their fanatic expressions, he felt completely disconnected from Team Malice's philosophy.

Not to mention, he was still wearing a ridiculous Charmander mask—a tradition enforced by the Kamiyama family. First, it had been a Pikachu mask, and now this? Couldn't they at least make these masks look more dignified?

Since when did being a villain require this much flair for the dramatic?

—

"Our guest of honor will be arriving soon," Naga said, shifting the conversation.

The Kamiyama family, renowned for its Ghost-type forces, had relocated their entire army overseas. However, due to the lingering effects of their previous sealing, Naga's personal Ghost army was still recovering from its injuries.

Meanwhile, their standard Ghost forces had been wiped out in the last battle against Klein. As a result, Team Malice was currently capturing and training new Ghost Pokémon in the area.

With their operations expanding, Naga was confident that Team Malice's return would soon shake the world once more.

—

The gathering at Cinnabar Island's Pokémon Center remained lively, with trainers coming and going.

Steven's guidance session had been a valuable lesson for Klein, offering him a new perspective on strategy. While most of the spectators had only caught glimpses of the battle, for Klein, it had opened an entirely new approach to battle planning.

Although Klein had been titled the Sandstorm Elite, his team composition heavily featured Steel-types. In fact, he was skilled enough in Steel-type battles to be considered a potential Steel-type Elite Four member.

And, as the world knew, Steven was the ultimate Steel-type master.

Thus, in many ways, Klein was a natural successor to Steven's style—even if their approaches differed.

Meanwhile, several onlookers were still curious about the intense battle that had just taken place. However, since Klein controlled the venue, no one dared to investigate further.

Shortly after finishing his guidance, Steven excused himself and departed—though he had stepped down as Champion, he still held important responsibilities within the Hoenn League.

—

"Your Battles Feel Like Slaughter."

Taking a sip of plum fruit juice, Rosa casually remarked, "You know, I think I prefer watching traditional battles. Your fights just feel like all-out war."

As a Pokémon nurse, she had never liked Klein's brutal fighting style. And now, even Steven had taught him an equally destructive technique.

She honestly didn't know how to feel about it.

Klein thought for a moment. "You prefer conventional battles, huh? Have you ever considered joining the Silver Conference?"

The Johto League's Silver Conference was just around the corner. The Kanto Academy was even granting students a special break so that trainers like Gary could travel to Johto and compete.

Rosa had no intention of participating. However, deep down, something stirred within her—as if a part of her longed for battle.

Didn't I used to love battling…?

"I'll… think about it. But what about Cinnabar's New Pokémon Center?"

Before she could finish, Klein cut her off. "Nurse Joy can manage it for a while."

Rosa's expression darkened.

"So that's what this is about? You still think I'm not suited to be a Pokémon nurse!"

"I never said that."

Klein quickly shut his mouth, realizing that arguing would only make things worse. Instead, he decided to wait for Rosa to calm down before explaining further.

Cynthia, watching from the sidelines, simply smiled, enjoying the banter between the two.

—

As the gathering came to a close, Klein and Rosa approached Cynthia together.

"Lady Cynthia, I sincerely appreciate everything you've done for Cinnabar Island's exchange event."

Both Cynthia and Steven had provided invaluable support to Klein throughout this entire event. Their presence alone had elevated the significance of the tournament.

As a scholar, Cynthia always maintained graceful etiquette. She shook her head humbly. "Not at all. I, too, learned a great deal from this experience."

Klein, however, still held a competitive fire in his gaze. Cynthia's Garchomp had left an unforgettable impression on him.

As Cynthia was about to leave, Klein suddenly spoke.

"Lady Cynthia."

Cynthia paused but didn't turn around. Instead, she tilted her head slightly in curiosity. "Hmm?"

"Next time, I'll face you at my strongest—in Mt. Coronet."

The origin of myths. The battlefield of legends.

Until Klein achieved Champion-level strength, he wouldn't challenge Cynthia again.

Recognizing Klein's determination, Cynthia smiled. "Mt. Coronet, huh? I'll be waiting for that battle."

As Cynthia walked away, Klein took a deep breath, then turned to face Agatha and Blaine.

"Apologies—I may have lost to Cynthia this time. But next time, I won't."

Agatha, the Ghost-type Elite, chuckled. "Kid, you're too ambitious—but I like that."

She looked at him with admiration. Perhaps Kanto's Elite Four needed a trainer like him.

(End of Chapter)