Chapter 125: What Are You Doing?

"So, Nurse Joy, do you happen to have Ditto's genes?"

Maki blurted out the thought that had been lingering in his mind.

Nurse Joy glared at Maki, but there was an inexplicable cuteness in her expression. The Joy family members were all quite attractive—after all, they were practically identical.

"I'll take that as a compliment, then."

"Of course." Maki shamelessly nodded in agreement.

"So, do you know Elite Four Agatha?" Nurse Joy asked curiously, her gaze fixed on Maki.

She had wanted to ask this question for a while. Even though Agatha's attitude at the time had seemed casual, not just anyone could warrant a mention from someone like her.

"I only met her once in Saffron City, but I wouldn't say I know her. Honestly, she didn't seem to like me very much."

Maki recalled Agatha's demeanor and replied.

"Is that so..." Nurse Joy touched her chin thoughtfully, as if piecing something together.

"By the way, your starter Pokémon is Charmander, right? Did you receive it from Professor Oak in Pallet Town?"

"Yeah."

"Hmm~ Then that makes sense." Nurse Joy nodded to herself, as if everything had clicked into place.

"So, is there some kind of grudge between Elite Four Agatha and Professor Oak?" Maki feigned ignorance, looking genuinely puzzled.

"I can't tell you that. I don't want Agatha coming after me." Nurse Joy stuck out her tongue and made a slicing motion across her throat, proving that Agatha's reputation was well-deserved.

If Maki didn't already know the full story, he would have rolled his eyes hard.

Who leaves a conversation hanging like that?

He hated two kinds of people: those who leave their sentences unfinished... and people who—

Maki's claim that he was heading the same way as Nurse Joy wasn't entirely true. His destination was the department store near the Pokémon Center to buy some berries to make Pokéblocks for Mawile. Eating Cottonee's Pokéblocks all day wasn't exactly a long-term plan.

If Mawile kept eating Cottonee's Pokéblocks much longer, there would definitely be protests. Besides, the Pokéblocks that suited Cottonee wouldn't necessarily be right for Mawile. They were fine as a temporary solution, but not for the long run.

After stocking up on the berries he needed, Maki couldn't help but notice how the expenses for Pokéblocks were steadily rising as his Pokémon grew stronger and his team expanded.

Luckily, Lance had turned out to be quite the cash cow. Without his financial support, Maki's own savings wouldn't have lasted long. Being a Pokémon Trainer was a costly business.

Back in his room at the Pokémon Center, Maki flicked on the light—only to nearly jump out of his skin.

"Ugh, I'm exhausted—what the hell?!"

"Gengar, gengar~"

Sitting in the chair was Agatha, leaning on her cane, with a Gengar grinning beside her. The way Gengar chuckled as Maki walked in sent shivers down his spine.

His heart almost leapt out of his chest—he nearly thought his cover was blown.

"E-Elite Four Agatha... what brings you here?" Maki asked, trying to sound calm while preparing to grab his Pokéballs and bolt at a moment's notice.

"Relax. Sit down."

Agatha gestured toward the bed. With the room's only chair occupied, Maki had no choice but to comply.

For a moment, he considered pointing out that this was his room—but he swallowed the impulse and sat down obediently.

Relax? As if. Even Giovanni would be on edge in Agatha's presence, given her reputation.

"What do you want?" Maki took a deep breath, steadying himself.

Agatha seemed pleased with his composure. Not many young people could stay calm in her presence. Even Daisy would be a nervous wreck when facing her.

"How's your Mawile? She seems quite fond of you."

Agatha's smile was almost gentle—if Maki didn't know better, he might have mistaken her for a harmless old lady.

But under that gaze, his skin crawled.

"Other than being overly clingy, she's fine," Maki replied, still clueless as to why Agatha was here.

Was it his status as a Breeder?

Sure, he was a certified High-Level Breeder—but that title came with a fair bit of padding. It might impress ordinary people, but not someone like Agatha. Even Carsten showed her the utmost respect.

If not his Breeder credentials, then what?

Maki's mind raced, but he couldn't come up with an answer.

"That's good." Agatha's smile lingered.

Just as Maki was about to crack and ask what she wanted, Agatha finally spoke.

"Would you be interested in helping me with something?"

Maki froze, then forced a wry smile.

"What could Elite Four Agatha possibly need help from someone like me for? I'm not exactly powerful."

"No... but you're a High-Level Breeder, aren't you?"

So that was it—Agatha had indeed set her sights on his Breeder skills.

"Yes, but there are plenty of Breeders in the League. They don't need me... and my credentials aren't exactly flawless."

Maki worried Agatha might have misunderstood and thought he was some kind of prodigy—not even close.

"Don't worry—I know all about your situation from Carsten and the others. I'm well aware of your abilities."

Agatha paused, then continued.

"Let's make a deal. You help me with a little task, and I'll help you find out what happened to your parents."

Maki fell silent.

His so-called "parents"... honestly, he'd rather let them rest in peace. Digging up the past wouldn't change anything.

If Agatha actually found something, it would just make things awkward.

But playing the dutiful son in front of someone like Agatha could be useful. Besides, Giovanni would have made sure no trace of his past remained. Even Agatha was unlikely to uncover anything significant.

"What exactly do you want me to do... and what can you really find out?"

Maki's cautious response was exactly what Agatha had expected.

She knew she'd won the moment he asked that question.

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