Pokémon: Above the Top

"Big bro, big bro, the black cat is so cute~ What's its name?"

A tiny toddler carefully stroked Umbreon's smooth fur, quietly asking Sato.

"It's called Umbreon. It's an evolved form of Eevee," Sato replied while sitting on a small stool, surrounded by children aged three to six.

As for the older ones, they were already helping the orphanage with small chores and were sensible enough not to crowd around.

"These children rarely get to see Trainers and Pokémon, so they're all super curious," Joanne said with a smile.

Sato's unexpected visit had taken her by surprise, but considering who he was, she couldn't help but feel a glimmer of hope for the children's future.

"Grandma Joanne, there are some things I'd like to ask you about."

"No problem, let's head to my office," Joanne said with a warm smile, taking the lead.

"Pichu, don't go around discharging electricity. Be good and play nicely with them." Sato gave the energetic Pichu by Umbreon's side a pat before heading off with Mark and Joseph.

Inside Joanne's office, Sato noticed it was still cluttered with various odds and ends. The overall environment wasn't great.

Seeing Joanne about to prepare them some coffe, Sato quickly stopped her.

"Grandma Joanne, there's no need to trouble yourself. We came this time specifically because of the children, and we'd like to understand their situation first," Sato said directly.

Joanne nodded, clearly pleased, and sat back down. But her movements were slow, it was obvious her health wasn't great. "Currently, the orphanage is caring for 23 children under the age of nine. There are two full-time staff, and the number of volunteers varies: more during winter and summer breaks..."

Joanne chattered on, going into detail about both the orphanage's current status and the kids' situations, trying her best to explain everything clearly.

She also handed over the orphanage's most important ledger to Sato. Every single expense was recorded in detail, down to the smallest amounts… which made Mark's eyes turn red.

Sato had actually already investigated beforehand. Coming here in person was also a gesture of respect toward Joanne.

As for how they would provide support, he had already discussed it with Amber and the others.

They didn't expect every child to become a "success story", but at the very least, when they entered society, they should have a skill they could live on.

The three didn't stay long. Once everything was handled, they quietly left without fanfare.

---

On their way back to the Gym, the three walked side by side, taking rare time to appreciate the changes around Shadownight Town.

Although many residents recognized them, they only greeted them politely without approaching to bother them.

After all, it had been quite a while now. Sato and the others weren't celebrities, and after the hype died down, they had become "regular" people. Still, the respect remained.

"Being Gym Leader must be comfortable, huh? Look how nice everyone is to you. That old lady we just passed? I saw her beat up her husband once… man, it was brutal!" Mark joked, as cheeky as ever.

Sato and Joseph ignored him, quietly noting every change in the town. Each new detail brought a subtle sense of joy.

"Honestly, this kind of life's not bad. I've been traveling so much, and ever since the Gym opened, I've been even busier. I've never had time to just relax and enjoy things," Sato said leisurely.

"You? Enjoying life? I always thought you were an emotionless leveling machine," Mark shot back.

Mark said it with an exaggerated flair, making even Joseph laugh.

Sato rolled his eyes. So what if his strength had risen a bit faster… his Pokémon were a bit stronger… and his achievements a bit bigger?

But honestly, putting aside Dark Energy, Mega Evolution, and Ralts, his actual core strength was only at the Elite level. He wasn't that strong.

It was just that most of the "enemies" Sato faced were higher-level than he was, which made everyone assume his own level was equally high.

"Training is still essential. The Elite stage is all about accumulation. Once Umbreon, Houndoom, and the others all reach Peak Elite, we'll head out on a new journey," Sato said. He already had a plan.

"What about the Gym?" Mark, who also enjoyed the thrill of travel, couldn't help but ask.

"We've still got Sina and the others. With Amber holding down the fort, there won't be any real issues. Besides, the League doesn't want me tied down by a "Gym Leader" title either. They'd rather I go out and gain more experience."

As Sato said this, he recalled how Drake had warned him during their call last night not to let himself get complacent.

"Then I'd better hurry up and train Sia properly. And I need to level up too, I can't fall too far behind," Joseph said with a smile.

"I'm not going to lose either! What's Peak Elite anyway? I only have four Pokémon, way easier than what you're juggling," Mark declared confidently.

"Still a long way to go. I haven't been Gym Leader for that long yet, and things won't be boring from here on out. In fact, I just noticed something interesting…"

As Sato said that, he suddenly turned right and walked into a small alley.

Mark and Joseph quickly followed, quietly raising their guard.

"Umbree~?"

Umbreon let out a soft cry. It hadn't sensed anything.

"He's not here anymore, but he left behind a few clues," Sato said as he stopped in front of an old concrete wall, staring at one particular spot without moving.

"What can you tell from this?" Mark asked curiously.

"Look closely at this 'symbol'," Sato pointed to the wall. There, clearly carved, was the letter "R".

"Team Rocket!" Mark exclaimed, eyes filled with disbelief. Hadn't Team Rocket just been driven off a month ago? How were they already back?

"Team Rocket's roots in both Kanto and Johto run far deeper than you can imagine. Last time, they came to test me and get a read on things. This time is their usual method, they sent someone to gather intel," Sato said with a cold laugh.

He had taken control of the Intelligence Shop and supported the orphanage precisely to slow down the underground's infiltration of Shadownight.

There's always darkness beneath the light. Sato knew he couldn't completely stop them, but he was determined to keep all underground activity in town under his control.

"Looks like the Intelligence Shop finally has some real work to do. I'm guessing you've been waiting for Team Rocket to make a move too, huh?" Joseph glanced at Sato with certainty.

"Of course. And I've got a nice little gift prepared. Every time they show up, I'll return the favor!"

"Boss, is there anything I can do? You know me, I can't sit still," Mark asked eagerly, wanting in.

"I'll bring you along when it's time. It's just a scouting point, no one strong there," Sato nodded, turning to leave the alley.

"So what's the 'little gift'?" Mark hurried after him, pressing the question without giving up.