Pokémon: I’m Really Not a Team Rocket Spy

Under Maki's earnest persuasion, Sabrina reluctantly agreed to reduce her use of psychic powers in the near term and refrain from actively training her abilities.

However, Maki felt he still needed to keep a close eye on her to prevent any unexpected problems from arising.

"What about the upcoming operation?"

He raised the question, knowing that if they were to cooperate with the League's efforts against Gregor, Sabrina would inevitably have to use her psychic powers.

This issue left Maki troubled—Sabrina's psychic outbursts had occurred at such an inopportune time.

But perhaps this was a blessing in disguise. If her powers had gone out of control during the actual operation, the consequences could have been far worse.

"I thought about informing the League about your condition... but no, I can't let them know about this."

Initially, Maki considered notifying the League. After all, Sabrina was the acting Gym Leader of Saffron City and a highly promising talent. The League wouldn't allow her to take unnecessary risks over such an issue.

But he quickly realized the potential complications. How would the League handle the risk of Sabrina losing control over her psychic powers?

The answer came to him immediately—Caitlin.

To prevent Caitlin's immense psychic abilities from becoming a hazard, the League had specifically employed Darach to serve as her caretaker.

And Darach wasn't just anyone—he was the Castle Valet of the Battle Castle, a Trainer of Elite Four-level strength. Within the League's hierarchy, his position was second only to the Elite Four and the Champion. The League's decision to assign someone of such caliber to watch over Caitlin spoke volumes about how much they valued her.

In terms of psychic talent, Sabrina was in no way inferior to Caitlin. The League's laissez-faire attitude toward her up to this point was likely due to her psychic powers being under control.

Although she had caused plenty of headaches for the League after taking over the Saffron Gym, her actions had remained within tolerable limits.

If the League discovered that Sabrina's psychic abilities were at risk of spiraling out of control, they would almost certainly assign someone to "protect" her.

While this protection might come from a place of goodwill, neither Maki nor Sabrina would view it as a positive development.

"If there are any signs of me losing control, I'll stop immediately," Sabrina said, sensing Maki's concern.

Without saying much, Maki quietly pulled out the Poké Ball for Dragonite, glancing at Sabrina. While Dragonite wasn't a Psychic-type, it would undoubtedly have the power to intervene if anything went wrong.

"When did you start making such reckless decisions? Besides, I understand psychic powers far better than you do. Stop worrying about things you don't need to."

Sabrina brushed Maki's hand off her head with an exasperated look, clearly understanding the purpose of him summoning Dragonite.

"Hmm… fair enough," Maki admitted with a self-deprecating chuckle. His earlier reaction had been driven by worry. From any perspective, keeping Dragonite with him was far more important. If something did happen, he could always notify Giovanni, who would undoubtedly step in.

His earlier actions had indeed been an overreaction.

Despite her mild exasperation at Maki's overprotectiveness, Sabrina couldn't deny feeling touched. After all, his concern was genuine.

"So, who's this person you mentioned earlier?" Sabrina asked, bringing Maki back to the topic at hand.

It puzzled her since Maki didn't seem to know any Team Rocket members in Saffron City.

"Lance. He's with the League. Do you know him?"

Without hesitation, Sabrina shook her head.

"Why would you expect me to know someone from the League?"

Her rhetorical question momentarily stumped Maki, though he couldn't argue with her logic.

Lance might be gaining fame within the League, but he wasn't a household name yet. Sabrina not knowing him was entirely reasonable.

"He's from the Dragon Clan and works as a League investigator. He's probably in Saffron City because of the Gregor incident."

"The Dragon Clan?"

Although Sabrina didn't pay much attention to League affairs, she had some knowledge of the Dragon Clan.

"So, what? You two became friends?"

"Hmm… he's an interesting guy. Putting aside our allegiances, I think we could get along pretty well."

Maki's impression of Lance was undeniably influenced by his memories from his previous life, making him view Lance favorably. Everything about him seemed exemplary, and Maki genuinely believed they'd make good friends.

"That's an unnecessary comment. What happened next?"

Interrupting Maki's musings, Sabrina's tone carried a hint of annoyance.

"Well… we battled."

"Using your Charmander?"

Sabrina wasn't underestimating Maki. Still, considering Lance's position and Dragon Clan background, his strength had to be formidable. Maki's Charmander, by comparison…

"Who do you think you're doubting? He used a new Pokémon too, so of course I won!"

"Sure, great job," Sabrina replied in an exaggeratedly indifferent tone.

"So, you're still not planning to take one of my Psychic-types?"

"I've thought about adding a new Pokémon, but it definitely won't be a Psychic-type."

"Why? Do you have a problem with Psychic-types?" Sabrina asked, her glare sharp enough to send a shiver down Maki's spine.

"No, no, no! It's just about team synergy. Right now, a Psychic-type isn't what I need," Maki explained, frantically waving his hands.

"Most likely, a Grass-type would suit my team best. But who knows? Maybe I'll run into a Caterpie and decide to catch it on a whim."

Choosing a Grass-type as his second key Pokémon had been Maki's plan for a while. It would help balance Charmander's weaknesses against Water- and Rock-types.

After spending a little more time at the Saffron Gym and ensuring that Sabrina was fine, Maki got ready to leave.

"Where are you going?"

"I'm heading out to explore Saffron's outskirts. I might come across some interesting Pokémon."

"I'll go too!"

Sabrina raised her hand enthusiastically, only for Maki to gently press her back onto her pillow.

"You should stay here and rest."

With that, Maki left the room.

Exiting through the main entrance was too conspicuous, but fortunately, the Gym had a back door. Slipping out that way, he ensured no one would notice his departure.

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