Pokemon: Sandstorm Elite

That afternoon, the League's main forces arrived at the Seafoam Islands to begin post-disaster recovery efforts. The body of the masked man, slain by Greninja, was disposed of in a simple cremation and burial, leaving no evidence behind.

Shortly after, investigators discovered the masked man's former base on the Western Island. A large cache of documents was recovered and sent to the League High Council Headquarters for safekeeping.

The masked man's true identity was soon uncovered—he had been the Dark-type Elite of another region. Despite holding a prestigious title, he had secretly engaged in notorious criminal activities. His signature Pokémon had been none other than a Protean Greninja.

"As an Elite from another region, their League has already sent a formal request to the High Council, demanding the immediate transfer of all related data."

Lorelei's explanation was met with silence from Klein. She could tell the young Elite was struggling to accept the situation.

"The Kanto League is in a difficult position, Klein. You have to understand the League's constraints."

"Because the Greater Kanto Initiative is gaining momentum, and the League doesn't want to antagonize a wealthy regional government at such a critical time?"

This world operated under a confederation-style political system. While the League High Council, based in Mt. Silver, served as the overarching authority, each region had its own independent League.

These regional Leagues sometimes cooperated and sometimes clashed. The Kanto League had long aspired to merge with Johto to form Greater Kanto, an initiative that also aimed to absorb six smaller territories, including the Orange Archipelago.

The region where the masked man had originated was economically powerful and had significant trade relations with the Orange Archipelago. If Greater Kanto became a reality, their ties would only grow stronger.

Now, a high-ranking Elite from that region had died in Kanto's territory. It was a political nightmare.

With such high stakes, the League High Council was now entangled in a web of diplomatic tensions.

Klein took a slow sip of hot water. "A well-established regional Elite—who also happened to be a notorious fugitive. Instead of addressing that, they just want us to keep quiet?"

Though his tone remained neutral, Lorelei could sense the anger simmering beneath his words.

She sighed and continued, "They've offered a deal—they'll petition for the pardon of Fawn, in exchange for our silence."

"I won't let Fawn become a bargaining chip."

Klein placed his cup down firmly, his piercing gaze meeting Lorelei's. He didn't hesitate for even a second before rejecting the offer.

"This has gone too far. I only care about ensuring the victims of this disaster can rest in peace. As for Fawn—she needs to face the consequences of her actions. If she doesn't learn from this, she might cause an even bigger catastrophe in the future."

Even without interference from that foreign League, Klein was convinced that the Kamiyama Foundation had been involved in this incident. But the messy political situation frustrated him. He knew this was the reality of the world, but it didn't make it any less infuriating.

Frustrated, he finally snapped at Lorelei.

"Why didn't Lance go to Seafoam instead?"

After Klein stormed out, Lorelei adjusted her glasses and turned to Lance, her voice icy.

"You could've handled that single-core Elite team easily. Don't tell me it was just a matter of 'calming public sentiment'. The Seafoam crisis was even worse than Cinnabar's, wasn't it?"

Klein's rage hadn't fazed Lorelei—but that didn't mean she wouldn't find her own target to lash out at.

Lance coughed awkwardly. "I couldn't leave Cinnabar at the time."

"Why?"

"Another Elite-level trainer was on Cinnabar Island—they were there to keep me occupied. Their plan failed only because Klein's Mega Salamence was fast enough to break through the weather anomalies and reach Seafoam in time."

Lorelei's expression hardened. "Were they from the same region as the masked man?"

"No. A different region entirely," Lance replied grimly. "And unlike the masked man, that trainer is among the strongest Elite-level combatants in the League. I had no choice but to stay behind."

After a moment of silence, Lance turned to Lorelei.

"Klein still has a long way to go. He's the future of Kanto—keep an eye on him. Make sure he doesn't stray down the wrong path."

Lorelei pondered his words before stepping forward and patting Lance on the shoulder.

"Wow, Kanto's Dragon Master—so thoughtful and gentle. You're so caring, Lance."

"…Thanks. I guess."

The back-to-back disasters at the Seafoam and Cinnabar Islands shocked the world.

Footage of Klein's battle against the criminal on Seafoam Island, along with the final moments where he held the line alone, spread across the internet.

Many people who had criticized Klein for slapping Fawn now changed their opinions.

Netizens flooded social media, tagging the Sandstorm Prodigy and declaring their admiration.

But the center of attention, Klein, was asleep in Cinnabar Island's Pokémon Center, completely ignoring the online uproar.

"Grandpa."

"Ah, Gary!" Professor Oak greeted warmly. "I heard you were on Seafoam Island recently. Are you okay?"

Hearing his grandfather's concern, Gary felt a warmth in his heart. He reassured him, "I'm fine, Grandpa. I made it through safely."

After chatting for a while, Gary finally revealed his reason for calling.

"Grandpa, I want to enroll in the Kanto Academy. I want to learn more."

Professor Oak chuckled. He hadn't been surprised at all.

"Haha, Elite Klein is quite the brilliant strategist. Oh, and you might not know yet—I'll be teaching a few courses at the Academy myself. If you'd like to enroll, I'll speak to Agatha and make the arrangements."

"Really?! Thanks, Grandpa!"

In the ruins of Seafoam's peak, Klein had a nightmare.

He saw it again—Vulpix's tiny, fragile body.

Its wide, desperate eyes.

Its pitiful whimpers.

The cruel snap of its neck.

He jolted awake, the morning sunlight streaming through the window. Sweat dripped from his forehead. He clenched his fists, his breathing heavy.

He was still too weak.

Determined, Klein left the Pokémon Center and headed for Cinnabar's city center, seeking out Gym Leader Blaine for guidance on improving his combat skills.

To his surprise, Blaine was nowhere to be found.

After an entire morning of searching, Klein finally heard an announcement.

"A Gym Assessment?!"

Blaine, who had been casually enjoying his tea, suddenly spat out his drink.

The nearby staff wore helpless expressions.

"The Cinnabar Gym… is doing an assessment?"

That was even more absurd than Cerulean Gym hosting an exam.

Because the true master of Cinnabar…

Was none other than Blaine, the island's real estate king.

Most of the hot springs, resorts, and travel agencies on the island belonged to him.

Every year, Blaine applied to shut down the Cinnabar Gym.

Every year, the League refused.

Sensing Klein's growing frustration, Blaine simply chuckled.

"Ignore them. Worst case scenario, I'll just close the Gym for good."

(End of Chapter)