"Intern at Cinnabar Island's main Pokémon Center for a month first?"
Rosa froze upon hearing the decision. Then, turning to Nurse Joy, she puffed up her cheeks in frustration, her face turning red with anger.
"Let me guess—that damn Elite's idea?"
"He's just—"
"Sorry, I don't look like a Nurse Joy, so I can't be his perfect poster girl. What a disappointment for him."
Rosa was trembling with frustration, her hands clenched into fists.
Even Nurse Joy, who had been calmly observing, felt a little embarrassed by how Rosa was venting her anger.
"It's only for a month," Joy tried to reason. "The New Pokémon Center is a huge League project—he won't allow any mistakes in its launch."
Hearing this, Rosa hesitated.
Being from Celadon City, she was well aware of the importance of League-funded Pokémon Centers.
"I get the logic… but it still pisses me off."
She pouted, but before she could complain more, Nurse Joy changed the subject.
"The exchange tournament between the two academies is starting soon. As Pokémon caretakers, we'll be stationed at the emergency treatment center to treat injured Pokémon—including those belonging to Elite Klein."
Rosa's ears twitched.
"Why do you sound so sure that he's going to have injured Pokémon?"
"Because his opponent is Cynthia."
---
Just like Rosa and Nurse Joy, the entire island was buzzing with excitement over the exchange battle.
Cinnabar Island felt like it had been transformed into a grand festival.
Trainers from all over the region were arriving, eager to witness history.
Many of them weren't just here for the event—they were here hoping to see Klein lose.
It wasn't that people hated the Sandstorm Elite.
But Klein had never faced a serious defeat since his rise to power.
Some had simply grown tired of his constant victories—and Cynthia's arrival had given them hope that he might finally be humbled.
Posters of Klein and Cynthia were plastered all over Cinnabar's streets.
Promotional banners lined every market stall and shop window, all featuring bold, dramatic slogans hyping up their battle.
It was obvious who was behind all of this—Blaine, the real estate tycoon of Cinnabar Island.
After all, the battle stadium had been his investment.
Of course, he had to maximize ticket sales.
Tickets were being distributed both online and through select vendors—but with demand soaring, many people found themselves empty-handed.
"Why Can't I Get a Ticket?!"
In a small apartment, a twin-tailed girl was on the verge of losing her mind.
"I tried every scalping app I could find, and I STILL couldn't get one!"
Meanwhile, her older brother sat casually on the couch, munching on snacks.
With a bored expression, he scrolled through online forums, arguing with strangers over the Cynthia vs. Klein matchup.
Hearing his sister's meltdown, he barely looked up.
"Face it, foolish sister—you and Klein are not destined to be together."
The twin-tailed girl, Nicole, refused to accept defeat.
"I hate you!" she fumed. "Get me two tickets, NOW!"
"Can't do it," he replied lazily.
Nicole immediately pounced on him, clinging to his arm like a desperate Meowth.
"Pleeeeease, dear brother?" she purred, batting her eyelashes.
"Ugh. Fine, fine."
He sighed, mentally preparing himself to get ripped off by ticket resellers.
The moment he gave in, Nicole's eyes sparkled like stars.
"Yay! Thanks, big bro! I promise to work hard and grow up to be a proper lady!"
"…Yeah, I have zero interest in that."
I swear, I'm going to bite you, Nicole thought. Learn to talk properly!
---
At Cinnabar Academy's entrance, the four chosen Kanto representatives stood at attention:
Gary
Silver
Brooke
Jeanette
Dressed in crisp white uniforms, the students stood proudly alongside Klein and Agatha.
The formal Kanto Academy uniform gave them a striking presence, turning heads from both students and bystanders alike.
Silver, who was usually calm and reserved, suddenly nudged Gary.
"Hey."
"Hm?"
"I don't want to lose this time."
Silver extended his hand, his eyes burning with determination.
Since coming to Cinnabar, his strength had grown tremendously.
Now, facing the best of Sinnoh, he refused to back down.
Seeing this, Gary grinned confidently and shook his hand.
"Same here. Let's win this together."
Watching from the side, Jeanette smirked.
"They seem to be getting along better than the rumors say," she commented.
She then turned to Brooke.
"What do you think, Brooke? Are they… friends now?"
Brooke's response was cold and uninterested.
"Who cares? Just focus on winning your own match."
Jeanette pouted.
Ugh, Brooke is still as rude as ever.
After the Johto incident, it felt like his sharp tongue had only gotten worse.
---
Cough.
Agatha cleared her throat, signaling the arrival of their guests.
A fleet of eight sleek black cars rolled onto the academy grounds.
Even though Cynthia herself disliked unnecessary extravagance, the Sinnoh delegation insisted on making a statement.
After all, Cynthia was a once-in-a-lifetime prodigy.
She wasn't just a strong female Champion—she was a legend in the making.
When Cynthia stepped out of the car, Klein's battle instincts immediately flared.
The moment their eyes met, an unspoken tension filled the air.
They were both warriors—and in that instant, they could sense each other's strength.
Cynthia acknowledged Klein's burning battle spirit with a polite nod.
But before addressing him, she turned to Agatha.
"It's been a while, Lady Agatha."
The older woman chuckled and pulled Cynthia into a warm embrace.
"Ah, little one—welcome to Kanto."
Cynthia smiled.
"Miss Bertha sends her regards."
"Haha, tell her to come visit me sometime."
After their brief exchange, Cynthia finally turned to Klein.
"First time meeting in person, Elite Klein."
"Yeah."
Klein was never one for words, but his intense presence spoke volumes.
They shook hands.
A simple, formal gesture—but everyone watching felt the sheer weight of their rivalry.
And so, with their leaders at the helm, the strongest young trainers from both regions gathered on Cinnabar Island—ready to kick off a historic battle.
(End of Chapter.)