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In Erika's private archery dojo in Rainbow City, Eddie sat cross-legged on a cushion. Across from him sat Erika, Rainbow City's Gym Leader.
Erika wore a traditional Japanese-style archery uniform, her body radiating warmth as if she had just finished practicing. She was petite with beautiful short hair and a crescent-shaped white headband that gave her a fresh, graceful appearance.
Though not much different in age from Misty, Erika possessed a distinctly different temperament. Unlike Misty's youthful liveliness, Erika carried herself with the quiet elegance of a noble lady.
Despite her youth, she projected the gentle warmth of a caring older sister.
In Eddie's mind, Erika embodied the traditional Japanese ideal - a true Yamato Nadeshiko.
However, he wouldn't underestimate this gentle, lovely girl. She was a powerful Gym Leader and the Alliance's general coordinator for anti-Team Rocket operations.
Unlike Misty and Brock, she was a genuine Gym Leader Level powerhouse.
Of course, Eddie no longer feared Gym Leader level opponents, and Erika was a valuable ally. It was natural for Eddie to show friendship toward such a strong partner.
"Last night was quite hectic. Although you should already know about me, allow me to introduce myself properly," Eddie began directly after settling in.
"My name is Morning Sun, a trainer from Pallet Town. You're Rainbow City's Gym Leader, Ms. Erika, correct?"
Although they had met the previous night and Eddie was currently staying at Erika's residence, neither had properly introduced themselves yesterday. While both knew who the other was, proper greeting etiquette remained important.
Eddie didn't continue his usual claim of being a "Rookie Trainer" because it was unnecessary here.
Typically, he played modest when facing enemies and strangers. Erika was an ally, so there was no need for pretense.
Besides, he had nearly single-handedly eliminated Team Rocket's entire Rainbow City branch yesterday. Calling himself a Rookie Trainer now would be excessive modesty.
"Indeed, I am Erika. Although this isn't our first meeting, I hope we can work well together in the future, Mr. Morning Sun from Pallet Town," Erika responded with a warm smile.
She then clasped her hands before her like a lady from ancient nobility and bowed deeply to Eddie.
Despite being Rainbow City's Gym Leader with pseudo-Elite strength, Erika showed no arrogance whatsoever. Every gesture made people feel comfortable - no wonder she had become the Alliance's regional coordinator.
"Ms. Erika, there's no need to elaborate on last night's events. I have several objectives in Rainbow City, one being the destruction of the evil Team Rocket, even if only a branch exists here," Eddie stated, understanding why Erika had invited him for morning tea.
He had already received his quest rewards yesterday, so he didn't dwell on that and simply explained his intentions.
"Team Rocket's branch has been successfully eliminated. Now the second matter I wish to address is challenging you to a Gym battle, Ms. Erika."
Actually, the second matter wasn't the Gym battle, but another issue Erika had mentioned.
Eddie thought this internally while maintaining a righteous expression, making anyone unaware of his true motivations think him completely selfless.
Assisting the Gym Leader in eliminating Team Rocket's branch, then not mentioning any reward while bringing up the Gym battle instead.
Such behavior appeared remarkably upright to outside observers. In another world, he might be considered a true ally of justice.
Of course, if Eddie hadn't received his rewards yesterday, his demeanor might be quite different now.
"Morning Sun, you truly surprise me, both in strength and character..." Even Erika seemed charmed by Eddie's apparent nobility, praising him continuously.
Though Erika claimed surprise, she maintained her smile. Eddie couldn't see any actual surprise in her expression.
Perhaps she had already assessed everything the previous night?
"Please, no need for formalities. Just call me Morning Sun. All the 'Mr.' makes me feel old," Eddie joked, genuinely disliking overly formal address.
"Mr. Morning Sun, I... ahem, Morning Sun, such a small matter is no problem. Just call me Erika. I'm still young too," Erika replied straightforwardly.
Not only did she immediately change her manner of address, but she also made the same joke as Eddie.
With just these simple words, the distance between them seemed greatly reduced.
This wasn't merely about titles, but because both Eddie and Erika wanted to establish good relations with each other.
They hit it off immediately, making their conversation flow naturally.
"Then Erika, since we both have matters to handle and some time available now, let's proceed with the Gym battle," Eddie said naturally, seeming eager to begin.
"Morning Sun, there's no rush for that. I still have various matters to address regarding Team Rocket's branch. It will probably take the entire morning to handle everything properly," Erika explained with slight helplessness and apology.
"Originally I planned to have a proper conversation with you this afternoon, but besides Team Rocket, I have another matter requiring your assistance, so I came to trouble you so early this morning."
Erika showed genuine regret. After all, she had just asked Eddie's help yesterday in eliminating Team Rocket's branch, and today she had yet another request.
Even she felt quite sorry about the situation.
"It's perfectly fine. Team Rocket's affairs do require your attention - they involve extensive complications, so handle them thoroughly. We can have our Gym battle this afternoon," Eddie responded considerately.
This wasn't merely because he didn't mind delaying the Gym battle - he had plenty of other tasks anyway, and completing them beforehand would be just as beneficial.
Most importantly, the matter Erika mentioned in their conversation was what interested him most.
"Regarding what you mentioned needing my help with, please tell me directly. I'll assist you in resolving that issue before handling my own morning affairs," Eddie offered "kindly," like a helpful young man eager to assist others.
"Morning Sun, Misty was absolutely right. You're truly straightforward and helpful. I thought genius trainers like yourself were typically quite arrogant."
"Ding! Due to your words and actions, Erika's favorability toward you has increased! Current status: 'Friendly'!"
Eddie wasn't surprised by the favorability increase notification, but he noted her mention of "genius trainer."
"A genius trainer like me? Who gave me that title? I can hardly accept such praise," Eddie laughed.
Titles like "genius" should have gone to trainers like Ash and Gary, but now he was also a genuine "Super Rookie," so perhaps the nickname fit after all.
"In just two weeks of adventuring, you've already gained recognition from three Gym Leaders. You've also severely disrupted Team Rocket's operations at Mt. Moon, the S.S. Anne, Lavender Town, and Rainbow City. You absolutely deserve the title of genius trainer," Erika explained earnestly.