A beautiful white sailor uniform adorned with a ribbon bow at the collar, a navy-blue pleated skirt as sharp as a blade, and beneath it, a pair of stunning legs clad in white thigh-high socks—only the absolute territory revealed the delicate fairness of the girl's skin. Petite in stature, she had elegant short hair, with a crescent-white hairpin accentuating her fresh, understated charm.
Ryuuske stared directly at the girl before him. She didn't look like a high school student at all—more like a college freshman or sophomore. Yet her refined demeanor, standing as graceful as a peony, made it clear that despite her youth, she carried a depth of experience, like a gentle, elegant older sister.
But Ryuuske didn't buy the "gentle older sister" act for a second. The attack from earlier was still fresh in his mind, and the wound on his right arm was still dripping blood.
"Celadon City Gym Leader, Erika?"
Though phrased as a question, his tone was firm. Erika's appearance could easily be found with a quick online search. Compared to Sabrina's icy aloofness or Misty's youthful exuberance, Erika was the face that best represented the Gym Leaders of the Kanto region.
Mature in both social graces and conduct, coupled with her elegant demeanor and striking beauty, she was always the one chosen to represent Kanto whenever interregional meetings between Gym Leaders were held.
Though practically a national idol, Ryuuske was no fan of hers. Right now, he saw her as an enemy—because his arm was bleeding.
"Indeed, it is I, Mr. Ryuuske."
The girl in the sailor uniform carried herself like a noblewoman from ancient times, clasping her hands together and bowing deeply to Ryuuske. Despite her status as the Celadon City Gym Leader, she showed no arrogance, effortlessly inspiring goodwill. No wonder people from all walks of life adored her.
But Ryuuske wasn't among them—because his arm was bleeding.
He kept emphasizing that he was injured.
The deep gash on his arm and the blood flowing from it served as a stark reminder that the girl before him was no delicate, easily subdued flower, but a Gym Leader who could effortlessly take his life without him even realizing it.
Just then, two Pokémon emerged from the grass behind Erika—a Tangela and a Bellossom.
Ryuuske glanced first at the Tangela. It was the one that had earlier restrained Gabite with its vines. Though strong, it wasn't what put him on edge. What truly alarmed him was the Bellossom, its flowers unnervingly vibrant.
This was a rare sight in Kanto—a Bellossom, evolved from a Gloom using a Sun Stone. The scarcity was due to Kanto's lack of Sun Stone deposits. The Bellossom looked like a maiden clad in a dress woven from flowers, as beautiful and gentle as Erika herself.
But Ryuuske didn't dare underestimate it. Earlier, it had been the one to neutralize the flames with its petals and nearly poison him with its fragrance. Like Sabrina's Alakazam, this Bellossom was undoubtedly Erika's strongest partner.
This was an Elite Four-caliber Pokémon, capable of splitting mountains and shattering boulders at full power.
Noticing Ryuuske's hostility, Erika's gentle expression faltered slightly. Most men would've already softened at the sight, ready to forgive her no matter what she'd done just because she was beautiful.
But she wasn't his girlfriend, and Ryuuske wasn't about to let her off easy just because she was pretty.
"My sincerest apologies. My actions earlier were born of concern, as you had been associating closely with Team Rocket's executive, Sabrina. I acted rashly."
The girl in the sailor uniform bowed deeply again, her sincerity undeniable. There was no pretense—she was genuinely apologizing. But Ryuuske knew she was lying. Her earlier actions hadn't been impulsive; they'd been calculated.
"Hmph, so Sabrina's identity isn't much of a secret anymore."
"You may not be aware, Mr. Ryuuske, given your travels, but Team Rocket has now become semi-public, even openly opposing the Kanto League. Aside from the Gym Leaders who side with them, the rest of us are deeply concerned. We fear their actions will destabilize Kanto—perhaps even lead to war."
Erika's delicate brows furrowed with worry. This wasn't the helpless fretting of someone powerless, but the genuine concern of someone who had the ability and strength to intervene in the looming conflict.
Currently, nearly half of Kanto had fallen under Team Rocket's shadow in secret. Among the remaining Gym Leaders, Erika was the most senior—arguably the strongest—and the only one with the influence to unite them against Team Rocket. With such a heavy burden on her shoulders, it was understandable that she'd be jumpy.
Understanding, however, didn't mean forgiveness.
Just as criminals, no matter how pitiable their circumstances, must still face justice for their crimes.
"So you think I'm with Team Rocket?"
"Precisely. Though you've thwarted many of Team Rocket's plans, your closeness to Sabrina makes it impossible not to suspect you."
Ryuuske nearly laughed. So you think I've fallen for Sabrina's 'honey trap,' huh? Just say it outright—it's not like I'd mind.
If you're so worried, why not try seducing me too? Sabrina's the cold, domineering type, but I've got a soft spot for gentle older sisters!
He smirked inwardly. He'd initially suspected Erika of being with Team Rocket, only to find she suspected him of the same. Team Rocket's success was undeniable—for a rebel faction to grow this powerful without external support, Giovanni was truly formidable.
"So now you're sure I'm not with Team Rocket?"
Ryuuske asked with a mocking chuckle.
"No, I still can't say for certain whether you're involved with them. But there is one thing I'm sure of—you're an outstanding Trainer. I saw how you shielded that Eevee from Razor Leaf earlier."
Erika's tone was gentle.
"That's because Eevee is my Pokémon now. Sacrificing a little for my own is nothing, but I won't extend that kindness to others."
Ryuuske shrugged.
"That's more than enough. A Trainer who truly cares for their Pokémon is a qualified one. Not everyone can be a 'saint,' treating all people and Pokémon equally."
Erika shook her head softly, her words wise.
"My Bellossom could've easily retracted Razor Leaf. I only wanted you to release Eevee, but you chose to protect it."
"Regardless of your ties to Team Rocket, your care for that Eevee is genuine. I can entrust it to you with peace of mind. Professionally, this might count as aiding the enemy, but personally, I'm happy for that Eevee. You've earned my respect."
Ryuuske fell silent for a long moment before finally murmuring, "...Has anyone ever told you, Miss Erika, that you're far too kind? Kind enough to make others feel ashamed."
This was a woman utterly free of pretension. She devoted herself fully to her duties yet never lost sight of her personal convictions. She loved Pokémon, loved nature's beauty, and refused to let human conflicts spill over onto them. Every action came from the heart, treating all with gentleness.
"Let's set that aside for now. Your arm is still bleeding—we should tend to it first."
As she spoke, Erika stepped forward alone, her two Pokémon remaining behind. Her openness made Ryuuske raise a hand, signaling Gabite and Dragonair to stand down.
As she drew near, an intoxicating fragrance enveloped him—a perfect blend of her natural scent and the perfume she wore, indistinguishable from one another.
This was a woman who truly understood fragrance, who knew how to meld scents flawlessly—neither gaudy nor overly refined, but utterly impeccable. One didn't even need to see her beauty; closing one's eyes and simply breathing in her aroma was enough to confirm it.
Erika knelt gracefully before Ryuuske, her posture so unexpectedly intimate that his heart skipped a beat. The position was borderline suggestive, as if she were about to—
Ryuuske's mind flooded with impure thoughts, only to be stunned when Erika simply lifted his wounded arm gently. Instead of applying medicine, she pressed a soft kiss to the bleeding wound. The vivid crimson stained her lips, transforming the elegant woman into something suddenly, breathtakingly alluring.
To be continued…
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