Logan snapped his Pokédex shut.
The sharp sound startled both Valerie and Siebold, who were sitting across from him.
"C–Champion…?"
Valerie instinctively drew her neck back slightly, looking at Logan with caution as she called out softly.
Logan's expression was grave. A terrifying aura radiated from his body, as though the very pressure in the air had dropped. Beyond their table, the entire dessert shop gradually fell silent.
Tourists seated at other tables suddenly felt an indescribable suffocating sensation wash over them. The heavy pressure made breathing difficult—and when they realized that its source was the Kanto Champion, not a single person dared to even gasp loudly.
"…I'm sorry, Miss Valerie. I seem to have frightened you."
Logan's cold expression slowly softened, his voice turning gentle.
"It's— it's nothing…"
Valerie let out a breath and patted her chest, forcing a smile as she carefully asked,
"…Did something happen, Champion?"
"Yes. Something very urgent—and very troublesome," Logan replied honestly.
"I may have to leave immediately. I'm truly happy to have met you today, Miss Valerie, but I'm afraid I won't be able to stay and enjoy dinner together."
A look of apology crossed his face as he stood up.
"There's no need to apologize," Valerie said after a moment of hesitation.
"If something urgent has occurred, you should go resolve it first… Um—this may be presumptuous, but if you need help, I'm willing to do whatever little I can."
Logan looked at her.
The girl lowered her head slightly, her heart unsettled.
"…I appreciate your kindness, Miss Valerie," Logan said calmly, shaking his head.
"But what I'm about to face is dangerous. It wouldn't be right to involve you."
"Technology is advanced these days—let's stay in contact by phone. As long as I'm not in the middle of something critical, I'll reply."
Battles involving the Elite Four were not something a girl like Valerie could take part in.
In truth, if not for Yellow's special power, Logan wouldn't want her involved either.
"Then… please take care of yourself, Champion," Valerie said softly.
"Thank you. And Miss Valerie—keep working hard. I hope you'll become a Gym Leader in the Kalos region, and someday build your own fashion brand."
"When I have the chance to visit Kalos, I'll be counting on you to show me its beauty."
Logan smiled freely, then turned to Yellow and Platinum.
"…You two come with me. I'll take Platinum back first."
Yellow and Platinum obediently followed Logan out of the dessert shop. Valerie and Siebold stood as well, accompanying them outside.
The moment they stepped out, Logan spotted Cynthia and Erika, walking over with Iris.
Logan's eyes lit up. He quickly walked over, pulling the two women aside and lowering his voice as he explained the information he had just received.
Others nearby were curious, but with two Champions and a Gym Leader discussing matters, no one dared to eavesdrop.
"Green is in danger?" Erika's face filled with worry.
"Logan, then you should go immediately—do you need me to—"
Logan cut her off decisively, glancing at the bandages around her wrist.
"…Your injury isn't suitable for combat right now. And as a Gym Leader, abandoning your post would have consequences."
"Cynthia and I will handle this."
Cynthia looked apologetically at Erika. Lika's injury had been caused by her—though Cynthia herself had also been hurt by Petal Dance, her wounds didn't affect her combat readiness.
Erika shook her head, signaling that she didn't blame her. Though she felt somewhat bitter about Logan and Cynthia going together, she understood the situation and didn't act willfully.
"I'll take Cynthia and Yellow with me right now," Logan continued rapidly.
"Green is moving quickly through the northern mountain forests of Cerulean City. With Garchomp's speed, we'll reach her soon."
"Platinum stays with you, Erika. Take her back to her parents."
"…By the way—how is the investigation I asked you about?"
Logan spoke swiftly, issuing instructions. Erika and Cynthia listened attentively.
"I still haven't found the Elite Four's hideout," Erika said apologetically.
"But I've contacted several Gym Leaders I trust. They'll keep watch for you as well."
"That's fine," Logan replied.
"I never expected it to be easy."
"Go speak with Blaine. Ask him to use… special methods—surveillance, for example. They can't avoid using modern technology forever."
After a brief pause, Logan continued,
"…I'll also visit Sabrina. Team Rocket may be fragmented now, but their old channels still exist. If we can't find them openly, we'll borrow Rocket's resources."
"…That's the only option for now," Cynthia agreed.
After finalizing their plans, the three returned to the others.
Logan pulled Platinum over and placed her beside Erika, signaling that she should follow her.
He and Cynthia summoned their Garchomp at once, preparing to head north at full speed.
"Wait!"
At that moment, Iris suddenly ran forward.
Logan frowned and turned back.
"…What is it, kid? I don't have time to waste right now."
"I— I…"
Iris clenched her fists, gritting her teeth as she met Logan's gaze.
"…I'll train harder. And when I do—I'll challenge you again, Master!"
"Hah," Logan replied indifferently.
"If you ever truly have that strength, I'll welcome the challenge."
By the time that girl reached such a level… he might already be invincible.
"Yellow, come here—we're leaving!"
Logan grabbed Yellow, tucked her under his arm, and leapt onto Garchomp's back.
After exchanging a glance with Cynthia, the two Garchomp shot into the sky in an instant, tearing through the clouds.
Valerie raised her sleeve to shield her eyes. When the gusts from takeoff faded, she gazed up at the sky, fairy-like eyes shimmering as she murmured to her companion,
"…The Champion really is so cool… so imposing. Don't you think, Siebold?"
"Y–Yeah… I guess so…"
Siebold's expression twitched as he forced a reply, watching Valerie clutch her hands to her chest in admiration.
Somehow…
It felt like his heart had just shattered.
The chef sighed inwardly, deeply troubled.
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