Pokémon: Above the Top

"Zoro…"

Sato turned to look at Zoroark, who had just called out to him. His piercing blue eyes reflected Sato's slightly dazed expression.

I'm still here. Sato smiled, understanding Zoroark's concern, and at the same time, a particular saying came to mind.

Some people just love to wallow in self-pity.

Ha, like hell he would admit to that! Sato straightened his posture, puffed out his chest, and strode confidently toward the hotel.

That so-called past life? Just memories. He lived in the present. There was no point in hesitation or self-doubt.

Fortunately, the hotel where he was staying was located south of the Game Corner and hadn't collapsed. However, only a handful of staff had shown up for work.

Back in his room, despite staying up all night, Sato felt no urge to sleep.

He took out the securely stored external drive, and the first thing he did was back up the stolen data. Only then did he start combing through it.

After skimming through the contents, a satisfied grin appeared on his face. The data could be categorized into three sections: Pokémon, items, and experiment records.

The first category was by far the most extensive, with each Pokémon documented in individual files.

The data ranged from basic details like height, weight, and type matchups to more advanced information such as learnable moves, training methods, and even related folklore. It was a treasure trove of information.

As for Abilities, they hadn't yet been systematically classified, but some were described indirectly.

For example, the entry on Magmortar noted that its body temperature was extremely high, warning that close combat against it could result in burns.

Sato wasn't particularly concerned about Abilities, as he was already quite familiar with them. What truly made this data invaluable was the training methodologies it contained.

The files detailed training methods for every Pokémon in Kanto and Johto—excluding Legendary Pokémon. Some widely raised species even had multiple documented approaches, sometimes over a dozen.

Another aspect that intrigued Sato was the collection of Pokémon folklore.

In his past life, as human technology advanced, humanity's desire to conquer Pokémon grew stronger, and many so-called myths were eventually proven true.

All of these legends shared one thing in common—any Pokémon linked to them was never ordinary.

There were tales of a thousand-year-old Haunter that could take human form, a Ninetales that haunted an ancient mansion deep in the mountains, and a mysterious ruler of Mt. Silver.

If the opportunity arose, Sato wouldn't mind investigating these legends. Perhaps his team would gain a new member along the way.

Setting aside the less relevant files on items and experiment records, Sato finally allowed himself to relax.

He shut down the computer, hid the external drive securely, and at last, collapsed onto the bed and drifted into deep sleep.

Zoroark and Haunter also found comfortable spots to rest, leaving the responsibility of guarding the room to the ever-alert Spinarak.

Of course, the Carvanha swimming lazily in the bathtub was also keeping an eye on things—at least to some extent.

---------------

When Sato woke up, the clock read 1:00 PM. Despite the exhaustion from the previous night's events, he recovered just as quickly.

Zoroark and Haunter were also awake. Pokémon recovered far faster than humans.

After making sure his team had their breakfast—though technically, it was both breakfast and lunch—Sato packed up his things, slung his backpack over his shoulder, and headed to the Pokémon Center.

In just one morning, the destroyed center had been mostly rebuilt. While Pokémon assistance played a significant role, Sato couldn't help but be impressed by the League's efficiency.

Approaching the temporary reception desk, he handed over his Poké Balls.

The newly assigned Nurse Joy accepted them with practiced ease, but despite her composed demeanor, Sato caught a deeply buried sadness in her eyes.

Upon arriving at the waiting area, Sato pulled out his phone, where he had saved a separate copy of the training methods for Haunter. Finding a seat, he immersed himself in reading.

"Did you hear? Last night, all five Pokémon Centers in Goldenrod City were attacked. Four Nurse Joys were killed. Only the one from this center survived, but her Chansey died protecting her."

"Damn Team Rocket! No matter how evil they are, they shouldn't harm Nurse Joys!"

A righteous trainer fumed, cursing Team Rocket in frustration.

Sato recalled the hidden sorrow in the eyes of the Nurse Joy he had encountered earlier. Now, he understood why.

Just then, a Nurse Joy hurried over, visibly flustered and excited.

"Excuse me, are you Sato?"

"Yeah. What's this about?" Sato put away his phone and acknowledged her.

"Thank you for saving my sister. Could you come with me? Our captain would like to personally thank you."

"Hmm… How is the Nurse Joy I treated?" Sato didn't stand up immediately but instead asked after a moment of thought.

The Nurse Joy in front of him nodded, then shook her head, her gaze softening as she looked at Sato, though sadness still lingered.

"My second cousin's Chansey died protecting her. Physically, she's fine now, but emotionally… she's struggling to accept it."

"She'll recover in time."

Sato nodded. After exchanging a few more words, he allowed Joy to lead him.

They walked toward the still-intact sections of the Pokémon Center, eventually reaching a door at the top floor of the building.

From inside, faint murmurs of conversation could be heard.

"Aunt Haruka, I've brought the kid name Sato with me!" Nurse Joy knocked on the door and spoke softly.

Sato glanced at her. A kid? What was with that? He held back the urge to complain and instead shifted his attention to the door.

As the door opened, a modest conference room came into view.

Seated inside were three individuals, while two more stood by. At the head of the table sat a burly man who immediately caught Sato's attention—Bruno, the Fighting-type Elite Four!

"I never imagined that the hero who saved our Joy family would be a child," said the elderly Nurse Joy seated to Bruno's right.

She stood up, approached Sato, and spoke with sincerity. "I am Joy Haruka, and on behalf of the Joy family, I extend our heartfelt gratitude."

"I also heard from my subordinates that you provided considerable assistance during this crisis," said the older woman sitting to Bruno's left, her smile kind yet shrewd. "Kid, have you ever considered becoming a police officer?"

Sato hesitated. For a brief moment, he was unsure whether to respond to the older Joy, reject the police offer, or acknowledge Bruno, who was clearly the one in charge.

"Enough, don't scare the child," Joy Haruka said, noticing Sato's momentary silence.

She pulled him to sit beside her and signaled the younger Joy behind her to pour a glass of orange juice.

"Thank you," Sato said simply.

He had expected to meet a high-ranking member of the Joy family and possibly gain some benefits or preferential treatment.

What he hadn't expected was to meet Bruno of the Elite Four, along with an elder Jenny, who was accompanied by Goldenrod City's own Officer Jenny. Given their presence, it was clear these two old women held significant authority.

"Yuga Sato. From Cerulean City, Kanto. Parents deceased before age ten. Disappeared for some time before reappearing in New Bark Town, Johto, where he registered as a trainer. Initial Pokémon: Zoroark. Later acquired Haunter, Larvitar, Spinarak, and Carvanha."

Bruno's voice was slow and deliberate as he recited the information.

Sato's head lifted, his gaze locking onto Bruno's. There was no panic in his eyes—only cold indifference and vigilance.