Pokémon: Above the Top

The moment Sato stepped into the room and saw Bruno seated at the head of the table, he had a bad feeling. However, at this point, fear wouldn't solve anything.

"Alright, alright, let's all relax. Sato, we have no intention of investigating your past. It's just that you only left your name, and since no one here had met you before, the only way to contact you was by looking up your information…"

In this tense atmosphere, Officer Jenny and the two Nurse Joys standing by remained silent, leaving Joy Haruka to play the role of mediator.

"Kid, what exactly are you so worried about? Could it be you've done something illegal?"

Sato couldn't help but twitch the corner of his mouth. Such a low-level provocation.

"My parents died in a fire. That night, I was kidnapped. After obtaining Zoroark, I was lucky enough to escape."

Sato glanced at the three seated individuals. Curiosity, concern, indifference—each displayed a different expression.

"Afraid of being taken back, I fled to Johto, assumed a false identity, and became an ordinary trainer, slowly getting stronger."

"I'm sorry, child, for making you recall such painful memories. The reason we invited you today was indeed to reward you, but…"

Old Jenny spoke with the steadiness and authority that came with age, a stark contrast to her younger counterparts.

But my identity has made you suspicious. If I don't answer properly, this reward might turn into a disaster.

Sato didn't expect any surprises, but he also wouldn't be overly modest. Everything he had been through made it clear—he was no ordinary child. Who was he supposed to be pretending to be young for?

"Just give me the status of a direct League-affiliated trainer. Nothing else."

His words were concise, leaving the three momentarily stunned. That was… a rather simple request.

"That's no problem. I'll register you under the Joy family's protection. This way, even if someone digs into your past, they wouldn't dare act against you lightly."

"Thank you."

Sato expressed his gratitude sincerely. His actions in saving Nurse Joy had indeed been somewhat calculated.

Though others might not know, he did. Given the weight of this favor, he couldn't just brush it off.

To have the protection of the Joy family—as long as he didn't commit serious crimes like murder, no one would openly provoke him.

How many trainers had ever received such recognition? There might not be even one in years. This was no small favor.

"Sato, I mean it—become a police officer. Given your past experiences, you must understand how dangerous the underground forces are. If you join us, you can help bring them to justice!"

Sato shook his head without hesitation. Perhaps in his past life, he might have considered it. But now, he refused to let any title shackle him.

"Then just make sure you grow strong," Old Jenny said, seeing the firm stance in his eyes. Given her status, she rarely extended an invitation twice. She had her pride too.

"Don't stray down the wrong path. As long as you stay on the right track, I can help you settle one matter."

Sato nodded, accepting Bruno's vague promise. Though the man surely meant what he said, Sato wouldn't rely on it as a lifeline.

Stepping out of the conference room, Sato felt the cool dampness on his back and realized he had broken into a cold sweat.

"Come, I'll take you to update your identity. From now on, all services at Pokémon Centers will be free for you."

Nurse Joy gently patted his head. Even though she had only heard bits and pieces of his past, it was enough to stir her maternal instincts.

Inside the conference room, Bruno suddenly asked, "Sato's parents died in a fire—was it murder?"

"The case is quite old. It will take some… time to investigate…" Officer Jenny replied hesitantly.

"No need to investigate," Joy Haruka said, still wearing her kind smile.

But her words left no room for refusal. "He is now under the protection of the Joy family. As long as he doesn't go astray, whatever happens—we will stand behind him."

Bruno remained silent, clearly in agreement. Old Jenny sighed but said nothing.

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

"This is a Pokédex—make sure not to lose it. From now on, you can transfer any extra Pokémon to me, and I'll take care of them for you."

Sato held the red-and-black Johto model Pokédex in his hands, but what excited him even more was what she had said afterward.

Unlike in his previous life, where he barely managed to train six Pokémon, this time, things would be different. The issue that had been troubling him was now resolved.

"Thank you, Nurse Joy!"

"We all share the same name, so I know it's hard to tell us apart. My name is Lilia Joy, but you can call me Sis Lilia!"

"Alright… Sis Lilia."

"Mm-hmm! From now on, you can leave your Pokémon with me. I'll make sure they're well taken care of and grow big and strong!"

Big and strong? Sato glanced at the excited Joy in front of him, feeling like something was off.

"Oh, right! As a League-affiliated trainer, you're entitled to receive one of the starter Pokémon for free. Do you want one? I can help you apply for it."

"What's the potential level of these starters?"

"Uh…" Joy hadn't expected Sato to be aware of Pokémon potential, but she answered honestly—Elite level.

"If it's only Elite, I'll pass. Even with three evolutions, their chances of reaching the Ace Trainer level aren't that high."

Sato didn't voice his true thoughts—saying such things aloud would only invite jealousy and resentment.

After saying goodbye to Lilia Joy, Sato retrieved his team. Looking at the bustling reconstruction efforts in Goldenrod City, he knew it was time to move on.

As the evening light faded, Sato left Goldenrod City. While walking, he mentally summarized his gains from this trip.

A Sharpedo with the Speed Boost ability and Elite Four Dark-type potential.

A full set of TMs, enhancing the team's overall strength.

Team Rocket's database, including experimental records from the Goldenrod underground base—specifically, research on catalyzing Normal-type Pokémon evolution.

A direct League-affiliated trainer status and protection from the Joy family.

A Pokédex with a registered Pokémon transfer location and a caretaker—Lilia Joy.

And finally, Bruno's empty promise—one he hoped he would never have to use.

"Whew…"

Looking at his substantial gains, the burning desire to train surged within Sato, barely contained. With all these new skills and training methods at his disposal, he was bound to see immediate results.

Glancing at the dimly lit forest beside the road, Sato veered off the main path, heading deeper to find a suitable training ground.

"Zoroark, Haunter, go search for a lake or a river."

"Zoro!"

"Kehehehehe!"

"Larvitar, fight your way through!"

"Lar!"

Feeling as though his body was aging from lack of combat, Larvitar excitedly clenched its fists. Battles… why do they feel like such a distant memory?!

"Rock Slide!"

"Lar!"

By sheer reflex, Larvitar raised its right hand, summoning several massive boulders around it. Only then did it finally take a moment to observe its opponent.