Pokémon: My Titles Know No Limits! [428]

“Huh? It's already over?” Zinnia stared at the unconscious Koraidon, stunned.

She'd only been delayed slightly. How was August so absurdly efficient?

“Zinnia-neechan, what happened up there earlier? I thought I heard something like electricity…” Lillie asked worriedly.

Zinnia stiffened at Lillie’s words.

If August had asked that question, she’d immediately suspect he was mocking her. But from Lillie…

“Oh, uh… I just caught a Pawmi! We were training together,” Zinnia quickly fibbed.

“Really?”

“Of course! Look!”

To prove her story, Zinnia took out a Poké Ball and released Pawmi.

As soon as Pawmi emerged, it enthusiastically leapt onto Zinnia in a display of “affection.”

Then…

Zap!

The flash of electricity lit up the dim cave brightly.

Pawmi, leaving Zinnia paralyzed again, trotted happily to August, nuzzling against his leg.

“…”

Zinnia, eyes filled with tears of betrayal, lay paralyzed on the ground.

Why…?!

This Pawmi was clearly hers! Why did it keep shocking her yet show August such affection? Shouldn't it be the opposite?

After slipping Pawmi a Pokéblock, August approached Koraidon, taking out its Poké Ball.

“From now on, I'm your new trainer,” he declared confidently. “Of course, I deeply respect Pokémon wishes. If you’re willing to become my partner, just nod your head…”

Koraidon immediately shook its head furiously.

August smiled brightly. “Great, seems you agree! Don’t worry—I'll protect you from now on!”

Koraidon: “???”

With a bewildered expression, Koraidon disappeared into the Poké Ball.

Iono whispered hesitantly, “I… think Koraidon shook its head…”

“Nope, you saw wrong. It definitely nodded,” August replied smoothly, then turned to Zinnia. “Right, Zinnia?”

Zinnia quickly straightened, affirming vigorously, “Exactly!”

August shrugged innocently. “See?”

Iono suddenly doubted herself—had she really seen wrong?

But as soon as August turned away, Zinnia leaned in and whispered teasingly, “Are you crazy, questioning August like that? You know how petty he is—”

Before she could finish, August, back still turned, ordered calmly:

“Pawmi, go back to your trainer…”

“Pa-mo~!”

With a mischievous grin, Pawmi understood immediately, approaching Zinnia slowly.

“Wait—don’t come any closer!” Zinnia cried, backing away frantically.

Zap—!

…

When they returned to the hotel, Gary stared curiously at Zinnia, who was twitching every few seconds.

“What happened to you guys? Did something unexpected happen out there?”

Zinnia mumbled something incoherent.

Gary grew even more suspicious.

That's impossible! With August’s strength, what wild Pokémon could cause trouble?

Gary’s detective instincts kicked in, and soon realization struck him.

Wait. There’s one exception…

Unless… the unexpected trouble was August himself!

Enlightenment flashed across Gary’s face, his gaze drifting between Zinnia and August. When he looked at Zinnia, his eyes filled with heartfelt sympathy.

August: “...?”

What nonsense is Gary imagining now?

He truly hadn’t done anything this time. Zinnia got herself shocked by trying to catch Pawmi.

Deciding to ignore Gary, August turned to Iono. “I’m leaving now.”

“Huh? You're leaving right now… Not waiting until the documentary editing is done?” Iono asked in surprise.

“Just notify me when it’s finished,” August replied casually. “I only came here to help Director Clavell. Now that it’s settled, it’s time I moved on.”

“Besides, I have something else to take care of…”

“What is it?” Zinnia, ignoring her paralysis, asked curiously.

She was part of the Kanto division herself—why wasn’t she aware of any upcoming missions?

August glanced briefly at her. “It's not an official order. During the World Championship, I noticed something suspicious about Lysandre in Kalos. I plan to investigate.”

Zinnia looked blankly confused.

After a moment of thought, Gary finally remembered who Lysandre was. “You mean that famous inventor who created the Holo Caster?”

“That's him.”

“Lysandre’s a criminal?”

Gary voiced disbelief, though inwardly wondering what Lysandre had done to provoke August’s suspicion during the World Championship—and kept his attention ever since.

“Anyway, please say goodbye to Clavell for me,” August said.

Iono nodded automatically.

August turned, noticing Gary deep in thought again. “What's wrong now?”

Gary jolted, quickly shaking his head. “Nothing!”

Still unable to restrain his curiosity, he asked hesitantly, “August, what's actually suspicious about Lysandre?”

August replied calmly, “I suspect he's connected to Team Flare in Kalos.”

“Team Flare? Aren’t they not officially labeled as criminals?” Gary asked doubtfully.

August gave him a skeptical look. “Teams named ‘Team-whatever’ are 80% suspicious by default, aren’t they?”

Gary considered for a moment. “Yeah… You’re right.”

Nearby, Penny—currently feeding her Sylveon, Leafeon, and Umbreon—paused silently.

As the leader of Team Star, she felt directly targeted.

“Anyway, isn't it reasonable to investigate?” August concluded logically.

Gary nodded, convinced by August’s reasoning.

Yet his gut still insisted there was another hidden reason August was heading to Kalos. Lysandre must’ve seriously irritated him…

...

Ultimately, August’s group returned to Kanto.

Penny remained behind to finish her studies and manage Team Star remotely, providing support to the Kanto division from afar.

Arven stayed behind as well to handle matters between Area Zero and the Paldea League, as Professors Sada and Turo couldn’t leave Area Zero.

...

Kanto.
Saffron City.

When August arrived, Sabrina was already waiting.

“Long time no see, Sabrina!” August greeted warmly, giving her a big hug.

Sabrina grimaced slightly but didn't push him away.

Once released, Zinnia immediately lunged forward, attempting to hug Sabrina as well—but was mercilessly shoved away by psychic power.

“Sabrina, you’re heartless!” Zinnia complained dramatically.

Sabrina remained unmoved, merely smiling at Zinnia’s theatrics.

Rejected, Zinnia turned quickly to Courtney, immediately hugging her before Courtney could respond.

The next instant, a mischievous grin crossed Zinnia’s face as static electricity transferred to Courtney, making her hair stand straight up.

Courtney: “…”

I should’ve followed Sabrina’s example.

“Where are Blue and the others?” August asked.

Sabrina pulled out her phone. “They’re in Celadon City.”

She handed him the device, showing a photo of Blue, Irida, Arezu, and Akari seated on tatami mats, while Erika served them tea.

“What's that? Let me see!” Zinnia crowded over eagerly.

August coldly pushed her away.

“Should I ask them to return?” Sabrina asked, aware of August’s Kalos plan.

August shook his head. “Not yet. There's something else first…”

Sabrina’s brows furrowed curiously. What could be more pressing than a criminal organization in Kalos?

August took out his phone, showing Sabrina something on the screen.

Her expression shifted instantly to disbelief. “Is this for real?”

August smiled knowingly. “I checked multiple times—it’s probably real.”

Sabrina’s eyes sparkled with excitement. “Can I play with it?”

August stared blankly. “You think it’s some kind of virtual pet?”

“But I really want to!” Sabrina pleaded earnestly, clinging tightly to August’s arm.

Suddenly, everyone’s eyes turned to them—especially Lusamine, whose gaze was practically ablaze.

August sighed helplessly. “Fine, just for one day.”

Sabrina happily took August’s phone, handing over her own temporarily.

Unable to help himself, August warned sternly, “Be careful—”

“Relax, I was once a Rocket Executive,” Sabrina reassured him confidently.

August’s face went blank.

That only makes me more worried.

Everyone knew subordinates tended to harbor hidden malice toward their former bosses…

But Sabrina already had the phone. August could only pray Giovanni’s luck held out and Sabrina didn’t inadvertently doom him…

Gary approached eagerly. “What's Sabrina talking about? We wanna play too!”

Zinnia nodded vigorously beside him.

August raised an eyebrow. “Pokémon battle, 6v6. Still interested?”

Gary and Zinnia shook their heads like rattles.

August grinned sinisterly. “Too late. Let’s head to the arena!”

Dragging both protesting Gary and Zinnia by their collars, August marched off cheerfully.

“I'm sorry, August!”

“Please no! We don’t wanna battle!”

Their desperate cries were heartbreaking to all who heard them.

Nearby, two Indeedee exchanged glances and resumed instructing the Rotoms on housekeeping.

Cogita followed behind with Lillie, ready for a lesson, while Lusamine gave a last glance at Sabrina before hurriedly following August.

Meanwhile, Sabrina lounged comfortably on a sofa, browsing August’s phone with delight.

A new message popped up:

[Giovanni]: I ran into a horde of Stunky. They’re blocking my path and seem aggressive. What should I do?

Sabrina checked Giovanni’s current team: Wooper, Cubone, Gligar…

Considering Giovanni’s skill, dealing with Stunky was simple.

[GardevoirSupremacy]: Defeat them.

[Giovanni]: Really? There’s like a dozen…

[GardevoirSupremacy]: Trust me. Their stink repels wild Pokémon for hours afterward. You’ll be safe!

Giovanni hesitated, then resolved:

[Giovanni]: Alright, here goes…

Satisfied, Sabrina put on music, sipped tea, and enjoyed her pleasant afternoon.

...

August faced Gary and Zinnia with a smirk.

“I'll give you a fair chance: 2v2, no legendaries. Beat me, and I'll consider you graduated!”

Despite countless previous betrayals, Gary perked up excitedly.

He might lack confidence alone, but with Zinnia…

Actually, it’d probably be worse with her.

Zinnia raised her hand quickly. “Can I swap partners? Gary’s too stupid!”

Gary fumed indignantly. “Hey! You’re the official idiot here!”

They started bickering, but August interrupted cheerfully:

“Nope.”

Realizing they’d fallen for it again, the two sighed and reluctantly sent out their Pokémon as Lusamine declared the match start.

Beside them, Lillie watched eagerly, while Cogita smiled softly, cuddling Eevee and petting Psyduck, enjoying the spectacle.

---

T/N: i love games like that

This is a fan translation of 我，宝可梦称号大师！ by 落唯 白良. All rights to the original work belong to the creator. Please support them by exploring their original work or sharing it with others if you can. Thank you for reading and supporting my efforts to bring this story to a wider audience!