Pokémon: Above the Top

Sato picked up the Poké Ball containing Steelix from the ground, ignoring the dagger-like glare from Houndoom.

'I even used Protect to shield you, the script for "heroine saves the little brother" was already written, and you just cut me off? …Is that really what a Trainer should be doing? Don't you feel guilty? How could you do this to me?'

Houndoom really wanted to throw out three soul-piercing questions, but Sato didn't give it the chance.

"Wigglytuff, I'll need your help with healing," Sato called out the team medic he'd borrowed from Joseph.

"Wiggly~"

Wigglytuff nodded sweetly, then trotted over on its stubby little legs to tend to the injured Murkrow and Houndour.

Since they'd borrowed help, it only made sense to provide meals, and take care of workplace injuries too.

As a team medic trained under Joseph, Wigglytuff's healing skills were top-tier. It only needed a glance to know when to use Heal Pulse and when a simple bandage would do.

About thirty minutes later, with the aid of their strong Pokémon constitutions, all treatment was complete.

Though honestly, the injuries hadn't been that serious to begin with, Sato's Poké Ball had already deflected the most dangerous hit entirely.

Soon enough, Sato led the newly formed air unit of Murkrow and the road patrol unit of Houndour back into the Sweep Operation.

However, just because things were going smoothly on Sato's side didn't mean everyone else's mission was going to plan…

---

On the outskirts of Olivine City, Mark and Sina were glaring at two troublemakers in front of them, fists clenched tighter around their Poké Balls.

"If Shadownight Gym is short on people, they could've at least given us a heads-up. Sending two kids like this… is that a joke? If this Sweep Operation fails, it's Olivine City that suffers the consequences!"

Standing across from them, a man and a woman had deliberately blocked their path, clearly stating they were from Olivine Gym from the very beginning.

"Whether the operation gets done or not, we'll find out after we try. And if we can't handle it, our Gym Leader will step in. No need for Olivine Gym to worry about it." Mark replied coldly, showing none of his usual carefree stupidity around Sato.

After all, he'd been through a lot under Sato's leadership. When he got serious, he wasn't bad at all. And besides, Mark had an idea what was behind Olivine Gym's hostility toward them.

"How ridiculous. The League actually let a kid become a Gym Leader. And now the kid brings even younger kids to handle such an important mission. Tsk tsk tsk…"

The two roadblockers wore expressions full of disdain, clearly trying to provoke Mark and Sina.

"Watch your mouth. Who do you think you are to criticize Shadownight Gym!"

Sina snapped. At first, he'd only joined Shadownight Gym because his younger sister Sia helped him decide.

…But now, after feeling his own strength grow and seeing his and his sister's life improve, even if he never said it aloud, Sina was deeply grateful to Sato.

Hearing them insult Sato while Mark -who usually exploded instantly- remained silent, Sina's anger surged, and he stepped up.

"A bunch of little kids playing house… get mad over a few words? If you've got guts, let's fight!" the male roadblocker continued taunting.

(Note: Courting death, bro!)

Just as hot-headed Sina was about to charge, Mark yanked him back hard.

"…Why fight? We're all registered Trainers with the Pokémon League. Whoever throws the first punch loses…" Mark muttered, suppressing his voice, then turned to face the other side.

"Our Gym Leader might be 'playing house,' but somehow he managed to destroy a Rocket Hideout that'd been hidden in Olivine City for years… and your Gym Leader never even noticed it. So what was Olivine Gym's Leader doing, huh~? Playing mud sport?"

Mark fired back with razor-sharp sarcasm, leaving the two roadblockers trembling with rage.

"What now… we can't even say a few words? Got guts, then let's fight!" Mark threw their words right back at them.

Sina, now calmer, felt a wave of satisfaction listening to Mark's comeback.

"Exactly, Olivine Gym playing in the mud. Got the nerve? Come hit me!" Sina jumped in immediately.

"…We won't stoop to the level of two brats. Get Sato out here. Otherwise, you're not getting past to complete the Sweep Operation."

The woman, who had stayed silent until now, finally revealed their real motive.

"Huh? Who do you think you are? Just because you say so doesn't make it true. You think saying 'get our Gym Leader' means he'll just come running?" Mark retorted without hesitation.

"Suit yourselves. But in the end, Olivine Gym has the final say on whether this operation is considered complete!" the man sneered and turned away with his partner.

Mark held back Sina, who was ready to charge again. "Let's go back and find the boss."

"But… our task just ends like this?" Sina wasn't happy about turning back. He'd worked hard to earn this job, going back with nothing felt shameful.

"This isn't just about the Sweep Operation anymore. And yes, the boss really does need to handle this…"

"Why?" Sina cut in, frustrated.

"Let me finish!" Mark frowned at him, then continued. "The operation has to get done. Otherwise, Olivine Gym will be the one held responsible. The reason they want the boss here is probably tied to what's coming next."

"The Johto Region's Eight-Gym Evaluation!" Sina suddenly shouted, then his face lit up with realization… followed by frustration.

"Right, the Eight-Gym Evaluation! Olivine Gym has been dead last for several years now, barely clinging to its spot. But the economic lifeline of Olivine's port is controlled by Leader Tetsuya's family. So even if they've fallen behind elsewhere, they haven't been replaced yet," Mark explained seriously.

"Our Gym is different. Shadownight Town borders the resource-rich Forest of Shadows, and its development potential is just as high.

And our Leader is a leading figure among the new generation of Trainers. The League definitely wants to promote us as a rising star to inspire others, right?" Sina wasn't dumb, and jumped to connect the dots.

"Exactly. That makes Olivine Gym the most likely candidate to get replaced. You think they're not desperate? I just didn't expect that even when they need something from us, they'd still come in acting so arrogant."

Mark agreed with Sina's analysis… but couldn't resist throwing in another jab at the end.

"Maybe it's intentional. A power move to get the advantage early. But given how things are now, Shadownight Gym has to stand its ground. Even if the boss comes, there's no way he'd agree to back out of the evaluation," Sina added, now thinking even further ahead.

"Backing out isn't happening. But even a slight delay could shift the outcome. Olivine Gym is probably scrambling behind the scenes right now," Mark said thoughtfully.

"Mark… I'm sorry!"

Mark turned, eyes wide. "What are you apologizing for?"

"When you stopped me just now… for a moment, I thought you were scared. But I realize now I was the one being reckless," Sina admitted directly and without hesitation.

"Oh, that's all? If the boss or Joseph had been here, I'd have been the first to charge too," Mark said cheerfully, waving it off.

"Why?"

"Because when I'm with them, I don't have to use my brain~" Mark flashed a proud grin.

"…So what you're saying is, I'm the one without a brain now?" Sina growled, suddenly catching on.

"Eh? That's not what I meant…"

"…Then what did you mean?"

"…"