Logan raised his voice—not because the information shocked him, but because Misty's seriousness compelled him to match her tone out of courtesy.
"Yes, the Gym Leader of Saffron City—Sabrina. She was seen wearing a Team Rocket uniform in Cerulean City," Misty confirmed, her expression grim, concern flickering in her eyes.
Cerulean City was her responsibility. Her duty. And now, a potentially rogue Gym Leader might be walking its streets under the banner of a notorious organization.
"Why would she come to Cerulean…? Maybe she's just on vacation," Logan said, half-joking.
"Logan!!" Misty suddenly raised her voice.
Her gaze pierced him as she declared, "Has anyone ever told you that you seem completely disconnected from society—like you don't belong?"
"…Is that so?" Logan squinted slightly, genuinely surprised that his detachment was that obvious.
Ever since he'd arrived in this new world, even knowing these people had emotions and depth, he couldn't help but view them as separate from himself. Not in the shallow arrogance that Lance carried, but in a far deeper, almost innate sense of superiority rooted in being a traveler from another world. That sense of being "above" it all… was his own quiet, unforgiving pride.
Maybe all other world travelers had this same flaw. But Logan didn't hate it—he simply believed he needed power that matched that pride.
Compared to bonding with people, he felt far more at ease trusting in Mewtwo and Gabite, who had stood beside him through three grueling months of survival.
"…Maybe I just have a bit of social anxiety," he offered flatly.
"You? With the way you talk to people? Not a chance. You're not anxious—you're just rejecting everyone," Misty snapped.
"Alright, fine. But back to the original topic—why me? I've only got one badge. I'm barely past the rookie phase. You're the Gym Leader here. Don't you have the authority to summon capable local trainers? There must be a few strong ones. And don't tell me you have no friends either. Wouldn't it be better to ask them?"
Logan wasn't some young boy protagonist who'd leap to a girl's rescue just because she looked him in the eye. This wasn't a game or anime—taking a risk like this could easily get him killed.
"…Let's be real. We're not even that close."
"If Sabrina really is with Team Rocket," Misty said softly, "bringing a crowd will only make them aware we're on to them. I want to investigate discreetly."
She hesitated, then added in a tone that was more defiant than sad, "And no—I don't have any friends. Since I left at fifteen to travel, I've dedicated everything to inheriting the Cerulean Gym. I competed in the Indigo League, and after that, officially took over as Gym Leader. When was I supposed to make friends?"
"…Wow, you really didn't make a single friend that whole time? Maybe your personality's just awful?" Logan teased mercilessly.
Misty glared, teeth gritted.
"Don't look at me like that, or I won't go with you."
She blinked, caught off guard. "Wait… You'll go?"
"Yeah. I'll help. Consider it charity for a lonely girl who can't make friends," he said, still as blunt as ever.
His words were rough, but his intent clear.
He didn't mind fighting alone. But having an ally wasn't the worst idea. Misty wasn't the type to deceive—more like a pure-hearted girl driven by duty. She worked hard for everything she had. The Gym Leader title wasn't inherited by name alone—she earned it through grit. Her past must've been hard.
A bit naïve, perhaps. But someone like her could be swayed. If they became friends—or even just close allies—her position could prove invaluable in the future.
"Don't worry. I'll protect you. You won't be in danger," Misty promised earnestly, almost too enthusiastically.
"No thanks. I'll probably be the one protecting you," Logan muttered.
"I am a Gym Leader, you know!" she protested.
"Yeah, yeah. A Gym Leader with zero friends. Sit down before you embarrass yourself more. And don't treat me like I'm some weakling."
Truth be told, if he ever lost control and unleashed Mewtwo, he could turn any place into chaos. Even a member of the Elite Four would walk away battered.
"When's dinner, anyway? I skipped lunch and only had a slice of cake and a coffee this afternoon. Was hoping for an early dinner, but then someone dragged me here out of nowhere, and now my stomach's been growling nonstop."
Rubbing his belly, Logan gave a theatrical sigh.
Misty had been gearing up for another round of verbal sparring, but the mention of food had her bolting toward the kitchen to rush the chefs.
This feeling… wasn't bad at all, she thought.
She was born into the Gym Leader family. Expectations had always loomed over her. From a young age, she trained, studied, survived harsh journeys, and earned her status as Cerulean's Gym Leader through sheer will.
Socially, though? She'd missed out.
Her bubbly, outgoing appearance masked a shy heart. She hadn't interacted much with kids her age. Now that she finally had the time… her title became a wall instead of a bridge.
She didn't actually know Agatha, and though she'd heard of Professor Oak, she'd never met him. When Agatha asked her to investigate, Misty didn't hesitate—she just wanted to help. And somehow, that led her to Logan.
He wasn't particularly special in her eyes—not until his name started popping up all over the news. Then, recalling their brief encounter, she decided to seek his help.
She hadn't expected him to agree. But he had.
And what delighted her the most… wasn't his cooperation.
It was that he didn't treat her differently. As if being a Gym Leader meant nothing. As if she were just a girl asking for a hand.
And for Misty, that made all the difference.
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