Pokémon: I’m Really Not a Team Rocket Spy

"Kid, did you make these Pokéblocks yourself?" Carsten asked, adjusting his glasses as he studied the box. Despite the quality of the blocks, it was hard for him to believe that someone as young as Maki could have crafted them. Surely, this must have been the work of someone more experienced, with Maki acting as a middleman.

"Uh… yeah, I made them," Maki replied, scratching the back of his head. He couldn't help but think, If mid-tier Pokéblocks are enough to amaze him, what would he do if I showed him the high-tier ones?

Maki wasn't familiar with Carsten's reputation as a master breeder or even the shop's prestige. He had only heard about it in passing and decided to check it out.

Before the conversation could continue, Lance spoke up. "Enough talk—I'll buy these Pokéblocks."

"Market price is fine," Maki said. "A mid-tier Dragon-Type Pokéblock goes for 1,100 League coins each."

Lance shook his head firmly. "No way. I can see the quality of these Pokéblocks—they're worth double. Let's settle at 2,200 each."

Lance wasn't the type to take advantage of someone else's hard work. Maki, knowing Lance's straightforward nature, didn't argue. The transaction was quick and efficient: 36 Pokéblocks sold.

"By the way," Lance said, extending his hand with a bright smile, "I haven't introduced myself yet. Just call me Lance."

I already knew that... Maki thought, suppressing a sigh. Still, he smiled back and shook Lance's hand.

"Maki. You can call me by my name."

"How about a battle?" Lance asked, his tone casual but his eyes gleaming with anticipation.

"Huh?" Maki blinked, caught off guard. What's with this guy? First, he buys my Pokéblocks, and now he wants to battle?

Lance's enthusiasm was palpable. He clearly wasn't joking.

Before Maki could decide how to respond, Carsten interjected, "Young man, who taught you how to craft Pokéblocks? Perhaps I know your mentor."

"I don't have a mentor," Maki admitted honestly. "I just like reading books and experimenting in my free time."

Maki's words left Carsten momentarily speechless. He hadn't expected such an answer, especially not from someone capable of crafting high-quality Pokéblocks.

After a pause, Carsten's eyes lit up. No mentor? Even better!

"In that case, have you ever considered joining the Pokémon Breeders Association—"

"Lance, didn't you say you wanted to battle? Let's go now!" Maki interrupted abruptly, eager to escape Carsten's line of questioning.

A breeder? No way! Maki thought. First, Oak wants me to stay as a researcher, and now this old man wants me to become a breeder? Sorry, but I'm an undercover operative first, a trainer second, and nothing else.

Lance grinned. "No problem! I know a nearby battle arena—let's head there!"

As Lance spoke, his eyes seemed to sparkle, making Maki slightly uneasy. Was he imagining things, or was Lance way too excited?

He doesn't have... strange hobbies, does he? Maki wondered, remembering how normal Lance seemed in the games and anime.

Unbeknownst to Maki, Lance's thoughts were far simpler: Finally! Someone willing to battle me!

Even his cousin Clair avoided him when it came to battles. Finding an opponent felt like a rare stroke of luck.

"See you around, Master Carsten!" Lance called out cheerfully, dragging Maki out of the shop before the old man could protest further.

Watching them leave, Carsten sighed. He had noticed Maki deliberately avoiding his questions.

If what he said is true—if he reached this level just by self-study—letting him focus solely on training would be a huge waste.

Frustrated, Carsten called his staff to take over at the shop. He was heading to the Pokémon League to investigate this young man named... Maki.

As Lance practically bounced with excitement, Maki began to regret his decision. In his eagerness to escape Carsten, he had agreed to a battle without thinking.

Lance is a Dragon-Type specialist. If he has a fully evolved Dragonite, my Charmander doesn't stand a chance!

"Battling isn't a problem," Maki said cautiously, "but my Charmander is still relatively new. I only got it recently from Professor Oak."

"No worries!" Lance reassured him. "My Dratini is also a recent capture. Besides, I can tell your Charmander is strong!"

Maki didn't know what to say. Lance's enthusiasm reminded him of Ash Ketchum—someone who seemed oblivious to anything resembling strategy.

Who casually admits to having a pseudo-Legendary Pokémon like Dratini? Only people like Lance or Steven Stone could be this carefree. Most trainers would keep such a rare Pokémon hidden until it was powerful enough to show off.

"Fine," Maki said, resigned. "Let's see this arena of yours."

"Awesome!" Lance practically dragged Maki toward the nearest battle arena, his excitement unwavering.

Maki sighed internally. I'm so dead.

Lance, on the other hand, was ecstatic. Finally, a worthy opponent!

Even Clair, who usually stuck to him like glue, had been avoiding battles lately. But Maki's well-raised Charmander and impressive Pokéblock-making skills had captured his interest.

And more than anything, he was just thrilled to finally have someone to battle.

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