After everything that happened in Cerulean Cave, everyone prepared to return to Rainbow City. Sam missed Erika and wondered how she had been doing recently.
On the way back, Sam told everyone the full story of what had happened. They all sighed. Who could have imagined that Giovanni would end up like this?
The former Leader of the Viridian Gym now had nothing.
Sam didn't comment much. Sometimes, a person's ambition ends up swallowing their true nature.
Back in Rainbow City, everyone said their goodbyes.
Sam looked at Sabrina and said, "I'm sorry you got hurt this time."
For once, the usually carefree Sam sounded completely serious.
Sabrina shook her head.
"I don't blame you. You did the right thing, and I chose to go with you."
Sam smiled.
Suddenly, Sabrina asked, "Are you going back to see Erika?"
When he heard that, Sam noticed the slightly uncomfortable expression on her face. If he had to describe it, it almost looked like jealousy.
Smiling, Sam reached out and gently patted her head.
This time, Sabrina didn't avoid him.
"What's wrong?" Sam teased. "Are you jealous?"
"Who would be jealous of you?!"
Sabrina's face immediately turned red.
Not daring to stay any longer, she quickly turned around.
"Go spend time with your Erika!"
Watching her hurriedly leave, Sam couldn't help but smile.
Then he turned and headed toward the Erika family estate.
It had been many days since they last met. He wondered whether Erika had missed him.
Quietly entering the building, Sam made his way to Erika's office without attracting anyone's attention.
Inside, Erika was carefully organizing several Poké Balls.
Sam pushed the door open and walked in.
The moment Erika turned around and saw him, her expression brightened instantly.
She rushed forward and threw herself into his arms.
Sam hugged her tightly.
A familiar floral fragrance filled the air as she rested against him.
"So, you're finally back?" Erika asked as she looked up at him.
Sam nodded.
"Although we didn't uncover much information about Team Rocket, it was still a meaningful trip."
He briefly explained everything that had happened.
After listening, Erika sighed.
"I never thought Giovanni would become like that."
"Neither did I," Sam replied. "But ambition can change people."
The two talked about Giovanni for a while before naturally changing the subject.
"Oh, right," Erika suddenly said. "The Masters Tournament is about to begin. Trainers from Kanto and Johto will be competing for qualification spots. Are you interested?"
Sam nodded.
"I'd like to try. It'll be a good way to test my strength."
Although Charizard had fused with the power of the Four-Tails, Sam knew there were still many powerful Trainers throughout Kanto and Johto. He had only narrowly defeated Clair before, and he had no intention of becoming overconfident.
"Then you should sign up," Erika said. "If you qualify for the Masters Tournament, you'll have a chance to compete at an even higher level."
"Are you coming to watch?" Sam asked.
Erika shook her head apologetically.
"I can't. There's still a lot of family business to handle. Besides, earning a Masters spot won't be easy. You'll have to challenge several WPM Gym Leaders scattered across Pasio. The schedule is too busy for me to follow."
She looked a little disappointed.
Once again, Sam would be traveling without her.
Seeing her expression, Sam immediately understood.
"It's fine," he said with a smile. "I can go by myself. Besides, Ash, Misty, and Brock might join me. It'll also be a good opportunity to explore Pasio and relax a little."
Only then did Erika's expression improve.
The two spent the rest of the afternoon together in her office.
For a couple who hadn't seen each other in quite some time, there was always plenty to talk about.
Later that afternoon, Sam began researching information about the Masters Tournament.
The Masters Tournament was an elite Trainer competition involving Gym Leaders, Elite Four members, and Champions.
Naturally, the qualification process was extremely strict.
Only Trainers who defeated designated WPM Gym Leaders in Pasio could earn a place in the tournament.
The current WPM Gym Leaders were:
Erika
Skyla
Norman
Pryce
Hapu
Erika obviously wouldn't be a problem.
However, Sam knew very little about the others.
Defeating them would not be easy.
Continuing his research, he found more detailed information.
Skyla's main Pokémon: Swanna
Norman's main Pokémon: Slaking
Pryce's main Pokémon: Seel
Hapu's main Pokémon: Mudsdale
Looking at the list, Sam's eyes gradually became serious.
The Masters Tournament qualification challenge was about to begin.