Hana was deeply moved by her former boss's words. It seemed that he had also taken on this position at a young age and had felt lost and incapable of handling such responsibility—just like she did now. But over time, he adapted, improved little by little, and eventually became the professional he was today.
"Of course, I had help during my early days. So if you don't mind, I can come by for a few more days to guide you—just as a friend, of course. Only if you want," her former boss said.
"I'd love that!" Hana replied immediately.
Getting help from an expert? If Hana rejected that, she wouldn't be considered smart—she'd be arrogant and naïve. But she wasn't like that.
"Very well. Let's start with the basics. I'll teach you how to…" her boss said.
And so, Hana's training began—the new head of the central post office of the Paldea region.
What kind of future awaits Hana?
How will she thank Ash for helping her?
Will they become something more than friends?
Only time will tell.
…
Days earlier, with Ash.
"Are you sure it's worth it?" Roxanne asked right after I hung up the phone.
"Yes. It feels like a waste for someone like her to be stuck in an office. I think she's meant to become someone important, so… what's wrong with giving her a little push?" I nodded.
If, by some chance, Professor Oak knew someone who knew someone influential in the Paldea post office, then maybe that person would help Hana. I knew the odds were low—almost nonexistent—but sometimes miracles do happen.
Besides, from what I saw in that animated short, Hana eventually becomes a professional mail carrier as an adult. Helping her achieve her dream a little sooner… I don't think that's a bad thing.
Of course, that's only if my call actually does anything.
"Ash is right. She seemed like such a good and dedicated girl that even I felt bad for her," Celeste nodded.
It would be a shame for someone like her to be stuck doing office work. Not that Celeste was looking down on office jobs—she simply believed Hana wasn't meant for that kind of work.
"Hehe, that's my Ash. Your kindness is one of the reasons I fell in love with you," Roxanne said, blushing slightly.
Ash's natural kindness and selfless personality were part of what made Roxanne fall for him.
"You're going to make me blush at this rate…" I said, a little embarrassed.
A slightly romantic atmosphere quickly formed between them… only to be interrupted by Celeste.
"Ahem, I think we should hurry to the Pokémon Gym," Celeste said, clearly jealous.
"R-Right, let's go!" I said nervously.
It's not like I didn't want to flirt, but it's better to flirt with both of them at the same time—otherwise one of them might get jealous of the other. Maybe tonight I can manage a threesome? I sure hope so.
Anyway, after our encounter with Hana, we headed to the Pokémon Gym. But just as we were about to enter, a man walked out.
He looked to be around twenty-seven years old—quite young. He wore a purple suit, which I personally found rather gaudy. He had black hair, matching eyes, and a very serious expression.
"Miss Sabrina was right. She predicted the exact minute and second," the man said, checking his watch.
"Excuse me… what are you talking about, and who are you?" I asked.
"Forgive my lack of manners. My name is Gustavo, and I am Miss Sabrina's secretary and referee. You must be Mr. Ash, and Miss Celeste and Miss Roxanne. Am I correct?" Gustavo asked.
We were all surprised.
How did he know who we were?
"How do you know us?" Celeste asked, frowning.
"Miss Sabrina had a premonition that Mr. Ash would soon come to challenge her, accompanied by you two. I don't know you personally, but she told me your names, appearances, and the exact time you would arrive at this Gym," Gustavo explained.
Once again, we were stunned.
How could Sabrina know all of that without ever meeting us?
"Then it's true… she really has supernatural powers?" Celeste asked.
"That's correct. That is how she predicted your arrival," Gustavo replied.
"Incredible… I thought psychic powers were just rumors, something people made up," Roxanne said.
"Many people believe that. You're not the only one. But I can assure you that Miss Sabrina truly possesses such abilities," Gustavo said.
"Well… it's certainly surprising, but I came here to challenge her to a Pokémon battle. Is she in the Gym?" I asked.
"Yes, she is. However, she is currently occupied with another challenger. Their battle is about to begin," Gustavo nodded.
The three of us looked at each other and sighed.
"Just our luck… I guess we'll come back tomorrow," I said.
If she was just about to start a battle, I probably wouldn't get a chance today. And the girls would likely want to spend the day exploring anyway, so it might be better to wait.
"Fortunately, Miss Sabrina already anticipated that response and asked me to deliver a message to you," Gustavo said.
"What message?" Roxanne asked.
"The message is as follows, quoted word for word: 'I will be busy until 7:30 PM. Come then—but not before visiting the Pokémon Lottery stall at the famous Saffron City market,'" Gustavo said.
"What? The Saffron City market?" Celeste asked, surprised.
"What is the Saffron City market?" Roxanne asked.
"You're from Hoenn, so it's normal you don't know. The Saffron City market is the most famous market in all of Kanto. It has hundreds of stalls selling all kinds of things—handmade food, crafts, clothing, and more. It only happens once a year, and it's always packed. It's super famous!" Celeste explained excitedly.
There wasn't much else to add—Celeste explained it perfectly.
"I see…" Roxanne nodded.
"I know you're excited, but Miss Sabrina specifically told me you must visit the Pokémon Lottery stall first—and exactly at 6:00 PM," Gustavo added.
"And why is that?" I asked.
"She didn't say. But she did say that if you follow her instructions, something good will happen," Gustavo shrugged.
Sabrina is really mysterious…
How can she make so many predictions? Does she control them or something? This is starting to feel like a Chinese cultivation novel where she's training some kind of divination technique.
"Alright, we'll go. It's not like we have anything else planned anyway," I said.
"And besides, since the Saffron City market only happens once a year… we can enjoy an afternoon of shopping!" Roxanne said excitedly.
"I'm going to buy everything!" Celeste nodded eagerly.
"And where exactly are we supposed to put all that?" I asked.
Hearing that, both Celeste and Roxanne completely ignored me and grabbed my arms.
"Huh?" I said, confused.
Pikachu, already knowing what was coming, held tightly onto my jacket.
"Let's go shopping!" they both said.
And just like that, they dragged me toward the Saffron City market—the most famous market in all of Kanto.
"W-Wait!" I shouted.
"Just as Miss Sabrina predicted…" Gustavo muttered, glancing at his wristwatch.
Then he entered the Gym and headed toward the battlefield, where he would serve as the referee for Sabrina's next match.
…
Minutes later, at the battlefield…
Sabrina was currently battling a girl.
The girl had brown hair and blue eyes. She wore a blue short-sleeved shirt, a red skirt, light blue stockings, and white shoes.
Her name was Green.
In the stands, two familiar figures were watching the battle unfold.
They were Brock and Misty—and in Misty's arms was a small Togepi.
Sabrina looked at the trainer who had just sent out her Pokémon—a powerful Blastoise—and smiled.
This was the trainer destined to become Ash's greatest rival in the Kanto Pokémon League: Green.
A trainer whose talent rivaled Ash's, with incredibly powerful Pokémon.
And yet, despite being able to see the future, Sabrina still couldn't determine who would win when Ash and Green finally faced each other.
That battle…
…was destined to become legendary.