The next morning, Sam got up and began reflecting on what had happened yesterday.
Suddenly, someone burst through the door.
It was Misty.
Fortunately, Sam had already gotten dressed and washed up, so no embarrassing scene occurred.
Sam asked, "What's wrong?"
Misty gasped for breath and said, "Brother Sam, Sister Sabrina is gone!"
"What?!"
Sam immediately jumped up from the bed.
Misty handed him a note and said, "This is the note Sister Sabrina left for you."
Sam quickly opened it and saw the message written inside:
"I am not strong enough to compete with Erika for you yet, but I will train hard. I hope that when I come back again, I will be worthy of you!"
Sam was stunned, but he quickly calmed down.
He turned to Misty and asked, "Did she leave anything else besides this note?"
Misty shook her head.
"When I got up this morning, I only found this note. Sister Sabrina had already left a long time ago."
Sam understood.
It seemed that Sabrina truly had feelings for him. Leaving this time was probably her way of becoming stronger.
He didn't say much and silently put away the note.
Misty asked curiously, "What did Sister Sabrina write?"
"It's nothing. She went off to train and should be back in a few days."
Seeing that Sam didn't want to talk about it, Misty didn't ask any further questions.
Perhaps this secret was meant to remain only in the hearts of Sam and Sabrina.
Sam didn't feel too much regret or reluctance about Sabrina's departure because he knew it was her choice.
Everyone then began preparing to return to Rainbow City.
Now that they had obtained five medals, the next step was preparing for the Masters Tournament.
During their time on the island, everyone had become friends with Hapu. Although Hapu appeared strict and serious, he was actually quite easy to get along with in private.
After saying goodbye to Hapu, everyone boarded the ship back to Rainbow City.
Soon, they arrived.
Sam couldn't wait to head home.
As soon as he entered, he saw Erika watering the flowers.
Sam immediately walked over to greet her.
Erika was equally happy to see him.
She rushed forward, threw herself into Sam's arms, and gave him a passionate kiss.
The two spent some time together, and after feeling Erika's warmth and tenderness, Sam truly understood the saying that a reunion after separation was sweeter than a new marriage.
Erika lifted her head from Sam's chest and asked, "What about the medals?"
Sam smiled mysteriously before taking out all five medals.
"I knew you'd definitely get all five medals and qualify for the Masters," Erika said happily.
Then she added, "But you may have a very strong rival in the Masters."
"Karen?" Sam asked.
"How did you know?"
"I met her while collecting medals. She's a very strong rival."
Erika then began telling Sam about what had happened over the past few days.
It turned out that Karen hadn't challenged Erika first.
Instead, she had deliberately saved Erika's medal for last.
Erika's medal was generally considered the easiest one to obtain. Most challengers would choose to get her medal first.
Karen had done the exact opposite.
That meant Karen had tremendous confidence in her own abilities.
Since the Masters Tournament was being held in Rainbow City, Erika's gym would naturally be the final challenge.
Karen had never doubted her ability to qualify.
Sam's expression became more serious.
"Karen is indeed a worthy rival, but I won't lose to her."
Erika nodded.
"I heard that only four people earned all five medals during the qualification round, and there may only be two final Masters spots available. If that's true, you might have to face Karen again."
"Of course, it's also possible that you won't meet her."
"It doesn't matter. Even if I do, I'll defeat her."
Although Sam spoke confidently, he wasn't relaxed inside.
As one of the Johto Elite Four, Karen's strength was unquestionably formidable.
That afternoon, Sam decided to visit Blaine and gather information about Karen.
He arrived at Blaine's place alone.
As soon as he entered, Blaine asked, "Did you get all five medals?"
"Of course."
Blaine nodded.
"Good. I came here this time to investigate the contestants participating in the qualification tournament."
Sam nodded.
Blaine smiled.
"I knew you'd come. You're not the type of person who fights without preparation."
After saying that, Blaine led Sam into his residence.
Contestant information had already been spread out across a table.
Sam picked up one of the files.
Karen, the final member of the Johto Elite Four.
She specializes in Dark-type Pokémon.
Her representative Pokémon include Umbreon and Gengar.
[Pokémon]Gengar
[Attribute]Ghost/Poison
[Ability]Cursed Body
[Hidden Ability]None
[Strength]Champion Beginner Level
The next Pokémon:
[Pokémon]Umbreon
[Attribute]Dark
[Category]Moonlight Pokémon
[Ability]Synchronize
[Hidden Ability]Inner Focus
[Strength]Champion Beginner Level