Chapter 54: So Lusamine, Can You Wear a Swimsuit?

In a café in Hau'oli City.

Lusamine sat at a window seat, gently stirring the coffee in her cup with a spoon, her eyes gazing out the window.

The bright afternoon sunlight poured down, warming the people, while passersby on the street were either playing or laughing loudly; it was truly a beautiful scene.

Lusamine sighed softly in her heart, but all of this had nothing to do with her.

A week had passed since their last meeting at Tenkara Hill, and since this was Alola, Lusamine found it difficult to interfere in local affairs.

So she could only entrust Kukui and Hala, hoping they would find Caitlin as soon as possible.

Although the result of their last meeting was not good, Lusamine still very much hoped to have a proper conversation with Caitlin again.

She truly could not bear to see her sister continue walking down the path of darkness.

She worried that Caitlin would never be able to return to the sunlight, to a normal life.

And that boy named Mamen...

"Hmm?"

Just then, Lusamine's eyes narrowed.

On the road, a boy in white clothes was walking leisurely with one hand in his pocket.

Black messy hair, a handsome face, and that frivolous, lazy temperament.

Wasn't this Mamen?

Lusamine was momentarily stunned; no, are evil organizations these days so brazen?

Just strutting boldly down the main street of the city? Does he not feel afraid at all?

Lusamine even noticed that this boy whistled at a bikini-clad big sister passing by.

??!

Lusamine was shocked; this guy is actually harassing girls in public?

But snapping out of it, Lusamine quickly stood up and walked out of the coffee shop; this person must know where Caitlin is!

Moreover, as a League Champion, how could she remain indifferent to a member of an evil organization? Especially when the opponent is such a dangerous Champion-level Trainer.

Lusamine walked out of the shop and followed Mamen; Lusamine's consideration was very thorough.

This was a bustling city center full of people; although she was not afraid of Mamen, if a battle really broke out, Lusamine would worry about affecting those innocent civilians.

And since the opponent is a member of an evil organization with low moral standards, what if he gets desperate and uses the civilians to threaten her, or even directly attacks the civilians?

So Lusamine did not act rashly, but silently followed behind Mamen, waiting for an opportunity.

But what exactly will he do?

Lusamine watched the boy in white in the distance; his target seemed very clear.

Lusamine's gaze kept fixed on him until he entered a convenience store; a convenience store?

Lusamine was somewhat puzzled, but she remained calm and did not go straight inside.

A few minutes later, Mamen walked out of the convenience store carrying a small bag of snacks, then walked into the beach area not far away.

Under Lusamine's indescribable expression, Mamen first took out a Poké Ball and released Tapu Fini, then lay down on a beach chair himself; yes, he lay down!

This guy actually came to enjoy the sea breeze and watch the ocean?

Watching the boy not far away, drinking juice, eating small cakes, and admiring the beauties on the beach.

Lusamine could not help but fall into thought; is this right?

But very quickly, Lusamine was stunned, because she saw that the boy in her line of sight was now looking at her and even waving at her.

This guy...

Lusamine frowned slightly; seeing her, the Sinnoh League Champion, he not only didn't run but actually greeted her?

Lusamine did not hesitate much; after thinking for a moment, she walked towards Mamen.

"I didn't expect to run into you here; what a coincidence, Champion Lusamine." After approaching, the boy's smiling voice immediately reached Lusamine's ears: "Come, sit, sit, sit; I just bought a lot of snacks, let's eat some together."

Are we that close?

Looking at Mamen, who acted as if they were old acquaintances and was very enthusiastic, even Lusamine was about to lose her composure.

"Want to drink some of this? The watermelon juice made by this shop is especially refreshing; it has ice cubes in it."

Mamen gestured towards the watermelon juice on the table.

"Qi! Qi!"

Before Lusamine could speak, Tapu Fini, holding its own cup, made a dissatisfied noise.

That juice has half of it! If you share it with this woman, won't its portion be reduced again?

Lusamine: "..."

Although she couldn't understand Tapu Fini's meaning, Tapu Fini's expression and actions of guarding its food were very easy to understand.

"Don't be so stingy, Fini; besides, the convenience store isn't far; if you finish it, you can just go buy some more."

Mamen comforted Tapu Fini; Miss Shell is really very particular about food matters.

Hmm, at home she often saw Tapu Fini getting into fights with the sneaking Gengar; although most of the time Gengar would turn invisible and play dead, Miss Shell would rage impotently, then find Mamen to cry and complain bitterly.

Tapu Fini pouted, but still looked at Lusamine with hostility.

Its impression of Lusamine was not good, because it remembered Lusamine.

"Thank you, no trouble needed; I am not thirsty right now."

Lusamine politely declined; moreover, she did not come to Mamen to 'catch up'.

"Mr. Mamen, what are you doing here?"

Lusamine looked at the fully relaxed Mamen, her left hand always gripping the Poké Ball of Garchomp.

"As you can see, Champion Lusamine, I came out to soak up the sun, listen to the sound of the waves, and watch the beauties." Mamen tilted his head.

"This shouldn't be illegal, right?"

"..."

Zhulan fell silent. This was certainly not illegal, but wasn't the most crucial point your identity?

"Young Lady Zhulan, do not hold such a Stereotype Mark against me. Although I am of Team Rocket, I have my own private life; this counts as a personal hobby of mine."

Mamon spoke lazily, signaling Zhulan to rest easy.

"Moreover, you can rest assured: as long as you do not seek trouble with me, I will not commit any dangerous acts today."

The subtext was clear: as long as you do not make a move, I will not make a move.

Zhulan was very smart and naturally understood Mamon's meaning.

Truly a strange fellow.

After pondering for a moment, Zhulan chose to trust Mamon; besides, given this environment... she indeed found it difficult to make a move.

In that case, the only option was a verbal offensive.

"Mr. Mamon, your father is the Gym Leader of the Pewter Gym, Giovanni, correct?"

Zhulan did not ask about the whereabouts of Caitlin, for she knew very well that Mamon would never tell her.

"You have surely already confirmed this point, haven't you?"

Mamon took a sip of juice and reached out toward Tapu Fini.

Tapu Fini, who was biting into a pineapple, silently picked up a small strawberry cake from the table and handed it to Mamon.

"Why did you join Team Rocket?" Zhulan was deeply puzzled.

Caitlin too, and Mamon too; both were clearly such outstanding individuals.

"Tsk~ Here comes that question again." Mamon clicked his tongue.

"Actually, telling you, Champion Zhulan, is not impossible, provided that Champion Zhulan grants me one wish."

"Speak."

Zhulan pondered for a moment; if the request was excessive, she could refuse it.

"Here it is: actually, I personally like you very much, Young Lady Zhulan. The beautiful and generous Young Lady Zhulan is also one of my idols; to be honest, I have been following you, Young Lady Zhulan, for a long time."

Mamon sat up and spoke with a serious expression.

"..." Zhulan fell silent.

She did not believe a single word of those words.

"So, Young Lady Zhulan, can you wear a swimsuit? I very much wish to see."

"???"

Zhulan looked at the solemn Mamon with a face full of question marks.

(End of this chapter)