I'll Take Off My Own Mask, No Help Needed!

"Mr. Sakuragi."

Looking at the caller ID on his phone, Xia Yan's scalp tingled.

It felt like he had forgotten something?

He pressed the answer button.

"Mr. Sakuragi."

"Xia Yan, I've been doing my best to hold them off for you, but you said last time it would be soon." Sakuragi's slightly weary voice came through the phone.

Naturally, he was referring to the paper on Milotic's evolution.

Before Xia Yan went to Hoenn, he had promised to publish it as soon as possible.

But he had never expected to spend so long in Rayquaza's Alternate Space.

After coming back, he had been busy with all sorts of trivial matters and somehow completely forgot about it.

"Ahem, I understand. Some things delayed me, but I promise I'll finish this paper today," Xia Yan said, somewhat embarrassed.

Every time, it was Sakuragi who helped him fend off all sorts of matters from the Pokémon League.

He could brush it off with anyone else, but Xia Yan was sincerely grateful to Sakuragi.

Sakuragi was silent for a moment before speaking again in an earnest tone.

"Xia Yan, are you really not planning to reveal your identity yet? I know you're already a Gym Leader, and you lean more toward being a Trainer, but your talent in research..."

Xia Yan knew Sakuragi meant well.

He had considered this matter as well.

Originally, he had intended to hide it for as long as he could, but after Hoshino Long Yi sent people to intercept him last time, Xia Yan had already made certain preparations.

He slowly let out a breath.

He made up his mind.

"I'm going to reveal it."

Rather than waiting for someone else to expose him, he might as well take off the mask himself.

A brief silence followed.

"Are you