"Greninja has lost the ability to battle. Gardevoir wins, so the victor is Trainer Yuga Sato.
As all four representatives from the Kalos side have been defeated, the final winner of this regional exchange match is the Kanto League representative team!"
"OH YEAH! WE WON!"
Upon hearing the official announcement from the referee, everyone from the Shadownight Gym cheered loudly. After all, it was their own Leader and Mark who had secured this victory.
As for Norman… although he was determined to become stronger, he had admittedly wasted quite a bit of time before. Catching up wouldn't be something that could happen overnight.
Elite Four Drake only nodded slightly, but he was clearly just as pleased deep down!
After all, the Kalos League had sent four official Elite Four candidate Trainers.
And the Kanto League -Headquarters- had only fielded one Gym Trainer, two Gym Leaders, and one of Drake's crew who hadn't even stepped in yet.
There probably wasn't another Gym out there with as much talent as Shadownight Gym; but it certainly sounded good when you said it out loud.
Not to mention, that Gym Leader was his own last "student"!
But just being a Gym Leader wasn't enough… 'It was time to give this kid Sato some added responsibility.' Drake made a mental note, he clearly had something else in mind.
---◓---
"You're really strong! I lost fair and square."
After recalling the defeated Greninja, Siebold took the initiative to walk over and face Sato.
"Thanks. I just… got lucky." Since it was Joseph's older brother, Sato replied with some "modesty".
Siebold didn't seem to mind the comment. He turned to glance at the crowd walking toward them.
"Joseph's always had a strong will of his own. If he chooses to follow you, no one can stop him. So please, take good care of him. It's not easy being alone out there."
Sato smiled and said, "So this is your final big-brotherly request?"
"Something like that… Joseph is still my little brother, after all."
"Don't worry, Joseph is family to me too."
At that moment, both groups had arrived, and Sato and Siebold silently brought their conversation to a close.
"Boss, what were you two talking about? So serious~" Mark came over with a goofy grin, still eyeing Siebold with a hint of smug provocation.
As if to say: Not satisfied? Suck it up!
"Alright, mascot, go play somewhere else." Sato pulled Mark aside, then "obediently" walked over to stand next to Drake, silently waiting to be praised…
"Shadownight Gym has produced a lot of talent. Keeping them all in Shadownight Town would be a waste. When we get back, I'll recommend them for League positions!"
Sato slowly looked up, wearing a "(._.)" expression.
'Wait… where's the praise? The compliments…? THE REWAAAARDS!?
Why does the first thing he says sound like he's trying to poach my people…?
Are you even really my "teacher"?!'
Just as he was about to argue back, Sato caught a glimpse of Akira and the others, eyes sparkling with excitement.
He froze, then slowly lowered his head…
Was he really going to keep Akira and Sina locked in as Gym Trainers at Shadownight Gym for the rest of their lives?
No…
Not even mentioning Sina, who had already surpassed the Ace wall; even chubby little Akira from back then could easily qualify for Gym Leader now.
Their protection period had long passed. The young Pidgey(?) under his wings were more than ready to fly!
Would he really stand in their way?
Sato looked up again, wearing his most genuine smile.
"On behalf of Sina and the others, thank you, Elite Four Drake."
A faint smile appeared at the corner of Drake's mouth, and he patted Sato on the shoulder.
More than defeating Siebold, what pleased him most was this final "student's" recent growth in mindset.
'Are you not also a young Pidgey that once sheltered under my wing? It's time to spread those wings and soar!'
"You too. The position of Gym Leader no longer suits you. We'll talk more once we return."
Sato: … !!?
By then, Drake had already walked briskly over to the Kalos League President's side and begun an upright diplomatic conversation. While he didn't show much of a smile, his skill in diplomacy was nothing short of professional…
In this exchange match, only three of Sato's team took the stage to defeat four of Kalos's representatives. And the one considered "strongest" -Fitzwilliam- didn't even participate.
It could be said that Sato and his teammates had fully demonstrated the level of power expected from the League Headquarters.
They had gone a long way in reversing many prejudices held within the Kalos League toward regions like Kanto.
Perhaps Kalos, with its technological advancement and economic prosperity, far surpassed the headquarters in average Trainer numbers. But in terms of true top-tier strength, the League Headquarters could still suppress the Kalos League without effort!
When both sides have their strengths and weaknesses, negotiations become far more meaningful.
Of course, such diplomatic matters didn't require Sato's involvement. Drake had a dedicated negotiation team with him at all times; far more eloquent than Sato ever needed to be…
Naturally, after this battle, Sato and the others became well-known within the Kalos League. Many Trainers who hadn't competed yet began asking for solo duels.
After all, the Kalos League had far more Elite Four candidates than just the four who appeared in the exchange. There were many young Gym Leaders, Investigators, Corps Commanders, and others eager to test their strength as well.
With Drake's approval, Sato and the others accepted all challengers without hesitation.
Even Akira and Sosuke, who were still at the Elite level, received challenges from Trainers at their own stage.
Thus, while Drake was busy with meetings and negotiations, Sato, Norman, and the other members of Shadownight Gym became hopelessly addicted to constant battles.
Combat was the most effective way to improve strength, and with so many "EXP bags" lining up to be defeated, how could they possibly refuse?
What's more, the Kalos League had no shortage of long-range transfer systems, meaning they could openly swap Pokémon teams at any time.
Half a month later, Mark's Phione, Sina's Gliscor, Akira's Umbreon, and Ponyo's Houndoom all advanced to Ace level. Sosuke's Honchkrow was also just one step away from advance.
As for Sato -the one who had received the most battle challenges- every one of his Pokémon had improved significantly.
It wasn't until he noticed his team beginning to show signs of restlessness that he finally slowed down the battle frequency and started leading his partners to quietly reflect on and absorb every battle experience.
At that point, Drake once again called back the group -now thoroughly lost in the thrill of competition- and formally informed them of the return to Kanto.
"Three days from now, we depart!"
"Got it!" everyone responded in unison, each with anticipation building in their hearts.
They'd been away for so long…
Was the Gym still the same as before?
What new developments awaited in Shadownight Town?
More importantly… what burden was Drake about to place on Sato?
One thing was for sure.
Whatever awaited them back home, it wasn't going to be a peaceful return…
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150 PS - CH