Kalos Region, Ambrette Town Port. Sato and Elite Four Drake's group had all arrived at the site.
At the dock stood Drake's massive three-masted ship and the luxury cruise liner Binus, which Joseph had purchased.
Both ships had already been fully stocked with all necessary supplies, ready to set sail at any moment.
Drake was in a hurry to report the progress of this exchange back to the Kanto Headquarters, while Sato's group would return directly to Johto.
Since Joseph happened to have bought the luxury cruise beforehand, after a brief discussion, both teams decided to head back separately.
As for what role Sato would take upon his return, that would have to be decided by the League executives. More importantly, Sato himself was willing.
A Trainer of his caliber was no longer someone Drake could simply assign a post to, even if he was Drake's last "official" protégé.
"Think more about what I said to you last night on the way back. In the end, whatever choice you make… it's still up to you."
Drake patted Sato on the shoulder, speaking seriously. He couldn't be more satisfied with him. But precisely because of that, Drake hoped even more that Sato would shoulder greater responsibility.
And just the day before departure, Drake had called both Sato and Fitzwilliam to his quarters, where they talked for an entire afternoon.
"I'll seriously consider it!"
"Then I'll see you when the time comes."
Drake nodded, then decisively turned and headed toward his ship.
Sato and the others watched until Drake was completely out of sight aboard the ship before finally turning toward the Binus.
At the cruise ship's boarding gate, Joseph's older brother and uncle had already been waiting there.
"…Take care of yourself out there."
"Mm, I will."
His uncle's words of advice were few; but the worry and reluctance in his heart were real.
Siebold simply patted his younger brother's shoulder and said, "Next time you come back to Kalos, make sure to eat at my restaurant. It's on me~"
"Got it, Siebold!"
Siebold smiled, then turned to look at Sato and gave a subtle nod.
Sato nodded back, clearly understanding what that meant.
Soon after, everyone boarded the ship, and the return voyage officially began!
The Binus luxury cruise liner wasn't particularly "huge", but its capacity still reached up to 1,500 passengers, generating considerable profits each year through regular voyages.
Now, this cruise ship officially belonged to Joseph…
Going forward, his uncle would gradually transfer other assets to him as well, until all properties obtained from the Family division had been fully exchanged.
In short, Joseph had now truly become someone who lacked for nothing.
Because this time the Binus was headed all the way to the distant Johto Region, there weren't many tickets sold to the public.
Once Sato and the others boarded, the cruise ship sounded its horn and officially set sail.
On the deck, Sato and his team mingled among the other tourists. No one around them had any idea that the ship's owner was actually standing among them.
At most, they just thought: 'this group of young people was way too good-looking… every single one of them absurdly attractive! Well, that guy with the bird hair…'
"Boss, what did Drake talk to you about yesterday~? You've been quiet ever since you got back!"
Mark jabbed his elbow into Sato's side as he leaned against the railing, speaking excitedly.
Mark hadn't bothered lowering his voice, so the rest of the group quickly gathered around, all eager to hear what had happened.
"Is the Leader getting promoted? What's going to happen to Shadownight Gym?"
"Don't tell me we're getting some random new Gym Leader parachuted in…?"
"What about us? You can't just leave us behind, LEADER!"
"…"
One by one, Sina and the others began letting their imaginations run wild; even the usually composed and independent Sina couldn't help glancing at Sato a few times.
Sato twitched his mouth and cut them off directly: "Even if the Gym Leader changes, it'll only be someone I choose. There's no such thing as some random outsider being 'parachuted '."
Then Sato changed the subject smoothly: "Before we get into anything about me, let me confirm your assignments after we return…
First, Drake has recommended Sina, Sosuke, and Akira to the League's Investigator Division. As Ace level Trainers, you'll be able to join a mid-level squad directly after completing training. So Sosuke, you need to advance as soon as possible."
Sosuke pulled a bitter face but still nodded obediently. In truth, he was extremely eager, after all, Ponyo had already broken through ahead of him.
Sato then turned toward Sia: "Drake has some connections at the Breeders Association as well, so he can recommend you to study there and deepen your knowledge of systematic Breeding."
"Okay, Leader! I'll work really hard~"
"Mhm." Sato nodded, then looked toward the nervous Ponyo.
"Ponyo… I want you to stay at Shadownight Gym as interim Leader. While we're away, I'd like you to fully manage everything at the Gym. I'll also inform Amber and ask him to help guide you during the early stages."
"H-Huh?! ME!?"
Ponyo froze, pointing at herself in disbelief. Logically, Akira should've been the most suitable candidate for that. She instinctively looked over at Akira…
"Hahaha! Don't look at me. I've got no objections!" Akira laughed and raised both hands.
Sato had actually already discussed the "Leader" role with him, and in the end, Akira had declined. While he had the most experience managing the Gym, it didn't mean he loved doing it.
His dream hadn't changed all these years… to become the strongest "DDT" -Data-Driven Trainer-.
So, like Sina and the others, he wanted to join the League's Investigator Division and grow fiercely in the most dangerous places.
Ponyo still felt it was unbelievable. She glanced at everyone present -Joseph, Mark, Sosuke, Lotta…- and saw nothing but encouraging eyes.
"I… I'LL DEFINITELY DO MY BEST!"
Finally, Ponyo took a deep breath and responded with serious determination.
"Lotta, when we return, Joseph and I will jointly invest in building a Pokémon Breeding Base in Shadownight Town. In addition to focusing on the vital Hydreigon line, we'll need you to breed certain other species into viable populations as well.
Eventually, I'll hand the entire base over to you… but you'll need to quickly catch up on general-purpose Breeding methods. After all, Hydreigon is too rare; it can't be distributed to everyone."
Lotta thought it through carefully before slowly nodding.
"I know I'm not skilled enough yet, but I'll give it everything I've got. Still, could you find two more people to assist me?"
"Lotta, I'll do my best to help you too~ Some of the Gym trainees are really into breeding, you could consider them as backups!"
Sia's suggestion was immediately met with Sato's nod of approval.
"We've trained so many generations of trainees. There must be promising talents among them. We need to make sure we hold onto them. If anyone else needs help for their roles, those trainees should be the first ones you consider. They're our own people, so it's more reassuring."
Everyone nodded in agreement, completely unified on this point.
"But don't forget to filter for character. In these matters, always consult with Amber. He understands people better than anyone here."
Everyone kept nodding like mindless Magikarps…
"Sooo, Leader… we've all got our assignments… what about you guys?"
Before long, Sina circled the conversation back to Sato. Joseph and Mark also turned to look at him.
If Ponyo was going to manage the Gym, it clearly meant Joseph and Mark had different plans.
Sato remained silent for a while, then finally said, "I'll tell you all before we disembark. I still need to think it through a bit more."
With that, Sato gestured for Joseph and Mark to follow him. As for the future path of the three of them… it wasn't something he could decide alone.
Sina, Akira, and the others exchanged glances and wisely said nothing more. Of course, each of them still carried high hopes for their own futures.
"Akira, about managing the Gym… I-" Ponyo started shyly, but halfway through, she wondered if she was being too forward.
"Don't worry. Until I become an Investigator, I'll do my best to help you."
"Lotta, let's explore the cruise ship! I heard there's a Breeder interaction zone onboard~"
Sia cheerfully grabbed Lotta's arm and dragged her toward the ship's interior.
"Slow down! I never said I wouldn't go…"
In the end, only Sina and Sosuke were left. They exchanged a glance… and then spoke in unison.
"Battle?" x2
---◓---
Sato returned to his cabin with Joseph and Mark, then pulled out three application forms from his backpack.
[Independent Investigator]
[Elite Four Candidate]
[Regional Inspector General]
Joseph and Mark each took a form and began reading through them, while Sato began to explain…
"Independent Investigator. As the name implies, is an investigator who acts independently…
It consists of a small team of one to three people, dedicated to striking against dark forces in various regions.
During this period, the League only passively provides the resources and intel you need. You must complete all combat operations independently, with post-battle cleanup handled by designated personnel.
The core principle is to utilize high-level combat power to deal maximum damage to underground forces with minimum cost. Undoubtedly, Independent Investigator is the most high-risk role known, but also the most effective in honing one's skills.
It's different from the regular Investigator Division that Sina and the others are joining. Their operations often involve large groups. But Independent Investigators only have themselves and one or two close teammates.
Lance, the… Flying Master guy we all know, is currently an Independent Investigator, and his accomplishments are countless.
The second one: joining the Elite Four Candidate Program. The goal is to become a Regional Elite Four member, and to learn all the skills an Elite Four member should possess. Including actual combat power, teaching and mentoring abilities, strategic command capabilities, and so on…
At the same time, Elite Four Candidates will get plenty of opportunities to work closely with current Elite Four members and Champions, receiving direct training from them.
Of course, joining the Candidate Program doesn't guarantee you'll become an Elite Four member. Strength, luck, status, personality, even appearance… can all be factors in the final selection."
Sato clearly saw that when he said the word "luck," Mark's eyes flashed with obvious excitement.
'Hmph, does he really think having some luck gives him a free pass to do whatever he wants?'
Mark: Sorry, I just happen to have a little luck, kay? (#^.^#)
Finally, Sato picked up the third application form.
"Regional Inspector General. Officially still considered part of the Independent Investigator structure, but in practice, their role is to root out internal traitors.
The authority of a Regional Inspector is massive. They can access the most detailed files of nearly every League member.
…But this job is also extremely dangerous. Once exposed, a Regional Inspector General will undoubtedly become a top target. Not just for underground organizations, but even some internal League members.
Yeah… most don't meet a good end."
When Sato finished speaking, he saw that both Joseph and Mark remained silent, clearly uninterested in the third position.
Inspectors are the kind of people everyone instinctively avoids…
But Sato soon added: "So far, only Drake and President Damaranchi know about this application form. The President even sent this to Drake via secure video communication, he asked him to hand it to me personally. So there's very little chance of it being leaked."
Even so, Mark quickly shook his head. "It's already hard enough to deal with underground organizations, having to play politics with so-called allies too? That's even worse!"
Joseph also nodded in agreement, unusually firm in his stance that Sato shouldn't take that path either.
"Fair enough. That leaves us with only the Independent Investigator and Elite Four Candidate options. Each has its pros and cons. I've had a hard time deciding between the two myself."
Sato shrugged. Even though he could use knowledge from his past life to identify many League members with ties to underground groups… Just as Mark had said, that kind of political scheming was exhausting. And with the Inspector General's massive authority, it was too easy to lose oneself in it.
"Joseph, regarding Breeder matters… even an Elite Four like Drake only knows so much. And I know that if you really wanted to join the Breeder Association, with your ability, you could've gotten in already.
If you want to try walking the path of a Trainer, you can pick one of the first two options with us. If not, it's entirely your choice."
Joseph raised an eyebrow and didn't respond directly, tossing the question right back.
"So… have you guys decided?"
"I want to join the Elite Four Candidate Program. Becoming an Elite Four member has been my dream since I was a kid!"
Mark declared with full confidence!
…But Sato and Joseph still suspected that this guy was just planning to ride his luck again.
Imagine if Mark really became an Elite Four one day, maybe he'd get a brand-new title, like:
[The Lucky Elite Four?]
[The Dumb Luck Elite Four?]
[The Royal Mascot Elite Flour?]
Honestly… it would suit him perfectly. Just like Lance is known as the Flying Master Elite Four!
Now that they thought about it… 'yeah, that would actually fit him really well.'
"If you've made up your mind, go ahead and fill it out."
Finally, with a smile tinged with amusement, Sato handed the [Elite Four Candidate] application form to Mark.
As for himself… Sato held the "Independent Investigator" form and fell into deep thought.
In his past life, he'd been part of the darkness, hidden from the light. But in this life, maybe he could be the light that banishes the darkness…
A second chance… and somehow, he'd come this far.