"SATO, YOU BETTER MAKE IT UP TO ME PROPERLY. You haven't reported for duty these past few days, and all the extra work landed on me. It's been way too much!"
In the Johto League's administrative building, Lance grabbed hold of Sato, who had just arrived to check in, and began venting nonstop. Completely unlike his usual "dashing and charming" Elite Four persona.
But after hearing all this, Sato actually grew curious. Was being an Elite Four really that busy?
Before he could think too much about it, Lance was already dragging him straight toward the registration office.
Once they completed the entire onboarding process and confirmed receipt of all rewards, Sato's weekly work schedule was sent to the smartphone that had been issued to him.
Three seconds later…
"…Can I resign?"
"Tahahahah! I knew you'd say that," Lance laughed triumphantly, wearing an expression that said, 'Just as I, DRAGON Master, expected.'
Sato twitched his lips slightly but decided to wait until Lance finished laughing before asking seriously again.
"Actually, it only looks like a lot of tasks. Not everything needs to be done. For example…
The Finance Minister's baby's hundred-day banquet invitation, this kind of thing is non-essential. You can just decline.
Guest appearances at certain tournaments are optional, but in principle, you're expected to attend at least two per month..."
"…Why?"
"For visibility!"
Sato blinked but said nothing, a thoughtful look in his eyes.
Lance continued, "The Elite Four are like guardian deities in the hearts of each region's people. When they see their protectors frequently active in public, it subconsciously gives them a sense of safety. So even Pryce, the most… senior, and powerful Elite Four, diligently fulfills this part of the job."
As Sato listened, he kept scrolling through the task list on his phone. He wasn't actually that repelled by it, in fact, he quickly found three events that looked interesting.
[Pokémon League Regional Exchange Tournament.]
[Johto Region's Gym Ranking Tournament.]
[4th Pokémon Breeders Association Professional Evaluation Competition]
'Wait… three?'
Sato narrowed his eyes and cautiously avoided clicking the "Accept Invitation" button for the Gym Ranking Tournament.
"Already picking your tasks? Add a couple more~ There are lots of fun ones."
Sato narrowed his eyes again, sensing something suspicious. He replied with a dry "heh" smile and kept scrolling through the rest.
Soon, a flood of red-labeled tasks appeared with a whoosh, each prominently marked with the words "Pending Completion."
"Pending completion…? I clearly only accepted two tournament invitations just now!"
"Those earlier ones were optional tasks. Mmh, you can think of them as daily info updates. But the red ones... these are the real responsibilities of an Elite Four."
Lance spoke in a low, sinister tone, clearly a bit disappointed that he hadn't managed to trick Sato after all.
[Investigate Team Rocket's operation plans in Azalea Town.]
[Track down poacher groups in the Wild Pokémon Reserve.]
[Prepare for the first match of the Elite Four Ranking Tournament.]
[Attend the Johto League Silver Conference opening ceremony.]
[Prepare for…]
Adding in the two events he'd voluntarily selected earlier, Sato realized he had fourteen work tasks lined up for the month, randomly spread across the entire Johto region.
"Don't be too shocked. You'll get used to it. Or, once you have direct subordinates, some of the tasks can be handed off to them."
Lance patted Sato's shoulder and added, "For example, I've earned quite a bit of Clan support. I don't deal with most of the trivial stuff myself."
As soon as Sato heard that, his eyes lit up. His gym had nurtured a ton of talented people. If he didn't use them now, then when?
Lance went on to share more of his experience as an Elite Four, offering Sato a useful frame of reference and plenty of practical advice.
---◓---
That afternoon, the two parted ways. Lance dutifully went off to complete his work, while Sato boarded a flight straight to Shadownight City.
Thanks to ample funding and powerful Pokémon support, Shadownight Airport had already been completed and was now operational. Sato no longer needed to transfer through Goldenrod City just to get home.
As the plane slowly descended, Sato noticed that Shadownight City had changed even more. It was developing at a shocking pace.
Looking at the city now, Sato couldn't help but recall the time he participated in the "Gym Leader Qualification Tournament".
Back then, he had chosen Shadownight Town mainly because of the vast resources hidden within the Forest of Shadows. He hadn't cared much about the location's growth.
But now, he could shamelessly praise himself. After all, it was because he came here that the the now-city had truly begun to thrive!
Whether or not a city had a Gym -and whether that Gym was strong- truly mattered.
After getting off the plane, Sato strolled leisurely toward the exit. But before he could even walk out, a deafening roar erupted from the crowd.
"Sato!"
"SATO-SAMAAAA!"
"Yuga…!"
"KYAAAAAAAA!"
"MY LEADER-!"
"THE DARK-KNIGHT OF MY HEART…!"
For a moment, Sato felt like he was back at the Elite Four Tournament.
When he saw nearly all the members of Shadownight Gym gathered, holding signs and waving banners -even though it looked a little silly- he had to admit he was enjoying it…
Getting older really does make you enjoy praise more!
Sato silently mocked himself.
On the surface, though, he had already put on his professional smile, nodding and waving on autopilot.
After offering a few words of thanks, he politely ushered the crowd and fans outside the Gym away.
With his entourage in tow, Sato led the group in grand fashion toward Shadownight Gym. And now, with all the trainees he had taken in over the years, the Gym's numbers were truly impressive!
Before long, all of Shadownight City knew, the newly appointed Elite Four Sato had finally stopped spending time with his girlfriend…
And come home!
---◓---
On the road, Joseph stood on his left, Mark on his right. The three pillars of the original Shadownight Gym had reunited, chatting and laughing like time had never passed.
The sight of their harmony frustrated everyone who couldn't hear their conversation, though no one dared interrupt.
"Even though I explained a bit over the phone, there's still a lot more I need to fill you in on."
Thanks to the Intelligence Shop, Shadownight City had been fully prepared ahead of time, so the city took very little damage during the raid.
"Also, there hasn't been a single trace of Team Rocket in the area lately. Heh~ This is our home turf, clearly, they've all been scared off!"
"Not just scared! At this point, no underground organization dares cause trouble in Shadownight City. Everyone's terrified our leader will wipe them out in one sweep, hahahahaha…"
"So yeah, we've actually had some free time lately. The Investigators have been pushing Sina and the others to return and report in…"
Along the way, Joseph and Mark took turns talking. Even though it hadn't been that long since they last met during the tournament, there was still so much to catch up on.
Sina, Sia, Akira, Amber, and Trish all followed behind, each with bright, cheerful expressions.
Sato smiled the whole way through. While most of his conversation was with Joseph and Mark, he still turned now and then to ask the others questions.
Looking at the crowded, talented ranks of Shadownight Gym, Sato couldn't help but nod in satisfaction.
He could be an Elite Four. He could complete his tasks.
But a life without joy? Not acceptable…