Kanto was in uproar.
Just a week ago, Professor Oak's grandson—Blue—had casually strolled through Victory Road, defeated Lance as if he were just another trainer, and then vanished without a trace.
For an entire week, there was nothing.
The only statement came from Lance himself, who announced publicly that Blue had declined the Johto Championship. Instead, he chose to reign solely over Kanto, leaving Johto firmly in Lance's hands.
The people of Kanto were stunned—then ecstatic.
A Champion born and bred in Kanto! One of their own!
For years, Johto had subtly governed them—sharing an Elite Four, a League, even cultural events. But many in Kanto never truly accepted it. Proud, stubborn, and steeped in tradition, the idea that their Champion had to come from Johto never sat right.
Now, Blue Oak had made his choice. He was Kanto's champion. And finally—he was going to speak.
Every TV station broadcast the press conference. Reporters swarmed the venue. The entire region was glued to their screens, eager to hear what this wild card of a Champion had to say.
Because if there was one thing everyone agreed on:
Blue Oak would bring change.
The question was—what kind?
The screen flickered to life.
"Citizens of Kanto," Blue's voice rang out, clear and steady, echoing from bustling cities to remote farms. He stood tall in a sharp, tailored suit—no trademark smirk, no cocky flair—just focused intensity. His face filled every screen.
"I welcome you—and thank you for your time. My name is Blue Oak, Water-type specialist… and your new Champion of Kanto. And yes, you heard right—I declined the Johto Championship."
He paused, letting the weight of his words settle.
"Why?" he continued. "Simple. I was born here. Raised here. My loyalty lies with Kanto. And right now—we need change."
Murmurs rippled through living rooms across the region. He was blunt. Unvarnished. No ceremony.
Blue pressed on.
"We face real problems. Organized crime is creeping back into our cities. Our youth are struggling, fewer and fewer trainers rise. Internationally, we're almost invisible. For one of the oldest and most accomplished regions in the world—we're being forgotten."
The silence that followed was deafening.
Everyone knew these truths—spoken in hushed whispers and worried glances. But no one had ever said them aloud. Especially not a Champion.
"I want to be clear," Blue said, voice low but firm. "I am ambitious. Ambition brings change. Change can be uncomfortable. It can be slow. But I promise—step by step—it's coming."
He took a breath.
"And when you see the results, you'll understand it was worth it."
Across Kanto, families stared, stunned. He wasn't just a Champion. He sounded like… a leader.
Blue's expression softened just slightly.
"One last thing."
A confident smile tugged at his lips. Not smug—just sure.
"I summon all eight Gym Leaders to Pallet Town, three days from now. Any Elite Four who hasn't joined Lance in Johto—this means you. Be there."
A beat of silence.
"From now on, I will address Kanto once a month, right here. Updates. Decisions. Progress. Kanto deserves transparency. No more silence from its Champion."
He gave a respectful nod.
"Until next time."
The screen went dark.
The broadcast ended.
Across the region, no one moved. No one spoke.
For the first time in years, Kanto held its breath.
Blue Oak had arrived.
And Kanto would never be the same.
———
Blue sat at the long table, eyes sweeping the faces before him, studying each with quiet intensity.
This was Kanto's so-called elite.
To his right sat Brock—the Rock-type Gym Leader and pride of Pewter City. Once a staple of a beloved anime, now a serious figure of authority.
Like everyone here, he was older than Blue remembered from the games. Early twenties—probably twenty-three. That seemed to be the standard. Except for Erika, who at eighteen was the youngest besides Blue, every Gym Leader was a full adult.
Blue had figured it out early—this world followed rules shaped by the games. It had been a lucky insight.
Next was Misty, the fiery Water-type specialist from Cerulean City. She looked at him like he was more than just a new Champion—maybe because, like her, he specialized in Water-types. Funny, really. In a region practically drowning in water, Kanto had never had a Water-type Champion. Strange oversight.
Then Lt. Surge—the militaristic Electric-type Gym Leader from Vermilion City. He sat rigid, arms folded, spine straight. Discipline and command radiated from him.
Beside him was Erika of Celadon City, the Grass-type Gym Leader known for her elegance—and for recruiting only women to her gym. A policy Blue found unnecessarily exclusionary, though he kept that thought to himself.
Next came Koga, the elusive Poison-type ninja from Fuchsia City. In the original timeline, he'd rise to the Elite Four—a trajectory Blue had always found baffling. The man had once used two Koffing, a Weezing, and a Muk against him. In a region overflowing with Poison-types, how was that the best he had?
Then Sabrina. The psychic prodigy of Saffron City. Her talents extended beyond Pokémon battles—she possessed psychic powers of her own. Among all here, she was likely the most naturally gifted. Blue had plans for her.
Further down sat Blaine, the eccentric Fire-type expert from Cinnabar Island. Older by decades. Intelligent, yes—he had a reputation for brilliance—but age would catch up eventually. Fire was one of the core elements, and Blue couldn't afford weakness there. Water was covered. Grass remained questionable under Erika. Fire? Blaine wouldn't last forever.
Last of the Gym Leaders: Giovanni.
Ground-type master. Strongest among them, no question. His team was among the most balanced in Kanto. But Blue knew the truth—the man was Team Rocket's secret leader. A rot beneath the surface. Blue hadn't decided what to do yet, but one thing was certain: no criminals in his Kanto.
Surprisingly, the Elite Four had shown up as well—everyone but Lance.
Agatha was there. The ghost-wielding matriarch from Lavender Town. Strange, cold, deeply competent. Ghost-types were nearly impossible to master, but she had. Blue respected that. Unlike Blaine, she hadn't lost her edge.
Beside her, Bruno—the stoic Fighting-type specialist. Oddly attached to his two Onix. No one questioned his dedication. Hardworking, relentless. Exactly the kind of person Blue needed.
And finally, Lorelei. Cool, composed, sharp as ice itself. Her Ice-types had carried her to the Elite Four—a feat considering the type's fragility and overlap with Water. Still, anyone who could make Ice work deserved credit.
Besides, Ice was one of the few reliable counters to Dragon-types… not that many existed outside Lance and Clair.
Eleven people. Eleven types accounted for.
With his sister Daisy overseeing Fairy-types, that made twelve.
Six more to go.
Blue stood, a confident smile playing at his lips.
"Welcome," he said warmly. "I'm glad you all could make it—especially Bruno, Agatha, and Lorelei. I know I gave you the option to join Lance in Johto, and I appreciate you staying."
The group nodded collectively.
"I won't waste your time," Blue continued. "I'll meet with each of you individually soon, but for now, here's my first directive as Champion."
He paused.
"Tradition says every region must have eight Gyms. Trainers collect eight badges, then challenge the Elite Four, and finally the Champion. That system is outdated. I intend to change it."
"Change it?" Blaine raised an eyebrow. "The current system has stood for generations. Other regions won't like this."
Blue didn't blink. "Kanto operates independently. Our League is ours. And it's time to evolve."
He leaned forward, voice steady and purposeful.
"From now on, there will be eighteen Gyms. One for every Pokémon type."
"Eighteen?" Agatha frowned. "Even with Dark and Steel, why eighteen?"
"You'll understand soon," Blue said cryptically. "We Oaks will be making an announcement shortly."
He shifted tone.
"Our first priority is location. These new Gyms must be strategically placed. I want every corner of Kanto represented. Gyms aren't just battle arenas—they're community pillars. They provide structure and safety—from wild Pokémon… and from threats of a more human kind."
His eyes locked briefly with Giovanni's. The man didn't flinch.
"This may mean some of you will be relocated."
That sparked immediate protest.
"You can't just dismantle legacy gyms!" Koga snapped. "These places are sacred!"
Blue met his gaze, unflinching.
"I can. And I will—if necessary. I won't uproot without reason, but we must be strategic. Your environment should reflect your type. A Grass Gym in concrete Celadon makes no sense. No habitat. No synergy. That weakens your team and your influence."
He took a breath, voice rising with conviction.
"If you specialize in a type, your domain should amplify your expertise. You should thrive, not struggle."
The room quieted. Erika looked tense—losing Celadon would be a blow.
Blue pressed on.
"Second—your teams. Too many duplicate Pokémon. Why? We have variety. Agatha, I get it—only the Gengar line is native Ghost—but the rest of you?"
He shook his head in disappointment.
"This must change. I expect creativity, adaptation, mastery—not repetition."
Then he stepped back, voice softer but resolute.
"Expect a call. We'll discuss your Gyms' futures—locations, teams, your roles in Kanto's new era."
He paused.
"I may sound strict, but my goal is simple."
His eyes sharpened.
"I want to make Kanto the best region in the world."
With that, the meeting ended.