In the end, Red narrowly defeated his rival Blue and secured his spot in the Indigo Conference finals.
"As expected, Red made it through to the finals," Logan remarked with a calm sigh. He wasn't particularly surprised by the outcome. While Blue had immense talent when it came to raising Pokémon, being skilled at raising them didn't necessarily mean he was powerful in battle. What it really showed was that Blue had a deep knack for cultivating Pokémon of many different types, far beyond the level of most trainers.
But human energy is limited. In just a year, Blue had raised an impressive number of battle-ready Pokémon, yet the downside was obvious—outside of his starter Charizard, his bonds with his other Pokémon were not as strong. His team appeared flawless on the surface, without a clear weakness, but this also meant he had no defining advantage in battle.
In Pokémon battles, this flaw was deadly. A Pokémon with weaknesses wasn't necessarily doomed—weaknesses could be covered through a trainer's command and consistent training. But a team with no unique strengths? That meant no path to truly overwhelm an opponent.
"Still, Blue has grown a lot."
Standing beside Logan, Professor Oak watched the result of the match with a gentle smile and spoke with heartfelt relief.
"In the past, Blue was far too cautious. No matter what he did, he had to calculate every detail before taking action. That may seem like a good habit, but not everything goes according to plan. The moment something unexpected happens, it's like he's blinded—he has no idea what to do."
Professor Oak shook his head, remembering. "Like in Lavender Town that time. Because the incident happened suddenly, he froze and ended up getting captured. Truthfully, with his strength back then, he could've escaped. The only thing he did right in that entire ordeal was uploading his Porygon before losing consciousness, giving himself a chance to be rescued."
"And Red is the complete opposite," Oak continued. "He's reckless and hot-headed, always acting before thinking things through. In the past, he relied on sheer quick wit to pull through, but luck and quick thinking can't save him every time. Once or twice, sure—but not always. The Red of today, however, has learned to temper his impulsiveness with Blue's calmness. He's grown."
"They really are the perfect rivals," Logan said quietly, picking up where Oak left off. "Each learning from the other, absorbing their rival's strengths while striving to overcome their own flaws."
Professor Oak chuckled. "Haha! And now, it's you and Red in the finals. Well, for the two of you, I can't take sides. All I can do is wish that both of you show your full strength, and may the best one win the Indigo League Championship!"
He patted Logan on the shoulder warmly. "Compared to Red and Blue, Logan, you've been mature from the very beginning. You have Blue's ability to stay calm, and Red's quick wits in battle. I expect your final match will be incredible."
But Logan shook his head slowly. His voice was steady, yet sharp.
"Professor, I don't consider quick thinking in battle a true strength. Using clever tricks to defeat an opponent is something you only resort to when you're weaker—it's unstable, unreliable, and can crumble from the smallest mistake."
He paused, his gaze steely.
"What I'm best at isn't Red's way of winning with cleverness, but crushing the opponent with absolute power. During my journey through Kanto, I had no choice but to rely on tactics and cunning, simply because I was too weak at the time, and my opponents were too strong. That was just a temporary means of survival."
"Tricks and clever ploys—those are nothing more than the bluffs of the weak when they stand against the strong. In the face of true, overwhelming strength, they're worthless."
Logan's tone carried a chilling certainty.
It was like the wars of ancient times. No matter how brilliant a strategist was, no matter how legendary their wisdom, in the end they were but pebbles against the tide. The current of power would crush them beneath the waves.
War between nations was never just about one victory. It was about total strength—economy, politics, culture, military, resources. Winning one battle with strategy didn't matter if you were crushed in the war overall.
The same principle applied to trainers. So long as your absolute strength eclipsed your opponent's, so long as you avoided foolish mistakes and fought steadily, victory was inevitable. Because strong is strong, and weak is weak.
This was what Logan truly pursued—not fleeting victories through tricks, but overwhelming dominance through strength. Using clever tactics was only ever second-rate, a temporary measure. Real victory—the path of a king—was through absolute power.
Professor Oak looked at Logan deeply, his expression complicated. "You're right. People must constantly push beyond their limits, constantly grow stronger. Wisdom is just one part of true strength. Overvaluing it while neglecting the rest only throws one's balance off. And sometimes… it's better to embrace simplicity, even foolishness."
He sighed softly. "But Logan… remember this. Chasing strength too recklessly can make you lose many, many things."
There was something about the boy that unsettled him. Logan had wisdom, discipline, and restraint—but beneath it, Oak sensed an obsession, almost a madness for power. A dangerous spark hidden beneath calm waters.
For a moment, the professor felt uneasy, as if Logan might one day walk a terrifying path. But then again—there was no evidence of such intent in his actions now.
And Professor Oak was not someone who judged lightly. He would not condemn someone based only on suspicion. If Logan truly did lose his way someday, Oak would be there to stop him, to guide him back to the right path.
Until then, he would believe in him—completely. That was what a real mentor, a true elder, should do.
"By the way, Professor," Logan asked suddenly, "what about Green?"
"Oh, her? I spoke with her earlier. After your guidance, she seems to be doing well. I also entrusted her with a Pokédex—officially recognizing her as one of its holders." Oak smiled, though his expression turned teasing. "Heh… it's obvious that girl trusts you deeply. In fact, I'd say she likes you quite a lot."
Logan shrugged, unconcerned. But Oak's smile quickly vanished, replaced by sudden seriousness. The professor grabbed Logan by the collar, eyes fierce.
"But listen here, boy. Stay away from Daisy Oak! You hear me?! She's still young—you better not trick her or hurt her!"
"Hey, hey, Professor!" Logan protested, flustered. "Daisy's older than me, remember? How am I the one bullying her?!"
"I don't care! Just stay away from her!" Oak barked stubbornly.
Logan gave him a deadpan look. "Professor… don't project your own past onto me. I know all about you and Agatha in your younger days."
"W-Wait! How did you know that?!" Oak stammered, panic flashing across his face.
"Hah. From your reaction, it's obvious you did something back then you're not proud of." Logan gave him a look of mock disgust.
The great Professor Oak immediately slumped, deflated like a balloon.
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