With the departure of Lucas and Giovanni, the unprecedented battle that had captured the attention of countless people across the world since the rise of the Pokémon League had finally come to an end.
The most powerful evil organization in Kanto, Team Rocket was declared annihilated, and the Pokémon League emerged with the ultimate victory.
However, the cost of that victory was immense. The entire Saffron City had been reduced to ruins; collapsed buildings and broken debris covered the streets, chaos and destruction visible everywhere.
Kanto's greatest economic center, Saffron City was completely destroyed.
Aside from a few standing areas, almost the entire city would have to be rebuilt from scratch.
For all who had been following this battle, the aftermath sent chills down their spines and filled them with dread.
After all, ever since the Pokémon League's establishment, it had represented absolute authority. Perhaps hundreds or thousands of years ago, there had still been wars between nations.
But once the League was founded, the world entered an era of absolute peace.
The League forbade the existence of war. Even though various regions still retained "kings" and "queens," they were little more than local figureheads much like Queen Ilene of Rota with prestige but no real power, no armies to command.
Not only wars, but even lethal duels between humans were strictly forbidden. The League's creed had always been: "Life above all, peace above all."
So, humanity had long forgotten what true war and destruction looked like.
But now, Team Rocket had made them remember the cruelty of war once again.
An entire metropolis gone, just like that!
Fortunately, it was the League that won in the end.
Yet, not everyone felt relief. Especially not Lance, the Champion of Indigo.
Standing amidst the rubble of the Saffron City ruins, Lance's expression was anything but pleasant.
Around him were the others who had aided in the fight, Cynthia, Steven, Red, Blue, and several others.
"The three of the four Rocket generals Ariana, Petrel, and Proton have been captured.
The two of the three top Rocket executives namely Lt. Surge and Koga along with senior executive Will have been captured,"
Commander Jenny Zero reported coldly as she read from the battle summary in her hands.
"However… Archer, Sabrina, and Karen managed to escape."
Jenny frowned slightly. Only three executives had escaped statistically, that was not a bad result.
But given the sheer destruction and the number of injured League trainers and officers, that "victory" hardly felt comforting.
Because Giovanni, the leader of Team Rocket, had already managed to escape!
And now, with the boss gone, and three top executives missing as well… it was difficult not to feel frustrated.
Then—
"Wait a second," Blue said, pausing mid-thought, "if I remember correctly, Sabrina, Koga, and Lt. Surge… aren't they the Gym Leaders of Saffron, Fuchsia, and Vermilion City respectively?"
The revelation struck like lightning.
Even for someone as calm and logical as Blue, his composure shattered.
Good grief—what kind of twisted joke was this?!
He'd thought their names sounded familiar, but half of Kanto's eight official Gym Leaders were Rocket executives?!
(TN: Damn I was so confused why they didn't react when they fought them, they just noticed, smh.)
This wasn't just outrageous—it was scandalous!
And these weren't underground trainers, they were official League-sanctioned Gym Leaders!
What did that say about the League itself? The corruption was practically rotting through its foundation!
Being a Gym Leader wasn't a simple position. If the regional Elite Four and Champion represented the region's mightiest trainers, then Gym Leaders were the guardians of each individual city.
In terms of reputation and status, Gym Leaders weren't far below mayors.
"That's… truly ridiculous," Iris muttered softly, glancing at the dark expressions on Lance and Lorelei's faces.
Even Agatha's wrinkled brows furrowed deeply, no doubt cursing the League's incompetent politicians in her heart.
Only Bruno stood quietly off to the side, trying to lower his presence as much as possible.
If Iris hadn't heard it herself, she would've never believed such absurdity could be real.
Four Gym Leaders, members of a criminal organization? That was like having spies living right under the League's roof!
Just how blind or corrupt had Kanto and Indigo's leadership been to let Team Rocket infiltrate so deeply?
Cynthia, Steven, and Leon exchanged subtle glances, but none of them spoke. The expressions on the Indigo elites' faces were dark enough to silence anyone.
The air grew thick and awkward.
"Ahem… Zero, please return and report this to the Chairman. How to handle these captured executives will be for the League's higher-ups to decide," Agatha finally broke the silence, coughing lightly to change the subject.
There were clearly traitors within Indigo's political system and likely more than just one or two.
Otherwise, how could Team Rocket have infiltrated so many Gym positions?
"Understood."
Commander Jenny Zero nodded firmly, then turned to leave. Her schedule already overflowing with the post-battle cleanup.
"Thank you all for your assistance today," Agatha said, turning her gaze toward Cynthia, Leon, and Steven with a rare gentle smile. "Once we return to the League, the Chairman will personally express his gratitude."
They all knew well—had it not been for Chairman Loki's decision to invite foreign champions to help, Indigo's forces alone might never have been enough to bring Team Rocket down.
"You're too kind, Madam Agatha. We're all colleagues—helping one another is only natural," Steven replied with a polite smile.
Then, in typical Steven fashion, he smoothly shifted the topic:
"If anything, I'm more impressed by these three young trainers here. The younger generation is truly astounding."
He cast a meaningful glance at Blue, Red, and Iris.
And truthfully, he wasn't just being polite.
Iris aside—Red and Blue were downright monsters.
These two teenagers' power wasn't any weaker than his own!
They were barely adults, and yet, if given just a little more time, they might soon reach the same level as Lance or even Leon.
Well… perhaps a "non-legendary" version of Lucas, at least.
"You two aren't even twenty yet, are you? Your strength is remarkable. Are you both from Kanto?" Leon asked curiously, smiling warmly at Red. The cap-wearing boy gave him a strangely nostalgic feeling—clean, composed, and humble.
Perhaps it was because they both shared the same ace Pokémon, Charizard.
Lance, too, glanced their way with interest. True prodigies drew attention wherever they went.
"We're both from Pallet Town," Blue said proudly, lifting his chin a little. "Started our journey last year—just turned eighteen this year!"
Finally! A chance to show off!
He loved seeing the shock in everyone's eyes.
Red, however, pulled his cap lower, uneasy under the attention.
He never feared battles, but in social settings like this, he always grew a bit shy.
"Eighteen, huh… such a bright age," Leon said wistfully, rubbing his chin.
Even Lance's eyes flickered in surprise, while Cynthia and Steven exchanged knowing looks.
Eighteen and already this strong. Truly terrifying.
The air was silent for a beat—then suddenly—
"Red, how about coming to Galar? I'll ask Chairman Rose to arrange a Gym Leader position for you!" Leon blurted out.
"And Blue, have you ever thought about moving to Hoenn? I can ask Wallace to give up his Champion title for you!" Steven added right after.
They spoke almost simultaneously.
Their eyes met.
Perfect synchronization.
Cynthia was stunned. She had also been thinking about recruiting the two, but hadn't yet figured out how to bring it up!
But these two shameless men just went straight for it—in front of Lance and Agatha!
Especially Steven! Was he not afraid of Wallace throttling him later?!
Oh wait—Wallace had been talking about retiring to focus on his Contests again…
"..."
Red and Blue were speechless.
Meanwhile, Lance's gaze grew dangerously sharp, locking onto Leon and Steven like a predator.
These two bastards—were they seriously trying to poach his Kanto trainers right in front of him?!
Did they think the Dragon Master was invisible?!
The air froze again.
"Ahem… actually," Leon said quickly, unfazed, "if either of you can beat me, I'd even consider handing over my Champion title in Galar."
Behind him, Raihan looked at Leon with admiration. As expected of his idol—fearless.
Leon truly meant it.
Talents like these were rare gems, if he didn't try to recruit them now, he'd regret it later.
Indigo was already strong enough, but if Red and Blue joined another region…
Well, then even Lucas might not be needed anymore! Red, Blue, and Lance together could crush almost anyone!
Leon didn't mind Lance's hostility. To him, rebuilding Galar's glory was worth any personal feud.
Steven gave Leon a new look of respect—he had guts. Even under the murderous glares of Lance and Lorelei, he stood his ground.
"Let's exchange contact info," Cynthia said gracefully. "You're always welcome to visit Sinnoh. Perhaps we could spar sometime."
Unlike the other two, her approach was subtler but no less genuine.
"Thank you for the offer," Blue said with a confident smile, "but my goal this year is to challenge Champion Lance."
His tone was calm but resolute. His eyes burned with ambition as he turned to Lance.
That was his dream—to stand at the top of Kanto and Johto.
"Me too," Red said quietly but firmly. "That's my goal as well."
"Oh?"
Lance raised an eyebrow, amused.
Even someone as proud as he couldn't ignore such talent.
"I admire courageous young trainers," Lance said coolly, a fierce grin tugging at his lips. "I'll be waiting for your challenge. When the time comes, you'll witness the might of my Dragon Legion."
Strong words from the Dragon Master himself, his confidence absolute.
True champions never feared a challenge.
Waves may crash against the shore, but the old guard wasn't so easily toppled.
As long as the opponent wasn't Lucas, Lance was sure of one thing—his dragons were unmatched!
'Dragon Legion, huh?' Steven thought to himself. 'Pretty bold talk for someone whose dragons got smacked around by Giovanni and Lucas…'
Still, he had to admit—Lance knew how to maintain his mystique.
A pity, though. It seemed Red and Blue weren't planning on leaving Kanto for now.
Steven sighed inwardly. Recruiting would take time.
Still, he couldn't help but think—what if Lucas himself could be persuaded to join Hoenn?
If that happened, their region would soar to new heights!
Of course, among these three free agents, Lucas came first, with Red and Blue second. But compared to the unpredictable Lucas, these two were far easier to approach.
Then, as if remembering something, Steven asked curiously:
"Red, Blue—do you have any connection to Lucas?"
"Huh? What do you mean?" Blue blinked, confused.
"Well," Iris interjected with a mischievous grin, "your names Red, Blue, Lucas they're all colors, right? Don't tell me there's also a Gold, Silver, Green, or Yellow among you?"
"Uh…"
Blue froze. Come to think of it… there was a girl named Green from Pallet Town back when he was little…
"I met a girl named Yellow during my travels in June," Red added quietly. "She'd just started her journey but was already at Elite-level strength."
"Wait, really?!" Iris gawked.
She had only been joking—yet it turned out to be true?!
A half-year-old Elite-level trainer?
Red, Blue, White… and now Yellow?!
Were they forming a Rainbow Squad or something? And all of them absurdly overpowered?!
(End of Chapter)
TN: Damn I mess up with my naming, I know White was the name at start but I changed it because I thought it was a weird name, it was alright in Chinese being Bai Yulong or Yulong Bai which means White Jade Dragon but White in English is just a weird name to me at that time and I was unfamiliar with Yellow and Silver too, so I miss the angle the author was aiming for. The name I chose at the start was actually Lucian but change it Lucas since theres already an Elite four called that. Should have chose Light instead. My Bad guys. Smh