As Nozomi accepted the envelope that President Silph handed him, the tension in the room instantly eased. The serious air from before dissipated.
Nozomi lifted his gaze again to meet President Silph's eyes.
"President Silph, I assume you didn't invite me here just for this matter."
As Nozomi had suspected, there was no way the president of Silph Co. had summoned him merely to express gratitude.
President Silph smiled faintly. "Of course, it's not just about a bit of money."
For the head of a company that spanned the entire Kanto region, money was nothing more than numbers on paper. If this were simply about sending thanks, he could've asked Lorelei to deliver a check to Nozomi directly.
"To be frank," Silph said, "there are two other important matters I'd like to discuss with you."
"Please, go ahead," Nozomi replied smoothly.
"The first," the president began, "is that I'd like to invite you to become the brand ambassador for our newest line of Poké Balls."
"Huh?" Nozomi blinked, momentarily stunned. That was the last thing he had expected.
He thought there might be some kind of secret project or alliance involved—but to ask him to be the company's spokesperson?
"Are you sure?" he asked, giving Silph a curious look.
"Absolutely." Silph nodded solemnly, expression unwavering.
"May I ask why?"
Nozomi studied the man's face. What could he possibly see in him that Nozomi himself didn't notice?
"You could say this is an investment," Silph explained. "If I'm not mistaken, you set out on your journey as a rookie trainer just this year, correct?"
"That's right," Nozomi admitted. It wasn't exactly a secret—anyone interested could easily find that out.
"And you intend to participate in this year's Indigo League Conference, don't you?"
"So that's your angle," Nozomi said, finally catching on.
Given his current strength, winning the Indigo League was practically guaranteed. A rookie trainer taking the championship title—that alone would make headlines.
If Silph Co. chose him as their brand ambassador, their new product line would explode in popularity overnight.
As Nozomi pieced everything together, it all started to make perfect sense.
Sure enough, Silph went on, "The reason I want you as our representative is simple: I personally believe you're this year's future Indigo League Champion."
He spoke plainly, without hesitation.
"These past few years, Devon Corporation from Hoenn has been aggressively expanding into Kanto and Johto. Because of Steven Stone's influence, many young trainers prefer their products. As a result, our Silph Co. merchandise has fallen behind in sales—declining year after year." His tone grew heavier as he spoke.
It was clear Devon's growing presence in Kanto had dealt Silph Co. a considerable blow.
"I see," Nozomi said with a nod.
He'd already heard rumors about the rivalry between the two corporate giants.
Lately, Devon-brand Poké Balls had been gaining traction in the market. Their share was still small, but considering this was Kanto—Silph's home turf—that trend was alarming.
It was, without question, a dangerous sign.
"So, what's the compensation?" Nozomi asked. He didn't mind representing Poké Balls—it wasn't a bad deal.
After all, he'd already tested Silph's Master Ball on Mewtwo and knew firsthand how reliable their quality was. Endorsing their products didn't bother him one bit.
"Two hundred million per year," Silph said grandly. "And if you win the Indigo League, we'll add another hundred million as a bonus."
A total of three hundred million—Silph Co. was truly throwing money around.
In terms of buying power, that was equivalent to twenty million in value. For a trainer whose fame had yet to spread beyond select circles, it was a staggering offer.
"Additionally," Silph added, "we'll craft a customized line of Poké Balls exclusively for you."
That sealed it. The treatment was excellent, and Nozomi had no reason to refuse. "Is there anything you'll need from me in return?" he asked.
"As far as I know," Silph said, "Devon has sponsored a trainer who's coming to Kanto to compete in this year's Indigo League. All you need to do is defeat him."
Nozomi nodded. "That's all?" Easy enough.
But a sudden thought crossed his mind. "What if I take a seat among the Elite Four instead?"
"You intend to challenge the Elite Four?" Silph's brows shot up.
Nozomi didn't answer—he merely nodded once.
That single gesture startled the company president. From what he'd learned, Nozomi's power was formidable, but he hadn't expected the young man to already have the confidence to take on the Elite Four.
The Elite Four represented Kanto's ultimate strength—especially now that the Champion's seat remained vacant.
They were the very embodiment of the region's might, and challenging them was no small feat.
Then again, rumor had it that Lance would soon ascend to Champion status… perhaps there was indeed a chance?
Silph's thoughts raced. Then he said firmly, "One billion. If you can claim a position as one of the Elite Four, Silph Co. will pay you an annual endorsement fee of one billion."
A ten-figure deal.
Nozomi extended his hand toward him. "Then, we have a deal."
At that price, he was more than tempted to go after the Elite Four positions.
Silph grinned broadly and shook his hand. "A pleasure doing business."
With Nozomi endorsing their brand, their Poké Ball sales were sure to skyrocket. And if he actually became the youngest Elite Four member in Kanto's history, Silph Co. might even seize the opportunity to strike back at Devon in Hoenn itself—just to spite that old man, Steven Stone's father.
Each of them harbored their own ambitions.
Then Nozomi recalled what Silph had said earlier. "President Silph, you mentioned there were two matters. Since we've settled the first, what's the second?"
"Oh, that." Silph's smile returned as he refocused his attention.