Indigo Plateau, the same old Indigo Stadium.
"Tch, really now… every random nobody wants to use us as their stepping stone."
Blue leaned lazily against the railing, stifling a yawn. If he weren't so bored, he wouldn't even bother showing up.
That's right—today was the day Aaron challenged Leaf.
Beside Blue stood Red in his cap, silent as always, and Giovanni, sharp in his suit, hands in his pockets, wearing a faint smile.
"Don't put it that way, Blue. Aaron is still one of Sinnoh's Elite Four—he's not to be underestimated."
Giovanni's voice was calm, signaling for Blue to rein in his arrogance. It was one thing for them to say it here, but if such words spread outside, it would hurt Blue's reputation.
After all, Aaron was a Sinnoh Elite Four member, and his outgoing, enthusiastic personality had earned him a good public image.
"Tch~" Blue curled his lip.
"There are gaps among the Elite Four as well."
It wasn't that Blue particularly looked down on Aaron—it was more that he equally looked down on all the Elite Fours from other regions.
You call yourselves Elite Four? Using the same title as ours in Kanto?
Red tugged down his cap further, staying out of the exchange. His own challenge against Diantha was tomorrow. Once he finished watching Leaf's battle today, he'd be on the plane to Kalos.
"Heh. Just sit back and watch Leaf put on a show."
Giovanni chuckled, ever composed.
Though his words sounded like he was giving Aaron credit, in his heart he didn't consider this match worth worrying about. There was only one possible outcome.
Yes, Leaf was the youngest and weakest of Kanto's Elite Four. She could be rather lazy and showed little interest in climbing the World Championship rankings.
But that didn't mean she was someone any random Trainer could challenge. Anyone thinking the "baby sister" of the Kanto Four was easy prey would only end up smashed to pieces!
With the host's announcement, two figures stepped out from opposite tunnels.
Aaron, a youth with a wild red afro, wore a yellow turtleneck shirt and loose gray trousers. With his hands in his pockets and a casual grin, he carried an unrestrained air. Despite the eccentric hairstyle, he looked rather dashing.
Across from him, Leaf had gone out of her way to dress up today. Light makeup highlighted her pure, delicate features. A black fitted dress clung gracefully to her frame, and sapphire earrings shimmered at her ears.
Her long brown hair flowed down naturally—an elegant, refined young lady.
As the two battlers entered, the packed stadium erupted in cheers. The live broadcast chat flooded with comments.
"Wooo!! Elite Four Leaf!!"
"Wow, she looks so beautiful today!"
"Haha, we've been dying to see Leaf battle—this guy Aaron's doing us a favor!"
"Tch, are all Kanto people this arrogant? Aaron's strong, watch her choke."
"Wait, isn't Leaf also a referee at the Rota Gym? Emmm… she and Champion Dylan aren't… y'know, together right?"
"Even if she loses, it won't be to Aaron. Leaf earned her spot by strength."
The chat was buzzing. Many outsiders doubted Leaf's ability—her public record was scarce.
Most knew her as the frequent referee at the Rota Gym. But referees didn't battle themselves.
Still, the Kanto locals had faith. Even if she lacked a flashy record, she was still their official Elite Four. That alone made her stronger than any Elite Four elsewhere.
That was the trust Kanto had in their league.
On the field, Aaron ignored the cheers for Leaf. This was Indigo Plateau—it was naturally her home turf.
"Elite Four Leaf, hello. Please take care of me."
Aaron straightened slightly, greeting her with friendly courtesy.
"Hello." Leaf smiled softly, brushing a lock of hair back with her gloved hand, poised and elegant.
She always paid attention to her image in public. After all, she was a girl—one had to show some refinement.
"Tell me, Aaron—why did you choose me as your opponent?"
The scoreboard lit up, their portraits displayed side by side.
"The Kanto Elite Four are known as the strongest in the world." Aaron grinned.
"There's no special reason. Challenging the strong is my creed. And you, Leaf—I don't believe you'll disappoint me."
For all his roguish looks, Aaron was a battle maniac—fighting the strong was his nature.
And the World Championship was the perfect stage to challenge elites from every region.
"I see." Leaf's smile grew sweeter.
"Then rest assured—I'll make this a battle you'll never forget."
Her pure, charming smile never faltered. So this was just another battle junkie.
Leaf sighed inwardly. Even as low-key as she tried to be, her identity as a Kanto Elite Four member drew endless attention. Many, not just Aaron, were surely curious about her strength.
The referee entered to announce the rules.
"I wonder how many of her aces Aaron can actually force out?"
Wallace propped his chin thoughtfully.
"A Champion versus an Elite… they're simply not on the same level."
Cynthia shook her head. They knew Aaron couldn't win.
The outside world might not, but they did. This seemingly low-profile girl was actually a prodigy on the same monstrous level as Red and Blue—just a little behind them in strength.
"And Leaf has lots of ace Pokémon." Lillie giggled.
That much was true. Dylan spared her no generosity—Leaf had practically every Ultra Beast in her collection, captured during her ventures in Ultra Space.
While Ultra Beasts could be specialized and flawed, in their own domains they were undeniably powerful.
The High-Rank League's format was always 6 vs 6, with only one special battle mechanic allowed per match.
"I'm going first, huh? Perfect."
The scoreboard's randomizer put Aaron on the offensive. He didn't mind—his team was fire-type focused regardless.
"My heart burns with fiery passion! Let's blaze together!"
Eyes blazing, Aaron hurled his Poké Ball.
"Flareon, go!"
With a flash of white, the red-furred, yellow-maned Pokémon landed before him, black eyes fixed on Leaf.
One of Eevee's evolutions—Flareon.
'Bzzzt—Flareon, Fire-type. The Flame Pokémon.
Ability: Flash Fire.
Moves: Flare Blitz, Scary Face, Smog, Fire Fang, Quick Attack…
It inhales air into its internal flame sac, producing flames of up to 1700 degrees.'
Listening to Rotom Dex's readout, Lillie tilted her head in confusion.
Wait… a fire team, and he's not opening with Ninetales or Torkoal to set up weather?
Sunny Day was a huge boost for fire-types.
With Dylan's strategies already spreading, it was common knowledge that monotype specialists needed weather or terrain setters.
"Aaron has started raising a Torkoal," Cynthia sighed. "It just isn't ready yet."
On the field—
"Flareon, huh."
Leaf gave the Pokémon a quick once-over.
"Well, it doesn't matter what you send out… because I have this."
Her smile was pure and radiant as she drew out a crimson luxury ball.
"Honestly, this might be my first time battling in front of such a huge crowd."
"But what better stage for a debut performance?"
With a playful grin, she tossed the ball high.
"Now—show them your brilliance!"
The capsule burst open, and from the light soared a magnificent, icy-blue bird.
Snowflakes shimmered in its wake, and its long, graceful tail feathers fluttered like falling frost.
The crowd erupted in gasps.
"That's… Articuno!"
Aaron froze, staring at the legendary ice-blue bird spreading its wings before him.
No way—I have to fight an Articuno??
"Wait—but isn't Articuno Champion Dylan's Pokémon?!"
Everyone knew Dylan had an Articuno—his very first legendary capture.
It was also his trump card against anyone unlucky enough to face his "Golden Legends" squad.
"Leaf has an Articuno?!" Blue leaned against the rail, stunned.
"So it's that one…"
Giovanni's deep gaze flickered—he recognized it instantly. It was the very Articuno he had once given to Dylan.
He hadn't expected Dylan to gift it to Leaf. Truly generous.
"That's right~ Dylan does have an Articuno. But there's more than one in the world. He captured a second one, so he gave me this one as a gift."
Leaf's smile was proud and sweet as she openly explained.
Whether it stirred envy or resentment, she didn't care. She wanted the world to know—her bond with Dylan was special.
He even gave me a legendary Articuno. Of course he cares about me!
So all you women with your shady thoughts about Dylan—stop dreaming! He's mine!
"..."
Aaron fell silent.
Damn it—she flexed on him. She really was close with Dylan!
"Dylan, you're way too generous," Wallace muttered, almost exasperated. Even giving away an Articuno?
"Mm. My brother is always generous with those close to him," Lillie pouted slightly. She'd known about this for a while, but it still bothered her.
I'm supposed to be his precious little sister!
(End of Chapter)