Paldea region, League Headquarters building, Chairman & Champion office.
Geeta looked seriously at the report in her hands. After carefully scanning it once, she looked at her assistant standing respectfully before her.
"Didn't see who delivered it?" Geeta asked with a frown.
"That's correct." The assistant nodded helplessly. "That location was in a surveillance blind spot. The other party deliberately concealed their identity, and it seems..."
"It seems we also have their people inside," Geeta finished.
The assistant opened his mouth, then finally confirmed what Geeta said, which was actually his guess.
Geeta gently rubbed her temples.
Naranja Academy had become complex due to its close relationship with the Paldea League.
Similarly, the Paldea League had become easier to infiltrate due to its overly close relationship with Naranja Academy.
It could only be said that the intimate relationship between the League and Academy had indeed brought a steady stream of fresh blood to the League, ensuring the Paldea League always had sufficient talent reserves.
But this was a double-edged sword.
Geeta felt helpless about this.
Sighing lightly, Geeta put down the document in her hands.
Its title read: "Regarding the Origins and Status of Outstanding Inc. Chairman Gibeon," briefly describing the deeds of the "Explorers" from over a hundred years ago.
In other words, this person named Gibeon who had suddenly appeared on the "Pokémon World Championships" point rankings had been alive for... over a hundred years!
This shouldn't be a lifespan a normal ordinary person should possess.
Moreover, this hundred-plus-year-old person still wanted to participate in the "Pokémon World Championships"?
Actually, information about Gibeon being Outstanding Inc.'s president was already online, but most people didn't know this Gibeon's true age.
In fact, even Geeta, as League Chairman and Champion, wouldn't have known this without this document.
Because long before she became Champion and Chairman—no, long before she was born—Outstanding Inc. had already existed. It's just that back then, Outstanding Inc. didn't publicly announce its president's identity, always having the director handle things.
Even the Paldea League couldn't investigate Outstanding Inc.'s background without them doing anything outrageous, since... everyone got along fairly well.
Similar to the Hoenn League and Kanto League, Outstanding Inc. also had a place among the Paldea League's upper echelons.
"Chairman Geeta, here's the information Gibeon registered for the 'Master Tournament,'" the assistant handed over another document.
Due to clearance levels, he hadn't seen the one in Geeta's hands.
But when Geeta took it and briefly compared the two documents, she was stunned.
"Not the same person..." Geeta murmured.
"Hmm?" The assistant didn't hear what she said.
Geeta picked up the "Pokémon World Championships" registration information and photo for "Gibeon."
It clearly showed a young man who looked no older than thirty, with light blue hair, wearing a neat dark blue and light blue alternating suit with a small cape hanging from one side.
But based on the descriptions in both documents, these two "Gibeons" were not the same person...
What did this mean?
Outstanding Inc. had someone participate in the "Pokémon World Championships" under the name "Gibeon"?
Then someone secretly delivered information about the real Gibeon...
Internal conflict?
Geeta couldn't even be sure if both documents were real or if both had problems.
"Go investigate this person," Geeta handed the young "Gibeon's" photo to her assistant.
"Yes!" the assistant responded.
If Naranja Academy and the Paldea League's relationship brought "chronic problems," hadn't Outstanding Inc., which had operated for over a hundred years, done the same?
Geeta decided to observe further and see what Outstanding Inc.'s people actually wanted to do.
"Also, Chairman Geeta, here's what you asked me to investigate—the status of wild Pokémon and nearby residents in some areas," the assistant said, handing over the last document.
Geeta said nothing and began flipping through it.
This was an investigation she'd ordered after Teacher Johan captured Wo-Chien, looking into locations that might seal the other three disaster Pokémon.
While flipping through, Geeta asked: "The conclusion?"
The assistant pursed his lips carefully: "There might... indeed be some anomalies."
Geeta's movements paused as she slowly looked up: "Confirmed?"
The assistant nodded. "After analysis... two of the three locations have more or less affected nearby wild Pokémon."
"Sigh..."
She couldn't help but sigh.
Geeta felt mentally exhausted.
"Troubled times indeed..."
"Pokémon World Championships" matters, Outstanding Inc.'s situation, disaster Pokémon threats and influences, plus many lingering problems—even the capable Geeta felt overwhelmed.
"Is Hassel still at Naranja Academy?"
"Yes, after Elite Four Hassel refused that Dragon Tamer family member, he returned to Naranja Academy."
"What about Larry?"
"Elite Four Larry... works normal hours, but recently applied for external assignments, probably 'avoiding' Elite Four Flint from Sinnoh."
Without waiting for Geeta to continue asking, the assistant continued: "Elite Four Rika reportedly went to Cascarrafa Town—something she needed could only be bought there."
Cascarrafa Town was the Paldea region's huge market city. With the recent "Pokémon World Championships," people from around the world entering Paldea had made Cascarrafa's markets particularly bustling.
Many things usually hard to buy could now mostly be found in Cascarrafa.
"Alright. Have Elite Four Larry and Elite Four Rika go to these two locations respectively."
Larry rarely wanted to take external assignments—not letting him run this errand would be unfair to this rare opportunity.
"Also send them copies of the 'Treasures of Ruin' materials Teacher Johan provided."
With Teacher Johan's materials, she believed Elite Four-level strength should be able to handle things.
She'd watched the video Teacher Johan sent.
Wo-Chien displayed extremely strong power, worthy of its legendary status. Teacher Johan's Urshifu was impressively fierce, defeating Wo-Chien despite the "Tablets of Ruin" suppression.
Larry and Rika weren't as powerful as Teacher Johan, but... Elite Four members didn't have just one Pokémon.
With full teams, handling a legendary on the level of Articuno should be possible.
"What about the last location?" the assistant asked.
"I heard Teacher Johan went to Levincia City? And participated in Iono's livestream?"
"Uh, yes." The assistant immediately added: "Very popular, with many viewers."
He'd specifically made time to watch the livestream. Teacher Johan and Miss Cynthia appearing together in Iono's stream essentially announced their relationship, directly igniting the entire chat.
Many people were "speculating" that Teacher Johan plus Miss Cynthia, Hoenn League plus Sinnoh League, meant overthrowing the "rule" of the Kanto and Johto Leagues!
"Levincia City is closer to that last location, right? We'll have to trouble Teacher Johan and Miss Cynthia again."
With the "Pokémon World Championships" points stage winding down, Geeta wished she could clone herself—she felt understaffed.
"I'm afraid... you'll need to contact Teacher Johan personally, Chairman," the assistant said.
After all, they were two Champions who weren't even from their Paldea League. Even with the best tone and attitude, an assistant contacting them would seem impolite.
Hearing this, Geeta smiled slightly and waved: "No need. Send Teacher Johan's expense report to him, add 10% to the reimbursed items, then put the third location's information in the reimbursement materials. He'll understand."
The assistant was stunned.
Did the Chairman have such rapport with Teacher Johan?
Speaking of which... he'd heard that Hoenn League's Champion and Elite Four were all top-tier "reimbursement experts," traveling the world with "expense reports."
Of course, this was just hearsay—he didn't know who started it...
"Also," Geeta put down the report, crossed her hands, pondered briefly, then continued: "We've found two 'Herba Mystica,' right? Send them all to Teacher Johan, and have people hurry to collect the rest."
"Understood."
After handling everything, Geeta tiredly waved her hand, signaling her assistant to get to work.
The assistant nodded and left.
After the assistant left, Geeta picked up the two documents about "Gibeon" again, then opened her computer showing several cases of Pokémon suddenly becoming stronger but losing control.
Out of intuition as League Chairman, Geeta felt these incidents might be connected.
Frowning, a thought suddenly struck her.
Handling out-of-control Pokémon... wasn't this Teacher Johan's specialty?
Paldea region, Levincia City.
Johan signed rapidly, accepting the batch of reimbursed supplies sent by the Paldea League.
The quantity was at least 10% more than what he'd requested!
As the "Reimbursement Champion" with boldness second only to Elite Four Drake, this was Johan's first time encountering such a situation.
Did I request too little?
No... Johan was confident about quantities.
Moreover, not only was the quantity 10% more, there were also two additional "Herba Mystica."
Bitter and Sour varieties respectively.
If he remembered correctly, these should be from Titan Bombirdier and... Great Tusk or Iron Treads.
"So thoughtful..." Johan gently rubbed his chin. "Must want something in return."
Sure enough.
"Ka-kaah!"
Gengar, stuffing things into its "treasure bag," pulled out a paper from its mouth.
"I knew it..."
Looking at the paper, Johan understood Geeta's meaning.
She wanted them to go to North Province Area Two to deal with another possibly awakening "Treasures of Ruin."
This reimbursement was just this once—next time would be separate. This was just showing sincerity.
There would be additional compensation after completion.
Plus help finding the "Herba Mystica."
"Helping out on the side isn't impossible."
Having already "handled" Wo-Chien, Johan didn't find "Treasures of Ruin" Pokémon particularly troublesome.
As they say... there's only zero times and countless times.
Since he was already "raising" one, one more wouldn't make much difference.
"Let's head out once Cynthia and the others arrive."
Looking at this technologically advanced, developed, and prosperous city, Johan couldn't muster much interest or goodwill.
He didn't know why, but now he preferred the outdoors, natural environments, and the lively, cute wild Pokémon.
"Ka-kaah?"
Not here yet?
Gengar struck a watching pose, looking toward the busy street.
Originally, the group had been together.
But because Johan needed to receive supplies from the Paldea League while Caitlin dragged Cynthia shopping, they'd temporarily separated.
"Ka-kaah!"
They're here!
Sharp-eyed Gengar spotted them.
But besides Cynthia and Caitlin, Gengar also noticed...
"Ka-kaah!"
There's a man!
A man?
Johan raised an eyebrow, following Gengar's gaze.
Beside Cynthia and Caitlin—one tall, one short, both blonde—was a man with light blue hair wearing a dark blue and light blue suit with a cape on one shoulder, smiling warmly with handsome features.
Hmm?
This person... seemed somewhat familiar.
Where had he seen him before...
While Johan pondered, Cynthia, Caitlin, and the man had reached him.
"So it really is Teacher Johan. I could only see you on TV before—finally meeting you in person," the light blue-haired man said with a smile.
"Hello," Johan's face also showed a smile with little emotional change. "May I ask who you are..."
"Sorry, I was too excited seeing Teacher Johan and forgot to introduce myself. I'm 'Gibeon,'" the light blue-haired man calling himself 'Gibeon' introduced.
Gibeon?
Johan's heart stirred.
"Gibeon, Paldea region Outstanding Inc. president, currently 'Great Ball Tier'... second place, Rotom!"
The Rotom Pokédex floated out, displaying "Gibeon's" photo while introducing the man's information.
Hearing this, Johan finally remembered who this man was.
Gibeon was indeed Outstanding Inc.'s president, even one of the "Explorers" founders from over a hundred years ago.
But definitely not this man before him.
His name should be Spinel!
A top researcher at Outstanding Inc. and a powerful trainer.
However, though his strength was decent... it shouldn't let him become "Great Ball Tier" second place in the "points stage."
Spinel could barely compete with Friede.
Johan had briefly glanced at the "Great Ball Tier" point rankings. Spinel, calling himself "Gibeon," was second only to Raihan, ranking above Mustard, Lorelei, and Boss Giovanni!
Probably fought "fixed matches."
Though the "Pokémon World Championships" points stage had Rotom drone livestreams, that didn't prevent fixed matches.
With Outstanding Inc.'s scale and the "Explorers'" strength, there were plenty of ways to quickly boost Spinel's ranking.
Moreover, Spinel was someone with a cunning, changeable personality, skilled at scheming. Despite ordinary origins, he'd climbed from a small Outstanding Inc. researcher to become one of chief Gibeon's most trusted subordinates.
He'd even managed to kick Gibeon's own grandson out of the "Explorers" core.
This level of scheming wasn't something ordinary people could achieve.
Unfortunately, when Johan came to the Pokémon world, "Pokémon Horizons" hadn't finished, so he didn't know that later, after Gibeon's fall, Spinel had gained control of the "Explorers" as chief and Outstanding Inc. as president within a year, becoming a major figure in the Paldea region!
All through his so-called schemes and planning.
Additionally, under the guise of Gibeon's goal to find "Rakua elements," Spinel secretly pursued his "enhancement ball" research. After usurping power, he promoted "enhancement balls" under Outstanding Inc.'s name.
Johan really hadn't expected Spinel to connect with Cynthia and Caitlin.
Though Outstanding Inc.'s headquarters was indeed located in Levincia City.
Seemingly noticing Johan's confusion, Cynthia gave him a slightly helpless look.
"Heh, just lucky, just lucky," Spinel said modestly after hearing the Rotom Pokédex's introduction.
"I wonder what Mr. 'Gibeon' needs?" Johan pretended not to recognize Spinel's identity, maintaining his smile and asking gently.
"What a coincidence..." Spinel showed some embarrassment: "Actually, I'm a fan of Teacher Johan."
Pfft—
Johan didn't believe this one bit.
But Spinel continued: "So, if possible, could Teacher Johan, Miss Cynthia, and Miss Caitlin consider honorary positions at our Outstanding Inc.?"
Before Johan could speak, he quickly explained.
"Of course, just honorary titles with no business requirements or work obligations, not even location restrictions to the Paldea region."
Such honorary positions weren't uncommon in the Pokémon world.
For example, Leon had previously held a special battle advisor title at Rose's Macro Cosmos, Johan had a special advisor title at Devon Corporation, and even old man Drake had a position at Devon.
No responsibilities or obligations required—they just wanted the name.
But... those were cases where both sides knew each other well. Having the title or not didn't really matter.
But Spinel's behavior was clearly...
Spinel smiled and held up three fingers.
"Three hundred million Pokédollars."
How much?!
Johan's eyes widened slightly, his expression changing somewhat.
Spinel added: "Per year."
Three hundred million Pokédollars annually?
So wealthy?
This made Johan want to "raid" Outstanding Inc.
His Devon position, after becoming Champion, only got a salary increase to twenty million Pokédollars per year from old man Joseph.
After all, it was just honorary—taking more would make Johan feel bad.
This was an opening offer of three hundred million Pokédollars!
Did Outstanding Inc. have that much liquid capital?
Well... it was a century-old giant that had existed longer than Silph Co. and Devon Corporation.
Moreover, there was the "Explorers," a "military organization," cooperating with them.
Caitlin glared at Johan.
Johan also snapped back to reality.
"Cough."
Out of respect for money, he coughed and said politely: "Next time, definitely next time."
Johan gave Cynthia and Caitlin a look.
"We have other matters, so we'll take our leave."
With that, the three turned and left.
Watching their departing figures, Spinel's smile disappeared, replaced by some gloom.
"Johan, Cynthia..." Spinel muttered quietly. "...What a pity."
He turned to leave as well.
But as soon as he turned, he saw a chubby Gengar with its hand cupped to its ear, silently pressed against his side listening.
Spinel: ?!
"You!"
"Ka-kaah~"
Gengar scratched its butt and shook its head.
Pity... why didn't you say more?
If you'd said just a bit more, I could've given you a "wonderful" night tonight.
No fun.
Hands behind its head, pouting and whistling, it hopped away.
Watching Gengar leave, Spinel opened his mouth, momentarily speechless.
After standing stunned for a while, he sighed and turned around.
Then... he saw Gengar again, who had clearly left earlier.
Gengar: (ノ)
Spinel: ╬!
Veins bulged on his forehead.
"Ka-kaah~ Ka-kaah~"
Gotta run, gotta run~
Gengar slipped into shadows and disappeared.
This time Spinel didn't believe it, very cautiously looking around before finally heading back to Outstanding Inc.
This day, he was destined to find Gengar under his covers at midnight.
"That person really is..."
Once they left Levincia City, Caitlin couldn't help complaining about Spinel.
He'd "stuck" to them without asking, acting overly familiar.
Though Caitlin didn't understand psychology, as a psychic, she could somewhat sense goodwill versus malice.
From Spinel, Caitlin felt uncomfortable—very uncomfortable!
So she hadn't given Spinel any good attitude.
Though Cynthia hadn't been as direct as Caitlin, her earlier look to Johan said everything.
"Compared to him, Johan is actually a good person!" Caitlin muttered.
Johan: "..."
Thanks a lot.
Comparing me to him.
And what do you mean "actually"?
Also, why are you randomly giving out "good person cards"?
Unable to complain about Caitlin, Johan shook his head: "This person isn't simple. Better to avoid contact in the future."
"Mm." Cynthia nodded obediently.
"I even suspect his identity is fake—'Gibeon' isn't him," Johan warned.
"League identities can be faked?" Caitlin asked in surprise.
Johan glanced at her.
Why couldn't League identities be faked?
Team Rocket's highest executive serving as a League Elite Four—you haven't seen that, have you?
With ability and strength, faking was simple.
Just wondering... what was Spinel trying to do by participating in the "Pokémon World Championships" under "Gibeon's" identity...
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Powerstones?
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