There were discussion among people as Giovanni raised the issue of replacing Brock as the Pewter city gym leader.
It was a known fact that Brock was young, even younger than Gladion and was not strong enough to take the mantle of a major gym leader. Many knew that Brock was not strong enough to even be a minor gym leader.
A League official representing the military of Indigo Region spoke up, "The Pewter City Gym was given to Flint's father for his immense contributions in the war. The military would be quite upset if we take the gym away from his grandson, despite the circumstances."
Everyone knew it was a fair point. Flint's family earned that gym, but they knew Brock would be struggling with managing the gym, considering that he also had to support his gang of little brother and sisters.
Giovanni countered, "What about Pewter's safety? Brock is young and not as strong as Gym Leader Gladion, who, despite his youth, is one of the strongest trainers in this room."
Gladion raised an eyebrow skeptically.
'Giovanni is buttering me up to win my support. Cute. If I didn't know how rotten you are under that facade, I might've considered it.'
Marcus, Sabrina's father, interjected, "Let's give young Brock a chance. He might surprise us. He's not a rookie—he's an ace trainer, albeit lower-ranked. Maybe Flint will show up soon, and we won't need to act."
Koga added, "Pewter city gym is often the first gym that trainers would challenge or among the mostly four gyms. Brock is strong enough for such trainers and experienced enough to give them advice and set them on a good path. The security of a region though is at risk considering the criminals would see a weak gym leader as an opportunity to engage in criminal activities. Increasing the police force and rangers would be agood idea considering we would be doing it anyways to keep an eye on Mt.Moon."
The motion to keep Brock as a gym leader passed, and the room moved on.
Next, a serious issue arose. A Johto official raised a concern. "The Fairy-type reveal has trainers flooding routes near Ecruteak City, chasing Togepi. It's disrupting local ecosystems—wild Pokémon are fleeing, and some are attacking trainers."
Morty, one of Johtos gym leader proposed, "We should deploy Rangers to regulate the area and issue warnings. Overhunting Togepi could destabilize the region's balance." The room nodded.
Then came a lighter issue. A Kanto official, his aura flustered, stood.
"Since the Fairy-type announcement, Jigglypuff sightings have spiked in Saffron City. They're… singing everywhere, putting people to sleep in the streets! Last week, a Jigglypuff crashed a Pokémon Center's waiting room—everyone woke up with marker doodles on their faces!" The room stifled laughter.
Marcus chuckled, "Saffron's used to psychic shenanigans, but this is ridiculous. We need a task force to redirect those Jigglypuff to less populated areas."
With the lighter issues settled, Gladion seized his moment, "The League's corruption is at an all-time high," he said.
"It's time to implement methods to stop it. So many higher-ups are corrupt, it makes me sick."
Koga frowned, "Are you saying people in this room are corrupt, Gym Leader Gladion? That's a serious allegation."
'Ninja-level acting right there,' Gladion thought, his smirk hidden. He'd already briefed Koga and Agatha on his plan, and they'd agreed to back him in the meeting.
"No, I'm not saying that," Gladion replied, his voice calm but pointed. "But after recent events, can we really trust each other? Four League officials, including two minor Gym Leaders, were working with Team Rocket. Who knows how many more are out there?"
He paused, "Who knows, maybe a Major Gym Leader is working for Team Rocket. We can never be sure." He avoided looking at Giovanni or Blaine, 'I'm still not sure if Grandpa's tied to Team Rocket. Politicians are impossible to read.'
Neither showed a reaction, just a raised eyebrow from Giovanni.
Agatha scoffed, "Don't be an insolent fool, brat. Every Major Gym Leader is a descendant or renowned figure who fought for Kanto and Johto during the Infinite War."
'She's playing her part perfectly,' Gladion thought. He pressed on, "Please. Wasn't Mayor Victor of Vermilion City a descendant of a war hero? And he was dealing with international terrorist organizations, Pokémon trafficking, and murders."
The room fell silent conceding to the point.
Gladion leaned forward, "Do you know what Mayor Victor said before I found evidence against him? He threatened me, saying he had friends in high places and it'd end badly for me. I wonder who those friends are for a mayor of a major city."
Marcus nodded, "Gym Leader Gladion's words hold merit."
An official asked, "What do you suggest then?"
Gladion's voice was firm. "League Auditors—inspectors from the Pokémon League visit gyms unannounced, checking for rule compliance, Pokémon treatment, and financial transparency. Financial Transparency Audits—leaders must submit income and expense reports, ensuring Gym funds, League money, town funding, or challenger fees aren't diverted to illegal activities."
'Let's see you hide your shady deals now, Giovanni,' he thought, 'You'll have to be extra careful.' Gladion wasn't worried about his own finances—Vortex Corporation paid fair taxes, and his activities were legal.
Koga nodded, "Not a bad idea. I'm in favor of the motion." Agatha crackled, "So am I." With an Elite Four member and a Major Gym Leader backing him, the others slowly agreed but some were clearly hesitant. Everyone had some finances diverted to save on taxes after all. But the motion passed without much objection.
With that, the monthly league meeting ended.
-------Author Notes------
Thankyou Firebug70 for supporting me!
Y'all can read 18 extra chapters on my pat*reon.
https://pat reon.com/mrmime24
[No Space in pat*reon]
Thankyou for your support!