Sato and the others sat in a row, quietly listening to Bertha recount the legendary figures of her era, a feeling of awe gradually rising within them.
Back then, Agatha had left with Samuel Oak without hesitation. Although they each went on to become Champion and Elite Four respectively, for various reasons, a rift had formed between them, and they rarely contacted one another.
As for what exactly had happened between them… only those involved would truly know.
The ambition that Samuel Oak and Agatha once shared -to give every dreamer among the common people a chance to become a Trainer- had now seen real progress.
Only now did Sato finally understand why, years later, after stepping down from the Champion's seat, Samuel Oak didn't choose to enjoy retirement, but instead returned to his hometown -Pallet Town- to become a Researcher.
Perhaps in Oak's view, only through technological advancement and a deeper human understanding of Pokémon could productivity be unleashed, allowing the Trainer profession to truly flourish.
Sato deeply respected this. But it was only respect, he didn't have such grand aspirations. Being able to manage his own little world was enough for him.
(Mhmm, sure)
"So… do you want to go back and see it?" Mark's eyes were slightly red as he couldn't help but ask this harsh question to the woman nearly fifty years old.
Bertha froze. A flicker of gloom passed through her eyes. "No… I don't think so. When you're old, you can't handle the trouble anymore," she said lightly, but the regret in her voice was plain for all to hear.
Sato and the others didn't know what to say for a moment. Could she not go?
…Not necessarily.
It was just that Bertha herself didn't want to; or rather… had instinctively chosen to avoid it.
The mood in the office grew heavy, until Bertha adjusted her emotions on her own. Only then did the others begin to relax a little.
"I almost forgot the real reason I asked Flint to bring you here. It wasn't just to let an old woman like me vent.
There are quite a few Gyms established in the Sinnoh Region nowadays, but their 'teaching' quality varies. To tell you the truth, even among the Eight Official Gyms, some aren't up to standard.
I was just about to find someone to evaluate the Gym Leaders, and then you arrived! So I spoke with headquarters. You'll be doing it under the banner of friendly exchange, evaluate them however you see fit. Just give me a report at the end."
Bertha smiled as she spoke, then casually took out a badge-like object and handed it to Sato.
Sato twitched the corner of his mouth, but in the end still accepted the badge that symbolized the role of a Gym Inspector.
Did he forget to check the calendar before heading out today? Why did another mission fall from the sky?
"Of course, considering that you're here in Sinnoh for training, just complete this task along the way. I won't push you," Bertha added.
But hearing that, Sato didn't relax at all; in fact, he became even more alert, locking his gaze on Bertha, suspecting that she had more to say.
Sure enough, Bertha completely ignored Sato's expression and continued speaking to herself, "…Drake's so irresponsible. He doesn't even teach his own 'student' and has to make me play the bad guy…"
Well, what else could Sato say? This mission had clearly been arranged by Drake. Refusing wasn't an option… he could only accept it.
"Understood, Bertha!" Sato nodded, put away the badge, and turned to look at Volkner.
After all, sitting right here was one of the "Eight Official Gym Leaders".
Bertha didn't say anything; she simply watched the two of them with a smile, wearing an expression that said, "Do whatever you like."
And the always lazy, barely-speaking Volkner finally focused his eyes and turned to look at Sato.
"Want to battle?"
"Of course!"
Sato grinned. He came out looking for "level up", and Gym Leaders usually weren't weak. That was also why he hadn't really resisted the mission.
The League headquarters naturally didn't lack battlefields, and the fame of Volkner and Sato quickly attracted a large crowd of staff to spectate.
Yes, even in Sinnoh, Sato had some notoriety. After all, he had made his name through interregional tournaments/trials.
"This battle should go to our Sinnoh's Volkner, right?"
"Obviously! Sato's strong, sure, but he's still a bit behind..."
"Don't underestimate that Sato from the Johto Region. He's the supposed student of Hoenn's number one Elite Four, Drake!"
"So what? That just means Drake is strong. Doesn't mean he is. Besides, how can you cheer for outsiders and discourage our own?"
"I'm just stating facts..."
The stands were buzzing with debate, but the overall sentiment favored Volkner. That's the advantage of home ground, support and cheering can sometimes greatly boost a Trainer's morale.
Though apparently… Volkner wasn't one of them.
He impatiently scratched his ear, then turned to the audience stands and made a silencing gesture.
'Be quiet!'
'Oh… alright, you're the boss, you call the shots…'
The referee took their place and began asking Sato and Volkner about the format. The two exchanged glances and spoke at the same time.
"3v3."
"3v3!"
The referee nodded as expected. One Pokémon was too luck-dependent, two wasn't satisfying, three was just right.
After the standard rules of 3v3 were announced, the referee gave the signal, and Sato and Volkner sent out their first Pokémon.
"Ariados, prepare for battle."
"Raichu, stay sharp!"
"Battle start!"
"Ariados, Toxic Spikes."
"Raichu, use Agility!"
Neither side chose to attack directly at first; both were setting up for the long game.
"Sticky Web."
"Iron Tail, slice them all!"
Ariados began creating a favorable terrain. The webs shot out puff puff puff, striking every direction of the battlefield.
Yet Raichu's chubby body moved with unexpected agility. Its long tail swept around like a shield, slicing anything it touched clean in two.
Unstoppable!
Sato frowned. While Raichu hadn't surpassed the Elite level, just from that Iron Tail, it was clear Volkner had deeply studied move execution.
Still, watching its webs get cut didn't make Ariados nor Sato panic.
Because even when sliced, the webs remained on the field, and the poison coating them didn't vanish.
"Raichu, use Thunder, clear the field!"
But Volkner soon noticed what was going on. He didn't hesitate to stop using Iron Tail and switched to Thunder.
"Sticky Web, defense."
Sato gave the order. Ariados paused its poison threads and then sprayed another layer of nearly invisible silk.
Thick and sticky, even Thunder crashing down on it couldn't easily penetrate.
One of Ariados's core strategies: the Web Domain!