After receiving the Luxury Ball containing Absol, Sato didn't release it right away, this wasn't the right time to try and communicate.
Phoebe and Wallace, standing nearby, had also been waiting patiently. Though they'd heard some of what was said about Absol, they didn't bring it up again.
If either of them had been in Sato's place, they probably would've chosen Absol too.
After all, as "prodigies", they both had plenty of confidence in themselves.
Soon, after listening to Professor Wen's explanation, Phoebe chose a Misdreavus, while Wallace -in a move that surprised both Sato and Phoebe- chose a Finneon.
"I saw quite a few Water-type Starters in there with just a glance. Don't they tempt you?" Sato couldn't help but ask.
"Nope!" Wallace shook his head firmly, then gently rubbed Finneon's Poké Ball against his cheek.
"…Only a beautiful, adorable Water-type sweetheart like Finneon is worthy of someone as great as the Grand Master of Contests~"
Sato and Phoebe: ...
---
Once the selection process was over, the three said their goodbyes, with Professor Wen repeatedly reminding them to take good care of Absol and the others.
Of course, they also made sure to save the smart secretary's phone number… who knew when that might come in handy?
Since the Ace Tournament had just ended, the Indigo Plateau was already much quieter compared to the previous days.
This was typical for places like Indigo Plateau, Mt. Silver, and Lily of the Valley Island. Regional headquarters that burst with life during tournaments, only to quickly return to calm once the festivities ended.
The people living here had long gotten used to this rhythm. Following the philosophy of "no business for three months, feast for three months," they were perfectly happy with the large pockets of free time between events.
"Wallace and I are heading back to Hoenn. Who knows when we'll be back in Kanto again," Phoebe said first as they stepped out of the League Headquarters building.
"Didn't we get 90% off airfare? Just fly over anytime," Sato replied earnestly.
"I was just making a sentimental remark, you mood-killer!" Phoebe rolled her eyes, clearly not in the mood to argue.
"Sato, let's make a promise between Trainers. The next time we meet, we'll greet each other with a battle!"
"…Anytime."
"Hmph, don't leave me out! Next time, we'll see who lasts to the end!" Phoebe, ever competitive, immediately jumped in, earning a side-eye from Wallace.
"Why are you butting in?"
---
After seeing Wallace and Phoebe off at the airport, Sato watched their plane take off with a smile, then boarded his own flight back to Johto.
Departure…
Heading home!
From the Indigo Plateau to Goldenrod City, then flying directly back to Shadownight Town on Honchkrow, Sato had only one thought on the journey: when would Shadownight Town be upgraded to Shadownight City… with an airport too?
"Hmm… I should talk to the mayor. If even Mahogany Town has an airport, why doesn't Shadownight Town?" Sato muttered to himself.
But he knew all too well… two of the current Johto Elite Four, Sen and Pryce, were both from Mahogany Town. If those two wanted to develop their hometown, who would dare get in the way?
Come to think of it, Sato had once indirectly saved Sen's life. Unfortunately, he had no legitimate reason to call in that favor…
Finally, just as night was falling over Shadownight Town, Sato and Honchkrow arrived home at a speed that left even Mark and the others stunned.
Because of Sato's sudden return, everyone who had already gone to bed came running out of their rooms in excitement, staring up in awe at their Gym Leader; completely forgetting how badly Sato had tormented them before leaving.
"Go back to sleep. Whatever it is, we'll talk tomorrow."
With a wave of Sato's hand, the trainees -though thrilled- didn't dare object. They quickly scampered back to their rooms.
"Boss, boss! The trophy~ Let me see it!"
Naturally, Mark wasn't someone who could be dismissed with a wave. Even dressed in his Togepi pajamas, he had no problem jumping in and grabbing at things.
Sato casually tossed his spatial backpack onto the sofa and raised his hand to block Mark.
"The letter?"
"Aww~ The letter can wait. Let me see the trophy first and I'll go get it!" Mark reached eagerly for the backpack, only to realize he couldn't even budge the arm Sato was using to block him.
"Go get the letter," Sato said, raising an eyebrow with a look that said, 'Go ahead and try… if you get past me, I'll admit defeat.'
Mark pouted, then stormed off into the hallway in frustration.
Sato didn't mind. He calmly began unpacking from the trip, carefully placing the Champion trophy into the display cabinet and locking it securely.
Five minutes later, Mark came stomping back into the room, grumbling under his breath as he tossed Joseph's letter to Sato and immediately turned toward the backpack.
Sato picked up the letter and glanced at Mark, who was rummaging through the bag for the trophy, but said nothing to correct him on where it had gone…
The envelope was completely intact, clearly never opened. Though Mark liked to mess around, he knew when to be serious.
Opening it up, Sato found three neatly folded sheets of handwritten stationery.
--
[To Sato, my friend:
Congratulations on winning the tournament…]
Recalling the time when Joseph had written this, Sato couldn't help but smile softly. 'You had more confidence in me than I had in myself.'
[To Sato, my friend:
Congratulations on winning the tournament… but if you didn't, just pretend I never wrote that.
Heh~ Just a small joke to help you forgive me for leaving without saying goodbye.
Leaving suddenly wasn't what I wanted. But the opportunity came, and I didn't know how to say it aloud, so I chose to write this letter instead.
While you were competing, we kept a close eye on the News.
After Norman was eliminated, I saw a report about him.
It said Norman would be traveling to the Kalos Region as an exchange student, accompanying Elite Four member Drake to meet with the Kalos League branch.
From the day we met, I told you I was from Kalos… but I never said how I got here.
Forgive me for lying back then. The truth is, I just ran away from home. The reason's a bit ridiculous, so I'll tell you the full story when I get back.
DON'T WORRY, I'LL BE BACK!
Compared to that cold stone pillar of a place, I've always known the Shadownight Gym is my real home.
But you also know, running away never solves anything; especially now that you're getting stronger, and Mark and I are struggling to keep up.
You know what? While you were gone, Mark has been more motivated than I've ever seen.
Just to meet a goal you casually mentioned, he left all the others behind the day after you left, took only Arbok and went into the depths of the Forest of Shadows alone.
By the time I returned, he was already back at the Gym with a newly Ace Arbok, though he looked completely battered and exhausted…]