Cain was helping Slowking and Tyranitar gradually get used to this kind of combination.
Once they had grown accustomed to the simplest mode, the next step was for both Pokémon, through a long period of merging, practice, and combat, to seek improvement and reach a deeper level.
Little by little, Cain's other Pokémon also needed to train and battle within this sandstorm.
With Slowking's sudden cooperation, even more powerful attack combinations could be unleashed—or they could perform double strikes together.
In addition, whether in offense or defense, there was always a ready-made weapon of sand and stone, whose power was far from negligible. In some cases, it could even ignore weak attacks, and in the case of stronger ones, when they pierced Tyranitar's defense, their power was greatly reduced.
Aside from that, Slowking's psychic-type moves, combined with Tyranitar's Stone Edge, Precipice Blades, and other high-power attacks, could manifest anywhere within the sandstorm.
Whenever Cain wished, a devastating combination could erupt at any moment.
The other Pokémon, on the other hand, had to grow familiar with this battle environment and experience the constant support that their companions could provide from any point.
The first experience was truly exhilarating.
Though in actual combat, it remained to be seen how much of that potential they could really unleash.
That was why, once the Pokémon had adapted sufficiently, Cain planned to find them high-level opponents to test against.
Everything was proceeding according to his plan, in an orderly manner.
...
At the League headquarters in the Kanto region.
The highest conference room of the Pokémon League's General Headquarters.
A chamber built deep and high within Mt. Silver, in the most hidden part of the League's central building.
In front of the large meeting table sat several people.
However, upon closer observation, one could see that aside from the elderly man of about sixty or seventy sitting in the main chair, all the others present were merely virtual projections.
Around the table, many seats were empty, arranged without any fixed pattern. Among those present were both men and women, some older, some relatively young.
If Cain were there, he would have recognized among those projections the President of the Hoenn League—Juan—since this was only a projected image, not his real body.
"Today, I've called you here because I have some matters to warn you about."
"Currently, there's an organization called the Sacred Church that has become far too active, and they've done so across multiple regions simultaneously. I hope you all take this seriously."
"This Sacred Church is not a simple organization. We don't know who's behind them, but we suspect they are closely related to the Alola region."
"At this moment, we are still negotiating with Alola, but their terms are harsh. So, if you can quietly resolve any incidents involving this Sacred Church, keep it secret and don't let it turn into a public scandal."
The gray-haired elder presiding over the meeting was the one speaking.
The others barely reacted, only nodding slightly to show they understood.
"There's another matter—not big, but not small either—that you've probably already heard of. The grand League event in Kanto has officially begun. Let's take advantage of the fact that Team Rocket hasn't been very active lately, and try to conclude this matter before they start moving again."
"This may not affect you much, but if any emergencies arise in your regions, it's best that each of you handle them independently."
The elder continued, "Also, authorization is granted to expand the regular forces of each region. Turbulent times are coming. If you find young people with talent and the right conditions, promote them decisively. Heroes are born in times of chaos. The younger generation is growing up—everyone understands that."
Everyone, including Juan, nodded.
"Lastly, spatial barriers have been weakening lately. Prepare your defenses well, as unexpected incidents may occur. Each region must send its forces to stay alert."
"Alright, this meeting is adjourned."
As he finished speaking, the projections vanished one after another.
Only one remained, and in the end, only that image and the elderly president were left in the room.
"Juan, is there something else?" asked the elder when he noticed the figure hadn't left.
It was indeed the President of the Hoenn League, Juan.
Juan nodded. "You must have already heard about the movements of Team Magma and Team Aqua. But what I don't understand is why the Hunter's Guild has appeared again without control. Don't you think you owe me an explanation?"
His expression showed clear displeasure.
The truth was that the Hunter's Guild had already been expelled from Hoenn, taking refuge in Kanto. However, now they had forcibly re-entered with a large number of people. In a sense, the Kanto League couldn't completely escape responsibility for that.
The old man sighed helplessly. "It's not that we didn't want to stop them—it's that we couldn't. You, better than anyone, know Kanto's current situation. That young Giovanni—though an enemy—there's no denying he's highly capable."
"It's a pity his ideology differs too much from the League's. Otherwise, the next president couldn't have been anyone but him."
"A weakened Team Rocket shouldn't be that much of a problem..." Juan began to say.
The elder nodded, interrupting, "Indeed, not even Team Rocket at its peak would be enough to handle this. But as I mentioned earlier, that Sacred Church has sent people who have secretly restrained the League's forces."
"Moreover, I've discovered that they've also infiltrated the League itself quite deeply. At that moment, I had to act cautiously and didn't dare launch an open counterattack."
Juan listened silently, realizing the old man wasn't lying. If he said he couldn't move, then it was true.
Even so, Juan still felt regret for the losses suffered in the Hoenn region.
Seeing his expression, the elder didn't blame him for his accusatory tone and sighed deeply. "I understand how you feel. I'll do this—Hoenn will get an extra slot in that place."
"Perfect!"
Hearing that, Juan's eyes gleamed, and he accepted without hesitation.
"You're something else..." The elder couldn't help but laugh.
He understood that Juan had used the complaint as a pretext to gain an advantage.
But the Hoenn region truly was a land of talent, so one extra slot didn't matter.
Suddenly, Cain's file appeared in his mind. He remembered that Cain had come from Kanto, and he felt a faint sense of pity.
Though in his position, it didn't matter from which region a talent emerged—they were all talents of the League. His vision went far beyond any single territory.
"A young man whose origins we don't know, someone even hiding his information... quite mysterious. But... even if he were from Team Rocket, it wouldn't be a problem. His way of acting is far better than that of many others."
"In any case, he's a valuable force. As long as he doesn't go too far, I'll turn a blind eye."
"That boy—the one those special people have taken notice of... he might become a turning point. Whether for good... or for ill... who knows?"
The old man's eyes turned silver, emitting a strange, mysterious glow.
(End of chapter)