Pyrite Town was successfully liberated.
However, Team Rainbow did not disband. From Yamamino at the top down to Ayana, Otsuka, and Naruhisa, they all continued to identify themselves as members of Team Rainbow.
Crucially, the Resistance members who had temporarily served as Team Rainbow personnel didn't seem to have any objections.
"Is this really a good idea? Creating a sub-faction right after the conflict ended?"
Kashiwagi was worried that Team Rainbow might be seen as a splinter group within the Resistance, which could hinder Orre's future development. More importantly, he had a lingering sense of guilt, as if he were "snatching the fruits of victory."
Yamamino gave him a strange look. "What's wrong with it? Besides, don't think of it as a sub-faction; think of it as an emerging conglomerate.
"The fact that people call themselves Team Rainbow shows they want to follow you. Plus, I've already told you why we need to establish Team Rainbow in the first place."
"..." Kashiwagi remained silent.
Seeing his serious expression, Yamamino sighed. "Let me ask you a question. In this battle for Pyrite Town, who do you think deserves the most credit?"
"Everyone contributed a lot... Fine, Ryuka?"
"See? You know exactly how it is. He might not have much prestige among the civilians yet, but he leads the Resistance from within. With just a bit of publicity, he'll naturally become the dominant leader of Pyrite Town."
"So you're going to compete with him."
"Exactly. If you don't fight for leadership, you'll never have it. I know what you're worried about, but this is a peaceful competition. Do you think Ryuka doesn't know what I'm doing? The fact that he hasn't stopped me means he's given his tacit consent."
"...How do we compete?"
"How else do you compete besides results? What Pyrite Town needs most right now is reconstruction and industrial revival. Whoever does that best will win the people's hearts. And to do that, you need manpower. What do you think Pyrite Town lacks most right now?"
"Money?"
"How could it be money! Do you have any idea how much capital we confiscated after arresting those illegal vendors in the Underdome? What Pyrite Town lacks most right now is talent!"
"If you have money, you get talent..."
"People attracted only by money are no different from the parasitic groups of the past. That might be a bit one-sided, but you need to understand: Pyrite Town lacks young people with dreams and drive."
Yamamino's mind was full of grand blueprints, and Team Rainbow was the bridge to realize his ambitions. "Only by constantly attracting more people to join will Pyrite Town have a future."
Kashiwagi had no rebuttal. The man in front of him wasn't an idealist fresh out of an ivory tower; he had seen the "dos and don'ts" of the old Pyrite Town and was still marching forward with steady steps. Perhaps, through his efforts, Orre truly could have a brilliant tomorrow like Galar...
"Don't just look at me; your mission is just as daunting. For now, enjoy the spoils of war," Yamamino patted his shoulder. "Do your job as the boss of Team Rainbow, and wait for the day I entrust you with a truly important mission."
Kashiwagi: "Huh!?"
Seeing the mysterious smile on Yamamino's face, a thought inevitably crossed his mind—This guy isn't going to make me hunt down Legendary Pokémon, is he?
As a spin-off region, Orre didn't have its own exclusive Legendaries. Unless they planned to conquer the world or, like Eternatus, bring about a specific environmental change, most Legendaries were optional.
Probably not, Kashiwagi thought silently.
In reality, the people within Team Rainbow's territory were much more willing to accept a leader like Kashiwagi—who came from a common background—rather than a "Resistance" that seemed to have appeared out of thin air, despite having been lurking among them for years.
When the people saw their former oppressors transformed into public servants, their support for Kashiwagi became even more sincere and passionate. Whenever Kashiwagi walked through the old Team Snagem districts, people would stop what they were doing to greet him with enthusiastic bows and deep respect.
As he responded to them, he thought about the Resistance's efforts. Even while hiding in the shadows, they had spent years subtly teaching the civilians right from wrong and planting the seeds of resistance against exploitation. This had indirectly caused the lower classes to stop cooperating with the old regime, preventing corrupt organizations from expanding further.
This victory wasn't a stroke of luck; it was the return on years of careful investment.
-----
Two days later, Drake departed with his crew and the Dragon Tamers.
According to the old Captain, he missed his ship; a life at sea made staying inland for too long feel wrong. They came quietly and left quietly, seeking no reward—a gesture that earned them the respect of many.
"We really should build them a monument or something," Kashiwagi remarked. Unfortunately, the Pokémon world generally didn't have a tradition of building monuments for the living.
But if you wanted to be technical, they did take something with them.
The Dragon Tamers took a vial of Kashiwagi's blood. They wanted to use modern equipment to run tests and determine exactly which branch of the lineage he belonged to, so his ancestors could be properly identified. To the Dragon People, heritage—specifically knowing one's ancestors—was paramount.
Kashiwagi felt a twinge of anxiety again. What if they found out they were wrong? Would he make enemies of the Dragon People? Probably not; if they were that petty, they wouldn't have come to help Orre in the first place.
"Why didn't you leave?" Kashiwagi asked, surprised to see Takeshi was still around.
"Pyrite Town still needs me. Besides, I'm waiting for the Orre League to be established so I can challenge it and become the Champion!"
Takeshi chuckled. "I know Yamamino has high hopes for you, but the title of Champion belongs only to the region's strongest. You don't mind if I'm one of the contenders, do you?"
Almost all Dragon Tamers aimed for the Elite Four or higher. He was no exception.
"Of course not." Kashiwagi had no interest in an "appointed" championship; having more rivals only fueled his desire to grow.
However... when would the Orre League officially form? When would the League Conference and Champion League start?
With these questions in mind, Kashiwagi went to ask Ryuka.
Ryuka explained that League matters were being decided by the leadership in Phenac City. Given the current state of things, it would likely take at least six months to build a functional system.
"Removing Team Cipher's influence from Orre is a much harder task than we imagined. Furthermore, the qualifications for the League Conference and the standards for the Champion League need to be strictly defined..."
Ryuka shook his head. "We can't do the sloppy work as Es Gan did. He was planning to just appoint a Champion. A League like that is nothing but a laughingstock. What's the point?"
"And... Yamamino still needs time to grow."
Ryuka leaned forward, resting his head on his desk as if exhausted. His wine-red hair draped over the surface, looking quite vibrant. He smiled. "What do you think my dream is?"
"—To save the Orre Region?"
"No. After that... or rather, before that."
"You... don't want to be the Champion too, do you?"
"Bingo~"
Ryuka formed a pistol with his right hand and mimed hitting a bullseye. "Exactly. I know nothing about administration, and I've already grown bored of it after a few days. Once Yamamino has enough achievements under his belt, I'll hand Pyrite Town over to him. I doubt anyone else will object."
So this guy doesn't plan on competing with Yamamino...
Wait.
He plans on competing with me!
Kashiwagi's eyes widened. Ryuka continued with a grin, "So get ready, kid. I won't be handing the Champion's seat over to you!"
"I wouldn't have it any other way!" Kashiwagi nodded firmly.
Suddenly, he realized that even in Orre, there were plenty of Trainers eyeing the throne.