A group of Trainers were red-faced, arguing heatedly over something. No one was willing to yield, and in the end, no conclusion could be reached. The entire command system of Celadon City had fallen into complete chaos.
"Enough. Shut up, all of you. From this moment on, I'm taking over."
The sudden voice cut through the noise like a blade.
The Trainers who had been arguing over deployment plans all turned toward the doorway, their expressions darkening with irritation. Whoever this was—how dare they speak so arrogantly?
Who does he think he is? Taking over the command of Celadon, Pewter, and Cerulean just like that?
With that thought, several hot-tempered Trainers were about to bark back angrily. But the instant they saw who had entered the room, every single one of them swallowed the words that had been on the tip of their tongues.
Faces flushed bright red. A few even clamped hands over their mouths and started coughing, stunned by how abruptly their emotions had reversed.
"The Kanto Champion?!"
"Lord Logan!"
"Champion!"
"..."
Shouts rang out one after another. Though the forms of address differed, the meaning was the same.
The few who had almost spoken out earlier silently congratulated themselves. If they had truly offended the Champion here, they'd have to tread carefully for the rest of their careers.
In everyone's eyes, this Champion's strength was so overwhelming that even the Elite Four dared not provoke him lightly—otherwise, why would they have chosen to launch their attack precisely when he was absent from Kanto?
"Are all the local Trainers from Pewter City, Cerulean City, and Celadon City present?" Logan asked.
"Champion, the three of us represent the Trainers from those cities," three men stepped forward awkwardly, exchanging glances.
"Our opinions differ, so we've been arguing…"
"That's enough," Logan said flatly. "From now on, you take orders from me."
"There's no need to keep this many Trainers concentrated inside the cities. The Elite Four have already achieved their objective. Before their next move, they won't launch another direct assault."
"Deploy all Trainers outward. Lower the alert level to minimum."
"…Have every Trainer and their Pokémon participate in disaster relief. Eliminate or capture any wild Pokémon still causing trouble. Prioritize restoring Pokémon Centers and airports. Repair all recovery machines and Pokémon transfer systems immediately. If manpower is insufficient, transport Pokémon from other cities."
"At the same time, issue orders in my name to Saffron City, Vermilion City, Fuchsia City, and Viridian City. Have their Trainers and rescue teams carry supplies and Pokémon to the nearest affected cities. They no longer need to worry about Elite Four attacks—because even if they tried, they couldn't stop them."
"As for Cinnabar Island, we don't need to intervene. As Kanto's oldest Gym Leader, Blaine has more than enough experience to restore order on his own."
"Notify the Indigo Plateau Pokémon League Headquarters to activate the disaster emergency protocol. Inform the Johto Region to prepare relief supplies and support Kanto via air and sea transport."
Logan issued his orders calmly and methodically.
As each command fell into place, the Trainers and staff present immediately sprang into action. The previously chaotic scene became orderly almost in an instant.
Standing nearby, Celadon's mayor watched in open admiration. The Kanto Champion truly is the Kanto Champion.
These proud, stubborn Trainers now behaved like obedient chicks before him. What had been a complete mess across Kanto's command structure was rapidly stabilized under Logan's authority alone.
"Mayor of Celadon," Logan said, turning to him.
"You have work to do as well. I don't know whether Lt. Surge is currently in Vermilion City, but Viridian City and Fuchsia City don't have Gym Leaders right now."
"You know the mayors of those cities, don't you? Notify them in my name and have them carry out the orders."
"Yes, Champion!"
The mayor reflexively snapped into a salute, even straightening his back unconsciously.
Once Logan's orders were fully issued, everyone moved busily. These people were competent—it was only the lack of leadership that had caused chaos earlier. Now, with Logan as the core, everything began operating smoothly and naturally.
Ironically, Logan himself became the most idle person in the room.
"Really impressive… honestly, I think you'd be better suited as the League Chairman, Logan…"
A weak female voice suddenly reached his ears.
He turned quickly and saw Erika leaning weakly against a wall, breathing heavily.
Her face was pale and bloodless. A bandage was wrapped around her forehead, one arm encased in a cast. The elegant kimono she once wore had been replaced by a thin patient's gown. Through the pale blue fabric, Logan could see dark blood seeping from her abdomen.
The stain had already turned brown.
"Erika! You're injured this badly—why are you out here? Didn't anyone stay with you?"
Logan rushed forward, supporting her fragile body. As if she had finally found something to lean on, Erika clutched him tightly. Her pale fingers grasped his sleeve as she buried her face against his chest, eyes closed.
"I told them not to stay with me," she murmured softly.
"I heard all the arguing outside… I wanted to see for myself. I'm usually the one giving orders—handing everything over made me uneasy…"
"But you came back… that's enough."
"I really thought I was going to die this time… I thought I'd never see you again…"
Her voice was softer than ever, trembling faintly with restrained sobs. It wasn't fear of death—but fear of never seeing the one she loved again.
"Alright, don't talk anymore," Logan said gently.
"Let's get you back inside and rest."
"…Okay."
Erika didn't insist. Supported by Logan, she slowly returned to the room.
Only then did Logan notice that Misty was also there.
She lay on a hospital bed, wearing a patient's gown just like Erika. One eye was wrapped in bandages, and the lively energy she once had was completely gone.
Logan also noticed something else—Misty's signature ponytail had been cut off, replaced by neat bangs. She looked less youthful now, and more mature.
The once bright, energetic girl had grown up.
"Long time no see, Logan," Misty said weakly, forcing a small smile.
"Didn't expect our reunion to look this miserable…"
"Misty, don't talk too much," Logan said. "Your health comes first."
Then he turned slightly and spoke to the person behind him.
"…Latias. You're good at caregiving, aren't you? I'll leave these two to you for now."
"Yes, Master!"
Only then did Erika and Misty realize—
Behind Logan stood a young girl dressed in a maid outfit.
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