Cynthia. Red. Diantha.
The news of their gathering in Celestic Town spread like wildfire, sending shockwaves through the entire Pokémon world.
Hoenn Region. Ever Grande City.
Wallace had just finished a sparring match with Steven Stone.
The two were close friends and frequently battled to sharpen their skills and keep their Pokémon at their peak.
Steven wiped the sweat from his brow and glanced at his buzzing phone. His expression grew serious.
"Wallace," Steven said, his voice grave.
"It seems the pressure for this year's Championships has just skyrocketed."
He showed the screen to his friend.
"Diantha has joined them. It is estimated she will challenge you for your rank."
Wallace smiled wryly, flipping his teal hair.
"It's not just Diantha I have to worry about. Cynthia is likely coming for me, too. Rumor has it she tamed a Galarian Zapdos specifically for this tournament."
Wallace sighed, looking out at the ocean.
"My team specializes in Water and Rain tactics. A Champion-level Zapdos... that is a nightmare for me. Steven, protecting the honor of the Hoenn Region might be up to you this time."
Steven grimaced. "Don't count on it. They say Cynthia's Garchomp was personally trained by Samuel. It has perfectly adapted to Mega Evolution and acts as a separate Ace."
Steven looked down at his Metagross.
"My Steel-types are fundamentally restrained by her Ground-type Garchomp. If she comes at me with full force... it won't be easy to hold the line."
"Come on, Steven," Wallace said, trying to sound optimistic.
"I've already turned down all my Contest Coordinator duties to focus on training. We have to try."
Steven nodded. "I've also put aside my excavation work. No more digging for rare stones until the tournament is over. Since there are two of us representing Hoenn, we can at least ensure we don't look too ugly."
Galar Region. Wyndon.
In his private training room, the "Unbeatable Champion" received the news.
Leon stared at the report about Red, Diantha, and Cynthia gathering in Celestic Town.
A wide, wild grin spread across his face.
"Charizard!" Leon shouted, throwing his cape back.
"It looks like the path to the championship won't be a boring walk in the park this time!"
"It's going to be a fierce battle! My blood is boiling just thinking about it! How about you?"
"ROAAAR!!!"
Leon's Charizard unleashed a wild, thundering roar, responding to his Trainer's burning excitement.
Johto Region. Mahogany Town.
A woman with flowing, dark purple hair descended from the icy peaks of Mt. Silver.
She walked into the local Pokémon Center, her presence instantly lowering the temperature of the room.
It was Sabrina.
She handed her Poké Balls to the nurse.
"Please restore their stamina."
"Of course, please wait a moment," Nurse Joy replied, taking the tray.
While waiting, Sabrina stared blankly at the TV in the lobby.
Her expression was cold, hiding the scars of her past.
She remembered vividly the day she had confessed to Sam, only to be crushed in a battle by Cynthia.
Cynthia's warning still echoed in her mind:
"Never think of Sam again."
Sabrina had retreated to Mt. Silver to train, intending to bury those feelings.
But then, the entertainment news anchor began to speak.
"According to reliable sources, Kanto Champion Red and Kalos Champion Diantha have both gathered in Celestic Town... Meanwhile, Miss Cynthia, the Champion of Sinnoh, has officially announced her wedding date!"
Sabrina's hands clenched into fists.
"She stated that after the tournament, she will marry the Professor of the Celestic Laboratory... An insider revealed that Miss Cynthia is aiming for the Number One rank not just for the glory of Sinnoh, but to earn the title of 'World's Strongest' before her wedding!"
"She wants to present the World Championship trophy to her husband!"
The machine chimed.
"Hello? Miss?" Nurse Joy's voice interrupted Sabrina's trance.
"Your Pokémon are fully recovered."
"Okay. Thank you."
Sabrina took the balls and clipped them to her waist.
She turned and walked out of the Pokémon Center, her face expressionless.
But inside, her mind was churning with a twisted, psychic logic.
Championship Ranking. Marriage.
She replayed the news report in her head, filtering it through her own obsession.
Cynthia said I couldn't be with him because I was weak.
But the news says... the condition for the wedding is the Number One Rank.
A dark light flickered in Sabrina's eyes.
I see. That is the rule.
If getting the First Place title is the condition, then if I get it, I will be qualified.
If I become the World Champion, even Cynthia can't stop me.
Sabrina stopped in the middle of the street.
She turned her gaze away from the direction of Mt. Silver.
She would not be returning to the mountains to sulk.
She needed a Champion title to enter the tournament. And she needed it now.
She looked toward the Unova Region.
"Alder," she whispered to the wind.
She would go to Unova. She would challenge Alder.
She would take the title of Unova Champion by force.
And then... she would enter the Ranking Match to claim Sam.
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