"So, Maxie and Archie could really summon Groudon and Kyogre—those two deities?" Juan frowned.
Cain nodded. "We can't rule out that possibility."
"In that case, we must be prepared. The research department will immediately begin tracking down the remaining members of Team Magma and Team Aqua. You'll be in charge of this, Cain," said Juan.
"Understood."
"And about what was mentioned earlier—those people who suddenly appeared during the final battle against the Hunter Guild... has there been any investigation into who they actually were?" asked Juan.
If it hadn't been for the sudden appearance of those four individuals, the League wouldn't have suffered such heavy losses.
"They were capable of controlling Latios and Latias, and all four were psychics who could open special spaces. If it hadn't been for Cain, who brought us back, our losses in this war would have been far worse," explained Drake.
"Oh? Cain, you're also a psychic. Have you been able to figure anything out?" Juan looked directly at him.
Cain gave a resigned smile and shrugged.
"Honestly, I don't know much about their identities either. I'm only certain that they all possessed powerful psychic abilities and could open alternate dimensions. If I had to guess... I'd say they might be connected to a new region."
"A new region?"
"The Kalos region, perhaps?"
"..."
Juan frowned again. After a brief pause, he said, "Alola?"
Just as he suspected!
The moment Juan uttered the name "Alola," Cain confirmed it internally.
The League had already discovered the existence of the Alola region, but it hadn't been made public yet. Only the highest-ranking officials were aware of it.
It was very likely that not even Drake knew about its existence.
Juan pulled out a report and began reviewing it. Inside were photographs of very unusual Pokémon.
"During the battle, we saw some Pokémon different from the usual ones. At first, I thought they were Shiny forms, but then we discovered they weren't. They differed not only in appearance, but also in typing and moves," said Norman, sitting to the side.
Although he didn't hold a seat at the main table, when he spoke, everyone listened without surprise.
Juan's expression grew complicated. "If it really is the Alola region... things will get troublesome."
The Alola region had been discovered by the League not long ago. They were still in the negotiation phase, and it was located quite far from the mainland.
The League was in talks with the local powers about officially joining, and so far, only a handful of top officials knew the situation. Everyone was expected to maintain absolute secrecy.
Those present in the room grew serious upon hearing this.
Discovering a new region was a momentous event for the League. They had to secure control before organizations like Team Rocket learned of it—otherwise, serious complications could arise.
"Then it seems we won't be able to investigate this matter thoroughly for now. The League will undoubtedly demand that we remain calm," said Drake, his expression grim.
At such a delicate stage of negotiations, the League would prioritize the greater good over pursuing a few individuals, no matter how powerful they were.
"We'll put this matter on hold until the negotiations with the Alola region are concluded. After that, we can resume it. But within Hoenn, it's different—if we capture outsiders on our own territory, the Alola region won't be able to complain. We'll strengthen police surveillance, but without digging too deeply," ordered Juan, looking toward the leader of the Jenny family.
She immediately understood and nodded.
Learning about such a critical League plan left everyone in silence for a moment.
The room fell quiet.
"Ahem... as long as we don't spread the news, that's enough. No need to get nervous. According to the latest reports, the negotiations with the Alola region should conclude smoothly. Instead, let's discuss the upcoming matters concerning our own Hoenn region," Juan broke the tension, redirecting the conversation.
The Alola region was still quite far removed from them.
"Right, let's talk about our own issues," added Drake.
"Right now, the Champion's seat is vacant, and among the Elite Four, only three remain. If we don't select a replacement soon, others might think Hoenn has run out of candidates," said the matriarch of the Joy family, covering her mouth with a light smile.
For her clan, that position had nothing to do with them, so she spoke casually, as though the topic didn't concern her.
Once the matter of the remaining Elite Four member was mentioned, everyone in the room turned their gaze toward Norman, Cain, and Steven.
It was clear the choice would come from among the three.
"Don't look at me. You all know how I am," Norman waved his hands vigorously, refusing any involvement in the matter.
Then, all eyes shifted to Cain and Steven.
Were the Twin Stars of Hoenn about to have their first clash?
What kind of sparks would fly from this?
Just over a year ago, the media had given them that nickname, never imagining the two would grow so quickly.
In terms of strength, Cain and Steven were still slightly below Glacia and Sidney. But compared to Lance, who had just become the new Dragon-type Elite Four member in Kanto, they weren't far behind—perhaps a little weaker, but not by much.
If Lance could serve as an Elite Four in Kanto, there was no reason Cain or Steven couldn't do the same in Hoenn.
Moreover, neither Wattson—one of the original Elite Four—nor old Matsuda, the temporary substitute, were necessarily much stronger than these two young men.
Suddenly, Steven stood up. All eyes turned toward him. "I think... ahem..."
Ignoring his father's look, he continued, "I think Cain is more suitable than I am, both in strength and capability."
With that, he sat back down.
Before anyone could respond, Cain also stood up immediately. "No, no, I think Steven is the most appropriate choice. My master won't be returning anytime soon, and I still have to deal with the matters of the Breeder Guild. So Steven is clearly the best option..."
And he sat back down.
Both had valid points.
Steven stood up again. "During the battles against Team Magma and Team Aqua, we all saw Cain's crucial role. You can ask Mr. Drake—he was the key reason we won. And in the confrontation with the Hunter Guild, if it weren't for him and his mastery of alternate space, the League's losses would have been far worse."
"More importantly, Cain possesses a Champion-level Pokémon. He's simply never summoned it to battle. That's why I believe he's the most suitable."
A Champion-level Pokémon?!
Everyone was stunned upon hearing it.
(End of chapter)