No one expected that, once the matter of the Sacred Church was resolved, what would come next would be something even worse.
Everyone nodded with serious expressions.
It seemed that in the time ahead they would have an enormous amount of work, and moreover, a threat that was far from small.
"By the way, Drake, Cain, and Steven, from now on the responsibility that will fall upon you will probably be quite great. You must be prepared at all times," Juan added as he turned his gaze toward them again.
At this moment, those three people could be considered the representation of the entire military power of the Hoenn League. Although they did not represent the full combat strength of the region, in the eyes of ordinary people, the Champion and the Elite Four were the highest force of a region and also the guarantee of security for its inhabitants.
As long as the Champion and the Elite Four remained there, the people would feel at ease, and the impact that Team Rocket might cause would likely also be somewhat reduced.
"Additionally, Cain, I previously placed you in charge of everything related to maintaining contact with Team Heaven in our Hoenn region. They, incidentally, have behaved with unusual calmness. Although they operate somewhat within the gray area, they rarely interfere in truly dark matters, and that has saved us quite a few concerns," Juan added.
"Although they have spared us many problems, and even the crime rate across Hoenn has decreased, in the end they are still an underground organization. At such a sensitive time, they must be monitored at all times. We cannot allow them to stab us in the back."
"Understood." Cain nodded. The matter regarding Team Heaven was indeed easy to handle.
"Alright, that is more or less everything. Does anyone have anything important to add?" Juan asked after finishing everything he believed required attention.
"President/Juan"
Cain and Drake spoke at the same time.
Then the two looked at each other, and the atmosphere became somewhat awkward.
"Master, you first." Cain extended a hand toward Juan. After all, Drake was his master; respecting elders and caring for the younger generation was a traditional virtue.
Hearing that, Drake smiled and spoke to Juan: "It's like this. During the journey back, I thought it over carefully, and I still wish to resign from the position of Champion."
"Of course, it is not to evade responsibility at such a delicate time. What I desire is that, precisely now, the position of Champion be passed to someone with greater capability and greater strength."
Drake said this to Juan without directly mentioning who would succeed him, but everyone present clearly understood that he was referring to Cain.
After Drake and Juan briefly explained the strength of the bishop of the Sacred Church, they also especially emphasized that Cain had held him back alone for quite some time, thus buying precious time for the League.
In truth, all of that was a somewhat embellished version of the praise the council elder had already given Cain earlier.
Therefore, when Drake said that the position of Champion should pass to someone stronger, not a single voice opposed it.
After all, they were master and disciple, and in fact the disciple's strength had grown so quickly that he had already surpassed his master. Taking his place in the position was not only unsurprising, it could even become a beautiful story.
Moreover, after stepping down from the position, Drake would not fully retire. He could continue helping Cain and Juan as an advisor, similar to Professor Oak's role in Kanto, and at the same time, a vacancy would open for a new generation to rise.
If Cain successfully assumed the position of Champion, then one of the Elite Four positions would become available, and Phoebe could formally rise to that position.
Thus, the Hoenn region would officially complete the transition of power between the old generation and the new generation. As for the president and certain administrative positions, those did not fall within this transition.
After all, in any region, the visible image to the public was always the Champion and the Elite Four. Even someone like Juan, as president, did not possess as much symbolic power before the people as the Champion.
Although, in real terms, the president of a region and the Champion possessed the same level of authority.
Only in Hoenn, since Juan had been both Champion and president at the same time, power had been highly concentrated in his hands. Therefore, although Drake had already become Champion, since he had held the position for only a short time, he had not been able to receive all the corresponding authority from Juan.
Part of the Champion's authority had even been handed in advance to Cain.
Therefore, it could be said that at that moment, aside from the title of Champion, Drake had not truly possessed the powers corresponding to the position, and was more similar to the former first Elite Four member.
It was not that Juan was obsessed with power. The reason was simply that Drake was too lazy, and so things had ended up this way.
Juan nodded, indicating that he understood, and then looked toward Cain.
"Cain, what were you about to say just now?"
Hearing that, Cain showed a somewhat embarrassed expression, but still spoke: "Uh... Actually, what I wanted to say is quite similar to what my master has said."
People often say that a soldier who does not aspire to become a general is not a competent soldier. And for me, a trainer who does not aim to become Champion is not a true trainer."
"So... enough beating around the bush, time to lay the cards on the table: I want to become Champion!"
Hearing Cain's words, everyone present smiled knowingly.
That Cain wanted to become Champion was, in their eyes, no secret. In fact, many of them sincerely wished to see him take that position.
"Hahaha! Brat, so you've been coveting my position for quite some time! Alright, it's about time I handed it over to you," Drake said, not the least bit angry. On the contrary, he burst into cheerful laughter and firmly patted Cain on the shoulder.
Men of the sea were just that direct and magnanimous!
(End of chapter)