Since there were quite a few people in Sato's group, Siebold directly arranged a mid-sized shuttle bus.
It would take about half an hour to get from the airport to the Kalos League Headquarters building.
On the way, Fitzwilliam gave a brief overview of their current situation, not avoiding the fact that Siebold was right there listening.
This wasn't because Fitzwilliam lacked awareness, but rather, after learning about Joseph and Siebold's relationship, he deliberately took the opportunity to get on Siebold's good side.
As an Elite Four candidate, Siebold held considerable status within the Kalos League.
If the Narcissus Family hadn't been "dismantled", most people would've given him even more face because of it… whether he cared for that or not.
And after Fitzwilliam's explanation, Sato's previously tense nerves not only completely relaxed but even carried a hint of helplessness.
Because the Kalos League was so confident in its own strength, they didn't bother with petty or humiliating treatment when hosting guests.
So both Drake and his group had been arranged to stay in the finest hotel, and as long as the requests weren't over the top, everything was done to accommodate them.
But when it came to official talks, the Kalos League President -while all smiles- refused them with resolute firmness.
His exact words were: "The Kalos League has been completely independent for a long time, and we're ahead of Kanto, Hoenn, and the rest in all aspects. I honestly can't think of a reason to agree."
Faced with that stone wall, even Drake couldn't help feeling a little helpless; for the most part, what the President said was true.
Even though the regions were one family centuries ago, asking the strong to bow to the weak was even less likely now.
And the real issue was… they hadn't prepared thoroughly enough for this trip. For various reasons, they hadn't brought many Ace Trainers.
But after listening to Fitzwilliam, Sato realized that this was actually his fault…
Back during the Ace Tournament over half a year ago, Sato shattered records by becoming the youngest champion in the competition's history, which seriously riled up the other Trainers at that level.
Veteran Trainers didn't even need to be mentioned; they all went into seclusion to cultiva- cough… train, cutting off all contact.
And the ones who had competed in that tournament were even more disgraced, feeling like Sato had used them as stepping stones.
Young Trainers didn't take it well either. They thought, 'We all have one head and two legs, why are you ahead of us?'
So Will, Norman, Phoebe, Wallace… they all frantically searched for ways to grow stronger.
Those with connections used them.
Those without vanished into remote mountains to seek breakthroughs.
Even Mark had been so provoked by Sato that he went on a long survival training expedition in the Hoenn Region!
Of course, along the way, he unexpectedly unlocked some househusband skills… like Lucario doing laundry, cooking, and taking care of kids.
…Not even Mark saw that coming.
As a result, when Drake wanted to find a few people to accompany him to "exchange" with the Kalos Region, only Norman -who made it to the top 32- got roped into tagging along.
The rest all disappeared without a trace!
And to top it off, Sato had been called by Charles Goodshow to attend Celadon University.
At the most critical moment, Drake realized he couldn't even call on his own "student". And it wasn't even Sato's fault!
Tell me that's not infuriating!
INFURIATING!
…Cough…
So, in a fit of frustration, Drake set out anyway… only to realize he had seriously underestimated the strength of the Kalos League.
What's the most important thing in life?
Once you reached someone like Elite Four Drake's age and level, he'd answer without hesitation.
Pride!
Face!
Honor!
It was all about…
Face!
Storming off to Kalos in a fit of frustration and now heading back with nothing to show for it?
Drake couldn't bring himself to do that.
He was a proud man of the sea… how could he just swallow his pride?
(＃｀д)
And right at that time, the Narcissus Family's division caused a massive stir across Kalos.
What's more, by pure coincidence, the irritated Drake had just learned from Fitzwilliam how to follow trending topics.
And Drake discovered that the instigator of the split, Joseph, happened to be someone he knew… Tracing the connection further, he quickly found out that his own protégé -Sato- had also come to Kalos.
What a stroke of luck!
Overjoyed, Drake immediately wanted Fitzwilliam to get in touch with Sato.
…But then he remembered Sato's fiercely independent and restless personality. Calling him directly probably wouldn't get much of a reaction.
If anything, Sato might just take his time strolling around with a bunch of people sightseeing all the way over.
So with that in mind, Drake deliberately played it mysterious, writing a sealed letter and having Siebold deliver it; hoping it would get Sato to hurry over…
TO HELP HIM WIN BACK HIS FACE!
Sato didn't shed tears after learning the truth… but he couldn't help raising a hand to his forehead in exasperation!
But what else could he do? When it came to a "teacher" who had genuinely taught and guided him, Sato could only try.
Once this matter was settled, maybe he could enjoy his time in Kalos a bit more…
Thinking that way, Sato came to terms with it.
The battle was bound to happen eventually; nothing to run from!
Meanwhile, Siebold and Joseph had a long conversation. After once again confirming that Joseph would settle in Johto, he could only shake his head helplessly.
"You've always been independent since you were little, and you've done fine on your own these years. But don't forget, there are still many family members in Kalos who care about you."
"Mhm, I know~" Joseph nodded obediently, then added, "But I'm not alone in Johto either, so don't worry, Siebold."
"…Alright."
Finally, the Kalos League Headquarters was right in front of them.
Then the vehicle took a turn and dropped them off at the nearby League-owned five-star hotel.
At the hotel entrance, Drake stood "seriously" with a few people waiting to receive them, pretending he had nothing to do with that letter.
Sato got off the car and quickly walked up to Drake, calling out with a slightly "helpless" tone.
"Elite Four Drake!"
"Mhm, you're all here! It's been a long trip. Let's eat first!"
"…Oh." Sato shrugged. In the end, he gave in and didn't bring up the letter.
Dinner, check-in, room assignments… none of that needed to be handled. Everything had already been prepared for them.
Akira and the others were full of envy. 'As we expected, traveling with our Leader came with perks; the whole trip had gotten a huge upgrade in quality!'
And it wasn't until they were almost done eating that Drake finally brought up the main topic.
"Unless something unexpected happens, tomorrow we'll have a match with the Kalos League's Elite Four candidates. Each side will send four participants, each using three Pokémon, in a 4v4 rotation battle. That means if you're strong enough, you could even go one-on-four!"
As he spoke, Drake's eyes were already locked onto Sato.
"Ahem, ahem, ahem!
…Going one-on-four is kind of… not very friendly, don't you think…"
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200 PS - CH