"Question: How can you ensure that you can extend battle durations?"
A Gym Leader, whom Sato did not recognize, asked from the screen.
"..."
"The competitor Sato has been a Trainer for less than a year, reached the quarterfinals in the Young Elite Tournament, achieved sixty consecutive victories in the Gym Leader Qualification Tournament's combat evaluation, and currently ranks first in total points.
Additionally, it has been confirmed that he has already achieved Pseudo-Elite Four-level strength."
Sato did not answer, but Nurse Joy stepped in to defend him before he could respond. After all, self-praise would lack credibility.
Upon hearing this, the Gym Leader who had posed the question fell silent.
It was clear that he had been uninformed about Sato's achievements. Furthermore, he himself led a Gym that focused on willpower training, so he could not help but question Sato's approach.
"Young man, did you discover Mega Evolution for your Houndoom on your own?"
From the beginning, Charles Goodshow had been smiling silently, not saying a word. Now, for the first time, he spoke.
"… It was Haruka Joy who taught me."
"Really?"
"… Yes."
Sato had no idea what this old man was trying to get at, but he remained cautious and refrained from bragging.
"Ah…" Charles Goodshow shook his head.
The motion immediately made Sato tense up. 'Is this old man about to take revenge on me?!'
"Today's young Trainers lack endurance and resilience. Let them experience pain and fatigue in battle… it is not a bad thing."
…?
Sato froze for a moment. 'This old… no, rather stylish gentleman seemed to be speaking in my favor?'
Approval from the President of the Pokémon League!
That settled it. Even if others had objections, no one would dare challenge the President's decision.
"Competitor Sato. Gym Leadership and Teaching Philosophy: Willpower, Passed!"
The audience erupted into astonished murmurs.
Sato's teaching philosophy had not been particularly unique.
However, due to his overwhelming strength, he could guarantee the execution and effectiveness of his training method.
Of course, there were still dissenting voices in the crowd.
But what did it matter? No one would dare question the President's judgment.
Sato walked off the stage, still somewhat dazed. He had originally expected this assessment to be difficult, as teaching was not his strength.
To compensate, he chose the most straightforward and brutal training concept, relying on the inherent characteristics of Dark-type Pokémon.
And yet… he had passed just like that? Sato found it hard to believe.
Replaying the events in his mind, he could not help but focus on Charles Goodshow's reaction.
'Could it be because of Mega Evolution?' He pondered silently.
The public questioning continued, but the passing rate remained abysmally low.
That was, until Lucian took the stage.
By using Trick Room as the foundation of his philosophy, he became the third competitor to pass.
It was rare for a single move to serve as the core of a Gym's philosophy, but Goldenrod Gym was a prime example.
With its infamous Rollout strategy, the Gym had become feared throughout the region.
Lucian's Trick Room strategy had already been proven during the combat evaluation, and he had also demonstrated Pseudo-Elite Four level strength.
Additionally, he had been the only non-Gym Leader successor to rank in the top ten for the City Protection Capabilities assessment.
This single achievement was enough to guarantee his passing.
Looking at the three Trainers who had passed so far, only Norman had succeeded purely based on an outstanding teaching philosophy.
---
Time passed rapidly.
Once all thirty-five competitors had taken the stage, only five had passed. And even so, this was the highest passing rate in tournament history.
That same afternoon, the awards ceremony for the Gym Leader Qualification Tournament was held.
With a total score of 98.2 points, Sato stood in the center among the five competitors, receiving congratulations from all sides.
Charles Goodshow personally presented each of them with their official Pokémon League Gym Leader Appointment Letters.
However, on the letter itself, the Gym name, location, and badge design were left blank.
The appointment would remain valid for three years, meaning Sato had until then to establish his Gym.
Of course, when it came to establishing a Gym, the Pokémon League would provide recommendations and urban planning guidance.
If a Gym Leader followed the League's placement suggestions, they would receive more resources.
However, if they chose a location independently, aside from basic administrative approvals and startup costs, they would need to handle everything else on their own.
After the awards ceremony, that evening, Sato and Clair attended a farewell banquet hosted by the Pokémon League.
As the five newly appointed Gym Leaders, they were naturally the guests of honor at the event.
However, Sato was not particularly fond of these kinds of gatherings.
As soon as the event transitioned into free socializing, he slipped outside to enjoy the cool night air.
"Why are you standing here alone, our first-place champion?"
"Oh? Am I not allowed to be here? Who made that rule?"
Sato turned around, smirking as he teased Joseph, who had just walked up to him.
"Still sharp-tongued as ever. Has winning first place made you arrogant already?"
Joseph scoffed, looking at him with an expression of mock disappointment.
"Where do you plan to establish your Gym?"
Leaning against the railing, Joseph gazed up at the starry sky before asking the question.
"I probably won't do it right away. I still want to travel a bit more first."
Sato leaned against the railing as well, then casually asked, "By the way, have you ever seen Mega Evolution in your homeland?"
"…I have."
"Hm?" Sato immediately turned to face Joseph.
"So when you and Houndoom Mega Evolved, I was completely shocked. My first thought was that you must have traveled to Kalos!"
"I asked you this because I wanted to tell you, I already informed the Joy family that Mega Evolution originates from Kalos. They should be sending people to find a route there soon."
"Seriously?"
Joseph's focus shifted away from the stars, his tone suddenly full of excitement.
"Yes. Eventually, the Pokémon League's influence will reach Kalos, and when that happens, going back home will be much easier for you."
"And how long is 'eventually'? Who knows how long that will take?"
Joseph shook his head, his voice tinged with disappointment.
'I know!' Sato screamed internally but did not say it aloud.
Now that Mega Evolution had been discovered early, the connection to Kalos would only happen sooner.
After thinking for a moment, he decided to change the subject.
"Where are you heading next?"
"What's your next plan?"
Both of them spoke at the same time, causing them to pause in surprise.
Sato reacted first.
"Probably Hoenn or Sinnoh. Do you know about Unova? If possible, I'd rather go there."
"And what for? With your strength, a simple journey wouldn't do much for you anymore."
Joseph looked at him curiously.
"Obviously, I want to see the world. My strength won't improve if I just stay in one place."
"Fair enough."
"And you? What's your next move?"
"…I don't know."
Joseph's expression darkened slightly, his voice filled with uncertainty.
"Then, why don't we travel together?"
Sato grinned.
He had to admit… he wanted Joseph as his teammate. Finding such an exceptional support companion was not easy.