Pokemon: A New Path

Naoki was genuinely happy for Ash. He had become a League Champion, one year ahead of schedule.

For a moment, Naoki considered calling to congratulate him. But after thinking it over, he let the idea go.

After all, they would definitely meet again in the future.

It's just… when they do, Ash will already be a champion.

"I just wonder if this will affect the story down the line," Naoki murmured to himself.

According to the original timeline, Ash had lost to Alain in the Kalos League final and finished as runner-up. The following year, he had traveled to the Alola region, where he eventually became that region's first Champion.

But now that Ash had already won the Kalos League, would he still go to Alola?

Or would he jump straight into the World Coronation Series and start climbing the ranks toward the Masters Eight?

As Naoki pondered these questions, lost in thought, his Rotom phone suddenly buzzed with an incoming video call from the Galar region.

The moment he answered, a familiar bright smile filled the screen. It was Leon.

"Long time no see, Naoki!" Leon greeted with his usual sunny energy.

"Hey, Leon! It's been a while. How have you been? Everything going well in Galar?" Naoki replied warmly.

"All good here," Leon said with a relaxed grin. "The region's about the same as always. I've been keeping busy… looking into the Darkest Day incident."

He scratched his head a bit sheepishly, then added, "But that's not actually why I called you today."

Naoki raised an eyebrow. "Oh? Then what's the occasion?"

Could it be that Leon wanted to come back to the ranch for a friendly rematch?

Leon chuckled and got to the point. "I was wondering, have you heard of the World Coronation Series?"

Naoki blinked. "The World… Championship?"

He had a feeling where this was going.

Sure enough, Leon nodded. "That's right. It's a global tournament that brings together the strongest Trainers from every region. I called because I want to personally invite you to enter the World Coronation Series, which will be held here in Galar next summer! I've already sent you the full details!"

Hearing that, Naoki minimized the video window and opened the chat thread with Leon. Just as expected, a new message was waiting for him.

He tapped on the attached document and quickly scanned the content:

Pokémon World Coronation Series

A global elimination tournament to determine the strongest Trainer in the world! Sign up now and aim for the top, your journey to the Masters Eight begins here!

The document also outlined the registration process, tournament rules, and important dates and venues.

Naoki skimmed through it. Everything matched what he remembered from the anime: a global ladder-style system with ranks, promotion battles, and an eventual showdown among the best of the best.

"What do you think?" Leon grinned. "Interested? If you start from Rank 9, you'll be eligible to battle the Trainer holding the 8th seat. Win, and you'll be promoted to Master Class and officially join the Masters Eight!"

He leaned forward slightly, his expression sincere. "And because you're receiving a special invitation… if you want, you can jump straight into the competition from Rank 9."

Naoki stared silently at the screen.

"..."

Of course, Naoki knew about the World Coronation Series and the Masters Eight, and he definitely knew that Leon was ranked number one among them, the strongest Trainer in the world.

What caught him off guard… was the fact that Leon had personally invited him to join the Masters Eight!

Leon seemed to sense his surprise and flashed a confident, cheerful grin.

"I just love battling strong Trainers on the biggest stage," he said. "And you, Naoki, you're recognized as one of the strongest Trainers in the world. That's why I really hope you'll join the competition."

Naoki blinked. "Huh? Wait, when did I become one of the world's strongest Trainers?"

Why was this the first he was hearing of it?

"What? You didn't know?" Leon looked genuinely puzzled. "It was back when you were still the Gym Leader of Levincia Gym!"

"You had so many Pokémon under your care, and tons of Trainers came to challenge your trials. They all spoke up about how powerful you were. Not only are you recognized as the top Trainer in the Paldea region, but Trainers from other regions know your name now too!"

Naoki went quiet.

It wasn't that he doubted Leon, but the weight of those words made him pause. Still, something else soon came to mind.

"If I were to accept," he asked thoughtfully, "what kind of team do you think I should enter with?"

Should he appear as Gym Leader Naoki?

As Rancher Naoki?

Or… as the mysterious Cyclizar Mask?

Leon paused, briefly stunned by the question.

But then he got it.

Naoki had a lot of powerful Pokémon by his side, and depending on which identity he stepped in with, the team lineup would change completely.

If he went with the team he used as Gym Leader Naoki…

Leon imagined a lineup like: Pawmot, Jirachi, Zapdos, Jolteon, Pikachu, and Raikou.

A high-speed, Electric-focused squad with shocking power and mythic backup.

If it was Rancher Naoki…

Then maybe: Koraidon, Cyclizar, Dragonite, Gogoat, Gogoat… and another Gogoat.

A charmingly rustic, ranch-style team, yet still terrifyingly strong in its own way.

But if he entered as the mysterious, masked Trainer known only to a few…

Leon's mind filled with legendary silhouettes:

Calyrex, Groudon, Kyogre, Giratina, Ho-Oh, Rayquaza.

Leon's face froze for a second.

Naoki caught the look and smirked knowingly. "So… you still want me to join?"

"Of course I do!" Leon said without a second of hesitation. His eyes gleamed with excitement. "Getting to battle Trainers like you, that's what makes being Champion worth it! That's what every Trainer dreams of!"

Naoki sighed, but there was a smile in his voice. "Ok, I understand." Love this story? Show your support on M9VLEMPYR.

"So?" Leon leaned closer. "Will you enter?"

Naoki shook his head gently. "I can't give you a definite answer just yet."

Naoki knew well that the World Coronation Series and the Masters Eight tournament spanned nearly a month. By that time, Elara would be around one and a half years old—a crucial stage when she needed attention, care, and training. It wasn't the best time for him to be away from the ranch for too long.

Leon looked a little disappointed.

Seeing this, Naoki quickly added with a smile, "But if I can make the time… I'll definitely come and join!"

Leon brightened up instantly. "Then I'll be waiting for you, and for Koraidon, at Wyndon Stadium!"

After the call ended, Naoki opened his laptop and began browsing for information on the current Masters Eight rankings.

It didn't take long for him to find the official list for this year.

Rank 1: Leon

Rank 2: Cynthia

Rank 3: Steven

Rank 4: Lance

…

Unlike the regional League Conferences that take place at the end of the year, the Masters Eight tournament is held during the summer. This year's event had already wrapped up, and the next one would take place between July and August of the following year.

Which lined up perfectly with the time when Ash would be journeying through the Alola region… meaning the next tournament would happen right before Ash's own shot at the Masters Eight.

"Are you going to compete?" Iono asked, curiosity in her voice as she cradled Elara.

Naoki thought for a moment. "I'm not sure yet. I'll decide when the time comes. But still… it's strange, isn't it? There's no one from the Paldea region in the Masters Eight."

"Maybe it's because the tournament is still a relatively new thing?" Iono mused, resting her chin on her hand. "Plus, Geeta is always swamped. She probably thinks she's better off clearing out her backlog of paperwork than flying across regions for some battles."

Naoki: "…"

Yeah… that sounds exactly like Geeta.

...

Bonus @500

Stones, Stones and Stones.

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