Pokémon: Chronicles of Freedom

Five hours later.

In the office of the Vice President of the Breeders' Association of Saffron City, on the top floor.

Cain was holding a newspaper in his hands, his cheeks slightly flushed as he read its content.

He had truly blushed.

These journalists had exaggerated way too much in their writing.

"Hahaha, good! This is how it should be! My one and only disciple, Cain, deserves this worldwide attention," laughed the old Matsuda, seated on the sofa across from Cain.

The old Matsuda had arrived at the Saffron City Breeders' Guild two hours ago, under the pretense of "putting his disciple in shape so he doesn't become too arrogant."

But since he arrived, he hadn't stopped laughing.

His face was so joyful it looked like it might bloom.

Seated nearby, Haruto Fujimoto and Shiro Nakamura rubbed their temples in frustration.

When Haruto Fujimoto first heard the old Matsuda's order to promote Cain on a grand scale, he knew it was all about vanity.

At this age, who still needs vanity? Seriously...

He was really testing their patience.

Both of them were advanced breeders, and both trained disciples—so why was the difference so great?

In truth, they didn't know that Cain had only halfway become the old Matsuda's disciple. If they had known, they would probably have been even more frustrated.

"Well, Fujimoto, Nakamura, thank you for everything. This is almost done. When you get the chance, send my regards to your boss," said the old Matsuda, putting down the newspaper and clapping his hands.

Haruto Fujimoto and Shiro Nakamura exchanged glances, relieved.

At last, this show-off was about to leave.

It wasn't just that he boasted several times a year in front of them, but this time—why did he have to go so overboard?

However, they said no more. They were old friends of the old Matsuda, and some things didn't need to be said aloud.

They stood to bid farewell to the old Matsuda and Cain as they left the Saffron City Breeders' Guild.

"This time's results have been even better than I expected," sighed the old Matsuda as they walked out the door.

"In fact, even if I didn't take you to meet that person, the influence of the Breeders' Guild would already be enough to let you open a gym in a small town like Leafy Town. But since I'm here, I'll take you to meet him so you can broaden your horizons," the old Matsuda continued.

Cain nodded.

This intermediate breeder exam had had a much bigger impact than he'd imagined. At first, he thought it would just help him gain some fame, but he hadn't expected it to move the hearts of the Breeders' Guild.

After the exam, a large number of reporters rushed in and surrounded Cain for over half an hour before he finally managed to leave with the help of Haruto Fujimoto and Shiro Nakamura, who shielded him from the crowd.

Under the stunned gazes of Flint and Misako, Cain bade farewell to them.

Before leaving, Flint told Cain to train his son well so he could become an excellent breeder.

Flint also revealed his identity to Cain and said he could reach out for help anytime.

The two exchanged contact information.

Then came the interviews with Haruto Fujimoto and Shiro Nakamura.

It's unclear whether they decided on their own or had already discussed it with higher-ups, but they directly announced that Cain would be the next generation to receive the full support of the Breeders' Guild.

This meant Cain wasn't just a core member of the League; he was also partly under the protection of the Breeders' Guild.

Of course, before the old Matsuda arrived, Haruto Fujimoto and Shiro Nakamura, after understanding Cain's situation, tried to persuade him.

They suggested he abandon his focus on being a trainer and concentrate on being a breeder, assuring him that within ten years at most, he could aim for levels beyond advanced breeders.

At that point, not only would his future as a gym leader be secured, but he could also be elevated to the position of President of the Breeders' Guild.

But Cain politely declined the offer.

Ten years?

In ten years, he might already be a regional champion, which was far more prestigious than being the president of the Breeders' Guild.

Moreover, who said one couldn't be both a trainer and a breeder?

Wallace in the Hoenn region reached the pinnacle of both professions as a coordinator and a trainer.

Although some said his Champion title came courtesy of Steven and concessions made by the League to the Hoenn Coordinators' Guild for greater development, how could one become Champion without skill?

How could one lead the Elite Four?

So, if others couldn't do it, it simply meant they weren't talented enough.

Steven not only became the region's Champion but also mastered all the skills needed to run the Devon Corporation.

Under Steven's leadership, the Devon Corporation only grew stronger.

Yet the journalists exaggerated, comparing Cain to the next leader of breeders.

"Master, didn't we go too far this time? With such exaggerated promotion, I'm afraid I'll become a target," said Cain.

The old Matsuda looked at him and said, "What are you afraid of? Isn't this the result we wanted? Your name now echoes everywhere, you've gained the full backing of the Breeders' Guild, and as long as you don't do anything too crazy, the guild will always support you."

"This time, opening your gym won't be a problem. Plus, if you want to develop Leafy Town, a small village hidden in the mountains, and attract more people, a gym alone won't be enough."

"How many gyms are there in Hoenn? Why would anyone go to yours in the mountains? It's not like Verdanturf Town nearby, which has the advantage of natural springs."

"So you'll be the big magnet drawing attention to Leafy Town. Whether it's admirers or young challengers, the more people come, the more buzz there will be, and Leafy Town's popularity will grow."

"For you, my disciple, I've thought of everything."

Cain looked at the old Matsuda with a bitter smile.

Wow, don't pour all your desire to show off onto me.

Even though the Breeders' Guild values you, did you really need so many reporters?

Couldn't we have been more low-key?

Do you know what it means to lie low while hunting? Now there's no hiding. I might have to walk the streets with my face covered like a movie star.

"Ahem, well, since it's done, don't worry about being attacked. Now you're under the brightest spotlight; any attempts to approach you will be quickly detected, and the leaders of major organizations won't risk acting during this time of exposure. If they do, those old folks at the Breeders' Guild might really lose it."

The old Matsuda continued, "Let's go. I'll take you to meet that person."

With that, he pulled out two Poké Balls, and an Aerodactyl and a Charizard appeared before them.

(End of Chapter)