Pokemon: I am Gary

After the meal, Delia returned to the hotel to rest. Professor Oak was called away by old man Goodshow.

The two have been friends for many years, heading off together for drinks and conversation.

Ash and his friends said they were going back to the contestant village to rest and left together.

Gary said goodbye to Lorelei and returned to the villa alone.

The first match of the final championship is still a best-of-three format, with the top sixteen contestants arranged into eight battle pairs through a draw.

Only after entering the top eight will there be a full 6v6 battle.

Although the top sixteen can be considered the elite among trainers in the league competition, for Gary, it still seems a bit lacking.

Back at home, Gary released his Pokémon and curled up on the sofa with Eevee, relaxing.

Golduck, wearing glasses and holding a notebook with Gary's training plan, will oversee and ensure that the other Pokémon practice well.

Charizard yawned and went out to sunbathe with Venusaur. Over the past few days, Gary had ordered a ban on alcohol.

With upcoming matches, he might have to bear the flag, so Charizard could only lie on Venusaur's back, enjoying the scent of flowers...

Squirtle held a watering can, diligently watering Venusaur...

Electivire and Arcanine were racing around outside the house—one using electric power to speed up while swinging its arms, and the other splashing drool everywhere with its tongue out, creating a harmonious scene...

Gengar placed Togepi in its pink apron pocket, floating in mid-air with its chubby legs crossed. Blue psychic energy slowly rose around it until suddenly its head made a "ding" sound, opening wide to emit a creepy laugh...

Golduck rolled its eyes. "You practiced meditation and turned it into trickery!"

Togepi happily kicked its little feet and waved its tiny hands, eager to try out its own finger-waving technique.

Scared, Gengar hurriedly took Togepi and ran outside...

Boom!! As soon as Gengar stepped outside, Togepi sparkled brightly and exploded right where it stood...

"Ka~" A puff of black smoke emerged as Togepi and Gengar exchanged glances before bursting into laughter...

Gary affectionately stroked Eevee's neck fur while snuggling under a blanket, watching his Pokémon play.

Gary feels relatively confident about the upcoming matches.

After all, as a hexagonal warrior backed by both capital and knowledge, Gary's first-year team has already touched upon the threshold of Elite-level trainers.

Among the younger generation of Pokémon trainers, he is indeed leading by far.

Knock knock—two long and one short knocks sounded at the door.

"Hello, Rocket Express!" A familiar voice rang out at the door.

Gary set Eevee aside and got up to open the door while Eevee yawned and continued sleeping on the sofa.

Upon opening the door, he saw the trio from Team Rocket wearing delivery uniforms rubbing their hands together awkwardly as they smiled at him.

"Come in~" Gary chuckled. These three fools are quite adorable after all—

The three members of Team Rocket nodded, put on shoe covers, and cautiously stepped into the villa.

"Let's hear it; have you been working hard lately?" Leaning back on the sofa, Gary petted Eevee's head while adopting a capitalist demeanor.

Electivire and Golduck stood behind Gary looking fierce...

(Actually one was annoyed by Gengar while the other was tired from running...)

Clap! The trio saluted. Truly impressive; their aura is overwhelming!

"Well~ after our hard work earning money recently, we finally paid off our debts and have quite a surplus left." Meowth immediately rubbed its hands together to report.

"Oh~ good job." Gary nodded appreciatively.

Jessie and James perked up immediately. Jessie excitedly said, "So in order to catch all the participants' Pokémon in one go, we pooled our funds for an all-in investment on Absorption Machine No. 1! We'll present powerful Pokémon to you and Boss Giovanni!"

"Hmm... what!? What is that?!" Gary twitched his mouth as he looked at Team Rocket's trio.

"Hehe, don't worry; we've made meticulous plans this time; it's guaranteed to be foolproof!" James thumped his chest confidently.

"????…" Looking at the excited trio, Gary felt somewhat speechless. Thinking that it was just some funding anyway; let them have their fun.

He waved his hand helplessly. "Alright then; you all go ahead... um... stay safe..."

"Yes, sir!" The trio was moved to tears as they wiped their eyes before leaving.

"This time we won't return without victory!" James gritted his teeth.

"Team Rocket! Charge!" Jessie and Meowth raised their hands in unison as they shouted.

…

Ding ding ding~ The notification sound from his phone rang out. Gary took out his phone to check—

Oh? What day is it today? Two groups of underlings are lining up to report work?

"Hello? This is Green." Gary spoke in a deep voice.

"Sir! I'm Butch." A serious voice came from the other end of the line.

One must say this duo is slightly more reliable than Team Rocket's trio.

"Internal intelligence: Professor Namba has discovered traces of the legendary Pokémon Lugia at Whirlpool Islands. We are setting off from Johto towards Orange Islands!" Butch excitedly reported.

"Well done; keep an eye on that old man. If necessary, you may interfere with his actions," Gary commanded without hesitation.

"Uh? But…" Butch hesitated for a moment.

"Hmph! Lugia can only belong to me! Understand?" Gary feigned dominance as he spoke.

Butch immediately reacted. Right! Only Sir Green deserves such legendary Pokémon! "Understood! We will definitely protect Lugia and wait for your arrival!"

"Keep surveillance; report back at any time." After hanging up, Gary raised an eyebrow. Lugia's wife and children? I'll take good care of them for you—

…

In Contestant Village, a boy with black messy hair was video calling someone.

"Master! I've made it into the top sixteen; this time I will definitely win!" Underneath round-framed glasses were bright eyes shining with determination.

"Don't be too complacent; steady progress is key," said a refined man on the other end of the call with shoulder-length purple hair and gold-rimmed glasses—none other than Sinnoh's most likely candidate for sudden death among Elite Four members: Lucian!

"Don't worry Master; here in Kanto, their tactical concepts are so outdated that it feels like I'm playing in a baby cup," said Hiro, the black-haired boy with a smile.

Lucian frowned slightly and spoke sternly. "Hiro! There are always stronger people out there; do not harbor such arrogant feelings. Arrogance can cloud your judgment! How will you assist Miss Cynthia as champion if you continue like this?!"

Hiro lowered his head in shame. "I'm sorry Master; I was wrong."

"Sigh~ I've been too anxious lately; probably due to lack of sleep." Lucian rubbed his forehead. "In any case, do your best; I'll be watching your performance on live TV."

"Master, don't worry; I will work hard," Hiro nodded before hanging up.

"First aim for Indigo League Champion; next is Sinnoh League. I will win that champion title for my Master!" Hiro adjusted his glasses with determination in his gaze.

In this boy's view, Lucian is undoubtedly doing all the hard work within Sinnoh's Champion Affairs Bureau.

Bug-type Elite Four member Aaron goes to fan meetings while Lucian works overtime.

Fire-type Elite Four member Flint travels for training while Lucian works overtime.

Ground-type Elite Four member Bertha runs a kindergarten while Lucian works overtime.

Champion Cynthia studies ancient mythological ruins while Lucian still works overtime!

This championship should have belonged to my Master all along; for so many years he has been bearing the title of Elite Four while doing champion-level work!

Hiro clenched his fists; he must earn some face for his Master!

…

In Sinnoh at Mount Coronet under nightfall at Champion Affairs Bureau only one lonely light shone—it was Lucian's office.

"Aren't you resting yet?" The office door opened gently as a striking woman with golden long hair entered carrying two cups of coffee.

"Miss Cynthia! What brings you here?" Lucian smiled as he got up and closed the book in hand. "Work has finished; I just lost track of time reading."

"I just returned from visiting Unova and thought I'd stop by to check on things—here's your coffee," Cynthia placed one cup on the table.

"Thank you." Lucian smiled. "Recently things have been quite lively over in Johto; it seems Mr. Lance is about to be pushed into champion position soon."

"Yes; once Indigo League ends Mr.Lance will likely take office since he poses a significant deterrent against Team Rocket," Cynthia nodded. "Things have been quiet in Sinnoh lately?"

Lucian raised an eyebrow and replied with a smile. "With Sinnoh's Valkyrie around who dares cause trouble here~"

Cynthia smiled brightly. "I hope so."

"By the way, isn't your disciple competing in Indigo League? How's that going?" Cynthia suddenly remembered.

"He has already entered the top sixteen; next comes the final championship. That kid has great talent—I think he should be fine," Lucian replied easily.

"Oh~" Cynthia suddenly recalled someone mentioned often by Caitlin—an impressive trainer participating in this competition from Kanto as well.

"Impressive?" Lucian asked curiously—what level of trainer could be deemed impressive enough by Cynthia?

"I'm not too sure either but Caitlin highly praises him—his name is Gary Oak" Cynthia rested her chin thoughtfully as she answered.

"The Psychic-type Elite Four member from Unova?" Lucian frowned slightly—he hoped that Hiro wouldn't become complacent or underestimate anyone because of this news!

"Well then; I'll head home now. As for you Mr. Lucian—try getting some rest too. Don't forget next month you have your challenge against me for Champion League," Cynthia winked playfully before turning to leave.

"Alright then; take care! In battle I won't hold back!" Lucian laughed heartily as he watched her depart.

Looking at Cynthia's figure leaving, Lucian shook his head slightly—he was quite proud by nature—a kind of inherent pride within him.

He would never accept defeat against Cynthia so whenever he had time he would challenge her again!

However—the more challenges he undertook—the more he realized just how great was his gap compared to Cynthia—and thus grew even more respect for this Valkyrie!

It was precisely because of admiration that he helped her handle complex paperwork without complaint!

Sinnoh could do without me but cannot do without Cynthia—this was something Lucian once told his friend Flint!