The news that Kanto's Elite Four member Blue had defeated Serena and risen into the Masters Eight spread rapidly across the world.
Shock, pride, admiration, envy… countless reactions filled the networks of every region.
Of course, none of that mattered to Blue. Or rather—he enjoyed the admiration. As for the doubters? He couldn't care less.
What he savored was the pure joy and pride of reaching the summit.
For someone like Blue, the world's noise could never shake his will. Once he decided on a path, he would walk it without hesitation—unless, of course, he suffered a truly devastating loss.
Just like in the games, Professor Oak had always thought Blue's philosophy toward Pokémon was flawed. He was strong, yes—but he had long seen his Pokémon merely as tools to reach the top.
It wasn't until he lost to Red in the Championship match that he began to realize how wrong he might have been.
In a large private dining room at a hotel, many notable figures had gathered: the Dylan family of three, Professor Oak's family of four, along with Giovanni, Red, Steven, and others.
"Congratulations, Blue," Dylan said warmly, raising his glass. "You've reached one of the peaks of the world."
Indeed, Blue's entry into the Masters Eight meant he now stood among the strongest Trainers alive.
And considering he was only seventeen years old—that was far beyond the word prodigy.
"A remarkable junior," Leon said, giving him a thumbs-up. "Challenge me next time—I always enjoy battling promising young Trainers."
Steven smiled as well. "I'll look forward to our match, too."
The Pokémon League might be divided by regions, but the strongest Trainers all shared the same unspoken camaraderie.
"Hah—sure, sure. There'll be chances," Blue said, clearing his throat and raising his own glass in return.
Arrogant though he was, Professor Oak had taught him proper manners. And Blue was no fool—he could tell these champions were offering him goodwill.
"When are you coming back to challenge my Rota Gym, Blue? I've been waiting quite a while," Dylan teased.
Ever since Blue had earned Rota's Badge last year, he hadn't come back.
"After the World Championships," Blue muttered. "Not going there for now."
He did want Rota's other-type Badges, but defeating Dylan's main team was no small feat.
Last time, he had beaten two of Dylan's main Pokémon.
That meant that if he wanted a second Rota Badge, he'd need to improve enough to defeat three.
Beating a fully serious Dylan wasn't easy—and Blue knew it.
"Hmm, that's not like you at all, Blue," Dylan said in surprise.
"You're an exception," Blue shot back, rolling his eyes.
He still remembered his misery from facing Dylan's Dark-type team first and Grass-type team second. Pure torture.
Professor Oak chuckled softly, while Wallace and the others nodded in agreement.
"Speaking of which," Kalos Champion Diantha asked curiously, "Giovanni and Blue have both challenged for the Masters Eight. What about Red and Leaf?"
Everyone turned to look—Giovanni and Blue's recent performances had really put the Kanto Elite Four in the spotlight.
"Eh—don't look at me," Leaf said with a carefree grin. "I'm just here to make up the numbers. Once Selene finishes her training, I'll retire and give her my spot."
Even Professor Oak couldn't help but smile. What a free-spirited girl.
"Besides," Leaf added, licking her ice cream, "I'm not even in the top fifteen. Can't challenge the Masters Eight anyway."
To qualify for a Masters challenge, you had to rank at least fifteenth worldwide.
"With your strength, I'm sure you could make top fifteen," Giovanni said with a low chuckle.
"Eh, battling's tiring," Leaf replied instantly, blinking innocently. "I'll leave the heavy lifting to you guys."
That got a few laughs. She really meant it, though—she'd already decided to hand her position to Selene once the girl was ready.
"So, Red," Diantha said, still smiling gracefully as she lifted her tea, "are you planning to challenge next?"
Everyone's eyes turned to the silent boy in the cap.
Red instinctively lowered his head, tugging the brim of his hat down to hide his face.
Being the center of attention like this made him want to vanish on the spot.
"…Yes," he finally murmured, just to stop everyone from staring.
"Giovanni challenged the eighth-ranked Trainer, Blue the seventh," Diantha continued softly. "So you're aiming for the sixth seat, then?"
"…Yes."
Red's gaze flickered briefly toward Blue, then back down.
Honestly, he had wanted to challenge Blue first—give his childhood rival a proper "congratulations."
But that felt a bit too deliberate. And besides, he was the second of the Kanto Elite Four—why would he challenge the third?
It should be the other way around!
So instead, Red had decided to challenge the current sixth-ranked Trainer—Paldea Champion Geeta.
"So it's finally my turn, then?" Geeta said with a calm smile. "I'll be waiting for you in Paldea."
"I'm looking forward to our match, Red."
"…!"
Red raised his head slightly, eyes burning beneath his cap.
The Paldea Champion—she'd be a great opponent. He could already feel the thrill of their future battle.
Serena, watching from nearby, bit her lip.
If Red ranked above Blue, then he was even stronger. The world really was overflowing with geniuses.
She needed more training—much more.
Her eighth-place Masters rank was already unstable, and if Red won his challenge, she'd fall out of the Masters Eight entirely.
She needed stronger teammates—faster.
Pseudo-legendaries? Paradox Pokémon? Ultra Beasts?
She was already thinking through her options.
Diantha, noticing the look in Serena's eyes, sighed inwardly. That loss to Blue must have hit her harder than she let on.
"Haha, isn't this great?" Alder laughed, clinking glasses with Giovanni and Steven. "Every few days there's another amazing match to watch. Retirement life is wonderful! The World Championships were the best idea ever."
The mood in the room was warm and cheerful—helped along by Alder's easygoing energy.
"By the way," Wallace said suddenly, resting his chin on his hand, "your names are all rather interesting, aren't they?"
"Huh?" Blue blinked.
Everyone paused their chatter, turning toward Wallace.
"Think about it," Wallace said with a smile. "Blue, Red, Leaf… did your parents coordinate those names on purpose?"
The three Kanto Trainers froze—then exchanged looks.
"Right?" Leon laughed. "I was just thinking the same! Red, Green, Blue… all color names. Fire, grass, and water, too—it's almost symbolic."
Pure-white Pallet Town, home of Professor Oak, who gave new Trainers their first partners—fire, grass, and water starters. The symbolism was perfect.
"Surely that can't be a coincidence?"
Red tilted his head. Blue looked at Professor Oak in confusion. Leaf frowned thoughtfully.
"Er… probably just coincidence?" Professor Oak said uncertainly. "I didn't name them, you know."
Wallace chuckled. "Still, it's funny—all of you color-named kids turned out to be ridiculously talented. Maybe there's some kind of hidden bonus?"
He grinned playfully. "What's next—trainers named Yellow, Silver, Gold, or Violet?"
But when he saw the expressions of Leaf, Giovanni, and even Professor Oak suddenly shift—Wallace's smile froze.
"…Wait. Don't tell me there are?"
Giovanni's deep, amused voice answered, "Silver is my son. He just started his journey not long ago."
"And Yellow is my Gym apprentice," Dylan added with a laugh. "She also just set out on her own recently.
"She, like me, Lance, and Giovanni, was blessed by Viridian Forest. Honestly, I think she'll be this year's 'Best Rookie.'"
"Hey now, Dylan, that sounds like you're underestimating my son," Giovanni said with a smirk.
"Not at all," Dylan chuckled. "Silver's also my student. But let's be real—you know how freakish Yellow's power is."
Giovanni sighed. "That's… fair."
Yellow's abilities were absurd. If not for her, Giovanni would've easily voted his own son as Rookie of the Year.
"And both of them got their starter Pokémon from me," Professor Oak added cheerfully. "Dylan isn't exaggerating—they're both little monsters in their own right."
"As for 'Violet,' I've never heard of one," Oak continued, "but I do know of a 'Gold.' A boy named Ethan from New Bark Town in Johto—Elm says he's got great potential."
"???"
Wallace stared, dumbfounded.
He'd just been joking—and now three more color-named prodigies had popped out of nowhere?!
"This generation is insane…" Alder muttered. "What's in the water in Kanto, anyway? Three new prodigies all at once?"
"What are you thinking?" Steven asked, noticing Wallace's contemplative look.
"Steven…"
"…Yeah?"
"Do you think it's too late for me to change my name to something with a color in it? Maybe I can get that 'talent buff' too."
Steven blinked. "???"
(End of Chapter)