The Kanto Elite Four had changed!
By the next day, two official announcements from the Kanto League spread rapidly across the world.
"We regret to inform everyone that Leaf will be retiring today. We are deeply grateful for her dedication and love for the Kanto League during her time of service. Though her departure is unfortunate, the League respects her choice. Everyone should follow their dreams—we eagerly look forward to Leaf's bright future. — Kanto League"
"Official notice: Trainer Selene has successfully passed the Elite Four evaluation. Beginning today, Selene will officially serve as a member of the Kanto Elite Four, protecting the Kanto region. — Kanto League"
These two statements instantly shocked nearly everyone following Kanto's recent surge in attention.
After all, Giovanni, Red, and Blue had brought the Kanto Elite Four's popularity to unprecedented heights—their presence was overwhelming.
And now, the fourth seat had suddenly changed hands. Naturally, this was huge news.
Most importantly—Selene? Many had never even heard of her.
With the Kanto Elite Four's level of power already beyond doubt, the idea of an unfamiliar trainer joining their ranks left many wondering if she could handle the pressure.
"Not gonna lie, judging from the official photo, she looks so young… are they sure she's ready?"
"Selene… wasn't she Dylan's former apprentice? That troublemaker from Rota Street?"
"Just checked the World Championship rankings—Great Ball tier, No. 34. Not that high."
"Seriously? Even if Leaf wasn't exactly the most motivated Elite Four member, isn't pulling in someone outside the top 30 a bit… low for Kanto's standards?"
"Wait, this Selene only started her journey at the end of last year? And she's already on the Great Ball board?"
Countless discussions flooded the networks—some skeptical, some supportive, some neutral, and plenty just venting.
Meanwhile, the person at the center of it all was lounging in a hotel room, casually scrolling through the comments with amusement.
"Doesn't this bother you at all? Seeing people badmouthing you?" Leaf asked curiously, watching as Selene kicked her bare, pale feet lazily in the air.
"It's pretty funny," Selene said with a mischievous smile.
To the harsh words and doubt online, she felt no irritation—if anything, it was kind of entertaining.
"Funny?" Leaf blinked in surprise.
"Well, my ranking isn't that high yet. It's normal," Selene replied casually.
She didn't care what strangers thought—and certainly didn't lose sleep over it.
"That's the right attitude," Dylan said, walking over approvingly. "Ignore the noise. Just let your strength do the talking."
In the end, the battlefield was the only place that truly mattered.
"Hehe~ exactly! My rank's going to shoot up in no time!" Selene grinned confidently.
"Let's go. Steven and the others are waiting outside."
When they reached the gates of Naranja Academy, Steven's group was indeed there.
"So this is the new Kanto Elite Four member, Selene?"
It was Wallace who noticed her first—the sweet, flower-hatted girl trailing obediently beside Dylan. Her bright eyes and delicate frame certainly stood out.
"Hello, seniors. I'm Selene."
Before Dylan could introduce her, she gave a polite bow, smiling warmly.
Her well-mannered demeanor and gentle tone immediately won over Leon and the others.
"What a lovely junior. I heard you used to be Dylan's apprentice—then you must be quite talented," Geeta said curiously.
She'd actually heard about Selene yesterday—after all, Selene's most recent battle had been against Rika.
And according to Rika, that "sweet-looking girl" had utterly demolished her.
With just a Venusaur. No setup, no gimmicks—just pure domination.
Even hours after the match, Rika was still in disbelief.
"Well, that's to be expected. She's an Elite Four now," Leon laughed heartily, folding his arms.
Leaf's retirement had been a surprise, sure, but it was clear why—they'd found someone better.
Which meant this cheerful, innocent-looking girl standing before them was stronger than Leaf.
After all, Dylan wasn't the type to train anyone ordinary.
"Not really~ I've never actually battled Leaf before," Selene said shyly, cheeks slightly pink.
Dylan's eyebrow twitched, and even Lillie and Leaf looked a bit awkward.
That innocent act of hers was… extremely unconvincing.
"Please don't. I'd rather not get wrecked for no reason," Leaf said quickly.
She wasn't some battle junkie—why fight someone she knew she couldn't beat?
"Selene's super strong! You guys better be careful," Lillie added in her sweet, ringing voice.
"Oh? Then I'll be waiting for your challenge," Wallace smiled with interest.
"Sure! Once I'm allowed to challenge you, I'll definitely take you on, Wallace-senpai," Selene said with a sugary grin.
A former regional Champion was definitely a tempting target.
At that, Dylan gave Wallace a knowing look. Yep—same old Wallace.
The group chatted happily, and Leon and the others quickly took a liking to their polite, cheerful junior.
Then Dylan summoned Hoopa Confined, who opened a shimmering golden ring and sent Selene through to Alola.
"She's not coming with us to Hoenn?" Steven asked, puzzled.
He had assumed Selene would tag along to watch the upcoming battle between him and Leon.
"Her training isn't finished yet," Dylan explained.
"What a hardworking girl," Wallace said admiringly. "She's got a bright future ahead."
"Selene's indeed diligent," Dylan agreed. "But…" He paused for a beat. "Wallace, you might have some trouble soon."
"Huh?" Wallace blinked.
"Selene's very strong," Dylan emphasized.
"I figured as much. It's fine," Wallace said lightly. "I'm used to geniuses."
"Not like this one," Dylan replied. "Her talent's among the best I've ever seen—and she's clever, too. Her battling style is tactical, not just brute force."
"She learned a lot of… unconventional strategies from me last year," he added vaguely.
Wallace looked confused. "What do you mean?"
"…Never mind. She probably won't even need them."
After all, Selene had studied all sorts of underhanded techniques from him—but at her current level, she likely wouldn't even need to use them to defeat Wallace.
Hoopa Confined opened another golden ring, and Dylan's group stepped through, arriving in Mauville City, Hoenn.
At Steven and Wallace's invitation, they spent two days sightseeing before the main event—at Mauville Arena.
As the announcer declared the start of the match, Leon and Steven strode out onto the stage to thunderous applause.
Most of it was, of course, for Steven. In Hoenn, his popularity was immense.
Rich, handsome, brilliant, and kind—the perfect gentleman Champion. Who wouldn't love him?
Once the referee explained the rules, the battle began.
"Steven! I've been waiting for this!"
Leon whipped his cape behind him, his fierce eyes locked on his opponent.
For someone as battle-hungry as Leon, facing Steven was a dream come true.
"Ah, me too," Steven replied with a calm smile. "Dylan's spoken highly of you."
"Oh?"
Leon's interest piqued. Dylan had known Steven and the others long before meeting him, so it wasn't too surprising—but still, he was curious.
What exactly had Dylan said?
"He said your strength was exceptional—that even compared to Champion Lance, you're about even."
"Haha~ Dylan gives me too much credit," Leon said, laughing heartily.
But despite his modest words, he was clearly pleased.
After all, praise from Dylan was no small thing.
"A powerful rival is a rare treasure. Let's see your true strength today, Leon!"
"I'll give it everything I've got, Steven!"
The two Champions' eyes blazed with mutual respect and determination.
For trainers like them, worthy opponents were few and far between.
The referee signaled the start, and Steven led with his signature Skarmory, while Leon opened with Aegislash.
"I wonder if Steven can actually win," Wallace murmured from the stands, concern clear in his voice.
Leon had already proven his strength—defeating both Iris and Geeta without breaking a sweat.
Even Dylan himself had acknowledged Leon's power.
"Probably not," Geeta said quietly.
"As long as their raw strength isn't too far apart, the outcome depends on who performs better in the moment," Cynthia observed calmly. "Tactics and command matter just as much as power."
"True," Geeta agreed, but then fell silent.
On the field, Skarmory had just set up Stealth Rock—only to be blasted midair by Aegislash's Shadow Ball, nearly crashing to the ground.
Even without a type advantage, Skarmory's low special defense and Aegislash's immense special attack made the hit devastating.
"Dylan, how many of Steven's Pokémon do you think Leon will take down?" Leaf asked quietly.
The implication was clear—she didn't think Steven would win.
Dylan didn't answer immediately. He simply fell into thought.
(End of Chapter)