"Lose? That's impossible."
"Today's opponent was far too weak. You saw it yourself—I didn't even need to send out a second Pokémon to claim victory. Hopefully, the upcoming Top Sixteen will give me a battle worth my time."
"Compared to these qualifiers, I actually prefer the battles after the Sixteen. Being able to unleash my entire team gives the fight more meaning. Right now, it's too focused on competitive balance—it feels a little dull."
"If only the League would one day change the rules—force trainers to fight side by side with their Pokémon in the arena. Now that would make things truly spectacular."
And also far more bloody, Logan thought to himself.
"Honestly, what a boring question," Logan scoffed when asked about his goals. "Do you think I came all the way to the Indigo Plateau for sightseeing? Of course, I came for the championship. But let's be real—before the semifinals or finals, I doubt I'll meet anyone worth worrying about."
"..."
In a battle of life and death, arrogance could get you killed. But here, in a tournament setting? You had to act like you were the absolute best—undisputed, untouchable. If you didn't believe you were the strongest in the world, how could you ever defeat those in front of you?
As for whether his arrogant words might offend others, Logan couldn't care less. If he kept winning, the world would simply call his arrogance confidence. But if he stumbled halfway through—then yes, he'd become a laughingstock.
After feeding the reporters more than enough headlines, Logan finally left the arena.
Before departing, he spared a glance at his defeated opponent, still kneeling on the ground. Logan shook his head.
His rival wasn't weak per se—had he not run into Logan, the boy could have made the Top Sixteen with some luck. Hopefully, the loss wouldn't crush his spirit. At worst, he'd quit training and return home to farming. Though, from what Logan recalled, the volcanic soil of Cinnabar Island wasn't very suitable for crops…
Back at the hotel reserved for Gym Leaders, Logan fished two room keys from his pocket. He closed his eyes, picked one at random.
It was Erika's room.
Without hesitation, Logan walked in, took a long shower, then wrapped himself in a bath towel and lounged on the sofa. The television broadcasted live coverage of the Indigo League on nearly every channel.
Already, the clip of Logan's earlier KO victory had gone viral, amassing millions of views while he was still in the shower. Logan sighed. This really is a world of Pokémon—anything tied to them instantly becomes the center of attention.
In this society, trainers enjoyed fame and prestige far greater than actors, musicians, or athletes. A trainer could pivot to almost any profession later in life and still become a leader in that field. That's why so many dreamed of becoming trainers, even if most eventually gave up.
But the bones scattered across forests and mountains told the darker truth—the danger was real. Each year, countless trainers died in the wild. Newcomers especially faced a terrifyingly high mortality rate.
Logan remembered dining at Red's house back in Pallet Town, when Red's mother voiced her fears. Even so, she hadn't tried to stop her son's dream.
"As for me… I have no choice. I must be a trainer."
After a while, Logan switched off the TV, stretched, and lay down on the bed.
The Top Sixteen weren't fully decided yet, but he already guessed Red and Blue Oak would make it easily. Luckily, they were placed in different brackets—so no risk of meeting before the semifinals.
Logan knew them well enough that scouting their matches was pointless. As for the rest of the competitors, there might be a few hidden gems, but none strong enough to truly threaten him. A little research before each battle would suffice—nothing worth wasting effort on now.
As a Gym Leader, Logan was expected to attend the League personally along with others from Kanto and Johto. But for now, with no company, he simply hugged the quilt and prepared for a nap. Erika's room, like always, carried her fragrance. Even just clutching the blanket, it felt like holding a woman in his arms.
These past days, Logan had taken turns staying with Sabrina one night, Erika the next, balancing both carefully. Each woman was dignified and reserved—one icy and cold, the other gentle and soft. So long as he managed them carefully, neither would discover the truth. Beyond that? He wasn't going to think too far ahead.
After a nap, Logan stirred awake, groggy. Checking the time on his Pokédex, he realized it was already dinnertime.
"Erika still isn't back?" he murmured, surprised. But instead of waiting, he freshened up and stepped out in search of food.
During the Indigo Conference, the Plateau transformed into a bustling city that never slept. Food stalls and world-famous restaurants lined the streets, many with queues stretching for blocks.
But trainers enjoyed privileges—especially competitors. Restaurants always gave them priority. No one complained; in this world, trainers were above all.
For famous trainers like Logan, dining somewhere was an honor for the establishment itself. Owners clamored for photos, autographs—future keepsakes they could proudly display on their "wall of fame."
So, amid stares and whispers, Logan entered a popular restaurant. Immediately, his eyes landed on a familiar figure dining alone.
"No need to find me a table," Logan told the owner casually. "I'll eat with that lady over there."
Pulling out the chair across from her, he smiled as he sat.
"…Didn't expect to see you here too, Green."
Green smiled sweetly, winking. "This place is famous on the Plateau. How could I not try it? Oh—and the Top Sixteen bracket just came out. We're in the same block. If things go well, we might face each other in the semifinals."
"Oh? The bracket's out already?" Logan raised a brow.
"You didn't know?"
"I was asleep all afternoon," Logan admitted bluntly.
"You really are carefree…" Green sighed. "The sixteen matches ran almost at the same time. Yours just ended the fastest. Once the final sixteen were decided, Gym Leaders from both Kanto and Johto drew lots at League headquarters to determine the match order."
She explained carefully, realizing Logan was clueless. That also explained why Erika was still absent—she'd gone as an official witness for the draw.
Logan pulled out his Pokédex, checked online, and confirmed it. Just as Green said, they were in the same section. If they met, it would be in the semifinals. Meanwhile, Red and Blue Oak were on the opposite side, ensuring their clash wouldn't happen until the other semifinal. Too neat, too convenient—clearly arranged by the League organizers.
"Well then," Logan smirked, "knowing you're my semifinal opponent makes me feel better. Facing you is a lot less exhausting than battling Red or Blue Oak before the finals. After all, wasting energy before the last fight would be a pain."
"…So you're underestimating me now?"
Green arched her brows, frowning. "Hmph! Don't take me lightly, Logan. Careful you don't trip and drown in the gutter!"
"The gutter, huh?" Logan's gaze flicked briefly at her chest. She wasn't hiding her Poké Balls there tonight. With a meaningful smile, he murmured, "…Your gutter's too shallow. No chance of drowning."
"You—!"
Green flushed scarlet, covering her chest with both arms. She glared furiously at him, but to Logan's surprise, she lowered her head instead of firing back.
Then he heard her muttering under her breath, "…What's so good about being big anyway? It's just fat. In battle, it's nothing but a burden."
Logan chuckled, leaning back. "Just make sure you don't get knocked out before facing me. If we meet in the semifinals, I'll have a little surprise waiting for you."
"Surprise?"
Green tilted her head, gazing at him with curiosity before smiling again. "…Fine. I'll look forward to it. Hopefully, it really is a surprise."
No… It'll be a shock. Without the joy.
Logan smirked inwardly.
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