With Aiden's "disappearance," time quickly reached March 20th.
Friday. Cloudy.
In two more days, the Psychic-type Master Tournament would begin.
As the host city, Goldenrod in the Johto region had already entered a state of celebration.
For the Pokémon world, major tournaments generated excitement rivaling international festivals. Even non-trainers could enjoy the festive atmosphere.
Goldenrod was already Johto's most developed metropolis—economically rivaling Kanto's Saffron City and boasting advanced technology. It naturally attracted crowds of energetic young people.
Thus, when Aiden stepped off the plane, his first sight was the airport's overcrowded battlefield area, filled with trainers radiating excitement.
But their battle styles were far wilder than official rules allowed.
For example… one trainer punched an opponent's Croconaw so hard it suffered a concussion, collapsing instantly.
Another seemingly gentle young lady crossed her arms mid-battle, tanking oncoming flames with her bare skin—no burn marks left behind.
Seeing this, Aiden couldn't help but sigh:
"Truly, the pure-hearted customs of the Indigo League—even regular trainers treat wild battles as the main rule…"
Carrying his bag, Aiden shifted his gaze. Upon entering the airport hall, he spotted a "familiar face."
A mysterious red-haired man in sunglasses and a dark cloak had also noticed him, smiling and waving.
"Long time no see, Teacher Azure."
"Welcome to Johto."
"Don't be so formal," Aiden smiled back. "I didn't expect Mr. Lance to be here."
"Kanto and Johto belong to the same League. With nothing urgent lately, I volunteered to maintain security during this event," Lance chuckled.
Aiden nodded in understanding.
He'd originally planned to meet Cynthia at the airport, but Friday was a workday for the Sinnoh Champion. She'd arrive a day later.
Lance's appearance wasn't unexpected. As a Johto native—the renowned Dragon Master of Blackthorn City—he was essentially "home." His appearance here as a greeter made perfect sense.
After all, Kanto and Johto were practically one region!
Unlike other areas, Kanto and Johto were technically separate regions but deeply interconnected.
Their proximity made travel easy—just cross Viridian Forest to move between them.
When the League system was first established, the two regions even merged into a single League, with its headquarters on the Indigo Plateau—a location historically significant to both.
Thus, Kanto and Johto shared the same Elite Fours and Champion.
This was today's Indigo League.
In the Pokémon Gold/Silver series—set years after the first generation—the original Kanto Elite Fours had drastically changed.
Red, now Champion, disliked staying at the League. He secluded himself in Mt. Silver for training.
Agatha and Lorelei retired one after another. With no obstacles left, Lance finally achieved his dream of becoming Champion. The vacant Elite Four seats were filled by Fuchsia Gym Leader Koga and newcomers Will and Karen.
But in Aiden's current timeline, this transition likely wouldn't happen for years.
So Lance remained in his "Elite Four mode."
After exchanging pleasantries, Aiden's eyes lingered on Lance's attire.
"By the way, Mr. Lance, why the sudden sunglasses?"
And he'd even changed his cloak—no longer the ever-present red-and-black one!
Noticing these details, Aiden's curiosity got the better of him.
Lance paused, then chuckled helplessly.
"Just to avoid causing trouble for other staff. Though it sounds self-grandiosing…"
"My popularity in Johto is quite high. Lingering here too long would cause congestion."
"I see," Aiden nodded in understanding.
If compared to someone, Lance's Johto fame rivaled Kalos Champion Diantha's. His mature, cool demeanor might even earn him the title "cougar killer"…
Jokes aside—that "Flying Elite" nickname was just a meme!
So this explanation made perfect sense.
But Aiden couldn't help internally complaining about Lance's half-hearted disguise:
Truly, disguises in the Pokémon world rely entirely on willpower!
'If I believe I can fool others, even just wearing sunglasses makes me unrecognizable…'
"Let's go first, Teacher Azure."
Seeing Aiden understand, Lance stated his purpose:
"I'll take you to the hotel prepared for tournament participants. Many competitors have already arrived—you might want to meet them."
"The pre-tournament procedures should also be handled now."
"Alright."
Aiden nodded, following Lance.
Lance likely came not just for work—but to guide this "newcomer" through the process, preventing Aiden from feeling lost in Goldenrod.
Though unspoken…
'Thank you, Mr. Lance—you're so kind!'
The more Aiden interacted with this "Justice Bringer" Lance, the more he realized he was truly a good person—nothing like his manga persona.
No wonder he enjoyed such global popularity.
...
If asked about Goldenrod's most famous landmark, most locals would instantly shout—
"The Pokéathlon Dome!"
This grand structure—affectionately called the "Poké Dome"—was undoubtedly one of the world's largest stadiums.
Compared to Mesagoza's arena from the Dragon-type Master Tournament, this venue looked far more modern.
"This Poké Dome is where the Psychic-type Master Tournament will be held."
Passing by, Lance instinctively introduced it, his tone filled with pride.
"It can hold 80,000 spectators simultaneously—the ideal venue for major tournaments!"
Even beyond Lance, newly licensed trainers in Goldenrod would straighten their backs when mentioning this battle facility.
"Amazing!" Aiden sincerely praised it.
"Near the Poké Dome is a temporarily open Natural Park where you can encounter common Johto Pokémon."
Entering the hotel near the Dome, Lance suddenly remembered something. He turned with a meaningful look at Aiden:
"But there are many Bug Catcher kids eager for battles nearby. If you go for walks and meet them… please go easy on them."
"..."
Aiden fell silent, his mouth twitching.
'What kind of person do you think I am?!'
'Am I really that evil—bullying kids and tormenting rookies?'
Absolutely not!
Inside the hotel, besides competitors deeply discussing strategies, a smiling Officer Jenny sat at the reception desk.
"Look—it's Teacher Azure!"
An observant attendee recognized him instantly. Soon, nearly everyone in the hall turned toward the entrance.
As expected, Aiden—appearing alongside Lance—became the brightest "star" in the room.
"Teacher Azure—I'm your fan!"
"Teacher Azure, my GOAT!"
"If we meet in the group stage, please go easy on me, Teacher Azure!"
"No! I don't want to face Teacher Azure as an opponent!"
These excited competitors remained polite—staying at a distance while shouting "viewer declarations" at Aiden.
"Alright, alright—good luck to you all too."
Aiden remained calm, greeting them like during his streams.
But inwardly, he was sweating bullets.
'Holy cow—are my viewers this skilled? They've even qualified for Master Tournaments?'
While Type Master Tournaments didn't strictly require Gym Leaders or Elite Four-levels, qualifying was tough for other elite trainers.
The skill bar was high.
His stream truly hid tigers and coiled dragons…
Beside him, Lance also smiled knowingly at Aiden's surprised expression.
Aiden seemed unaware—his popularity and influence in other regions rivaled Paldea's.
In Kanto and Johto alone, countless Gym Leaders had adopted his tactical philosophies.
But… judging by these competitors' reactions, would this Psychic Master Tournament turn into a reunion of Aiden's chat?
After completing registration with Officer Jenny, Aiden's pre-tournament duties were done.
"Coming all the way from Paldea must be tiring. I won't disturb you further, Teacher Azure."
Lance, who'd assisted with paperwork, breathed a sigh of relief before taking his leave.
After parting ways with Lance, Aiden entered the hotel elevator and found his temporary room on the top floor.
Designed for competitors, the room was spacious enough for over ten small-to-medium Pokémon, with special resting facilities included.
Aiden's first action upon entering was to set down his shoulder bag.
"Mew~"
Sensing soft ground beneath it, Mew—hidden in the bag—peeked out, flashing its signature hand-covering grin at Aiden.
"You've been well-behaved this time."
Impressed by Mew's flawless performance en route, Aiden gave a thumbs-up.
Of course, Aiden had no way to make Mew behave—he simply did as he pleased.
Mew's patience stemmed from the new entertainment awaiting him.
"Mew~"
Mew easily slipped out of the bag, curiously examining the new environment.
After permitting its exploration, Aiden sat on the soft bed, pulling out several Poké Balls from his pocket.
Red light flashed repeatedly as his Pokémon partners appeared.
"Sylveon!"
Like Mew, Sylveon brimmed with curiosity about the unfamiliar surroundings, its eyes sparkling with exploration lust.
"Luca…"
Lucario, unlike Mew and Sylveon, showed the opposite extreme.
Its feet on strange ground, the soft carpet's unusual texture instantly triggered alertness. Eyes closed, it used Aura to scan the surroundings.
Soon, Lucario—the "scout"—understood every Pokémon in the hotel and nearby facilities.
Its expression darkened, brows furrowing slightly.
The number of powerful Pokémon exceeded its expectations.
And… most seemed to be Psychic-types.
Before mastering its training with the two Urshifu masters, even after evolving, it might have struggled against them.
But now…
"Luca!"
Lucario's eyes snapped open, its expression turning intensely serious.
Decision made—it would intensively practice the martial arts learned at the Isle of Armor Dojo!
Lucario's right hand clenched into a fist. Dark, almost sinister energy oozed from it.
"Indee…?!"
The perceptive Indeedee first froze, then flinched back, hiding behind Mewtwo.
"..."
Aiden's expression grew complex watching his Pokémon.
Despite undergoing "Master Mew's" special training—same as Lucario—this Indeedee still seemed… unreliable?
Yes. With "Doctor Mew's" help, Indeedee's psychic awakening had made quantum leaps.
Though slightly different from Aiden's initial plan, the results were good.
Indeedee could now stand on her own—in an unexpectedly surprising way.
Aiden was somewhat curious about opponents' expressions when facing her.
"Oger?"
In the unfamiliar setting, Ogerpon appeared slightly lost.
Especially being on the hotel's top floor—a distance from the ground made it uneasy.
'Guess I won't be farming for a while…'
Though it had entrusted the gym's fields to Kingdra before leaving, it still felt its duties were incomplete.
But this trip's purpose was competing with Aiden—mustn't shame the trainer!
Thinking this, Ogerpon instinctively gripped the thorn baton hidden under its coat.
"Garch…"
Miraidon—the only one acting like a complete outsider—yawned lazily before settling onto the carpet, releasing a contented growl.
"..."
Aiden shook his head helplessly, ignoring this freeloading lizard. His attention turned to the other Pokémon adapting to the environment.
"From now on, let's work together to secure a good ranking!" Smiling, Aiden raised his right hand, palm up.
"I'll strive to bring you victory."
Mewtwo immediately understood. Its expression turned solemn as it placed its hand atop Aiden's.
"Lucario…"
Lucario growled softly. After containing its dark energy, it repeated the gesture.
Though unsure if its strength could shoulder this responsibility against so many strong foes…
'Whatever the trainer's goal—I'll do everything to help him achieve it!'
"Oger?"
Unlike the others' seriousness, Ogerpon smiled sweetly, adding its hand to the stack.
"Indeedee…"
Indeedee still seemed nervous but, after a deep breath, mustered energy to place her hand atop Ogerpon's.
"Vee!"
Sylveon—having explored the room with Mew—suddenly realized it was the only main Pokémon not participating. It hurried over, extending its two ribbons as "hands."
"Mew~"
Technically, Mew wasn't competing. But Aiden's gaze invited it to join.
"Then, everyone—let's give our all!"
As Aiden spoke, he and his Pokémon raised their hands together.
Then—slammed them down.
"..."
Shelgon—ignored by all family members from the start—pouted unconsciously. Its expression, however, remained unreadable to any living being.
Unable to speak, it could only curl up alone, sulking.
Just as aggrieved tears threatened to fall, a hand rested on its head, gently stroking it.
"Don't forget Shelgon too. After you evolve, I'll rely on you as well~"
Aiden's gentle voice instantly dissolved Shelgon's tiny grievances.
It wanted to whine affectionately but remembered its inability to speak—giving up with a sigh.
Yet, a small wish quietly took root in Shelgon's heart—
'I must evolve soon! Like my companions, I want to contribute to my trainer!'
'Everything will be better after I evolve!'
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