Chapter 424:
"Ahem..."
Such direct language made Kaede choke momentarily.
After collecting his thoughts, he quickly said, "Elite Four Rosaline, you jest. How could you speak of challenging me?"
That statement wasn't wrong.
Even though he had challenged and won the Pokémon League Conference, earning the champion title, the honorary Elite Four title granted by the League actually held more prestige than the Conference champion title.
In terms of pure strength, these Elite Four members had already challenged and achieved excellent results in the Pokémon League Conference in the past.
But Rosaline didn't seem to agree with Kaede's words. Instead, she brought up the challenge rules Kaede had set.
"Didn't you set the rule that clearing the final stage of the Sky Challenge earns a battle?"
*'What a serious person...'*
This thought instinctively popped into Kaede's mind.
He adjusted his tone accordingly. For serious people, a serious attitude was needed. "That's correct. So, Rosaline, are you proposing to challenge now?"
Since the rule was set, Kaede wouldn't go back on his word, even if the challenger was an Elite Four member.
He recalled the footage he saw on Rotom of her clearing the Sky Challenge.
It was a Froslass, naturally choosing the attacking side, using the move Blizzard.
This was actually a very effective way to clear the attacking side of the Sky Challenge.
Because Blizzard's attack range was large enough, and his Pidgeot's size was also significant. Even if they could use wind to blow away the swirling snow, the substantial level difference between them meant the Pidgeot were somewhat overwhelmed.
So, Froslass cleared that challenge quite easily.
"Mhm."
"Alright then. Please wait a moment."
Taking a deep breath, Kaede walked into the Breeding House.
He needed to think about which Pokémon to use for the battle.
But then, Rosaline spoke again. "Wait."
"Hmm?"
Kaede turned.
"Bring that Alolan Ninetales of yours?"
"Oh? Oh!"
Kaede suddenly understood.
That made the reason clear.
The challenge was just the surface. The real purpose was likely his Alolan Ninetales.
That made sense.
Alolan Ninetales was an Ice-type Pokémon, and Rosaline was the Ice-type Elite Four member. Wanting to see it was perfectly normal.
It was currently noon, the busiest time at the Breeding House.
Moreover, the last Sky Challenge clear, done by the Ice-type Elite Four member, was already a big deal. This being the second visit felt like a follow-up announcement.
Last time Rosaline came, some people didn't know her identity, just thinking her Pokémon were incredibly strong.
After someone explained later, the realization caused quite a stir.
*Another Elite Four member taking the Sky Challenge!?*
*This is the second one, right?*
But what truly shook people was that the Ice-type Elite Four member wanted to challenge Kaede!
Once this news spread, many people's anticipation was instantly maxed out.
Like the people currently in the Breeding House buying Energy Cubes for their Pokémon.
They heard the entire conversation between the two.
However, once Kaede entered the backyard and disappeared, they didn't dare speak. They just looked at each other, as if their exchanged glances said everything.
Finally, they all quietly edged back, only daring to fully leave the Breeding House door before dividing tasks.
Some stayed put, frantically spreading the news in group chats. Others ran towards the Sky Challenge location.
Today was a challenge day, so naturally many people were there, either challenging or watching.
But now, without a doubt, the battle between these two was the main event.
*"What?! The Ice-type Elite Four member is back? She's really going to battle the breeding house owner Kaede?"*
*"Oh my god! This is huge news!"*
*"No way! This basically fulfills the exhibition match that didn't happen at the Pokémon League Conference!"*
*"Seriously? Now? I'm outside! I can't make it back! Is anyone kind enough to stream it? I'll send gifts!"*
Instantly, both the Sky Challenge site and the group chats were in an uproar.
Meanwhile, Kaede, now in the plantation, was still thinking about which Pokémon to call for help.
Alolan Ninetales was definitely coming.
Then...
Salamence, Dragonite?
But the opponent was the Ice-type Elite Four member... Wouldn't they get frozen into popsicles?
Whatever, bring them anyway. Otherwise, he might not have a full team.
Come to think of it, Goodra could also join, but Goodra was still too young and lacked battle experience. Facing such an opponent would probably be too much pressure.
So, Serperior, Gardevoir, Blaziken, and Milotic it is. That would leave him some backup options.
After all, this opponent was an Elite Four member!
Regarding battles, in controllable situations, Kaede maintained an entertainment mindset. But if the opponent was also strong, he would meet it with a serious attitude.
Decision made, Kaede sighed in relief.
Fortunately, it was still morning, and most Pokémon hadn't gone out yet.
So, Kaede quickly gathered them.
"Ninetales!" (Looking for me?)
Alolan Ninetales wagged its nine tails, looking excited.
They didn't get many battles at the Breeding House normally. Kaede gathering them all now meant the opponent must be quite formidable.
"It's probably because of you."
Kaede patted its head. Looking at the seven gathered Pokémon, which almost filled his entire field of view, he couldn't help but feel a wave of emotion.
*There was a time, when only Snivy and Milotic accompanied him. But now, he had so many powerful Pokémon by his side~*
"Dragonite!"
Dragonite waved its claws, showing it was full of fighting spirit.
When a battle was imminent, Dragonite could switch from its gentle personality to a more combative one.
The other Pokémon were also quite curious. What kind of challenger warranted calling all of them?
"It's the Ice-type Elite Four member. She's probably curious about Alolan Ninetales, which is why she issued the challenge. But it's fine. Since she challenged, we'll accept."
Kaede explained briefly, then took out all their Poké Balls and recalled them one by one.
When he returned to the Breeding House, he finally noticed—the area outside was now packed with people.
But because Rosaline stood guard at the entrance, they didn't dare enter. They could only stand outside, watching with eager, burning eyes.
Seriously, this was a battle between Elite Four-level Trainers!
How could they not be excited?