"Just yesterday, an incident occurred in the League the likes of which we haven't seen since the founding of the Hoenn League. I'm sure everyone here is already aware of it." Once the meeting room fell completely silent, Juan spoke in a firm voice.
"In light of this situation, the League cannot sit idly by. We must show our strength to the opposing party! If we don't, where will the League's authority stand in the future?!"
"Therefore, I am going to announce several important decisions!"
"First: Wattson, due to health reasons, will no longer be able to continue serving as a member of the Elite Four. In the interest of maintaining the stability of the Hoenn region, Matsuda Takashi will temporarily take his place."
"Takashi, you're going to have a lot on your plate," said Juan.
At that moment, the old Matsuda was stunned.
"Are you kidding me?" thought the old man.
"Is he using me as a shield?!"
Right now, too many people were interested in that position. No one had a guaranteed claim to it. And now Juan was pushing him straight into the eye of the storm.
However, seeing Juan's expression, he knew he couldn't refuse.
At this critical moment, Juan was showing his full mettle as a leader.
Skipping voting, the selection process, and battle testing, he appointed Matsuda directly.
Everyone present knew well the old man's capabilities.
Although he wasn't quite at Elite Four level, his role as temporary substitute wouldn't cause major conflict. On top of that, his status was neutral enough not to trigger a chain reaction.
In fact, many families were only vying for the position because they didn't want to be left out while others competed—not because they genuinely wanted it.
With Juan's direct appointment, the position was no longer up for debate.
Juan gestured to the old man, who, with a tired and resigned expression, stood up and walked toward the seat originally assigned to Wattson.
"This is a stray bullet," he muttered as he sat down.
Old Matsuda had never sought power. He came to Hoenn solely for his disciple.
And somehow, his status within the League had grown to the point where he became one of the Elite Four of the Hoenn region.
He glared in annoyance at Cain, who simply shrugged with a nervous smile.
"Second: Wattson's last words before losing consciousness... I believe everyone here has already heard them," Juan continued, scanning the room with his eyes.
The reality was, except for a few, Juan didn't fully trust most of those present.
Sensing that sharp gaze, everyone tried not to appear suspicious by meeting Juan's eyes—even if it made them uncomfortable.
Those who had something to hide feared being exposed.
Those who had nothing to hide feared being misunderstood.
The only one who couldn't meet his eyes was Cain. Not knowing how to face him, he looked away.
He was the only one in the entire room who avoided Juan's gaze.
Immediately, all eyes turned to him.
"Cain!" Juan shouted sternly.
Cain forced a smile and looked at him.
"Remember your position right now!" Juan reminded him.
Cain froze for a second, but quickly responded, "Yes, sir!"
He was right. Cain represented the League's Researcher Organization, and even if he felt guilty for not protecting Phoebe, he couldn't let that tarnish the prestige of the Researcher Organization in such a formal setting.
"Therefore, Cain, from this moment on, the investigation is in the hands of the League's Researcher Organization. I'm giving you one month! I expect satisfactory results within a month."
"During that time, everyone will be required to cooperate with you! If anyone refuses, report them to me directly."
By saying this in front of everyone, it was clear that no one would dare disobey Juan.
It also demonstrated Juan's strong confidence in the League's Researcher Organization.
After all, every Chief-level researcher was personally appointed by him. If one doubts their own selections, what's the point in making them?
And Cain was one of the few he trusted completely.
"Understood!" Cain replied firmly.
One month wasn't much, but if he could find a solid lead, it should be enough to catch those responsible.
"Third, and final point! Even though many people entered the mysterious cave with Wattson, only he returned. We still don't know the status of the others, but unless we have clear evidence to the contrary, we will assume there is still hope."
"We must immediately send a rescue team!"
This was the third and final matter to address.
Among the missing were the direct heir of the Stone family—probably the only one—and Phoebe, whom Juan considered a granddaughter. There was no way the rescue could be anything but top priority.
If he could go himself, he would without hesitation. But as Champion and President of the region, he had to stay and manage the broader situation.
"Drake, this task can only be entrusted to you," said Juan, looking at the Dragon-type Elite Four member.
Drake—one of the few Juan trusted completely.
They had known each other since youth and had grown up together in the League, dedicating their lives to the development of the Hoenn region.
On top of that, Drake was one of the most powerful. Perhaps only Juan truly knew the extent of his strength.
Even though the Fairy type had weakened the Dragon type, Dragon-type Pokémon still remained a dominant force.
"Understood," Drake accepted without hesitation.
Just then, Cain stood up.
"What I say next, I say in a personal capacity," he said. "I request to join the rescue mission."
Juan looked at him intently.
"Steven and Phoebe are close friends of mine. I'm convinced they're still alive. I want to find them."
Cain's eyes burned with determination. This time, he didn't avoid Juan's gaze.
"Furthermore," he continued, "if we want to find out who's behind all this, Steven and the others may have crucial information. This will also benefit the investigation."
Juan remained silent for a few seconds, but finally nodded.
Beside him, some tried to dissuade him from accepting Cain's proposal.
After all, the four young people with the most potential in Hoenn were Cain, Steven, Phoebe, and Wallace. Now, Steven and Phoebe were missing inside the mysterious cave, leaving only Cain and Wallace to represent the region's future.
In theory, Cain should remain somewhere safe.
But Juan understood: great trees don't grow in greenhouses. They must face storms if they wish to reach the skies.
So even though he had initially been angry about Phoebe's disappearance and disappointed in Cain, now he accepted it.
If they returned safe and sound, he was determined to let Phoebe make her own choices from then on.
(End of chapter)